Adventure Play After School (APAS)
Preschool-5th 3:00-5:30 PM
Adventure Play After School (APAS) at University Primary is all about self-directed play for children with interesting materials, adequate time to engage and permission to explore their interests for preschool-5th graders after school. Playworkers support children using a gentle approach, offering trust, unconditional positive regard and a caring presence. We uphold an inclusive, caring environment ripe for all play types and operate with a deep respect for children.
Self-directed play is so important for children as they grow, process the world around them, test new ideas and synthesize what they're learning elsewhere. Play is an innate, biological drive and a fundamental need as well a right of each child. We understand the importance of play for children and are thrilled to be able to offer dedicated and extended time for self-directed play and self-exploration here in an environment of care, safety and acceptance here at University Primary School.
APAS hours are 3:00-5:30 pm on school days (except early dismissal) and families may pick up at a time convenient to them, but must exit the space by 5:30 pm daily. Contact Director of Adventure Play After School, Kelsey Langley, for questions about Adventure Play. Contact Christine Wyant with questions about sign up or billing.
SIGN UP NOW: Sign up and billing for APAS is handled through the school office using this form
Fees for APAS are found on our tuition/fees page within this website, families pay for all days they sign up for, regardless of actual attendance.
Adventure Play Summer into Fall Newsletter 2022
Adventure Play Fall into Winter Newsletter 2022
Please read on for important notes about Adventure Play After School:
Logistics:
1. Times: APAS begins at 3pm, or immediately following UPS dismissal. While families can pick up at any time you need to, all families should plan to pick up and exit the space by 5:30 PM.
2. Dates: Sign up by 8/23 for the days of the week you need/dates you need for fall semester. You'll receive an email confirmation as soon as possible with the welcome slideshow (includes info like what to pack, etc.).
3. Registration: Families are asked to register thoughtfully for the days of each week they intend to send their child to APAS as this registration will guide how families are billed.
4. Drop-In Care: Families are allowed up to 5 drop-ins each semester in an effort to remain flexible while sustaining the program. There will be no drop-ins allowed on Tuesdays this semester. All drop-in requests should be sent more than 24 hours ahead of time to Kelsey, Christine & the classroom teacher. Kelsey will reply by email informing families if there is space or not for the drop-in day. Please do not plan on attendance unless you receive confirmation. No same day additions.
5. Pick up will happen at the gate near the main UPS door. We will meet caregivers near the gate and support pick-ups in an effort to keep the rest of the space focused on play. (Please don't use other gate entrances-- too many entry/exit points are confusing for all!) Please be prompt each day and exit the space by 5.30pm.
6. Billing: You'll receive a bill for APAS at the end of each month via the University Primary School office and it is billed according to your registration schedule. Your contact regarding billing is Christine: cwyant@illinois.edu
7. Contact Info: Your main point of contact regarding after school will be Kelsey Langley, director of Adventure Play. You may text during APAS hours, otherwise please only use email. 217-649-6074 or klangley@illinois.edu
Adventure Play After School Billing:
Families are asked to plan ahead as they sign up for the regular days they foresee needing in the semester ahead, as hiring decisions are made based on enrollment. Each month’s amount billed will vary as the number of days of APAS vary monthly, but it will be billed based on the schedule families create at the beginning of each semester.
Flexibility & FAQ’s:
Our goal is to sustain this amazing program while being as flexible as possible with families.
Drop-In Attendance:
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Drop-in attendance can be requested by emailing the APAS Director the day before. Same day drop-ins will not be accommodated.
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Each child has 5 allowable drop-in days outside of the schedule they’ve requested. These can be used to try out APAS or to flex as needed. These allowable drop-ins will follow the same procedure of emailing the APAS Director the day before.
Adding/Dropping Mid-semester:
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Families may request to add singular or recurring days mid-semester by emailing Kelsey with several days notice before the change is to take place. Additions will be considered based on current availability.
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Dropping days can only occur at the beginning of each semester when the new sign-up is sent out.
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The last day to make changes to your plan for APAS for fall semester will be Friday, September 1.
Absences:
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Absences occuring on a day for which that child was originally signed up for APAS will still be billed. This includes absences related to sickness, vacation, etc.
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This mirrors the school tuition policy and helps maintain stability in the APAS program.
Late pick-up
After School Clubs
Chess Club meets on Thursdays 3:00-4:00 PM starting at the beginning of September, with a child's accompanying grown-up for 1st-5th grades. Chess Club meets in the 2/3rd grade classroom. Bring a chess board, or borrow one of schools. Beginners through experieced are welcome!
Other after school clubs can be established by teachers, families, and/or community groups. If you have an idea for an afterschool club you would like to coordinate, please contact the School Director, Ali Lewis.