BIG Horizons Registration Form

BIG Horizons is an after-school mentorship program, not a traditional daycare service. The program is supported through community fundraising, sponsorships, and partnerships and is designed to provide children with a safe, engaging space after school that focuses on mentorship, connection, and personal growth. BIG Horizons serves youth ages 6–14 and is built on a positive youth development approach. Through supportive relationships and structured activities, the program helps young people build confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Our program aims to: • Strengthen positive relationships between youth, peers, and mentors • Encourage healthy decision-making and personal responsibility • Support youth in developing social-emotional and life skills • Provide a safe space for connection, learning, and growth Important Program Information While staff provide supervision during program hours, BIG Horizons differs from traditional childcare services in several ways: • Programming is activity-based, and participation is encouraged but not guaranteed • Staff support youth development through mentorship, structured activities, and social-emotional learning • The program operates as a community-based youth mentorship program rather than full-time childcare Families are expected to ensure their child is comfortable participating in a group program environment and able to follow program expectations to help maintain a safe and respectful space for all participants.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Each afternoon includes a scheduled Mentor Hour, which is the primary time for structured programming and mentorship activities within the BIG Horizons program. During Mentor Hour, youth may participate in activities such as: • Homework support or reading • Creative activities such as drawing or coloring • Quiet games or puzzles • Small group activities or mentoring conversations with staff While youth are encouraged to participate in the planned activity, they may also choose an appropriate quiet alternative, such as reading, drawing, or quiet games. All youth are expected to participate in a respectful and calm manner during Mentor Hour to help maintain a focused and supportive environment for everyone in the program. Mentor Hour helps create a dedicated time each day for learning, reflection, and positive connection between youth and mentors.

BIG Horizons provides food during programming to help support youth throughout the afternoon. During regular after-school programming, children will receive two small snacks and a juice box. During full-day programming, such as PD days or school breaks, the program will provide one lunch and one snack. While staff ensure that each child receives the food provided by the program, BIG Horizons is not able to provide unlimited additional food beyond the scheduled snacks and meals. Families are encouraged to send their child with additional snacks or food if they feel their child may require more throughout the afternoon. If available, staff may offer fruit or other basic snack options; however, these items may not always be available.

BIG Horizons recognizes that parents and guardians may occasionally have questions or concerns about their child’s experience in the program. We are committed to working collaboratively with families to address concerns in a respectful and constructive manner. To protect the privacy of all children and families, staff will address concerns in a way that maintains confidentiality and follows applicable privacy legislation. Discussions involving sensitive or personal information should not occur in front of other children or during active programming. If a parent or guardian arrives upset or wishes to discuss a concern, staff may respectfully ask that the conversation move to a private space or be scheduled at a later time when staff are available to give the matter their full attention. BIG Horizons expects all parents, guardians, staff, and participants to communicate in a respectful and calm manner while on program property. Language or behavior that is aggressive, threatening, or disruptive may result in the conversation being paused and rescheduled with program leadership. Our goal is to work in partnership with families to support youth in a positive and respectful way while ensuring the program remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

BIG Horizons provides young people with safe, positive mentoring relationships and is committed to maintaining a healthy, respectful, and supportive environment for all participants. To help create a positive space for everyone, youth are expected to demonstrate the following behaviours while participating in the program. Expected Behaviours Youth participating in BIG Horizons are expected to: • Treat staff, mentors, and other youth with respect • Be fair, honest, and truthful • Use respectful words, tone, and gestures • Work to solve problems calmly and cooperatively • Follow program guidelines and listen to staff direction • Respect program spaces, materials, and equipment Inappropriate Behaviours The following behaviours are not permitted during program participation: • Shouting or excessive disruptive behaviour • Swearing or inappropriate language • Negative, degrading, or bullying language toward others • Violence or physical aggression of any kind • Threatening, intimidating, or unsafe conduct If these behaviours occur, staff will work with youth to redirect behaviour and support positive participation. Continued concerns may result in a parent/guardian being contacted or the youth being asked to leave for the day.

BIG Horizons is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and well-supervised environment for all youth. Our staff and mentors are trained and screened to ensure they are prepared to support young people in a positive and responsible way. Staff Training & Screening To maintain a safe program environment: • All staff are trained in First Aid and CPR • All staff complete Vulnerable Sector Police Record Checks • All staff complete Child Protection Training • All staff complete Big Brothers Big Sisters national training, including Strong From the Start • Staff receive ongoing training related to youth safety, mentorship, and positive behaviour support Our team is committed to creating a welcoming space where youth can build confidence, develop positive relationships, and feel safe participating in program activities.

By selecting “Yes,” I confirm that I have reviewed the BIG Horizons After School Program Handbook and understand the policies, procedures, and expectations outlined within it. I acknowledge that by completing this online registration form, I am providing my acknowledgement and agreement electronically, and that I do not need to print or submit a separate signed copy of the handbook.