Summer Discovery FAQ
What will my child do in a Summer Discovery class?
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Discovery)
Summer Discovery is a unique, fun, hands-on learning experience! Each class follows its particular theme and uses a variety of age-appropriate methods to stimulate the learning process, including behind-the-scenes zoo tours, games, stories, music, hands-on activities, craft activities and more. Parent letters/updates are sent first and last days of the session to keep you informed of your child’s activities, and special projects are often brought home many days. Every student 6th grade and younger participates in a fabric painting project (you provide the fabric item, we provide the paint and fun) to capture a wonderful memory of their zoo class!
What’s new this summer?
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Discovery)
This summer promises several exciting updates to our popular program, many based on survey suggestions gathered from past participants and parents. We are continuing to offer programs in five classrooms each day and will also offer multiple program options to fit your schedule - four-day & five-day half-day programs; two-day extended day sessions; and the Overnight Adventures. You’ll also find all new classes for most of our age groups, and new themed Overnight options as well. It’s going to be a great summer!!!
Which class is right for my child?
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Discovery)
We provide classes for ages 3 years to kids entering 8th grade, and most of the age groups have several themes/topics choices. Every class will be a fun and unique learning experience that utilizes the zoo setting, but we suggest you keep the answers to the remaining questions in mind when preparing to enroll your child.
Can my child attend programs for older students?
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Discovery)
No. Students will be strictly limited to classes for their grade level. Three and four year olds must be that age by the first day of class. Proof of age for ALL 3 year olds and 4-K classes MUST be provided within five days of online registration or included with printed registration, if your child is new to the program. On-line registrants may mail, fax or deliver proof of age documentation to the Zoo Administration Office. Please do not send original documents - copies only! Accepted documents include birth certificates, passports, baptismal certificates, signed Doctor’s immunization record, etc. Call 616-336-4310 if you have questions about proof of age requirements.
Can my child attend if s/he is still using diapers or pull-ups?
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Discovery)
All students must be self-sufficient in the bathroom; diapers are not permitted.
Can you accommodate children with special needs?
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Discovery)
John Ball Zoo will make reasonable accommodation for students with special needs such as physical, academic, and social. This includes allergies, medical conditions, medicines, etc. John Ball Zoo will make reasonable accommodation for students with special needs to attend class. Any information given is kept strictly confidential. Please note that the zoo does not employ specific individuals solely to handle special needs children, and some areas of our facility utilized in this program are not fully accessible. Please notify us of your child’s special needs as far in advance as possible to allow us to best prepare a quality experience for your child. Children are expected to function well in a 2:16 teacher to student ratio (2:10 for 3 years olds). Any student who poses a safety hazard to themselves or others will be dismissed from the program.
What kind of supervision will my child have during class?
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Discovery)
We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment that features excellent supervision. The emotional and physical well being of each child is a responsibility we take seriously. Each class of 16 children (10 for 3 year olds) has their own room with a qualified instructor and at least one educational aide—and class sizes are strictly limited. You can expect your child to have a safe and fun learning experience!
Can I stay with my child during class?
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Discovery)
Due to space limitations and class design, it is best if parents/guardians separate from their child at the drop-off location. Most children, while perhaps experiencing a brief moment of anxiety, overcome their fears and participate more quickly without a parent present. If you think your child cannot remain in class without you after a few minutes, please consider waiting another year.
Do you provide snacks?
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Discovery)
A small snack and drink are provided each day for all 3 year old and 4-K classes. We ask that you do not send a snack with your child unless medical/special needs warrant. All classes take frequent drinking fountain & bathroom breaks, but students may also bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. During the 2-day classes, a supervised lunch time is included with registration but lunches are not. You can pack your own lunch or pre-purchase a lunch from the zoo. A lunch order form is included in your confirmation packet when you register for 2-day classes.
How can I get my child into the class s/he wants?
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Discovery)
Enrollment is limited and classes fill quickly! John Ball Zoo Society Members are allowed to register for classes two weeks before non-Members, and receive a discounted class fee. We suggest you register as early as possible to provide the best chance at securing a spot for your child. JBZ Society Member registration begins March 30th, non-Member registration begins April 13th. To register online and take advantage of early registration/member pricing, you must have a current zoo membership or purchase your membership by March 17, 2010.
Can I register my child for multiple classes?
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Discovery)
Due to the popularity of this program, we do limit each child to no more than 3 classes per summer. While we appreciate your enthusiasm and support for our program, we feel this allows more children to have a chance to participate.
How can I register more than one child for the same class/same week?
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Discovery)
Only a parent or legal guardian can register their child. Using online registration, you can simply select from those classes that are still available for a schedule that works for you. If you are using the printed registration, make sure all the children’s registrations are enclosed in the same envelope, and use the “notes/needs” area to specify your wishes for joint scheduling. Please note that non-Members wishing to come with a Member must wait until the April 12th registration date.
Can I get my child on a waiting list if a class is full?
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Discovery)
Yes. There is no charge to sign up on a waiting list. All classes maintain a waiting list, and while there is no guarantee an opening for your child will become available, we do encourage you to add your child’s name. We will notify you as quickly as possible if such an opening occurs. If classes are full you can register for a wait list online, or check the wait list box on the printed form and we will add your child’s name to it if all of their choices are unavailable.
When will my child’s registration be confirmed?
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Discovery)
Confirmations will be processed beginning April 20th. Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing. Confirmations are emailed if an email address is provided with registration, otherwise it will be sent via USPS. Email confirmations returned as undeliverable will be sent via USPS.
What happens if I am late for class?
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Discovery)
Being on time for arrival and pick-up is expected and appreciated. We are
unable to provide child care before or after classes (this includes the
mid-day break between morning and afternoon classes).
Four-day classes and five-day classes are offered either in the morning
from 9 – 11:30 AM or the afternoon from 1 – 3:30 PM. Two-day
classes meet from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
What if I have to cancel or change my child’s registration?
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Discovery)
In the event you must cancel, money will be refunded (less a $10 processing
fee) ONLY with at least 2 weeks notice. Changes in registration must be
made in writing and emailed, faxed, dropped off at the Zoo Administration
Office during normal business hours (M-F, 8AM-5PM), or mailed.
Mail: John Ball Zoo Fax: (616) 336-3907
Attn: Summer Discovery Email: Kathy.kemp@kentcountymi.gov
1300 West Fulton St
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Who do I contact if I experience any problems or have questions about
registering on-line?
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Discovery)
Please call the accessKent Help Desk at (616) 632-6521 for concerns regarding the on-line registration process. The Help Desk is staffed Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm except holidays. You can also submit an email to them [www.accesskent.com/OnlineServices/helpdesk.htm]. We value your patience and input as we continue to tweak and improve the online process! Our goal is to provide a clear, concise and overall user-friendly experience, while continuing our commitment to superior customer service.
Who do I contact if I have questions regarding the Summer Discovery program?
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Discovery)
You can call the Zoo’s Education Office at (616) 336-4310 (Monday-Thursday,
from 8 am – 3 pm), or the Zoo’s Administration Office at (616)
336-4332 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm,
except holidays).
