Rachel Carson PTSA

Before and After School Programs FAQ

Registration

Q: How do I register my student?

A: Registration is on a first come, first served basis via the Carson PTSA website. Carson PTSA members are eligible to register during priority registration. After two weeks, remaining spots will be open for school-wide registration. Open enrollment will end three business days before the first session or if the maximum class enrollment is reached prior to the deadline. 

 

Q: How will I know if my registration is confirmed?

A: You will receive a receipt from Paypal once your payment has been processed. This will serve as your registration confirmation.  

 

Q: What type of payment do you accept? 

A: Payment can be made online via Paypal. If you do not have a Paypal account please reach out to asp@carsonptsa.org and we can coordinate alternative methods. 

 

Q: Is there a limit to how many classes I can enroll my student in? 

A: No, students may register for as many programs as they’d like, as long as the program has not reached its maximum enrollment. 

 

Q: Is there a way I guarantee a spot in the class?

A: You can volunteer to be the parent chaperone for the class you are interested in. Parents are interested in being the parent chaperone for a specific class, please contact us at asp@carsonptsa.org

 

Q: Do I need to volunteer to chaperone for my child to participate in the enrichment programs?

A: We understand not everyone can volunteer. However, please understand these enrichment programs cannot be run without a chaperone per PTSA guidelines. It's best to be prepared to step in to volunteer if another parent cannot. 

 

Cancellations

Q: What happens if a class is canceled due to low enrollment?

A: Each program has a minimum participation enrollment number that is set by the vendor. The PTSA may need to cancel a program if this number is not met. If the class is canceled, the class registration fee will be refunded less the credit card transaction fee via PayPal. 

 

Q: What happens if a class is canceled due to weather?

A: If school is closed due to inclement weather, classes on those days will be canceled. Cancellations will be brought to the attention of all participants as soon as possible and a make-up class will be arranged if possible.

 

Q: What happens if a class is canceled due to lack of a chaperone?

A: Having a volunteer chaperone is required to run the class. No refund will be issued nor make up class offered if the class is cancelled due to not having a volunteer chaperone.
Cancellations will be brought to the attention of all participants as soon as possible. 
Make sure you are able to step in if another parent cannot!
Apply for volunteer status at: https://www.lwsd.org/get-involved/volunteering-in-lwsd 

 

Refunds

Q: Can I cancel my child's enrollment and get a refund?

A: Refunds are based on when the cancellation is received. Cancellations received:

  • One week or more prior to the class start date will receive a full refund.
  • Within one week of the class start date and through the first week of class will be dependent on if the PTSA can fill the spot. If the spot can be filled, a prorated refund will be issued.  
  • After the first class, no refunds will be given.

 

Q: What if my child misses a class?

A: If your child will miss a class (sick, vacation, doctor’s appointment, etc.) please email asp@carsonptsa.org to let them know.  There are no make-up classes or refunds for students who are absent. 

 

Class Logistics

Q: What is the behavior policy for after school programs?

A: We insist that students respect the instructor and parent volunteer, and act in an appropriate manner. If your student has behavior issues which are disruptive to the class, we will issue a warning. If there is a second incident, we may be forced to terminate your student’s participation in the program (no refund).

 

Q: Where do I drop my student off for a before school program? 

A: Students enrolled in before school programs can enter the building through the Commons. Please do not ring the doorbell to gain access to the school. Neither the school staff nor the PTSA are responsible for students that walk to school or that are dropped off in front of the school until the student signs in for the class.

 

Q: How do I pick up my child after the program?

A: For the After School program, parents are required to pick up their children on time, outside the front doors, after each class. Please wait outside of school and the parent chaperone will bring the students out. Please be punctual; a delay of more than 10 minutes will result in a warning. Repeated delays may lead to your child's removal from the program without a refund. If you have signed the waiver to allow your child to exit the building without a parent. If a waiver has been signed, neither the school staff nor the PTSA are responsible for students once they leave the building. 

Please respect the commitments of our instructors and PTA volunteers and arrive promptly for pick-up. If you are more than 5 minutes late picking up your child you will be given a warning. The second time you are late, your child may be removed from the class without refund at the PTA’s discretion.

For the Before School program, there is no need for parents to pick up their children as we will release them to walk to their classrooms independently. 

 

 Parent Chaperones

Q: Is signing up as a parent chaperone necessary for all class registrations? 

A: In order to comply with our PTSA insurance and guarantee the safety and well-being of our students, parent chaperones are mandatory for all programs. We advise parents to thoroughly read the policy and instructions to ensure they can commit to the chaperone duties before registering. Failure to sign up for chaperone duties may result in the cancellation of your child's enrollment. Please make sure you are able to fulfill this important role.
Make sure you are able to step in if another parent cannot!
Apply for volunteer status at: https://www.lwsd.org/get-involved/volunteering-in-lwsd 

 

Q: How can I become a parent chaperone or volunteer for a PTSA Before or After School program?

A: To become a qualified volunteer for the PTSA After School and Before School programs, you must meet the following criteria to comply with our PTSA insurance (see no.1 & 13 Q&A).

  • Age requirement: Must be an adult (18 years old) as per WA Law.
  • Background check: Must pass the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) volunteer background check.

You can apply for LWSD background check approval online at https://www.lwsd.org/get-involved/volunteering-in-lwsd or obtain an application from the school front office. 

 

Q: What are my duties as a parent chaperone?

A: You are responsible for chaperoning the class on your scheduled day, taking attendance, contacting parents if a student or instructor is absent, witnessing any accidents, handling any misbehavior or late pick-up issues, and making sure each student is signed out by a parent or guardian. Attendance sheets and chaperone instructions will be provided to you the week of your scheduled day. 

 

Q: What should I do if I cannot attend my scheduled day as a parent chaperone?

A: Please send an email to asp@carsonptsa.org as soon as possible! It is important that there is always one parent chaperone present for each class. If no chaperone is available, the class will need to be canceled. 

 

Q: Do I need to volunteer to chaperone for my child to participate in the enrichment programs?

A: We understand not everyone can volunteer. However, please understand these enrichment programs cannot be run without a chaperone per PTSA guidelines. It's best to be prepared to step in to volunteer if another parent cannot.