|
 GENERAL INFORMATION
What is the Mad Science After-School Science Enrichment Program?
Mad Science Afterschool Programs are designed to offer exciting fun hands-on science activities within a structured, encouraging environment. Your child will explore a variety of science topics. We use an inquiry-based technique that allows even the youngest participant to enjoy learning. Children will take a project home every week that correlates to the class objectives.
How long has Mad Science been doing these programs?
Mad Science has been offering programs in Cincinnati since January of 2002. Mad Science of Cincinnati is a franchise of The Mad Science Group, headquartered in Montreal, Canada. There are over 200 Mad Science franchises all over the world. The Mad Science Group has been providing high-quality Mad Science programs for over 24 years.
OUR STAFF
Who are the Mad Science instructors?
We have assembled a staff of instructors with the best interests of your child at heart. They come from a variety of backgrounds, but all have several things in common, including:
- a true affinity for working with children!
- thorough training in using the equipment
- knowledge, passion and interest in science
- lots of experience working with groups of children
- safety training for any chemicals used in class
- a recent criminal background check
PROGRAM AGES/GRADES
What ages are the classes designed for?
Our classes are appropriate for grades 1-6 and we do have special Kindergarten only classes!
Are different aged children all in the same class?
Sometimes, for many of the activities, the children work in small groups. We believe that working cooperatively and with others of different abilities/strengths is indicative of science as a profession and beneficial for all students. Additionally we do have "K" only programs available and we can suggest alternate programs If your child prefers independent work and does not enjoy being with children of mixed ages.
Do you confirm that we are registered for a program?
Afterschool program participants receive an email reminder, if an email address was not provided you will receive a phone call.
CLASS CONTENT
My child has taken a Mad Science club before. Will it be the same classes?
Not always. We strive to keep our programs current and exiting. Each registration form contains class descriptions, and often new topics are added. We have had a lot of children take a particular program twice and still enjoy it the second time. Remember that a different instructor and group of children will be a new dynamic that may change the focus of what is covered.
My child went to a Mad Science birthday party AND/OR camp. Will it be the same content they've already seen?
No, we keep each area of Mad Science programming separate. Birthday parties and camps are completely different from our After-School programs. In fact, lots of children take the After-School program, and then decide to have a Mad Science birthday party because they've had so much fun. This, of course, is highly encouraged!
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
Does Mad Science have a specific discipline policy?
Mad Science strives at all times to provide fun and safe science activities for all children participating in our classes. To fulfill this commitment, we ask that all children enrolled adhere to basic behavioral guidelines. Our instructors set clear boundaries and expectations as to appropriate conduct and we will hold all students to these expectations. We stress at the beginning of each class that school rules are still in effect. We ask your cooperation should any parent be notified of discipline problems.
It is our intention to provide children with, not deprive them of, exciting and fun science. It is only when a child interrupts this positive learning environment that we would take any such action. Only children with a sincere interest in our programs and the necessary maturity to handle a one-hour after-school experience are encouraged to enroll. For specific questions about our behavior policy, please call our office (513) 793-6784 .
GETTING TO/FROM OUR PROGRAM
How will my child find the program after school?
Our Instructors have a complete class roster, including children's names and their classroom teacher names. The school is also provided with this information. In most cases, an announcement is made at the end of the day, directing children to the proper room. If your child does not come to class, we will try and notify the school office if time and circumstances permit. We encourage you to send a note to your child's teacher letting them know that your child will be in our After-School Program.
What if my child forgets to come to class?
Please be aware that is it ultimately the responsibility of the child and his/her family to ensure attendance at Mad Science class. After-school dismissal time is often hectic and very busy, and it is not always possible for the Mad Scientist to ask school personnel to aid in tracking down children. It is important to note that the Instructor must attend to the other children in class, and cannot spend class time tracking down children who are absent for reasons we may not have been made aware of (illness, other obligations, etc.)
If your child will be absent from school, we ask that you call the Mad Science office ahead of time so that the Instructor can be notified not to expect your child on that day.
Why do I have to sign my child out from your program?
We require the responsible party listed on your child's registration form to sign them out of our program for each and every class. Please be patient at pick up time, the sign out is for your child's safety. If your child is to be picked up by a neighbor, grandparent or friend, please be sure to send a note to the Mad Science instructor on that day.
What if I’m late picking my child up from Mad Science?
The classes are for 60 minutes each week. Your child needs to be picked up promptly after each class. While we do realize circumstances can arise that may cause a delay, children become upset when their rides home are late. At no time will your child be left alone if pickup is delayed. But be aware that the school office personnel are often gone from the building when our programs end, so it is our Instructor who is with your child until you arrive. Please be considerate of the fact that many of our Instructors are parents, too, and need to get to their own children at a specific time.
| 
