Prime Time Care Parent Handbook

Welcome to our '25-'26 school year PTC program!

For the times you can't be there yourself, it is reassuring to know that Prime Time Care supports your efforts to ensure your child is in a safe, nurturing, and positive environment while in our care. Our tuition-based program is designed for parents who require childcare before and/or after school. Our experienced staff seeks to meet the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of your children.

Our program is State-Licensed at all twelve of the Walled Lake School District elementary schools as well as our district's Early Childhood Center. We are able to accommodate children enrolled in Junior Kindergarten through fifth grade. We closely follow the Walled Lake Consolidated School calendar for holiday recess and inclement weather closings. The following are the program policies which are designed for your child(ren)'s wellbeing.

About the Program

The program operates within the guidelines of the national After School Association (NAA), one of the most comprehensive associations accrediting school age programs. The children participate in a balanced program of open play and structured activities, while being supervised by well-trained and caring staff. Children have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of learning enrichment centers that allows for social, physical, and intellectual stimulation.

Hours of Operation

We are open at each elementary school for the morning session from 6:30AM until school begins. For the afternoon Session, we are open from the time school dismisses until 6:00PM.

At the Early Childhood Center (ECC), we are open in the morning from 7:00AM until school starts, and from dismissal until 5:30pm.

Late Pick Up

We ask that you be prompt in picking up your children by 6:00pm (5:30pm for the Early Childhood Center). There is a late pickup fee of $1.00 per minute per child and will be applied to your account. Dismissal from the program will occur if a late pick up happens three times.

Procedures when children are not picked up by 6:00pm (5:30pm at ECC)

The following will take place if you have not arrived by 6:00PM (5:30PM at the ECC) to pick up your child:

5 minutes after closing - You will be called and a voicemail will be left if there is no answer.

15 minutes after closing - Emergency Contacts will be called if we have not heard from you.

20 minutes after closing - PTC District Supervisor will be notified of the situation.

20 minutes - 1 hour after closing - Both Parents and Emergency Contacts will be continuously called until contact is made.

1 hour after closing - If no contact was made, the site Supervisor will contact the local police department to advise them that a child has been left in our care without any contact from a parent or guardian.

Please note that if parents are late picking up their child 3 or more times, the child may be dismissed from the program.

Health & Safety Policy

If your child becomes ill at PTC, the parent will be contacted immediately. If a parent cannot be reached, the site supervisor will call a person whose name is listed as an emergency contact on your account. We may ask that your child be picked up and taken home. Until someone comes to pick up your child, they may be kept apart from the other children.

If your child should become seriously ill or injured, the same procedures will be followed. In addition, the site supervisor will attend to your child. They will contact the emergency services deemed necessary, i.e. doctor, hospital, ambulance. If it becomes necessary to transport your child to a hospital, the supervisor will accompany them. The site supervisor will be in contact with the PTC Manager.

All children attending Prime Time Care must be fully toilet trained.

This means children are able to:

  • Recognize when they need to use the restroom
  • Communicate their need to go
  • Manage their clothing independently
  • Use the toilet and clean themselves without assistance

Due to licensing and liability regulations, staff are not permitted to change diapers or clean children after accidents. While we can offer verbal guidance and encouragement, we are unable to provide physical assistance. If a toileting accident occurs, a parent or guardian may be contacted to come and assist or pick up the child if necessary.

Illnesses and Common, Communicable Diseases

The following are symptoms suggestive of communicable diseases. Children, Staff, and volunteers with these symptoms should be kept at home. Should any of these symptoms be noted during school hours, parents will be contacted immediately. Parents are urged to have their child seen by a physical, and must be excluded from the program until fully recovered. Children, staff, and volunteers will be excluded from the program due to illness when there is a fever, it is communicable illness, or a rash of unknown origin is observed. If parents are not available, their designated pick up adult from the emergency contacts will be contacted. The site supervisor will contact staff should exclusion be necessary. Parents will be informed via email or letter regarding communicable diseases.

Symptoms common to communicable diseases:

  • Red/Runny Eyes, sneezing or discharge from nose
  • Cough - particularly if persistent or productive
  • Sores and crusts on the scalp, face, or body - particularly if red, swollen, or draining
  • Any skin eruption or rash
  • Sore Throat
  • Swelling and tenderness of glands - particularly about the face or neck
  • Fever, suggested by flushed, hot face
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain and stiffness of neck with headache
  • Jaundice, meaning the yellowing of eyes and/or skin
  • Diarrhea and persistent abdominal pain
  • Lice, nits
  • Pink Eye

Any of the above symptoms may be associated with communicable diseases. They may also be symptoms of non-communicable diseases, but must be considered as signs of illness that should have medical attention. Supervisors will inspect children upon arrival for well-being. Children with rashes or who appear unwell will be sent home.

Nutritional Policy

Our Nutritional Policy for our Prime Time Care program is to have snacks that are healthy and keep in line with the State of Michigan’s nutritional guideline and initiatives. We no longer provide snack for your children. You will need to provide a healthy peanut free snack for your child daily for Prime Time Care.

Medication

Prime Time Care staff will administer medication to a child only if they have a medical release form signed by a doctor and a parent, and the medication has been prescribed by a physician. Medication must be in the original pharmacy bottle clearly labeled with the child’s name, medication name, appropriate dosage, physician’s name and medication is not expired. When the medication is given, a witness must be present. The person administering the medication must record the time it is given and the amount given.

Evacuation

In case of emergency, plans have been made to safely move children to a relocation site, contacting parents by phone or email to reunite families, and each child with special needs will be accommodated during each type of emergency.

Signing In and out

For your child’s safety, school age programs (Prime Time Care) and the State of Michigan require that children be signed in and out of the program by a parent or person listed as an Authorized Pickup Person on your account. Please make sure the Prime Time Care staff sees you when you drop off or pick up your child/ren. If it is necessary to have someone other than those listed on the Registration form pick up your child, you must notify the site supervisor in writing or add them to your authorized pickups on your dashboard. Identification will be checked for those persons with whom the staff is unfamiliar.

Please note that anyone listed as an emergency contact is also an Authorized Pickup. Please keep this in mind when adding emergency contacts.

Children's Code of Conduct

Parents please review the following items with your children so that they are aware of Prime Time Care's expectations.

  • Children must remain in the Prime Time Care area
  • Children are to respect the rights and property of others
  • Children are to act courteously and appropriately, be cooperative, and follow the instructions of the caregivers.
  • Playground rules and policies for each elementary building will be followed and enforced in PTC
  • Appropriate and acceptable language is expected
  • Parents have the right to expect their child will have proper supervision.
  • Children are expected to be responsible for their actions.
  • Materials and equipment are to be treated properly and returned to their place when done.
  • Children are expected to arrive to Prime Time Care promptly from their classrooms.
  • Electronic equipment, including cell phones, may ONLY be used at the discretion of the Supervisor. Prime Time Care will not be libel for lost, stolen or damaged things from home.

Discipline

Prime Time Care/Summer Care follows the WLCSD Code of Conduct. 

Children, their parents and the staff will assume a responsible role in promoting behavior that encourages a safe and organized program. Staff shall use developmentally appropriate, positive methods of discipline which encourage children in self–control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation. If a child is experiencing difficulty with appropriate behavior, we will address the concern through individual discussions, examining choices, and consequences. If this does not appear to be working:

  • Inappropriate behavior will be brought to the attention of the parent who drops off or picks up the child. In some situations, the parents will be contacted by telephone either at home or at work and may have to pick their child up early.
  • If a child deliberately displays hurtful behavior or causes fear of harmful or offensive contact to another child or staff member in the program, he/she will be suspended on their next scheduled day.
  • Chronic disruptive behavior will be dealt with in writing. An incident report will be given to the parent or guardian to read and sign; then a meeting with the Supervisor will be arranged.
  • If a child receives a third behavior related incident report, the child may be suspended for 1 day from Prime Time Care by the Supervisor.

If the child receives a fourth incident report, the Prime Time Care Manager may suspend the child from the program. It is our goal to provide a safe and pleasant environment for all children. This discipline policy above is implemented for children displaying chronic or disruptive behavior.

Dismissal from Program Policy

The following circumstances may result in immediate dismissal of your child/ren from our care: 

  • Failure to pay for services by the monthly due date.
  • Failure to pay for services on time more than twice.
  • Dropping off a child before 6:30 AM (7:00 AM at the Early Childhood Center) and/or in an unsupervised area.
  • Three late pickups may result in dismissal from the program. 
  • Any child or parent/guardian who intentionally physically harms another child or staff member.
  • A child who does not adjust to behavioral recommendations as found in our discipline policy.
  • Not signing a child in or out of the program more than 3 times.
  • Children with repeated bladder or bowel control issues.

Registration Process

Registration

  • Child care is available on a pre-registration basis only. We do not provide drop-in service for children whose parents have not preregistered. Parents will complete a calendar online for each month indicating their expected schedule of attendance at the Prime Time Care program. This schedule should be carefully constructed, as it determines each monthly bill. 
  • Calendars are always to be completed online by the due dates posted on our website.
  • After the due date, you will need to contact our office for scheduling. Late calendar fees may apply.
  • In order to run a full-day or half-day Prime Time Care program, we must have a minimum number of children enrolled. If that number is not met, the program for that day, session, or the program as a whole may be cancelled. Families will receive an email notification in advance if a cancellation occurs. We appreciate your understanding and encourage early registration to help ensure programming can run as planned.
  • Parents with emergency jobs such as substitute teachers or emergency personnel may contact Heather Hill (248-956-5111) for special arrangements. 

Fees

  • Fees are assessed using the “block system” with a set rate for each block of time used. Bills are not computed on an hourly basis. 
  • You will receive a monthly invoice. View your balance due through your Arux Community Portal. Payments are always due by the first of each month. You may pay online through your portal, mail a check, or drop your payment off at the main building. Payment must be in our office on or before the first of each month.

The following forms must be completed on-line by the parent or guardian to ensure placement in the program each year that you use our service: 

1. The Registration/Emergency Online Application - This form registers your child and provides us with the necessary emergency and medical information. 

2. Prime Time Care Contract - This states you are aware of and understand Walled Lake Consolidated Schools payment policy, scheduling process, and health information.

3. Calendar Worksheet-Schedule - The completed on-line calendar is your childcare schedule. Choose your schedule for either AM and/or PM. Your balance is calculated based on selected days.

4. Schedule Changes - Calendars must be entered by the due date each month. For current week schedule changes, please contact the PTC Supervisor at your school. All other schedule changes, please email Terri Szymanski at terriszymanski@wlcsd.org. No schedule changes will be taken over the phone.   

Fee Schedule

Fees are assessed using the “block system” with a set rate for each block of time used. A “block” represents either an AM or PM session. For example, if you sign up for AM on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, you will pay a flat rate fee of $11.00 x the 3 days for a total of $33.00. Regardless of your sign-in time for either session, you will be charged the “block” fee. Likewise, regardless of the time you pick your child up in the afternoon, your fee remains the same.

Prime Time Care Rates

Registration Fees, which are non-refundable, are $50 for the first child and $75 for a family of 2 children or more.

Half Days are $30.00 per child.

Each block is $11.00 for the first child and $9.00 for each additional child per family.

Drop-In Packages

You must register in order to use a Drop-In Day. They must be requested through the portal 24 hours in advance. If you have an emergency, you will need to contact the office. *Admission for the session is subject to space availability in accordance with state licensing regulations 

Additional Fees

Late Pick Up Fee - there will be a $1.00 per minute per child charge after 6:00PM. Three late pickups may result in dismissal from the program.

Late Payment Fee – You will be charged $20.00 for payments not received by the due date.

Late On-Line Calendar Fee – Calendars not filled out on-line (via ARUX) by the calendar due date will be assessed a $15 late fee.

Returned Check Fee – There will be a $25.00 fee for returned checks.

Refunds/Credits – There will be no refunds for missed sessions; however, credit will be given for snow days and emergency school closings if you were scheduled for that session.

Sick Day Credit – If a child is out of school sick, credit is given for the second consecutive day sick day based off of Skyward. Children who do not attend school due to illness will not be eligible to attend Prime Time Care that day.

Participation in Prime Time Care – If your child is 1) suspended, 2) expelled, or 3) sick on any given school day, your child will NOT be permitted to attend Prime Time Care for that day(s). 

Billing procedures

The Prime Time Care billing office is centrally operated at the Educational Services Center, 850 Ladd Road-Bldg. D, Walled Lake. No invoices will be mailed. You may always view and pay your balance through the ARUX portal. If you choose not to pay through the portal, your payment must be in our office by the first day of each month.

To secure a place in your school’s Prime Time Care program, you must register in advance each year that you need the service. Please visit our website wlcsd.arux.app/PTC

DHS (Department of Human Services)

While we do process and accept payments from the State of Michigan for childcare, please make sure to reach out to your case manager to determine your eligibility. You are responsible for any charges that DHS does not cover, (this includes registration, late fees, and co pay). We recommend that you make sure you have a current approval form on file prior to starting the program.

If you have any questions, please call Terri Szymanski at 248-956-5110 or Debi Olsen 248-956-5002.

Locations

Commerce Elementary

520 Farr Street Commerce, MI 48382

Phone: 248-956-3900

Prime Time: 248-956-3999

Supervisor: Shannon Rabaut

Dublin Elementary

425 Farnsworth White Lake, MI 48386

Phone: 248-956-3800

Prime Time: 248-956-3836

Supervisor: Pamela Sprague

Early Childhood Center

40839 W. 13 Mile Rd. Novi, MI 48377

Phone: 248-956-5080

Prime Time: 248-956-5018

Supervisors: Haley Hill/Courtney Kase

Glengary Elementary

3070 Woodbury Walled Lake MI 48390

Phone: 248-956-3100

Prime Time: 248-956-3136

Supervisor: Mary Guiles

Hickory Woods Elementary

30655 Novi Road Novi, MI 48377

Phone: 248-956-2600

Prime Time: 248-956-2636

Supervisor: Cindy Kluz

Keith Elementary

2800 Keith Road West Bloomfield, MI 48324

Phone: 248-956-3700

Prime Time: 248-956-3736

Supervisors: Kim Runyan

Loon Lake Elementary

2151 Loon Lake Road Wixom, MI 48393

Phone: 248-956-4000

Prime Time: 248-956-4099

Supervisor: Kim Decker

Mary Helen Guest Elementary

1655 Decker Road Walled Lake, MI 48390

Phone: 248-956-3300

PrimeTime: 248-956-3399

Supervisor: Mary Beal

Meadowbrook Elementary

29200 Meadowbrook Road Novi, MI 48377

Phone: 248-956-2700

Prime Time: 248-956-2799

Supervisor: Alexandra Booms

Oakley Park Elementary

2015 Oakley Park Road Walled Lake, MI 48390

Phone: 248-956-4100

Prime Time: 248-956-4199

Supervisor: Sherrie Myers

Pleasant Lake Elementary

4900 Halsted West Bloomfield, MI 48323

Phone: 248-956-2800

Prime Time: 248-956-2899/2898

Supervisor: Dianna Westervelt/Brianna Riva

Walled Lake Elementary

1055 W. West Maple Road Walled Lake, MI 48390

Phone: 248-956-4300

Prime Time: 248-956-4399

Supervisor: Kristin Fries

Wixom Elementary

301 North Wixom Road Wixom, MI 48393

Phone: 248-956-3400

Prime Time: 248-956-3401

Supervisor: TBD/Dianna Westervelt