Frequently Asked Questions 

How much does it cost to participate in Open Doors?

The annual fee is based on a sliding fee scale.  The scale ranges from $100 to $600 for the year, and is based on the household income. Each family is evaluated when they submit their application. The annual fee is paid in four quarterly installments (September 1st, October 1st, January 1st, and April 1st).

Does the program have a religious component? 

Open Doors is a secular program that does not implement religious curriculum.  All faiths, beliefs, and religions are welcome into the program. 

Is there priority given to returning students and upcoming siblings?

Current students and siblings of current and prior students shall be considered first for admission and will be given an opportunity to register for a set period of time before the surrounding community.  Priority Registration begins May 1st and ends June 15th.

How do I register my child to participate in Open Doors?

Open registration for new families will take place after the priority registration date. Families may still request applications for registration, however, they will not be considered until after the priority registration closes.  Applications are considered on as come basis. Parents will be notified of their child's status prior to the start of the school year.  After the start of the school year, if a space open ups, then students on the wait list will be enrolled into the program.  Due to the program objectives and program funding, priority may be given to families with a low to moderate household income, depending on the current make up of the program. Registration information is  posted at Roxboro Middle School, Roxboro Elementary School, Fairfax Elementary School, and Coventry Elementary School throughout the school year. The formal registration process begins in June, with new parent interviews in the beginning of August, and the orientation meetings the week before the program starts.  Applications are accepted throughout the year, however, formal registration processes do not begin until June.

What are the days and operations for Open Doors?

Open Doors consists of five sessions per week (Monday through Friday) from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. The center observes the following breaks and holidays: Winter Break, Spring Break, Summer Break, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Break, and Good Friday. In addition, the center operates only when Roxboro Middle School is in session. Therefore, professional teacher days, snow days, or other emergency days when school is not in session, Open Doors will be closed.

How many staff supervise the students?

Currently Open Doors has 14 staff members at each site for up to 50 youth. The current staff to child ratio is 1:4. Open Doors will not exceed the state required ratio of 1:20 (1 staff member to every 20 students), however, because we desire to proved a higher level of quality care we will strive to maintain a smaller ratio whenever possible.

What is the Resiliency Model?

Resiliency is defined as the ability to bounce back. The resiliency model is a nationally recognized strength based model that encourages opportunities for youth to be given clear and consistent boundaries, high expectations, and caring relationships. These opportunities give youth the tools they need to bounce back from the areas of stress and to further develop their areas of strength.

Are there any activities planned on the weekends for the kids?

Occasionally we have events on the weekend, especially family enrichment events.  Each year we host a family fall harvest, a trip to an Indian's Game, a spring cookout, and a holiday dinner.  We also spend the night at the Science Center in February, and go camping in the fall!

What is the deadline for students to register for Open Doors

There is no deadline for registration, however, spaces fill quickly and the program is usually full by September.  If you have a child who is in 5th grade, you can register them for the program as early as October of their 5th grade year in order to save a space for them the following year.

How do the students of Open Doors stay engaged in the program after graduation?

Open Doors offers an monthly alumni program and a Volunteer In Training (VIT) program that provides training and mentoring freshman and sophomore year.  Students can then return as volunteers their Junior and Senior Year.

What type of snacks are provided to the children?

Open Doors follows the guidelines established by the Ohio Department of Education's Child Nutrition Services.  Every snack consists of at least two (2) food groups, usually a fruit or vegetable, and a carbohydrate.  All snacks are accompanied by either milk or 100% Juice.

Why was Open Doors originally opened?

The program was started in response to Roxboro Middle School students lingering on church property, shouting obscenities, and engaging in vandalism. Further inspection determined that most of the children were walking to unsupervised and unstructured homes. In response to these concerns the church came together and opened its doors to the youth of Cleveland Heights. 

Can my child attend Open Doors if he or she attends a middle school other than Roxboro?

At the current time, Open Doors is only available to students at Roxboro Middle School.  It is the hope of the organization to expand it's services to other middle school youth and families in the future.