Information Guide
Table of Contents
Individualized Support
Subject to staffing availability, we can offer individualized support for students. Our aim is to foster an inclusive and nurturing environment where every child can flourish. This support will be integrated within the Adventure Club framework rather than through the Special School District (SSD).
While our team is dedicated to meeting your child's needs, please understand that in cases involving safety incidents, such as elopement or physical altercations, it may be necessary to pause your child's participation in the program, even with 1:1 support in place. This measure ensures the safety and well-being of all children and staff members.
Inclusion
We welcome participation by children of all abilities. We provide a safe environment for children with or without special needs. In order to facilitate successful participation in the program, support will be added when appropriate. Although every effort is made to provide reasonable accommodations, there may be instances where a child’s needs may exceed the parameters of our program. It is essential that you follow the enrollment procedures and provide a copy of applicable documents - Individual Education Plan (IEP), Behavior Plan, 504, etc., as well as communicate special needs. Without full disclosure, we may not be prepared to ensure your child’s success. Enrollment will not be considered final until all required enrollment processes have been completed and reviewed.
Behavior Management Protocol
To ensure a safe and positive environment for all, we follow a clear process when serious or repeated challenging behaviors occur:
1st Offense: Verbal Warning and Reflection
The child receives a clear verbal warning and is reminded of expectations.
The child takes a brief reflection break to calm down and consider better choices.
Staff documents the incident and communicates with the family about what happened and how it was addressed.
2nd Offense: Written Notice and Family Meeting
If the behavior happens again, the child receives another reflection break.
The family receives a written notice describing the incident.
A meeting (in person or by phone) is scheduled with the family to discuss the behavior and create a support plan together.
3rd Offense: Temporary Pause or Dismissal
If the behavior continues after the first two steps, the child may be temporarily paused (suspended) from the program for a set period.
The family will be notified immediately and given details about the pause, including steps needed for the child to return.
In rare cases of ongoing or severe behavior, dismissal from the program may be considered. This decision will be made in partnership with the family and with clear communication about the reasons.
Note:
For extremely serious behaviors (such as physical aggression or threats), the program may move directly to a higher step, including immediate pause or dismissal, to ensure safety.
Our goal is always to support children in learning from their mistakes and returning to the program when possible.
Confidentiality
Information which concerns a student's physical, emotional, intellectual, or social welfare will only be shared with other Kirkwood or Special School District staff members who are involved with the care of your child. We encourage parents to invite Adventure Club staff members to attend any meetings (such as IEP meetings) that will help staff understand and meet your child’s needs.
If a two-household family, both parents will have access to account information unless we have court papers stating otherwise.
Positive Behavior Strategies
We believe every child deserves a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Our approach focuses on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors, building strong relationships, and working together with families.
1. Clear Expectations
We teach and model our core values: Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness.
Expectations are posted in all program areas and reviewed regularly with students.
2. Positive Reinforcement
Staff recognize and praise positive behaviors with verbal encouragement, stickers, or special privileges.
We celebrate group achievements with fun activities or recognition boards.
3. Consistent Routines
Daily routines are predictable and structured to help children feel secure.
Visual schedules are used to support transitions.
4. Restorative Practices
When conflicts arise, staff guide children to talk about what happened, how it made others feel, and how to make things right.
We encourage apologies, problem-solving, and empathy.
5. Step-by-Step Guidance for Addressing Challenging Behavior
Step 1: Reminder – Gentle verbal reminder of expectations.
Step 2: Redirection – Suggest an alternative, positive behavior.
Step 3: Reflection – Brief, supervised break to calm down and think about choices.
Step 4: Restorative Conversation – Staff and child discuss what happened and how to improve.
Step 5: Family Communication – If behavior continues, staff will contact families to work together on solutions.
6. Family Partnership
We value open communication with families.
Families are encouraged to share insights about their child’s needs and strengths.
We provide regular updates and invite feedback.
How Families Can Support
Review expectations with your child.
Encourage positive talk about the program at home.
Communicate any concerns or suggestions with staff.
Please reach out to our Program Manager at any time. We’re here to support your child’s growth and success!
Reporting
The law requires reports of any suspected instances of child abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. Any Adventure Club employee who becomes aware of or reasonably suspects that a child has been a victim of abuse or neglect, or who witnesses circumstances that could lead to such mistreatment, must promptly report the incident to the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-392-3738 or the Missouri Department of Social Services (DFS).
Questions, Suggestions & Concerns
To best assist you at the appropriate level, we suggest following these steps:
In the initial stage, we advise reaching out to your school's Adventure Club Program Assistant, available Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 11:15 AM and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
Should issues persist and require further attention, please do not hesitate to contact the Adventure Club Program Manager or Area Supervisor. (314-213-6100 x3651)
If you need to share important confidential information about your child please call, email, or set-up a meeting with the Adventure Club Program Manager or Area Supervisor.
For urgent matters outside the specified hours, we suggest sending an email or a Brightwheel message. This will allow our Adventure Club team to address your concerns promptly the next day.
Injuries
Since a nurse is not on site before 8:30 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m., our staff members are trained in First Aid/CPR to treat minor injuries, such as scratches, scrapes, insect bites, etc. Any serious or head injury will be reported to the parents immediately so that appropriate action may be taken. If a major injury occurs, the staff will immediately call for professional help and, if needed, 911. Parents, designated emergency contacts, or the child's doctor will be notified immediately. If an emergency requires immediate transportation to the hospital, a staff member will accompany the child and will have in their possession the emergency consent form signed by the parent. A parent or guardian will be notified regarding the hospital to which the child is being transported. Staff will make every effort to send the child to the preferred hospital on your registration form.
Personal Possessions
Toys, electronics, phones, iPods, and iPads are not to be brought from home unless previous arrangements have been made with the Adventure Club Program Manager. School issued iPads can be accessed during the time when students are working to independently complete homework assignments.
Snacks
Adventure Club will provide a snack every day.
Snack menus will vary at each campus due to allergies.
A monthly snack menu will be posted at each campus.
Please note that we do not allow any other food items due to potential allergies.
To help keep our friends with allergies safe, students will not be permitted to share snacks with their peers.
Please communicate with us if special snacks are needed.
Discipline Policies
The Adventure Club’s philosophy of discipline is based on respect for the child's self-esteem, setting reasonable limits and consequences, encouraging increased self-discipline, while also promoting respect for others. Constructive methods of discipline, such as conflict resolution, and the Kirkwood School District’s guidelines, shall be used to promote good behavior. The Adventure Club staff will work with the child and cooperate with the families to resolve problems. Conferences or a pause in attendance may be required. Occasionally parents are requested to pick up a child when an unsafe situation is unfolding. If efforts to resolve the situation do not result in a safe environment for all, dismissal from the program will be considered. Please refer to Board Policy JG-R1 for a detailed description of discipline guidelines on the Kirkwood Online Policy website.
Refunds
We apologize for any inconvenience, but no refunds will be processed due to missed days.
Emergency Situations & Drills
Throughout the year, students will engage in routine fire, tornado, earthquake, and intruder/lockdown drills. Safety procedures tailored for these scenarios will be shared with all Adventure Club staff and students.
Tornado Warning
If a Tornado Warning is in effect and students and staff are in designated safe areas, we will be unable to open the door to families until the warning is over. Please refrain from dropping off or picking up during this period.
Delayed Openings & Early Dismissals
If after-school activities are canceled across the district including Adventure Club prior to 1:30p, after-care will not be in session. If a decision is made after that time, our staff will be prepared to host students until you pick up your child as soon as possible.
Fees may not be reduced due to emergency school closings or inclement weather closings.
If the school operates on a late start schedule due to inclement weather, the before-care session will be canceled. However, the after-care session will still be held.
Lost & Found
Please mark coats, jackets and water bottles with your child’s name. Please be sure to check the Lost and Found area for missing items.
Medications
We adhere to the district’s medication policy. All prescriptions and over-the-counter medications must be given to a staff member if the medication is to be administered at a time when the school nurse is not available. The medication must be in the original container and accompanied by the appropriate paperwork. Children are not to keep medications, such as cough drops, vitamins, or Tylenol in book bags or lunchboxes. Staff does not have access to medications stored in the locked school clinic (e.g. EPI Pens; asthma medications).
Illness
Per district policy, your child may not attend when afflicted with a contagious or infectious illness. A child who has been absent from school due to illness and elevated temperature should be kept home until symptom free with a normal temperature for 24 hours. Parents will be notified and expected to pick up their sick child as soon as possible.
School Cancellations
We will follow the advisement of the Kirkwood R-7 School District administration in determining if the buildings will be open during emergency conditions including severe weather and unforeseen circumstances. When the district is closed, Adventure Club will be closed.
Families will receive a phone call from the District (using our Blackboard robocall system) announcing the decision to cancel school. Successful delivery is dependent on accurate contact information for each student. Should your contact information change, please notify your child’s school immediately.
The notification to cancel or delay school will be posted on the Kirkwood School District website, District Facebook page and tweeted on the District's twitter handle which is @kwoodschools.
Individuals who have downloaded the Kirkwood School District app will receive a push notification. You can download this free app in the Apps on Google Play store, or App store.
Circumstances which affect our schedule, inclement weather, or building conditions will be announced:
You may listen or watch for announcements on radio/TV. Please note that stations report this information at various times and in various formats and that stations may change their participation. School closing is also posted on the websites for many of these stations including: KSDK Channel 5 (NBC), KMOV Channel 4 (CBS), KTVI Channel 2 (Fox) and KPLR Channel 11 (CW).
NO ANNOUNCEMENT MEANS SCHOOLS OPERATE ON REGULAR SCHEDULES.