Our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of the children attending the workshop. We’ve compiled this list of our safety measures, but if you have additional questions or concerns, please contact caroline@scandicenter.org.
Building safety
The building is outfitted with security cameras and there is a receptionist at the front door. Visitors are required to sign in; the public cannot freely enter the building. Most of our outdoor time will take place in the courtyard, which is fully enclosed and surrounded by windows from the building. The building is wheelchair accessible and air conditioned. Because we are connected to a living center, the bathrooms each have an emergency alert button. We receive both regular health inspections and fire safety inspections.
1:4 staff to student ratio, staff background checks
Supervision is a key component to safety, and our ratio of staff to students ensures that every child is seen and accounted for. This allows us to split off into small groups for focused interests or make sure that large groups are well-monitored. While we encourage close supervision and for each child to feel individually cared for, there will never be a situation where a staff member and a child are alone together. There will always be at least two students present with a staff member or, more rarely, two staff members with one student. If a child needs to have a private matter discussed with them (for example: anything concerning their medications, a call from home, etc.) this would be done within view, but not within earshot, of other kids and staff. We hold this policy out of an abundance of caution: every staff member will receive a CORI background check, but families can have extra peace of mind knowing your child will not at any point be alone with an adult.
Pick up and communication
When you enroll your child in the summer workshop, you will be asked to provide a list of adults who are permitted to pick up your child at the end of the day. If there is an unexpected change and someone else will be coming, please let us know. To match the adult doing the pickup to the list of permitted adults, the child can identify them, or they can provide a photo ID.
We will alert you of any concerns we have for your child or if there is any incident involving them during the day. Aside from that, we will provide weekly updates and photos for families, accessible via email.
Fire, medical events, and other emergencies
The SCC&L has been inspected and cleared for fire safety. On the first day of the workshop, we will go over what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency.
For minor medical events, such as a small cut or scrape, staff will be trained to administer basic first aid. For medical events that require a professional response, we will consult the nurse, or if it is an emergency, call 911. Staff will have access to phones at all times. Anything pertaining to your child’s health will be reported to you.
Medication and allergies
Please let us know of any allergies that your child has so that we can protect them from allergens. Everyone will be required to wash their hands before lunch. If your child has an epi-pen, please make sure they bring it every day, or alternatively, store one here for the duration of the workshop. Staff members will all receive in-person training in CPR and basic first aid from the American Red Cross before the workshop begins. It’s up to you if you’d like your child to keep their epi-pen with them or for a staff member to hold on to it.
If your child needs to take prescription medication during the day, we have a licensed nurse on site who can administer it. Please let us know if this is the case; we do not permit students to administer their own medication.
If there is another medical concern that you’d like to discuss, please contact us and we can arrange a call.
Phone policy
So that everyone can focus on the experience and not have any distractions or divisiveness spurred by phone use or social media, phone use will be prohibited. If you wish to send your child with a phone to use for transportation or emergencies, they will be collected and securely stored upon arrival and returned just before pickup. To ensure that their focus is on teaching and engaging the students, staff members will not be permitted to be on their phones except during their personal breaks. However, staff members will have cell phones on them at all times for use in emergencies or contacting one another if in different areas of the building. If a child needs to contact their parent or guardian during the day, they may do so with the phone here or request use of their personal phone, but we encourage them to only do so if absolutely necessary.
