P.R.O. Kids How it Works
GUIDELINES FOR THE APPLICATION PROCESS
- Applications are processed as they are received: no one gets preferential treatment.
- P.R.O. Kids allows children to access one activity each season.
- The service is for children/teens who are not currently participating in other paid recreation programs. It is not intended to supplement participation in more than one activity at a time.
- The parent/guardian or youth is responsible for registering directly with the identified partner organization once P.R.O. Kids has linked them. This could mean phoning the partner contact person; signing up on registration day; or filling in forms – it will vary from program to program.
- The parent/guardian is responsible for ensuring that the child attends the program. If transportation or equipment is an issue, encourage them to contact P.R.O. Kids for assistance.
- If, for some reason, the child can no longer participate, the parent/guardian must contact the program through a P.R.O. Kids Coordinator, so the space can be filled by another child.
- If the parent/teen encounters any problem with the program, they are responsible for contacting P.R.O. Kids: a Coordinator will resolve it.
FROM INTEREST TO PLACEMENT
There are three ways that a child can gain access to recreation through P.R.O. Kids:
1. Direct Application through P.R.O Kids
2. Direct Agency Referral
3. Access through Partner Organization or personal reference
1. Direct Application through P.R.O Kids
Parent/teen contacts the Parks & Recreation Department. If unfamiliar with P.R.O. Kids, the coordinator describes the service and encourages the candidate to consider which recreation activity they would like to become involved with. Application is sent.
Parent/teen returns the completed application and the coordinator date stamps it immediately.
Coordinator contacts the applicant directly to discuss the activity and placement in the activity. Some activities have specific criteria- parental fund-raising and/or equipment requirements- and the coordinator will notify the applicant of these.
Coordinator calls reference to verify need.
Coordinator informs partner organization that P.R.O. Kids spot has been filled and gives the participant’s name, age and telephone number as well as the name of the parent/guardian.
Coordinator calls the parent / guardian to inform them of the placement and to remind them to contact the program for direct registration – P.R.O. Kids does NOT register participants, they must do it themselves.
2. Direct Agency Referral
Agency in the community discusses P.R.O. Kids with family or teen and contacts the P.R.O. Kids coordinators for information on behalf of the family. Coordinator sends application to the agency. In this case the agency representative acts as the reference.
Agency representative assists the family/teen to complete the application and returns it to the coordinator who date stamps it immediately.
Coordinator contacts the applicant directly to discuss the activity and placement in the activity. Some activities have specific criteria- parental fund-raising and/or equipment requirements- and the coordinator will notify the applicant of these.
Coordinator calls reference to verify need.
Coordinator informs partner organization that P.R.O. Kids spot has been filled and gives the participant’s name, age and telephone number as well as the name of the parent/guardian.
Coordinator calls the parent / guardian to inform them of the placement and to remind them to contact the program for direct registration – P.R.O. Kids does NOT register participants, they must do it themselves.
3. Access through Partner Organization or personal reference
Organization/individual contacts Coordinators with information about a child/youth who could benefit from accessing recreation programs. They agree to serve as the reference. Coordinators send an application to the contact person.
Organization/individual help the applicant complete the application and returns it to the coordinator who date stamps it immediately.
Coordinator contacts the applicant directly to discuss the activity and placement in the activity. Some activities have specific criteria- parental fund-raising and/or equipment requirements- and the coordinator will notify the applicant of these.
Coordinator calls reference to verify need.
Coordinator informs partner organization that P.R.O. Kids spot has been filled and gives the participant’s name, age and telephone number as well as the name of the parent/guardian.
Coordinator calls the parent / guardian to inform them of the placement and to remind them to contact the program for direct registration – P.R.O. Kids does NOT register participants, they must do it themselves.
POLICY: Long Term (Annual) Placements
- Programs such as Hockey, Martial Arts, Music Lessons and Dance require long-term commitment over the span of many months.
- Applicants must re-apply to P.R.O. Kids at intervals that correspond with the partner organization’s registration requirements.
- Applicants will be assessed on an individual basis, taking the following into consideration.
- The impact of removing a child from an activity that they have been involved in, recognizing that this can be more damaging than not having the opportunity at all.
- The effect the program has had on the child up until the point of re-application.
- P.R.O. Kids will consult with the partner organization with regards to the impact the program has had on the child.
- P.R.O. Kids will consult with the parent or youth involved in the program to help determine the impact on the program.
- A financial contribution towards the registration fee will be encouraged.
- Applications will be considered on a first come first served basis.
POLICY: Seasonal Applications
Applications can be considered one season ahead in order to ensure that information provided is current. References must be provided on each application.
Season Key Distribution Applications Accepted
Spring March (early) March 1st
Summer May (early) April 1st
Fall August (mid) August 1st
Winter December (early) November 15th
| 
