Program Guide

Communication between home and Saber Connection is essential to student success. Parent/guardian communication is encouraged regarding any information that may impact a child’s experience in the program.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:

• Follow all Saber Connection and Shakopee Public Schools policies and procedures.

• Communicate relevant information and concerns related to the child’s needs with program staff.

• Partner with staff to address behavior or program concerns and support positive outcomes.

• Maintain an online account with current emergency and contact information.

• Notify the site of student absences.

• Notify the site when an alternate individual will pick up the student.

• Review program information, billing details, email communications, and posted site messages regularly.

• Meet all contract obligations and maintain an up-to-date financial account.

Parent/Guardian Permission: By registering, parent/guardian consent is provided for:

• Use of the student’s name, photograph, video and quotes for purposes including open house events, flyers, brochures, the website and social media.

• Participation in neighborhood walking excursions with prior notification.

• Participation in field trips on scheduled attendance days with prior notification.

• Exchange of student information between Shakopee Public Schools personnel and Saber Connection staff when necessary to support student needs.

Parent/Guardian Access: Parent and legal guardian access to students during program hours is permitted. Families with custodial arrangements that limit access must provide a copy of the legal custody agreement to Saber Connection.

Saber Connection has adopted the following Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct to support a safe, respectful environment for all children, families and staff:

• All interactions with Saber Connection site staff and Community Education office staff must be respectful and calm.

• Staff are mandated reporters under Minnesota law and are required to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect.

• Harsh or threatening verbal or physical discipline is not permitted within the Saber Connection program space. Staff are responsible for addressing behavioral concerns involving all students.

• Concerns must be communicated through appropriate channels in a respectful manner and discussed privately with staff when possible. Staff may not be available for discussion while supervising students.

• If staff determine that a parent/guardian appears impaired due to drugs or alcohol, an alternative authorized pick-up individual may be required. If a student is transported after such a determination, law enforcement may be contacted.

• Staff may end an interaction if they feel threatened or experience verbal or physical harassment. Verbal harassment includes yelling, swearing or other disrespectful or threatening language.

• Inappropriate behavior toward staff is not permitted, including inappropriate comments about personal appearance, lewd remarks or inappropriate physical contact.

• Staff are not permitted to share information about other students or families in accordance with data privacy laws.

• Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in requiring an alternate individual for drop-off and/or pick-up and may result in immediate termination from the program.

• This Code of Conduct must be shared with all authorized individuals responsible for drop-off and pick-up of the student(s).

Students attending Saber Connection:

• Are friendly and inclusive with others.
• Make safe choices and keep their hands and bodies to themselves.
• Be honest and take responsibility for their actions.
• Be respectful to staff, other students, materials and school spaces.
• Have fun, participate and try new things!

Program Fees: Charges are generated through the online account. Payment is required in advance of service, regardless of attendance. Payments may be made in two equal installments, due on the 15th and 30th of the month prior to services. Auto-pay is processed on the 15th of the month prior to services. The total balance must be paid on or before the 30th of the month prior to services to avoid a $20 late fee.

Drop-In: Once a drop-in request is approved by the site, the charge is added to the next invoice.

Receipts: Families are responsible for managing online accounts, including accessing and printing receipts as needed.

Vacation Credit: Vacation credit applies to Consistent Schedule contracts only. Credit is available with one week written notice (email) to the Saber Connection office, once per school year, for up to five consecutive days within a two-week period, based on the child’s regular schedule. Attendance is not permitted during the approved vacation period. If a student attends during the approved vacation time, the drop-in rate is charged and vacation credit is voided. Vacation credit does not apply to non-school days.

Contract Revision Fee ($10 per child, per change): Changes to a consistent schedule that create a new pattern of attendance require one week written notice via email to the Saber Connection office or submission through the online account. A $10 fee per child, per change applies. Requests must be approved prior to implementation.

Late Payments: Saber Connection is a nonprofit, self-supporting organization and relies on timely payment to meet operating expenses. A $20 late fee is applied to any unpaid balance not received by the last day of the month prior to services. Saber Connection reserves the right to limit or discontinue service due to nonpayment. Delinquent accounts may be placed with a collection agency and are responsible for all associated costs, including legal and collection fees.

Withdrawal from the Program: Withdrawal requires one week written notice via email or online account submission to the Saber Connection office. Program fees are charged for one week following receipt of written notice. Full payment is due upon withdrawal.

Fee Assistance: Saber Connection has a contract with Scott County that provides financial assistance opportunities for qualifying families. Information is available by contacting Scott County at 952.445.7751. Families are responsible for reviewing all Scott County guidelines and procedures. Questions regarding fee assistance may also be directed to the Saber Connection office.

Sign In/Out Procedures: A parent/guardian must sign each child in each morning and out each afternoon using the electronic system, which automatically time-stamps each entry. Failure to comply with sign-in/out procedures may result in termination of the contract.

Access Codes: Saber Connection families are provided a family-specific access code for entry into assigned program buildings during program hours. Each site uses a designated entry door, and access codes function only at that door during program times. During school hours, all families must enter through the school’s main office.

Authorized Pickups: During online registration, all individuals authorized to pick up the child must be identified, as well as any individuals who are not permitted to pick up the child. To restrict a non-custodial parent from pickup, a current court order must be on file at the Saber Connection site. Staff are not permitted to physically prevent a parent from taking a child. Authorized pickup individuals must be at least 16 years of age.

Advance Notification of Alternate Pickups: Staff must be notified in advance, preferably in writing or via email, if an individual not listed as an authorized pickup will be picking up the child. Authorized individuals should be informed that staff may request photo identification if the individual is not recognized.

Before School: If a student will be absent from the morning program, no phone call is required.

After School: If a student will be absent from the after-school program, the site phone number listed on page one must be called. If Saber Connection staff are not notified, staff will contact families to confirm the absence and/or verify non-attendance, and a $5 finder’s fee may be assessed. Reporting absences to the school attendance line or sending a note to a teacher is not sufficient, as this information is not relayed to Saber Connection.

Non-School Days: If a student will be absent on a scheduled non-school day or will arrive after 9:00AM, the site where the student is attending must be contacted.

Late Pick-Up Procedures: Saber Connection closes promptly at 6:00PM. Late pick-up procedures are as follows:

• A late fee of $1.00 per minute per child (up to a maximum of $60.00 per child per day) is assessed beginning at 6:00PM, based on the electronic sign-in/out system.
• If a parent/guardian has not made contact by 6:15PM, emergency contacts will be called.
• If no contact is made with a parent/guardian or emergency contact by 7:00PM, the Shakopee Police Department will be notified.

Unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather, may occur. In these situations, the site should be notified as soon as possible to arrange an alternate pick-up. Repeated late pick-ups may result in termination of the contract.

Saber Connection is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings. Students are encouraged to leave toys and other personal items at home. Occasionally, special days may be designated when certain items are permitted; families should check with the site for details regarding these occasions.

Each site maintains a lost and found area. Families should consult the Site Coordinator for the location of lost and found items at their site.

Safety is always a top priority for any school district as it directly impacts the well-being and success of students, teachers, staff and the greater community. 

Click here for a full overview of the district's Safety & Security measures that also apply to Saber Connection.

Emergency Care: If a student is involved in an emergency situation, staff will call 911 first and administer first aid as needed. A parent/guardian or an alternate listed on the child’s account will be contacted as soon as possible. The emergency response personnel will evaluate needs and/or treatment, which may include transport to a medical facility per their agency protocols. The parent/guardian will be responsible for all charges for medical care. Program staff are not authorized to transport children in personal vehicles.

Data Privacy: Saber Connection complies with state and federal data privacy laws and school district policy. Information gathered from registration and medical forms is shared with Saber Connection staff. Information regarding families who are funded by child care assistance is shared with the County Child Care Assistance Program.

Weapons & General Safety Policies: In accordance with school district policy, Saber Connection takes a zero tolerance position on the possession, use or distribution of weapons, toy weapons or pretend weapons of any kind.

Please click here for a full list of district policies.

Shakopee Public Schools and Saber Connection are committed to providing an environment in which students can thrive. Students should not attend Saber Connection if any of the following symptoms are present:

• Fever of 100 degrees or higher
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• An undiagnosed rash or a rash related to a contagious illness
• Any open, inflamed, or draining skin sores, eyes or ears
• Severe cold or sore throat
• Inability to participate in routine activities

If a student becomes ill while at Saber Connection, the student will be isolated with appropriate supervision, and the parent/guardian listed on the student’s account will be contacted for immediate pick up. If a parent/guardian cannot be reached, emergency contacts listed on the account will be notified.

Communicable Diseases: Saber Connection must be notified if a student develops a communicable disease. Information regarding confirmed contagious diseases will be posted at the site on the same day notification is received to inform parent/guardians of potential exposure.

Injuries: Saber Connection maintains a safe environment, and staff are trained in basic first aid and CPR. If a student is injured, staff will provide immediate first aid. For minor injuries requiring first aid, parent/guardian notification will occur at pick up. For serious injuries that may require medical attention, parent/guardian will be contacted immediately to arrange pick up. Emergency contact information must be completed during registration and kept current.

Immunizations: Saber Connection must maintain or have access to documentation of each student’s current immunization status or applicable exemption prior to the first day of attendance.

Medication & Special Health Conditions: Saber Connection staff may administer medication in accordance with prescriber orders and parent/guardian authorization. Medications requiring specialized training or outside program scope may require administration by a parent/guardian or may result in delayed care until appropriate plans are in place.

Saber Connection does not have a licensed nurse on site during program hours. Staff do not administer or oversee over-the-counter medications, prescribed medications or life-saving emergency medications beyond established procedures. Medication stored in school health offices is not accessible to Saber Connection staff. Medication may not be transferred between Saber Connection and school health offices or between program sites, including seasonal site changes and non-school-day combinations.

Medication Administration Requirements: Medication may be administered only when all requirements are met:

• A completed medical authorization form signed by both parent/guardian and physician is on file.
• Over-the-counter medication is provided in the original container, labeled with the student’s first and last name, and administered according to manufacturer instructions only.
• Prescription medication is provided in the original pharmacy-labeled container and labeled specifically for Saber Connection.
• Staff are informed of possible side effects.
• Expired medication is not permitted and will not be administered.
• Medication will not be crushed, cut or altered.
• Unused medication will be returned to the parent/guardian or properly disposed of.
• Medication must be transported between sites by the parent/guardian; Saber Connection does not transport student medication.

Special Health Conditions: Parent/guardian responsibility includes informing Saber Connection at enrollment, or as needed, of any special health conditions (including but not limited to asthma, severe allergies, diabetes, seizures or heart conditions) to ensure appropriate care. Students with chronic health conditions require an Emergency Action Plan completed by a healthcare provider.

Students authorized to self-carry emergency medication are not permitted to do so during program hours. Emergency medications are stored securely and remain readily accessible to staff.

Allergy Information: During registration, parent/guardian must complete allergy documentation, including details of the allergy, avoidance strategies, symptoms of reaction and required response procedures.

Daily Activities: Children’s play is often active and messy. Students should be dressed in comfortable clothing suitable for active play, including running and climbing shoes. Outdoor play is an important component of children’s developmental learning, health and well-being. Students should be prepared to go outside daily. Staff assess weather conditions to determine outdoor activity participation. If a student is unable to participate in outdoor activities due to a health condition, staff should be notified.

Afternoon Snack: A light afternoon snack is provided as part of tuition. Participation is optional. Food allergies or sensitivities should be communicated to the Site Coordinator and documented in registration materials. For the safety and inclusivity of all students, celebratory or seasonal treats (store-bought or homemade) should not be sent; see below for more information.

Holidays and Celebrations: Saber Connection does not formally sponsor or host holiday or birthday celebrations. Student identity and belonging are supported through opportunities to share traditions and cultural experiences with staff and peers. Families are asked to refrain from sending desserts, snacks, treats or tokens for celebrations.

Pets/Animals in the Program: Pets or animals may be limited within the program. If pets or animals are present, families will be notified in advance when possible.

Electronic Devices: Students are issued district devices for academic use. Personal electronic devices brought from home must be turned off, stored in backpacks, and not used during Saber Connection. Saber Connection is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal items. It is recommended that personal devices remain at home. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to: iPads, laptops, cell phones, e-readers, tablets, headphones, earbuds and AirPods. Electronic devices are prohibited in bathrooms at all times.

Field Trips: Enrollment in Saber Connection includes permission for participation in off-site field trips. Families will be notified in advance of all field trips, including those occurring on non-school days. Transportation is provided through the district; occasional walking trips may occur. Field trip costs are included in program fees. Students are expected to attend field trips as alternative care is not available. Emergency and medical procedures remain in effect during all trips. Pick-up or drop-off at field trip locations is not permitted.

Neighboring Property: Each Saber Connection site is part of a neighborhood community. Respect for neighboring properties, including homes, yards, vehicles and businesses, is required. Trespassing on private or business property is not permitted.

Behavior Management: Positive behavior is supported through clear, consistent expectations and positive staff interactions. In cases of inappropriate behavior, collaboration with parent/guardians and school staff is utilized. If a pattern of ongoing inappropriate behavior occurs, program placement may be reviewed to determine appropriate supports. In the case of suspension, a meeting with parent/guardian, student (when appropriate) and staff is required prior to return. Tuition credits or refunds are not provided for suspensions.