What is the It’s A BLAST Program?
It’s A BLAST Program is a premier out of school care program from kids. We offer before and after school program ranging from grades 1-5 in the public school system and grades 1-6 in the Catholic school system.
Where is It’s A BLAST Program located?
It’s A BLAST Program currently operates in 13 schools across the city including:
Robert Plaxton, St. Patrick’s, École Agnes Davidson, Coalbanks, Dr. Gerald Probe, Fleetwood Bawden, Galbraith, Lakeview, Mike Mountain Horse, Nicholas Sheran, Park Meadows, Children of St. Martha’s and École St. Mary’s.
There is no transportation required for children attending the above mentioned schools as the programs are located within the schools. An exception to this is children attending Father Leonard Van Tighem as they attend It’s A BLAST Program at St. Martha’s School and will be bussed to the program.
How do I cancel or change the programming my child needs?
If you wish to cancel or make changes to your child’s programming, the BLAST Office must be notified in writing, by email or letter, on or before the 15th day of the preceding month or the full month’s fees will be charged for the previously booked dates. (i.e. to cancel for March, a letter or an email must be received at the BLAST Office on or before February 15th).
You can email admin@itsablastprogram.com for any cancellations or changes.
What type of clothing should I ensure my child has?
Our programming is very active, especially during the summer months and it is essential that children are coming prepared for the weather and activities.
During the Spring and Summer each child should bring their own hat, water bottle, sunscreen & bug spray, proper footwear for walking/running and proper clothing for the weather. During the colder months, please ensure that children are dressed appropriately for outside activities (boots, gloves, toques, and scarves).
Many schools have a ‘two shoe’ rule or ‘no boots in the hallway’ rule. Please ensure your child has a pair of shoes that can be worn inside as when any child is in our program, they must have footwear on at all times.
Is my child’s program moved to a different location on PD Days and holidays?
On PD days and holidays, your child’s program may be at a different school. Please check your announcements in the Parent Portal, ask your Team Leader or call the BLAST Office for where the location of your program will be for those days. We do our best to work with the different schools to ensure there is a rotation of where the program will be held.
Is there food provided at the program and what do I need to pack for my child?
Lunch is not provided in any of our programs and parents are required to send it with their child. Due to food allergies, children are not allowed to share or trade food items. Our staff encourages children to eat their lunch but do not force them eat it. Please note that refrigeration is not available for your child’s lunch at our programs but microwaves are available at each location.
On full day programs (PD Days, holidays, and summer), two snacks will be provided, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Snack menus for the each week are posted on the Parent Board at the program and are planned according to the Canada Food Guide. If a child has medical or dietary restrictions where they require special snacks, parents may want to speak to the Team Leader about allowing their child to bring in their own snack.
Are there any offsite activities my child will go on?
As part of our programming we go to various activities offsite throughout the year. In order for your child to attend these activities you will be required to sign a Waiver form. It will detail the location, type of activity (i.e. swimming, special event, etc.), date, staff/child ratio, transportation (i.e. walking, charter bus, etc.) and any other special requirements. For summer program, a calendar of events detailing the planned activities will be available by the first day of the program. Parents are welcome to attend these activities and can see the Team Leader if they are interested in coming.
Who can pick up my child from the program?
For the safety of everyone, we only release children to authorized people listed on the registration form.
Please ensure that when you send someone different to pick up your child that they are listed as an authorized person for pick up on your registration and that they have their photo ID. Their ID will be compared to the Authorized Pick Up List for your child and if their name does not match any person on the list, staff are unable to release the child to that person unless they have authorization from the registered parent(s). Any changes to your pick up list must be made through the office; they cannot be made at the program.
When we have Full Day programs, please be prepared to show your ID as it may not be the usual staff working when you arrive to pick up your child.
Do you have programs available for statutory holidays?
It’s a BLAST Program observes statutory holidays and programming will not be available for the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, August Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Do you accept subsidy for your programs?
Yes, we do accept subsidy. Please check with the Government of Alberta – Child Care Subsidy to see if you may qualify for funding. Parents can apply online or by calling 1-877-644-9992. https://www.alberta.ca/child-care-subsidy.aspx
Can my child bring toys from home to the program?
It is not recommended that children bring any toy from home to the program. It’s a BLAST Program is not responsible for lost, stolen or broken toys or equipment brought from home.
Please note that consoles (i.e. video games) will not be allowed at the program and staff will ask your child to put it away.
My child is sick; can they still attend the program?
It’s A BLAST Program is required by the Government of Alberta to follow guidelines when a child becomes ill while attending Licensed Regulated Care. It’s A BLAST Program will contact parents to arrange for immediate pickup, if their child has any of the following symptoms: vomiting, fever, diarrhea or a new or unexplained rash or cough. If your child is sent home, your child will not be allowed to return until they are symptom free for 24 hours.
Parents will be informed to seek alternate child care or keep their child at home if the child is not well enough to participate in the regular activities at the BLAST Program or the illness requires greater care from the staff than can be provided without compromising the care of the other children in the program. Please see the Parent Handbook for more information on illnesses.
Can I get a tax receipt for the year?
Your monthly receipts are to be used for tax purposes. If you are missing a receipt, please call our office as we may be able to email them to you again. If you require an additional tax receipt, we can provide one for $25.00.