WELCOME TO SAFETY TOWN
Sponsored by Soroptimist International of Santa Barbara
Through movies, songs, and guest visits, the Safety Town program trains children to evaluate “safe” from “unsafe.” Under the guidance of volunteer youth instructors and credentialed teachers, children practice and experience their lessons in Safety Town, a miniature city layout built to the scale of a small child.
Format: 17.5 hour course, (3.5 hours per day, M-F, for 1 week)
Topics: Pedestrian, earthquake, fire, 9-1-1, bicycle, beach and pool, drugs, strangers, general play, along with personal and home safety.
Visits by police, firefighters, forest rangers, paramedics, water safety professionals, and more. One off-site field trip, (ride on city bus reserved for Safety Towners only)
Cost: $115/session. Fee includes a Safety Town T-shirt to be worn daily.
For Foothill School, session fee is $125 after April 17, 2010.
Scholarships are available at Community Site sessions for those who qualify.
Eligibility: All children entering kindergarten or first grade in the fall of 2010, and will be 5 years old by Dec. 1, 10.
- Readiness - Please give careful consideration when determining the readiness of your child to attend the Safety Town program. The learning environment is fast paced, and transitions occur every half hour. It is very important that your child is emotionally and socially capable of and willing to participate. They should be able to separate from parents, in addition to being able to independently take care of their personal toilet needs.
- Special Needs – Children who require a 1:1 presently, are also required to have an aide during the program, provided by the parents. Transitioning from one activity to another occurs about 8-10 times daily, within the 3 ½ hour day. Please consider if this affects your child in a positive manner.
Staff: Youth volunteer ratio is one volunteer for every two to three children,
(1:2-3)
Directors are credentialed elementary and secondary teachers, and trained professional assistants all currently employed by Goleta Union, Santa Barbara School Districts, and St. Raphael’s School.
General Schedule: Monday of each session – parents and children arrive at 8:15 to check in, receive building assignment and T-shirt, and meet CIT instructor. Parents then attend a short orientation meeting.
Tuesday – Friday – Drop off at 8:30. Pick up is promptly by 12:00 p.m. daily. Your promptness is greatly appreciated when picking up your child, as staff members and volunteers are needed to clean up and prepare for the next day.
Graduation Day is on Friday, when the students are honored for their hard work, and completion of their safety course. The Safety Town graduates will review what they’ve learned, share some songs, and receive a special certificate. Please plan to attend the ceremony around 11:00am. Refer to the school site for details.
The day consists of Town Time, where they learn and practice pedestrian rules and safety, Lesson Time, where they learn and review the lesson of the day, visits from community professionals, snacks, arts and crafts to reinforce lessons, playground time, along with movies, songs, and puppet shows. The children work in whole groups, small groups, and individually with their instructors and the directors.
Please remember to apply sunscreen, (if needed), prior to arrival, bring a labeled water bottle, and have your child wear his/her Safety Town shirt, and closed toe shoes daily.
Disciplinary Policy :
For the protection and well being of all participants, students must be able to follow simple instructions. Inappropriate behavior and/or negative language and attitude may be grounds for dismissal from the program. The Safety Town staff and Soroptimists Int. rreserve the right to make appropriate adjustments and/or dismiss any student for behavior that poses a safety risk to themselves or others.
Cancellation Policy : For Foothill School, refunds will only be made if we can fill your child’s space with another child. If spaces remain after registration day, registration forms will be accepted by mail. Please send to: Helen Roberts, 993 Debra Dr., Santa Barbara, CA, 93110. Please direct questions regarding cancellations at Foothill School to Helen: Kelkar@aol.com. For cancellations at other school sites, please contact that specific school site director. No refunds will be made for dismissal due to disciplinary issues or withdrawal due to homesickness.
Click Here For Program Dates/Locations, Registration Process, Foothill School Registration Form, CIT Info and Application, and Contact Info
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