Before and After School Programs - Terms, Conditions & Expectations

Drop-off and Pick-up
Before and after care services are not available for enrichment classes. Instructors arrive 5 minutes before class begins but cannot stay with students after class ends. Parents must indicate whether their child is allowed to leave class independently or requires an adult sign-out. Students needing sign-out must be picked up by an adult before leaving.

Under-Enrolled Classes
Classes that don’t meet the vendor’s minimum enrollment may be canceled up to 7 days before the start date. If a class is canceled due to low enrollment, all registration fees will be fully refunded.

Waiver
By enrolling in any before- or after-school program, you agree to the terms, conditions, and expectations outlined here. Additional waiver forms may be required by specific vendors.

Behavioral Expectations
Safety is a top priority for Rachel Carson PTSA and our vendors. Students are expected to follow the same behavior guidelines as during the regular school day while attending enrichment classes. Please review these expectations with your child before their first class. Students must follow all instructor and chaperone directions. Running and roughhousing are strictly prohibited.

Our expectations align with Rachel Carson’s S.O.A.R. values: Self-control, On Task, Achievement, and Respect. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in removal from the class without a refund

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Before and After School Programs FAQ

Registration

How do I register my student?
Registration is first come, first served through the Carson PTSA website. Current PTSA members get early access during priority registration. Two weeks later, any remaining spots open up for school-wide registration. Open enrollment closes three business days before the first session or earlier if classes fill up.

How do I update my student’s grade and teacher?
Log into your account, click “My Account” on the left menu under “Directory,” then click “Edit” next to your student’s name to update their grade and teacher information.

How will I know if my registration is confirmed?
You’ll receive a confirmation receipt from PayPal once your payment is processed—this serves as your registration confirmation.

What types of payment do you accept?
Payments are accepted online via PayPal. If you don’t have a PayPal account, please email asp@carsonptsa.org to arrange an alternative payment method.

Is there a limit to how many classes my student can enroll in?
There is no limit! Students may register for as many classes as they like, as long as there is available space.

How can I guarantee a spot in a class?
Volunteering as a parent chaperone for the class you’re interested in is a great way to help and may increase your chances. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact asp@carsonptsa.org.

Do I need to volunteer as a chaperone for my child to participate?
We understand not every family can volunteer, but each enrichment program requires at least one parent chaperone per PTSA guidelines. We encourage families to be ready to step in if needed to help ensure these programs can run smoothly.

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Cancellations

What happens if a class is canceled due to low enrollment?
Each program requires a minimum number of students to run, set by the vendor. If enrollment falls below that minimum, the PTSA may cancel the class. If this happens, registration fees will be refunded via PayPal.

What happens if a class is canceled due to weather?
If school closes for inclement weather, affected classes will be canceled. We notify all participants as soon as possible, and we will arrange a make-up class when possible.

What happens if a class is canceled due to lack of a chaperone?
Each class requires a volunteer chaperone to run. If a chaperone is not available, the class will be canceled without refund or make-up. We notify participants promptly. Please be prepared to step in if another parent cannot volunteer. You can apply to volunteer here: LWSD Volunteer Application.

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Refunds

Can I cancel my child's enrollment and get a refund?
Refunds depend on when you cancel:

  • More than one week before class starts: full refund.

  • Within one week before class or during the first week: refunds depend on whether we can fill the spot; prorated refunds may be given.

  • After the first class: no refunds.

What if my child misses a class?
Please notify us at asp@carsonptsa.org if your child will miss a class. There are no make-up classes or refunds for absences due to illness, vacations, or appointments.

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Class Logistics

What is the behavior policy for after-school programs?
Students must respect instructors and volunteers and behave appropriately. Disruptive behavior will result in a warning. A second incident may lead to removal from the program without refund.

Where do I drop my student off for a before-school program?
Students enter through the Commons. Please do not ring the doorbell. The school and PTSA are not responsible for students before sign-in.

How do I pick up my child after the program?
For after-school programs, parents must pick up their children promptly outside the front doors. The parent chaperone will bring students out. Being more than 5 minutes late twice may result in removal from the program without refund. If you signed a waiver allowing your child to leave independently, the school and PTSA are not responsible once your child leaves the building.

For before-school programs, students walk to their classrooms independently—no parent pick-up needed.

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Parent Chaperones

Is signing up as a parent chaperone necessary for all classes?
Yes. To meet PTSA insurance requirements and ensure student safety, a parent chaperone is required for every class. Please be sure you can commit to this before registering. Not signing up may result in your child’s enrollment being canceled. You can apply to volunteer here: LWSD Volunteer Application.

How do I become a parent chaperone or volunteer?
Volunteers must be adults (18+), and pass a background check through Lake Washington School District. Apply online or get a form at the school office: LWSD Volunteer Application.

What are my duties as a parent chaperone?
On your scheduled day, you’ll take attendance, contact parents if needed, handle any misbehavior or late pick-ups, witness any accidents, and ensure students are signed out by a parent or guardian. Attendance sheets and instructions will be provided before your day.

What if I can’t attend my scheduled chaperone day?
Please email asp@carsonptsa.org as soon as possible. Each class must have one chaperone. If no one is available, the class will be canceled.

Do I need to volunteer to chaperone for my child to participate?
While we understand not everyone can volunteer, these programs require a chaperone to run. It’s best to be prepared to step in if another parent cannot volunteer.

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