Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you don't see what you are looking for, contact us at [email protected].

We are looking forward to a GREAT summer!

Changes/Cancellations

What if my plans have changed & I need to cancel the session?
Cancellations must be requested at least one week in advance of the session date in order to receive a 90% refund of the session fee; cancellations requested less than one week before the program starts are not eligible for refund. The $50 registration fee is non-refundable.

What if my plans have changed & I want to transfer my child's registration to another session?
The registration can be transferred to a new session, provided that there is space available. If there is no space available in the new session and your child can't attend the original session dates, any potential refund will be issued in accordance with the cancellation policy above.

Contact us at [email protected] request to a change or cancellation.

What To Bring

What should I pack for my child each day?
• All items should be clearly labeled with your child's name.
• Refillable water bottle
• Swim bag with the following items:
- Swimsuit (Helpful Tip: Pack a Ziploc bag for your child's wet swimsuit)
- Swim cap: We will provide ONE swim cap per child. You will have to purchase
a replacement is it is lost.
-Optional: Goggles. Floaties or full mask goggles are not allowed in the pool.
• Sunscreen, bug spray & a hat. Sunscreen & bug spray should be applied before arrival.
• 2 snacks, lunch & a drink
Snacks & lunch are not provided, and refrigeration/reheating are not possible.
• Please do not pack peanut or nut products for lunch or snacks! There are children
who have severe allergies to peanut butter, nuts, peanuts, nut oils or products
made with them, so we ask that you do not send your child with foods that
contain any of these items.
• We spend a lot of time outside so sneakers with socks & comfortable clothing are
best. Please do not send your child in crocs or open toe shoes.

Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures

What time can I drop my child off at the Summer Day Program?
• Please drop your child off at 8:45am in the front loop of the RJ Grey Junior High located at 16 Charter Rd, Acton, MA 01720.
• If you arrive before 8:45, please wait with your child in your car. Families should not park in the front loop for safety reasons.
• The day begins promptly at 8:45am. Please try to have your child there on
time so they don't miss out!

What time can I pick up my child at the Summer Day Program?
• We begin dismissing children at 3:45pm. Pickup is at the same location in the front loop.
• Please have your child(ren)'s name written on a piece of paper and placed on the
front dashboard. This will assist in a smooth & speedy dismissal process.
• Children will be released ONLY to a parent/guardian or to an individual listed as authorized to pick up, and they must be signed out with an SDP administrator.
• You must notify us (via email to [email protected]) in advance if someone not already listed as authorized to pick up will pick up your child.
• All persons, including parents/guardians, must present a photo ID at pick up.

What if I am late dropping off my child?
• Please let us know if you are going to be late by calling us at 978-264-3387 or via email at [email protected]
• You must bring your child to the Camp Office (Room 302) for check-in. Park in the side parking lot and bring your child in.
• Children cannot be dropped off alone in the front loop for safety reasons, nor should they be brought to their cabin and/or counselor.

What do I do if I need to pick up my child early?
• Please notify us no later than 3pm if you need to pick up your child early.
Call 978-264-3387 or email us at [email protected] to let us know
of the change.
• Dismissal time is very busy so please notify us as soon as possible!

Absences & Illness

What is my child is sick and cannot attend, or will not attend on a particular day?
If you know your child is going to be absent, please call us at 978-264-3387 or email us at [email protected] before 8:30am.

What is your policy on illness and/or fevers?
• We follow the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District Policy: Your child must be fever free for 24 hours in order to attend the program.
• If you know or suspect your child is ill, please keep them at home. Students should not attend if they have any of the following: a fever (100 degrees & above), vomiting, diarrhea, greenish nasal discharge or cough production, red eyes that itch and/or have a crusty discharge, or any contagious or potentially contagious conditions.

If my child is sick, when can they return to the Summer Day Program?
Students may return to the program only when they have:
• 24 hours of antibiotics for strep throat, conjunctivitis, or other contagious
bacterial conditions
• 24 hours without fever and without fever-reducing medicine. (Many children
with a nighttime fever will not manifest it the next morning but will be quite ill
again in the afternoon.)
• Resumed a normal diet without nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Chicken pox lesions that have crusted over (may take 7 days)

Swimming at the Summer Day Program
• There is a free swim period at the A-B High School each day; lifeguards will be
present.
• All children must wear a swim cap in the pool, regardless of hair length.
• We will provide ONE swim cap per child. If the swim cap is lost, you will need to purchase a replacement. Swim caps are available for purchase at the
Community Education office for $7.
• Floatation devices & full mask goggles are NOT allowed in the pool.
• The pool is 3 feet, 6 inches deep at the shallow end of the pool. In order to swim
in the deep end, parents must give permission and children must pass a
Deep End Test administered by the lifeguards.
• Alternate activities will be arranged for children who do not wish to swim.
• Groups will walk from the high school to the pool, and children will change at
the high school.

Medical Protocol

Is there a nurse at the Summer Day Program?
No, there is not a nurse on duty at the Summer Day Program. Staff are trained in
basic first aid and are CPR certified. We do not dispense over-the-counter or
nonprescription medicine.

If my child takes a prescription medicine during the day, or has an EpiPen or inhaler, how is that handled?
• You must complete the online Summer Day Program Medical Permissions Form.
• Children must be able to self-administer prescribed medication under the direct supervision of the adult staff. The medication must be delivered in an original prescription container with enough medicine for one day only. The container will be returned each day in the child's backpack.
• If your child uses an EpiPen or inhaler, the item must be delivered to the
Community Education office (located on the first floor of the Administration
Building at 15 Charter Rd, across from the RJ Grey Junior High). The EpiPen
and/or inhaler, as well as physician's orders, must be delivered to the office no
later than 12pm on the Wednesday prior to their first session.
• Your child will not be allowed to start the session until we are in receipt of
the EpiPen, inhaler, and physician's order.
• Current physician's order must be provided to accompany the prescription
medication, EpiPens, and inhalers.

Extended Day Options
We offer both morning (7:30-8:45am) & afternoon (3:45-6pm) extended hours
for an additional fee. If you know that you cannot pick up your child by 3:45 pm each day, we ask that you enroll them in the afternoon extended hours.
• Extended Day is offered on a weekly basis only; there is not a daily option.
• Spaces for the Extended sessions are limited, and children must be registered
in advance in order to attend.
• For morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, please park in the side parking lot &
walk your child in.
• We ask that you are on time for pick-up, as it has been a long day for your
child & the staff. Late pick-ups will be billed at $1 per minute as per our
Extended Day policy.