+ General

How do I purchase a COMO gift certificate?

• COMO gift certificates are available at the COMO office, open weekdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Please call 860.535.2476 or visit 28 Cutler Street, Stonington, CT 06378 and our office coordinator, Mischel, will be happy to assist you.

Can my child take the bus from school to the COMO?

• Children that attend Deans Mill, West Vine, and Stonington Middle may take the bus to the COMO Kids after school program at the COMO. You must indicate that your child will be taking the bus on the registration form and inform the bus company. COMO Staff will get your child off of the bus for COMO Kids. For enrichment programs that occur directly after school, and if your child is not enrolled in COMO Kids, please reach out to the COMO at 860-535-2476.

What is the difference between COMO Kids and School's Out!?

• COMO Kids is a state-licensed after school enrichment program, while School's Out! is a half or full-day curriculumn-based youth care program for care during school vacation days. COMO Kids is a tuition-based program and requires a COMO membership (though drop-in days are available). School's Out! is open to all in the community regardless of membership status.

Can my child enroll in athletic or STEAM programs if they are already enrolled in COMO Kids after school?

• Yes. You get 10% off the price of the STEAM or athletic programs that occur during COMO Kids programming. You may use the code "ADDPROGRAM10" to receive the discount when registering.

Do you offer a sibling discount?

• Yes. In an effort to make programming accessible to all, a 10% sibling disocunt is available for additional children enrolled in the same program and session. You may use the code "ADDSIBLING10" on enrichment and childcare programs when registering (not applicable to first child).

How do I know if program is cancelled?

• An email will be sent out notifying of any program cancellations.

Is there a charge for late pick-up?

• You will be charged $10 for the first 10 min and 1 dollar for each additional minute.

Are there any financial aid options?

• Yes. To learn more go to: https://www.thecomo.org/financial-aid

+ Summer Camp (Camp COMO)

What should I bring?

• Campers should bring a reusable water bottle, change of comfortable clothing and shoes, labeled bug spray and sunscreen, packed non-perishable lunch and snacks(peanut free), a towel and bathing suit for water play and beach days. All items should be carried in a lightweight backpack.

What is a typical day of activities?

• Every day is different and exciting at Camp COMO! Each day begins with a camp-wide meeting and activity or game to get the day started right. Campers then divide up into 3 main groups and all groups head out to explore the COMO campus. Each day may have different activities planned but every day campers are given the opportunity to play, adventure and create!

Do you have theme weeks?

• In lieu of themed weeks we invite campers and staff to take full advantage of the COMO campus which provides endless possibilities for play and exploration. Camp activites are implemented based on the interests of our campers and incorporate all aspects of the campus. Campers have built-in time for each area of the campus including; the beach, tennis courts, kitchen, stage, playground, the Children's Garden and more.

What are the scheduling options for Preschool Explorers?

• Families can register for Preschool Explorers on a monthly basis with flexibility in the different schedules you can choose.

What are drop off and pick up times?

• Half day (9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m.), full day (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) or extended day (7-9 a.m. or 4-6 p.m.). Children should be dropped off promptly at their scheduled times to not miss out on camp activities. If a child is arriving late to camp, parents are resposible for meeting the camper's group wherever they may be located on campus.

Where do I drop off and pick up my child?

• Drop off and pick up takes place in the foyer of the main building. Parents/guardians and campers will be greeted by a camp counselor for help with the drop off process. Parents/guardians should sign their camper in and out each day.

What if my child is enrolled in an athletic enrichment program during Camp?

• The Coach/instructor will walk your child from the fields or courts to the COMO and sign them in with the camp director.

What if my child is enrolled in an STEAM (pottery and makerspace) enrichment program during Camp?

• The instructor will walk your child from the pottery studio or makerspace to the COMO and sign them in with the camp director.

Are there discounts?

• If three or more weeks of full-day, 5-day care are purchased, you can receive a 10% discount with the promo code "3WEEKSSUMMER" during registration.

+ Preschool

Are there openings?

• Reach out to the Education Director to determine if there is space in the program. The COMO Preschool has an enrollment reservation waitlist started for the next two years.

How do I get on the waitlist?

• Click here to fill out one of the enrollment reservation waitlist forms.

Do I need to put down a deposit?

• A $100 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration to secure a space in the program.

How do I change my schedule?

• Schedule changes require written notice. A Permanent Change in Schedule formshould be filled out and submitted to the COMO main office. If adding days, approval from the Education Director is needed due to limited spaces.

Why am I being charged a registration fee?

• For preschool registration, in addition to the $100 deposit, a $35 activity fee is required at the time of registration to reserve a space in the program. The activity fee will show as a registration fee for the program and is applied directly to preschool activities in the classroom.

+ K-7 Child Care (COMO Kids)

How do I schedule a drop-in day?

• Drop-in care is dependent upon space availability in the given program. The Education Director must be contacted and payment submitted before enrollment is guaranteed.

How do I change my schedule?

• Schedule changes require written notice. A Permanent Change in Schedule form should be filled out and submitted to the COMO main office. If adding days, approval from the Education Director is needed due to limited spaces.

What happens if I pay for a drop-in day and my child is unable to attend?

• Please see Parent Handbook for refund policy.

How do I access the building for AM care?

• Families receive a key card for swipe access to the building.

Can my child participate in other enrichment programs, like athletics and STEAM, during their scheduled COMO Kids time?

• Children enrolled in COMO Kids that register for a COMO athletic or STEAM program, during their scheduled COMO Kids time, will be dropped off and picked up at the program by a COMO staff member. If arriving off the bus, students are met by program staff and dropped off to COMO Kids upon completion of the programming.

Why is June tuition the same amount even though school ends mid month?

• Monthly payments are averages based upon the full year’s tuition.

Is there a time for homework and/or homework help?

• Yes. COMO Kids implements a homework zone curriculum in after care to assist with homework.

+ Junior Leadership Program

Is the training week mandatory?

• Yes, unless otherwise approved by the Youth Program Administrator where special accomodations can be made for approved absenses.

How many volunteer hours are required?

• 20 hours during the summer session and 10 during the school year session.

How will my child get volunteer hours?

• Junior Leaders will sign up for volunteer hours, on a shared google spreadsheet, for shifts within the different departments at the COMO based on their interests.

How are volunteer hours tracked?

• Junior Leaders keep track of their volunteer hours using a shared google spreadsheet.

Do I need to submit a health form for my child to partcipate in the program?

• No, a health form is not required.

Where will my child be serving their hours?

• There are service initiatives and opportunities in the community as well as within the various COMO departments. Junior Leaders can volunteer in our child care programs, athletics, STEAM, thrift shop and more.

Does my teen need a permission slip or form to participate in off site volunteer events?

• No forms are required outside of initial registration.

+ K-8 Vacation Care (School's Out)

Is there a half day option?

• Yes. See the registration form for all scheduling options.

Where is the program held on campus?

• School's Out! participants utilize the entire COMO campus, from the gymnasium and the auditorium to the pottery studio and the COMO fields.

What topics are covered in the curriculum?

• School's Out! curriculum and activities incorporate the seasons in which the dates fall. Many of the lessons are science-based and build on what the children are learning in school.

Do children get outside time?

• Yes. Inclimate weather is the only deterrent to outdoor use.

+ Karate

Where is it located?

• Karate classes are held in the COMO main building at 28 Cutler Street.

Can my child take the bus?

• Karate classes begin between 4:15 and 6:30 p.m. Since the bus arrives prior to the karate class start time, your child must be registered in our COMO Kids after school program. COMO Staff will walk your child to karate.

How do I order a uniform?

• The instructor will provide information for uniform ordering, but typically suggests for your child to try the program first to be sure they will stick with it before ordering.

When can my child start?

• Karate at the COMO runs year-round. To give your child the best experience, your child must start at the beginning of the next upcoming month.

+ Soccer

What are the ages?

• The COMO offers programs for ages 2-12.

Can my child play in an age group above/below their birth year?

• Yes, we want them to be comfortable playing in whichever age group in which they are comfortable. If you are unsure, choose one and we can always make adjustments.

What are the practice times?

• Ages 3-6 will typically have two classes per week for a total of 8 classes in a month. We follow a 30 minutes of instruction followed by a 30 minute game model for each class. Times and days change depending on the season.
• Little Kickers is for ages 2+3 and children need to be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian on the field with them.

Where do we meet?

• Players should meet at Owens Field, which is the field with the parking lot and fence surrounding it.

What happens if it rains?

• In case of rain, practice will be moved inside the COMO gymnasium.

What should my child bring?

• Players should bring sneakers or cleats, water and shin guards. A ball is optional.

Do you have indoor soccer?

• Yes. Please check our program schedule for dates when indoor soccer is offered.

+ Tennis

What should my child bring?

• Equipment is provided but you are welcome to bring your own racket.

Where do we meet?

• Players should meet at the tennis courts, accross the street from the COMO. The instructor will be at the courts 10 minutes before program start time.

What happens if it rains?

• Sessions will be inside the COMO building if it rains. You will be notified by email if there is a cancellation.

What if I have questions about tennis clinics or private lessons?

• Please contact the COMO Racquet Pro, Jerry Albrikes at tennis@thecomo.org for more information on private lessons and small group clinics. In order to access the Racquet Pro, you will need an active tennis or racquet membership.

+ Basketball

What ages and programs do you have?

• We offer instructional basketball leagues for age 2 to grade 2, middle school basketball, as well as a travel league and rec league. We also offer private lessons and group lessons for ages 4-18.

Where is it held?

• Instructional Basketball, Skills and Drills and middle school programs are held in the COMO gym.

What should my child bring?

• Please bring sneakers and water. Balls will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

What is the travel basketball league?

• COMO Travel Basketball is held during the winter season and is designed for more advanced players seeking a higher level of competition and skill development. All COMO Travel Basketball teams are competitive, as part of the MetroWest Rhode Island Youth Basketball Association, with a maximum of 12 players per roster. Practices will be held twice per week, with league games played on Saturdays and Sundays and a playoff tournament.

Where is travel practice held?

• Practices may be held at one of the area schools or at the COMO, games will be played at various locations and require travel throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island.

What if I am unsure if my child is ready for the competitive level?

• Tryouts are held to determine the roster. All are welcome to tryout, but play time will be determined by skill, as this is a competitive league.

What is Rec basketball?

• Rec basketball is a partnership between the COMO and the Town of Stonington. Registration is through the Town of Stonington. Please contact the Town with any questions about the Rec league.

Can my child participate in both travel basketball and rec basketball?

• Players have the option to and are encouraged to play both rec basketball and travel basketball.

Are uniforms required?

• Uniforms are required for the travel league. The COMO will order uniforms. You can indicate sizes on the registration form.

+ Swim Lessons

Where are swim lessons held?

• Lessons are held at duBois Beach, Monday-Friday, during the summer months. Lesson times and days are scheduled with the instructor.

+ Youth Pottery

Where is the pottery studio?

• The studio is located in the main COMO building (28 Cutler Street). When looking at the front of the main building, the pottery studio entrance is on the left side. You may also enter through the COMO front doors and go through the gymnasium.

Can my child take the bus to classes?

• Yes, you must indicate on your registration form if your child will be taking the bus.

What is the process for my child to get to the studio?

• COMO staff will get your child off of the bus and bring them into the COMO building. The pottery instructor will meet your child in the lobby to bring them to class.

When can I pick up my child's work?

• You will recieve an email when work is ready to be picked up. This generally takes two weeks. Work can be picked up Monday through Friday from 9am to 4:30pm.

+ Adult Pottery

Where is the pottery studio?

• The studio is located in the main COMO building (28 Cutler Street). When looking at the front of the main building, the pottery studio entrance is on the left side.

When can I pick up my finished work?

• You will recieve an email when your work is ready to be picked up. This generally takes two weeks. Work can be picked up Monday through Friday from 9am to 4:30pm.

+ Independent Potters

What is the evaluation process for becoming an Independant?

• Prior to becoming an Independent Potter, the potter must pass an evaluation. The individual must show competence in the use of a variety of clay-forming techniques (use of the pottery wheel, hand-building, glazes), must demonstrate a good working knowledge of the studio (organization, machinery and equipment) and show an ability to carefully maintain the facilities. In addition, a cooperative and helpful community spirit is a welcome asset. An email expressing intent to pursue independent status should be written to STEAM Director, Victoria Witte, at v.witte@thecomo.org. The STEAM Director will coordinate an evaluation with one of our pottery instructors.

How do I schedule an evaluation to become an Independant Potter?

• Email STEAM Director, Victoria Witte, at v.witte@thecomo.org to schedule an evaluation.

What happens if I don't pass the evaluation?

• Don't worry! You can do another evaluation, but we suggest you take one of our pottery classes to hone in your skills.

+ Sip 'n' Spin

Where is Sip 'n'Spin?

• Sip 'n' Spin takes place in the COMO Pottery Studio inside the main COMO building (28 Cutler Street). When looking at the main building, the pottery studio entrance is on the left side.

When can I pick up my finished work?

• You will recieve an email when your work is ready to be picked up. This generally takes two weeks. Work can be picked up Monday through Friday from 9am to 4:30pm.

+ COVID-19 Childcare

Where does the COMO receive their guidance and guidelines for reopening?

• As a licensed childcare facility, the COMO has a long-standing partnership with the State of Connecticut and works closely with the Office of Early Childhood to implement and stay up-to-date on new and changing policies surrounding best practices to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. As a nationally accredited facility through NAEYC, the COMO also has access to NAEYC experts and resources directly relating to the early childhood field and best practices.

What if a child becomes sick while in the program?

• There will be an identified space, away from other children, for any child with an elevated temperature or who may be ill while in the program: a "sick room".

What is the COMO's Sick/Illness Policy?

• When determining your child’s overall well-being, ask yourself:

  • Can your child participate with reasonable comfort and receive adequate, appropriate care without interfering with the care of, or posing a threat to, the other children?

• Children and staff must stay home…

  • If they have a fever of 100.8 degrees auxiliary (arm pit) or 99.8 degrees orally. The child or staff needs to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.

  • If a child or staff has diarrhea he/she needs to stay home. If a child has two loose bowel movements at school or is frequenting the bathroom more than twice each hour you will be notified. The child or staff needs to be diarrhea free for twenty four hours prior to returning to our program.

  • If a child or staff has vomited then they need to stay home. If a child or staff vomits during the program they will need to go home and must be vomit free for twenty four hours.

  • If a child or staff has had an antibiotic prescribed and it has been administered for less than 24 hours.

  • If a child has any unidentified rash: In this instance a doctor’s note will be required prior to the child being allowed back in the program.

COVID-19

Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate based on their symptoms. They may return to normal activities when they are:

• fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications (e.g. ibuprofen, acetaminophen) AND
• Other symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours.

Upon return to normal activities, individuals should take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when they will be around other people indoors. If the individual develops a fever or starts to feel worse after they have gone back to normal activities, they should isolate again until the conditions to return to normal activities are met.

What are the COMO's cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing policies?

• The COMO follows cleaning and sanitizing procedures as outlined by NAEYC and the CDC. In effort to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, COMO staff will continue with and intensify current practices of cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing procedures. Staff will check-off, date, and initial the Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting Chart posted in each classroom on a daily basis.

What is the COMO's hand-washing policy?

• All staff and children will wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand-washing should occur: upon arrival to the program and before coming in contact with any other person; before and after eating; after sneezing, coughing or nose blowing; before handling food; after using the restroom; after touching or cleaning surfaces that may be contaminated; after using any shared equipment. All staff and children will continue to implement proper respiratory hygiene. Children and staff will cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the corner of their elbow.

Will hand sanitizer be available and used throughout the day?

• Hand sanitizer will be available for use. Information from the Centers for Disease Control states that handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Can my child bring in nap items from home?

• Families are encouraged to bring in nap bedding for their preschool-aged child. Children also may bring in a soft toy to be used as a comfort item while napping. The CDC recommends bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags) that can be easily washed. Each child’s bedding will be kept separate and will be sent home weekly.