Participant Behavior Guidelines
In order to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment, Park District staff enforces a strict discipline policy designed to preserve a healthy program experience for all concerned. Behaviors which endanger the safety and security of the child or others may result in skipped steps and/or suspension from the program. The following infractions will constitute the use of the discipline procedures listed below. This list is not inclusive of all possible offenses:
Harming one’s self, such as, but not limited to:
- Leaving designated grounds and/or group without permission
- Physical damage to self
- Possession, use or transfer of alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco products including matches and lighters
Harming others, such as, but not limited to:
- Fighting and/or other aggressive behavior
- Throwing objects
- Possession or use of weapons: knives, glass, sharp objects, etc.
- Hitting or kicking others
- Verbal abuse and/or profanity
- Endangering the safety of others
- Exposure of private areas to others
Damage of property:
Note: Parent/guardian will be responsible for ANY damage caused by his/her participant.
- Vandalism
- Tantrums resulting in damage to property
- Breaking, damaging or destroying property
- Theft – taking any item that does not belong to the child
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
If a child has trouble following the participant behavior guidelines, the following discipline procedures will take effect. There will be NO REFUNDS for missed days due to disciplinary infractions.
If a child displays an offensive behavior, the following steps will be taken:
- Removing the child from the incident or activity, talk with them about the situation, behavior redirection and choices made. “Time out” or removing child from activity for a cool down time followed by discussion with staff to be sure the child understands the unacceptable behavior and what would be a better choice.
- Parents will be informed of a situation if the problem is repeated, involves disrespect and/or violence or anger.
If offensive behavior continues after the time-out; the following will occur:
- 1st Offense: A Participant Behavior Report will be written and must be acknowledged and signed by the parent/guardian and the participant at pick-up time.
- 2nd Offense: The participant will be suspended for one day. The suspension will be in effect the first day following the offense. The supervisor will notify the parent/guardian.
- 3rd Offense: The participant will be suspended for three days. The suspension will be in effect the first day following the offense. The supervisor will notify the parent/guardian and schedule a conference to discuss behavior management and whether the child can meet participant expectations with or without accommodations.
- 4th Offense: The participant will be suspended for one week. The suspension will be in effect the first day following the offense. The supervisor will notify the parent/guardian and schedule a conference to discuss behavior management and whether the child can meet participant expectations with or without accommodations.
- 5th Offense: The participant will be dismissed from the remainder of the program. The supervisor will notify the parent/guardian.