Frequently Asked Questions
Why a sliding scale of fees?
The Club has entered a partnership with LTUSD on a State grant and the grant requires that low-income families, children in foster care and homeless children are free. It also requires a sliding scale of fees for other income brackets. The Club works hard on fundraising to keep costs low for all members.
Do you still offer scholarships?
Yes, we still have scholarships available to cover the cost of camps, special activities and membership fees if you do not qualify for the free or reduced rates. To apply for a scholarship contact membership@bgclt.org and be aware that will be required to provide proof of both monthly income and expenditure.
What is Band?
BAND is our method of contacting parents with important information – from snow days, to closures, to sign up opportunities. Information about BAND is included with the Club application packet and parents MUST sign up themselves using the code provided. We will NOT call or email individual families.
I don’t have a regular income – how do I know what income bracket I am?
Please make your best estimate for your annual income, including high and low earning months. As this is a State Grant, we may be audited and at that time you may be asked to provide proof of income via tax return statements. If you have earned significantly more than you originally stated, you will be asked to pay the difference.
I am divorced, can I just use my income?
We require you to report the combined income of both parents, especially if both parents will be using Club services. If the other parent is absent but provides child support, you should include that in your annual income.
If you have remarried and your new partner contributes to the family support, please place yourself in whichever is the highest income bracket – you plus new partner or you plus the other parent.
My child is at the Magnet School but wants to attend at the Angel of Tahoe Building.
Due to the new neighborhood zone for LTESMS there is no longer a dedicated bus bringing members from Magnet to the Club building and the LTUSD loop bus does not go to our building. Magnet students will attend the afterschool program at their school. This also allows us to maximize space at the main Club building for Tahoe Valley and Sierra House students.
My child is at Bijou Elementary but wants to attend at the Angel of Tahoe Building.
As Bijou is still accepting applicants from all neighborhoods, we understand that there will be a limited number of seats available on a bus dropping off at the Al Tahoe neighborhood, however, we are asking that those limited places are reserved for members with siblings at Tahoe Valley, Sierra House, STMS or STHS. Other exceptions will be considered upon request.
My child attends a school in a different district, why do I have to pay more?
The Club has a partnership with LTUSD that provides funding to make Club free or lower cost for most participants. That funding can only be applied to LTUSD students.
Why do I have to pay for a whole year?
Now that we have had an ‘almost’ normal school year we are returning to our practice of whole year memberships. This provides continuity for members, their families and our staff. The Club is also a membership organization and therefore we apply membership fees.
Can I get a refund if we don’t use our membership?
We only give refunds if a member moves outside of the Club service area. Proof of your move will be required (such as a mortgage or rental agreement in a different city). Refunds are provided pro rata.
What if we don’t use our membership?
The grants that enable us to provide free or low-cost services also requires regular attendance by members. If you have not attended for at least one day a week in the prior semester you will be asked to give up your membership so that another child can fully utilize that place. We have been on a waitlist for 6 years and many families rely on the Club in order to work. If you don’t think you will use the Club on a regular basis, please don’t apply for a place.
I am in a higher income bracket but still can’t afford the fees, what should I do?
You can apply for a Club scholarship that can assist with up to 50% of your cost, proof of income and expenditure will be required. You can also set up a payment plan to spread the cost of a period of weeks or months. Please contact membership@bgclt.org for more information.
What if I am put on the waitlist?
Bear with us! Staffing has been particularly challenging in the past year, and we are constantly seeking staff so we can absorb as many members as possible. If we don’t start the school year fully staff, we will keep hiring and for every additional hire that is another 20 members we can take.
But WE WILL CALL YOU when we have a place. We reach out as soon as we have a place that is in your child’s grade and at your child’s site and if you are next on the list. Calling us each week will not get a different answer and we promise that we are doing our best to employ more staff!
Why can’t you accept all applications?
Safety is our number 1 priority, and we will never take more members than staffing and space allows for a safe and quality experience. Our ratio is 20:1 for 1st through 12 grade and 10:1 for TK and Kinder.
How do you prioritize applicants?
Low-income families (those who qualify for free and reduced meals – app. less than $46,000 a year household income), children in foster care and children who are homeless receive priority and we always try to accommodate foster and homeless youth regardless of when they apply.
After that we prioritize essential workers, those who must be at their place of work in order to earn their living, and existing Club members.
However, we are always over subscribed for places and therefore being an essential worker or previous membership is not a guarantee.
Why do you have different closing times?
Our state grant provides for 3 hours of afterschool programs. As the Angel of Tahoe building serves STMS and STHS, we need a later finish time to accommodate them for 3 hours.
Why is Bijou now closing 30 minutes earlier?
We are funded for 3 hours of afterschool time. As the school is now starting earlier, Club is now starting early, and our three hours is over by 5:30pm.
The schools close early on Wednesdays – do you too?
No, we appreciate that for working parents a regular schedule is necessary and therefore we provide care for an additional hour on collaboration days.
What time do the summer camps start and end everyday?
They start at 10:00am and end at 4:00pm
What time are the drop off windows?
8-10am and 12-1am are drop off windows.
What should I make sure my kid has everyday?
Kids should bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, and other items to meet their basic needs throughout the day. You can also see this information on the document we provide parents with called “for the fridge.”