Information for Parents
How can my child enroll in a Project Enrich Mini Course?
In order to enroll, your child's school district has to participate with BOCES Enrichment Resource Center. Please call 518-581-3585 to see if your district participates.
How many students are in each class?
Classes generally have 12 - 15 students. Classes with higher enrollment have an aide or a second instructor assigned to them.
How will my child get to the enrichment program if it is not offered at his/her school?
Most districts transport students to Project Enrich by bus. Some districts provide transportation to the course, but ask parents to pick their children up at the end of the course. Other districts ask parents to transport both ways. You will receive a letter from your child's district informing you of transportation arrangements.
Who teaches Project Enrich Mini Courses?
Project Enrich instructors come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are teachers at BOCES or in local school districts. Others are members of the community – artists, retired teachers, college professors, and business people with enthusiasm for a topic, a love of children, and a desire to share their knowledge.
Can my child request that s/he be assigned to the same course as his or her friend?
We do not take requests of this nature, however, if your child selects courses in the same preference order as his or her friend and both registrations are faxed together to BOCES on the same day, there is a fairly good chance they will end up in the same course together.
Are children with health problems allowed to attend?
Absolutely. We ask parents to share relevant health information with us on the registration form so that we can make proper accommodations. Please note, most of our programs do not have a nurse on location.
Will my child be able to have a snack, since the program takes place after school?
Yes, students may bring a peanut free snack. Please be mindful of food allergies.
Does my child have to attend every week, or can they skip a week or two?
We encourage children to attend Project Enrich every week. The only legitimate reason for absence is illness. If your child already has commitments after school on Project Enrich days, we would discourage you from taking on a Project Enrich course.
If my child doesn't like his or her course, can s/he switch to another course?
We do not require children to complete courses they do not find worthwhile. If there are any openings available in other courses, we make those available to any child who is unhappy, but realistically, openings in other courses are few as most are filled to capacity.
How do you handle disruptive children?
If a teacher reports that a child is disrupting the class, BOCES staff will speak with the child to see what can be done to help resolve whatever is bothering the child. If the child's behavior is dangerous to himself or herself or others, or if inappropriate language is used and the child does not stop when told, a call will be made to the principal of the child's school and the parent of the child. The child may be removed from class if behavior does not improve.
What if my child gets confused at dismissal time and misses the bus? Or if I have an emergency and can't make it on time to pick up my child?
Our staff stays at the Project Enrich location until the last child is picked up. We will call you and your child's school to let you know the child is safe with us. If you need to reach us, please call the onsite administrator on location.
If the weather is bad, how will I know if the course is canceled?
If the BOCES site is closed (or closing) due to inclement weather, the Project Enrich Mini Courses will be canceled. Cancellations will be posted on TV news and radio stations. Your child's school district may decide against transporting students to the Mini Courses even if the BOCES sites are open, so please check with your district to be sure or call 518-581-3585.