ACM Castleconnell Pre-School & After School Childcare Service Details   The ACM Kidz Afterschool Service has been in operation since September 2007 at the Community Centre, 14 – 15 Castle Street, Castleconnell, Co. Limerick.   We facilitate children of all ages attending primary school. Currently at ACM Kidz we have children ranging in age from 4 to 12 years old. The ACM Lil’ Kidz Preschool Service operates from 9.30am to 1.00pm, Monday to Friday. Our Preschool offers endless opportunities to learn through imagination, play and creativity. We aim to aid your child in their holistic development at a speed that is appropriate for them. When your child arrives at 9.30am they will have 30minutes of free play - once free play is over we will do a structured activity based on the children’s interests for approximately 45 minutes and then it’s time for food! After food, there is plenty of time for outdoor play, arts and crafts, free play, music and movement, pretend play and nature walks. Our Preschool room is divided into five different areas, the book corner, the home corner,the science and sensorial corner, the small world & construction corner and the art & messy play corner. All materials will be accessible to the children at all times. ACM Lil’ Kidz aims to be a place where your child can have a lot of fun and make new friends in a safe and secure environment! Our Pre-School Childcare Service commences on 31st August 2009!         Description of Facilities The ACM Kidz Centre has chairs and tables to facilitate homework, a rest area with comfy seats, TV/DVD player, library, play equipment, a kitchen for preparing snacks and a large outdoor play area.    As ACM Kidz want the best for your child, we provide a clean, comfortable and spacious environment. We have new toys and furniture and a safe outdoor play area. We believe in healthy eating and we provide nutritious snacks. Furthermore, your child’s safety is of the utmost importance so we have a fully stocked first aid kit and staff trained in first aid procedures.   This year, we are pleased to announce that a Pickup Service will be available from Lisnagry National School whereby your child will be brought directly from school to the After School.   We trust this will be of benefit to a number of parents.   New Building Our new state of the art building opens on 31st August 2009 and will provide for even more facilities for your child.   Fees The Centre operates from Monday to Friday each week from 2pm - 6pm.  Fees are €65 per week or €14 per day - a 10% discount applies for additional children.  Places are limited.    The fees are received weekly in advance depending on how many days you enrolled your child for at the beginning of the term. We do not charge for holidays and we do cover school In-Service days from 9am to 6pm.    Snacks ACM Kidz provides nutritious snacks such as sandwiches, rolls, crackers, soup, fruit, nuts, popcorn, meat, cheese, fruit juices, water, milk, jam, hot chocolate, and yoghurts.   Extras If your child participates in after school extracurricular activities e.g. choir, sports, harp classes, etc. we will cater for their needs.   This provides your child with the opportunity to take up any extracurricular activity they are interested in.   Staff At ACM Kidz, we have six members of staff. Our manager, Nicola Farrell, has a degree in Early Childhood Care and Education obtained from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.  All other staff members have childcare qualifications and first aid training.   We believe in giving each child individual attention when needed and a good flow of communication between parents and staff is encouraged.   Homework Unless you wish otherwise, it is our policy for all children to do homework after school and we have a set time for same. We will assist the children as much as possible but parents are asked to sign off on homework and to check up on it.   Positive Behavior Policy The ACM Afterschool Service believes that children should be encouraged to grow and develop to their full potential in a suitably planned environment where they know what is expected of them and where clear limits are set, appropriate to their age and stage of development and any special needs they may have.   Daily Routine for After School Children ü  Your child will arrive from school at 2pm or 3pm. ü  Your child will be greeted warmly upon arrival. ü  On arrival at the ACM Centre the children will have lunch and… ü  Time for free play. ü  Homework time. ü  Structured activities.        Fun and Learning Some of the structured activities include: ü  Music and movement ü  Pretend play ü  Outdoor play ü  Books ü  Drawing, painting, crafts ü  Board games ü  Construction ü  Picnics, walks   All activities will be age appropriate and well supervised.   Policies and Procedures Here at ACM Kidz, we have a policy and procedure book that can be viewed by all parents and staff.  Your input to same will always be welcome.   ACM Kidz staff can answer any queries you may have. Call in and talk to us and have a look around the facilities.   We are currently taking bookings for September. Please note that places are limited so book soon.   Contact Nicola at 061 372750 or email  nicola@castleconnell.ie or book on-line now