The YSD Way
You wake up feeling sick and your shift starts at 12:00 PM. At 12:15 PM, you text a coworker and ask them to tell the Coordinator you won't be coming in.
What is a violation of the YSD call-off procedure because staff must notify their supervisor at least 4 hours before their shift?
You are supervising a group of children in a classroom at JFK. One child asks to use the restroom, and you allow them to go by themselves because the restroom is down the hall.
What is a supervision violation? Children must be supervised at all times and should never be left unattended.
Breakfast is being served. A staff member gives each child a carton of milk and a bowl of cereal.
What is an incomplete CACFP breakfast? A reimbursable breakfast must include milk, a grain, and a fruit/vegetable.
How many hours must students receive in academic instruction per Say Yes requirements?
What is 180 hours per day?
A camper is talking loudly during a lesson. The counselor responds by yelling across the room, "You are always the problem!"
What is an ineffective behavior management strategy? Staff should correct behavior respectfully without embarrassing or labeling a child.
Two children get into an argument during program. You (the counselor) disagree with how the situation was handled and decide to call the Administrator of Youth Services directly before speaking with anyone else.
What is bypassing the chain of command? The issue should be addressed with the Program Coordinator first.
One counselor calls off unexpectedly, leaving one staff member with 22 school-age children.
What is being out of ratio? Staff-to-child ratios must be maintained at all times.
During lunch, staff sit at a separate table while students eat together.
What is not following family-style dining practices? Staff should sit with children, model healthy eating habits, and engage in conversation.
The Say Yes Teacher has called in sick unexpectedly today and it is now time for Lit Camp instruction. What should you do:
A. Provide an ELA worksheet for campers to work on for the day.
B. Facilitate the next lesson in the Lit Camp book yourself.
C. Have the students watch a movie and check off that they did academic work.
B. Facilitate the next lesson in the Lit Camp book yourself.
(all counselors should be trained on facilitating Lit Camp and Math for Love curriculum)
A camper suddenly becomes disruptive every afternoon. Instead of immediately assigning consequences, the counselor investigates and discovers the child is struggling with changes at home.
What is identifying the root cause of behavior? Effective behavior management seeks to understand the "why" behind the behavior.
During program hours, a counselor is sitting in the corner scrolling social media while students are working on an activity.
What is a violation of the cell phone policy? Cell phones should not be visible or used during program hours except in emergencies.
A child arrives at camp and immediately joins an activity. The counselor plans to update attendance later because they're busy.
What is incorrect attendance procedure? Attendance must be recorded accurately when children arrive and depart.
A child says they don't want the green beans at lunch. The counselor tells them they cannot receive any other food unless they eat all of their vegetables.
What is inappropriate meal service? Children should be encouraged to try foods but not forced to eat specific items.
A staff member notices a student is struggling to participate in an activity but decides not to make any accommodations because "everyone has to do it the same way."
What is not providing equitable access? Programs should strive to engage all students and remove barriers to participation.
(Inclusivity and student voice and choice)
Two campers argue during a game. Instead of immediately assigning consequences, the counselor brings them together and asks:
What is a restorative conversation?
A parent calls your personal cell phone and asks to speak with their child. You hand your phone directly to the student so they can talk.
What is not following parent communication procedures? Parents should contact the center phone to reach their child during program hours.
A counselor tells a child, "If you don't behave, you're sitting against the wall by yourself for the rest of camp."
What is an inappropriate discipline practice? Discipline must be positive and constructive and cannot be humiliating or punitive.
A counselor completes the lunch meal count sheet before the children arrive in the cafeteria to save time.
What is an incorrect meal count procedure? Meal counts must be taken at the point of service when meals are actually served.
Students spend most of the day watching movies because staff did not prepare activities.
What is not providing meaningful enrichment? Say Yes programming should be intentional, engaging, and educational.
Campers complain that they do not like the behavior incentive system. Staff invite students to help redesign the reward system and vote on ideas
What is student voice and empowerment? Giving youth input increases buy-in and ownership.
A counselor jokingly says to a student, "Keep acting up and I'll handle you myself!" while laughing with other staff members.
What is grounds for termination? Staff must never threaten or joke about placing their hands on a child.
While at the zoo, one counselor takes several children to another exhibit while the rest of the group stays behind with another counselor. No one informs the coordinator.
What is improper supervision and accountability during a field trip? Staff must know where all children are at all times and maintain proper supervision.
One child doesn't want their milk and gives it to another child who already received a meal.
What is an improper food service practice? Staff should not allow children to trade or share meal components.
A staff member says, "We're just here to keep kids busy until their parents get off work."
What is misunderstanding the purpose of Say Yes programming? The goal is to provide meaningful academic, social-emotional, and enrichment opportunities that support student success.
A camper intentionally knocks over another camper's project. During a restorative meeting, the child apologizes and helps rebuild the project.
What is repairing harm? A key principle of restorative justice is making things right when harm occurs.