Are you a working parent in Long Island, New York, seeking a reliable and enriching after school program that prioritizes your child’s health and well-being? Look no further. SCOPE Education Services stands as the largest child care provider in New York State, offering exceptional After School Health Care Programs designed to provide a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for elementary school students. Licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and operating within public schools across Long Island, SCOPE programs are the ideal solution for parents who need dependable and health-conscious after school care.
Why Choose SCOPE After School Health Care Programs?
SCOPE child care programs go beyond basic supervision. We understand the importance of a holistic approach to after school care, focusing not only on fun and engagement but also on the health, safety, and overall well-being of every child in our care. Our programs are thoughtfully structured to provide:
- A Safe and Secure Environment: Safety is our paramount concern. SCOPE programs operate in the familiar and secure setting of public schools, ensuring a comfortable and protected space for your child after the regular school day ends.
- Fun and Engaging Activities: We believe that after school time should be enjoyable and stimulating. Our programs are packed with a variety of age-appropriate supervised games, sports, arts and crafts, and enrichment opportunities to keep children active, entertained, and learning.
- Caring and Nurturing Staff: Our dedicated and highly trained staff are passionate about child care. They create a warm, supportive, and caring atmosphere where children feel valued and respected.
- Health-Focused Initiatives: SCOPE programs prioritize health through healthy snacks, scheduled homework/study time to reduce stress, and ample opportunities for social interaction and physical activity, all contributing to a child’s overall well-being.
- Convenience for Working Parents: We understand the demands of working parents. SCOPE programs offer convenient locations within school districts and flexible scheduling options to accommodate diverse family needs.
Program Highlights: Health and Safety at the Forefront
At SCOPE, health and safety are not just features; they are integral to our program design and operation. We adhere to stringent health protocols and maintain a proactive approach to ensure every child’s well-being.
Comprehensive Health Care Plans
Each SCOPE Child Care Program operates under an OCFS-approved Health Care Plan. This detailed plan, available to parents upon request, outlines our procedures for managing health-related situations, ensuring we are prepared for any eventuality. We strictly adhere to New York State regulations and SCOPE’s health care plan, emphasizing parental responsibility in the event of a child’s illness.
Immediate Response to Illness
Parents are required to make immediate pick-up arrangements if their child exhibits signs of illness, including fever, vomiting, head lice, or other infectious diseases. Prompt pick-up is essential to prevent the spread of illness and ensure the comfort of the affected child. Parents will be notified immediately should their child become ill or sustain a serious injury while in our care.
Emergency Medical Preparedness
The Emergency Authorization Form, completed annually by parents, grants SCOPE permission to seek emergency medical treatment for their child if needed. This includes administering first aid and contacting 911 in serious situations. In the event a child requires hospital transport, a SCOPE staff member will accompany them, and SCOPE’s insurance covers 100% of uncovered medical costs for injuries sustained at our program.
Managing Special Health Care Needs
We are committed to inclusivity and accommodate children with special health care needs. Parents are encouraged to inform SCOPE of any specific health requirements their child may have. An Individual Health Care Plan may be developed to ensure we can effectively meet these needs. If a child requires a staff-to-student ratio beyond 1:10 for health reasons, we will arrange for additional staffing, which may involve a nominal fee to the parent.
Medication Administration and Allergy Management
Our Site Directors and Assistant Site Directors are certified to administer oral, inhaled, and epinephrine auto-injector medications in emergencies, particularly for children with allergies or asthma. Parents must complete medication authorization forms and review them with the Site Director to ensure safe and proper administration.
SCOPE participates in Elijah’s Law Initiative, stocking non-child-specific Epinephrine Auto-injector devices for emergency anaphylaxis treatment, unless a child’s prescribed medication is provided from home. It’s important to note that non-child-specific auto-injectors are supplementary and not a replacement for prescribed medications for known allergies. More information about Elijah’s Law is available on the Office of Child & Family Services Website: http://ocfs.ny.gov.
Outdoor Play and Safety Regulations
Outdoor play is a mandated part of our program, weather permitting. We ensure children are dressed appropriately for outdoor activities. Exemptions from outdoor play require a doctor’s note and must align with our staffing ratios. For safety during play, children are required to wear sneakers or closed-toe rubber-soled shoes. Specific clothing like long dresses or skirts without shorts may restrict playground equipment use. Children are not permitted on ‘monkey bars’ or hanging apparatus, and dangling jewelry must be removed during active play.
Communicable Disease and Reporting Protocols
In compliance with licensing regulations, parents are notified in writing if a child in the SCOPE program is diagnosed with a communicable disease (without disclosing the child’s name). As mandated reporters, all SCOPE staff are legally obligated to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect. Failure to report suspected abuse can result in criminal liability. Parents are encouraged to report any concerns about staff conduct to the SCOPE District Manager or the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720 if abuse is suspected.
Parent Communication and Child Release Policy
SCOPE will not release a child to a parent or pick-up person suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In such cases, local police and CPS will be contacted. For children in dual-household families, each custodial parent must complete a separate emergency pick-up form.
Allergy and Anaphylaxis Policy – Learn more about our comprehensive approach to managing allergies and anaphylaxis in our programs.
Programs for Students with Special Health/Medical Needs
SCOPE Education Services is dedicated to serving all children, including those with special health or medical needs. We provide tailored support and ensure necessary accommodations are in place. If your child has a physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition lasting 12 months or more that requires health services beyond the typical needs of children, we have specific procedures and paperwork to ensure their needs are met.
Special Health Care Needs / No Medications will be at the Program – Click here for forms if your child has special health needs but will not require medication administration during program hours.
Special Health Care Needs / Medications will be at the Program – Access the necessary forms if your child’s special health needs include medication administration during program hours.
Children with Special Needs (as confirmed by the committee on special education) / No Medications will be at the Program – For children with special needs confirmed by the committee on special education who do not require medication at the program, find the appropriate forms here.
Engaging Program Activities and Homework Support
SCOPE after school programs offer a balanced schedule that includes time for learning, recreation, and relaxation.
Daily Schedules and Activity Calendars
A daily schedule is prominently displayed at the Parent Sign-In/Out table, ensuring transparency and keeping parents informed about the day’s activities. Each month, a Program Activity Calendar is also posted, highlighting featured games, crafts, and special events planned for the month.
Dedicated Homework and Study Time
Our PM programs include a minimum of 40 minutes of dedicated quiet time for homework, studying, or reading each day, Monday through Thursday. During this time, staff are available to provide guidance, answer questions about assignments, and ensure a conducive study environment. For younger students (Pre-K to 1st grade), staff-directed quiet activities are provided.
Variety of Daily Activities
Daily activities encompass a wide range of age-appropriate recreational, educational, and quiet games, including arts and crafts, and organized active play. Throughout the year, special events, presenters, and enrichment opportunities are scheduled on pre-determined dates, as indicated on the monthly activity calendar, adding extra excitement and learning experiences to the program.
Nutritious Snacks and Allergy-Aware Environment
SCOPE is committed to providing healthy snack options and maintaining an allergy-safe environment for all children.
Healthy Snack Policy
USDA-approved healthy snacks are served daily in both AM and PM programs. The snack menu is posted on the Display Board for parent awareness. SCOPE is a peanut-free program and also provides gluten-free snack options to accommodate various dietary needs.
Dietary Restrictions and Celebrations
If your child has specific dietary restrictions, peanut-free snacks from home are permitted with Site Director approval. Parents are encouraged to contribute food items for special events, such as holiday or birthday celebrations, through monthly sign-up sheets. With advance SCOPE approval, parents may bring in store-bought, peanut-free food items to share with classmates during celebrations.
Supervised and Qualified Staff
The safety and well-being of children are ensured by our highly qualified and carefully vetted staff.
Background Checks and Training
All SCOPE staff undergo extensive background checks, fingerprinting, and clearance through the NYS Central Registry for Child Abuse & Maltreatment. Our staff meet or exceed all NYS Office of Children & Family Services licensing requirements. We maintain a staff-to-student ratio of one adult for every ten children. All staff members receive a minimum of 15 hours of paid mandatory training annually to stay updated on best practices in child care and health care. Site Directors and Assistant Directors are certified in First Aid, CPR, and Medication Administration Training (MAT), ensuring on-site medical expertise.
Emergency Preparedness and Communication
SCOPE is well-prepared for emergencies and maintains open communication with parents.
Emergency Protocols and School Closings
SCOPE, in collaboration with school districts, has established detailed emergency and safety plans coordinated with local police, fire departments, and NYS OCFS. These plans include designated evacuation sites, shelter-in-place locations, and regular drills. Parents are informed of evacuation sites and shelter-in-place drill dates in advance. In case of inclement weather or other emergencies that may lead to program closures or early dismissals, parents are notified via a computerized messaging system through text and/or email. It is crucial for parents to keep all contact information updated. SCOPE is not responsible for program cancellations or early closures due to school district emergencies. Parents are responsible for having emergency back-up plans in place for such situations and should discuss these plans with their children, teachers, and emergency contacts in advance.
Parent Involvement and Communication
We value partnership with parents and encourage open communication and involvement.
Welcoming Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians are always welcome to visit their child at SCOPE and participate in special events. We encourage ongoing communication between parents and child care staff at mutually convenient times.
Important Communication Protocols
Parents are required to review and initial their child’s Emergency Authorization Form on the first day of each program year. We recommend adding the SCOPE site cell number and email address to your contact list for easy communication. For schedule changes or late pick-ups (PM only), please leave a message at the SCOPE site phone. In case of late pick-ups without prior notice, the Site Director will attempt to contact all listed contacts. If no contact is made after 30 minutes past closing time, the Site Director will contact the police. Parents are responsible for promptly notifying SCOPE of any changes to contact information, authorized pick-ups, custody arrangements, health issues, or any other relevant updates. Authorized adults must escort and sign in children for AM programs and sign out for PM programs daily. Photo ID is required for unfamiliar pick-up persons. Unauthorized individuals will not be permitted to pick up a child. For concerns regarding interactions between children, parents should address the Site Director rather than approaching other children directly. SCOPE respects legal parental rights but requires court orders on file to enforce custody restrictions.
Program Schedule and Tuition Information
SCOPE programs are designed to align with the school calendar and offer flexible enrollment options.
Program Schedule and Early Dismissal Days
SCOPE operates on all full school days, following the school district calendar. Before School Programs are also available on scheduled early dismissal days. Extended Day Child Care may be offered on early dismissal days for an additional fee, based on district approval, staff availability, and sufficient enrollment. Parents must provide a peanut-free lunch for children attending extended day care on early dismissal days; snacks and drinks are provided by SCOPE.
Tuition and Payment Options
SCOPE accepts various payment methods, including Mastercard, VISA, American Express, Discover, and ACH payments, with an automatic online payment option available. Both full-time and part-time enrollment options are offered with monthly tuition applicable across the ten school months. Tuition rates are subject to change. No credits or refunds are provided for absences, and rate switching is not permitted. The first month’s tuition is due upon program acceptance, with subsequent payments due by the 25th of each month. Late payment fees apply for payments received after the 25th. Part-time parents must submit their child’s monthly schedule online by the 15th of each month to avoid late schedule charges. Withdrawal requests must be made before the 25th of the month for the following month to be eligible for credits or refunds. Sibling discounts and prepayment discounts are available. Subsidies and limited scholarships are available for eligible families. Late pick-up fees are applied for every 15 minutes of tardiness, and excessive lateness may result in program removal. Students may be withdrawn for tuition non-payment exceeding 30 days. Cash and checks are not collected by SCOPE staff.
SCOPE Frequently Asked Questions – For more details on registration and payment, please refer to our FAQs.
Additional Parent Resources
SCOPE provides links to valuable resources for parents and families in New York.
- LI Regional Office of Children & Family Services – Website: www.ocfs.ny.gov (631) 240-2560
- Child Abuse Hotline (to report suspected child abuse or neglect) 1-800-342-3720
- Parent Helpline (for information about child abuse & neglect, referrals, and prevention) 1-800-CHILDREN
- NYS OCFS Complaint line – Website: ocfs.ny.gov 1-800-732-5207
- Long Island Parent Center (631) 321-1840
- Suffolk County Department of Social Services (child care subsidies) (631) 853-8714
- Nassau County Department of Social Services (child care subsidies) (516) 227-7976
Contact SCOPE for More Information
For further details about SCOPE Before & After School Child Care Programs, please call (631) 360-0800, ext. 100, 123, or 237. When leaving a message, include your name, mailing address, phone number, and the program location you are interested in. Choose SCOPE Education Services for after school health care programs that prioritize your child’s safety, health, and enrichment.
