Parent Information

This page was created to help you, the parent, understand our goals and objectives at Cherry Street Youth Center, Inc. Below you will find answers to several of the most frequently asked questions.  If you have more questions, please call the Center at 620-431-2161 between the hours of 1-5pm on Monday thru Friday.

When is the Center open?

Cherry Street Youth Center, Inc., operates during the school year from 3 to 5pm on Monday thru Friday.  With the exception of our Summer Program, we are not open on ANY days when school is not in session or cancelled.

What children can attend?

Children in grades K - 5 may attend free of charge, but ONLY after one of their parents or guardians attend a registration meeting and have their child properly registered.  Registration meetings are held at 710 N. Forest at 7pm on the 1st Tuesday of each month while school is in session. 

Which Cherry Street building will my child attend?

Children in grades K - 2 attend at our original location, which is at 710 North Forest.  Children in grades 3 - 5 attend Cherry Street West, which is at 719 North Garfield.

What will my child do at the center?

On days when the weather is nice, children will play outside from 3:00 to 3:45 on playground equipment or in organized games, such as basketball, soccer, kickball, and hockey.  If the weather is inclement, playtime will consist of board games or organized indoor games.  At 3:45 PM children will eat a snack.  A group prayer is led before eating.  After snacks we divide the children into small groups and they participate in our scheduled programming for that particular day.  These groups last until 5 PM.

What are the rules, and what if my child breaks one?

It is important to have rules so that the children know what is expected of them.  Our rules are posted on the wall in our multi-purpose rooms at both facilities and we review these rules on a continuing basis.  We have four rules which must be followed.  The rules are:  Children will respect the volunteers, respect their peers, respect themselves, and respect the property.  If a child breaks a rule, the child receives a five-minute time out with an explanation of the rule that was broken and the proper behavior expected.  The second time in the same day the child breaks a rule, parents are called and the child is sent home for the day.  There is one exception to this policy, and that occurs if the child is fighting or inflicts bodily harm on another child.  This will result in immediate suspension from the center.  We will notify the parents and the child will lose his privilege to attend the center for a specified number of days.

What if my child leaves before 5pm?

Each child's parent or guardian has listed on their child's registration form the name of individuals who are authorized to pick up their child/children before 5 PM.  Although children can leave the center at any time before 5 PM, they should not leave the center with someone who is not listed on the registration form.  Please advise anyone who comes to pick up your child early that they will be asked to provide positive ID to the center.  Authorization cannot be given over the telephone for someone to pick up your child.  The parent/guardian will personally have to add authorized names to the registration form if they wish to add a name during the school year.

What else do I need to know?

If your child does not attend school on a given day, he or she cannot attend the center that day.  There are no exceptions to this rule.  A child needs a good education and it is important that he or she attend school; therefore, it is our policy that if a child does not attend school he or she cannot attend Cherry Street that particular day.

If your child comes to the center ill, or with a skin problem, you will be called and the child will be sent home.

We do not allow any child to eat candy, drink pop, etc. in front of the other children.  If your child had a birthday party at school the day he attends the center, he or she will be instructed to put their treats in their book bags unless they brought enough treats to share with all the children attending the center.

What can I do to help?

You can help by praying, donating money, or volunteering to work at the Center. Since we do not charge to attend, we rely on donations to operate. We also have a large number of volunteers who come and help with the daily programming and refreshments.