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It's Summer break! Participants are coming to CARD camps to make lasting summer memories. Greeting campers with a smile, getting to know them, and bringing energy and enthusiasm is crucial to each day. We want campers to remember their experience at camp and want to come back!
Staff/Participant Communication
Staff is prohibited from exchanging electronic communications with program participants, either in or outside of program hours. This includes phone, text, email, and social media. If a program participant contacts an employee outside of program hours, the employee must not return the contact or accept the friend/follow request.
If a child expresses interest in an employee babysitting, communication needs to take place between the employee and the parent, not the child.
Staff may not transport participants in their personal vehicle.
Participants Belongings
CARD is not responsible for lost or stolen items and staff may not hold participant’s belongings for them. (Ex: money, valuable items) If valuables are brought to the program, staff may contact the parent for guidance on where to store the item. At that time, staff are to remind the parent that we are not responsible for the item if it is lost or stolen.
Staff/Participant Interaction
When working with children, especially those with Autism, Down Syndrome, or Sensory Processing Differences, it is not uncommon for some to be very "touchy-feely" with leaders. Certain behaviors may seem appropriate or may appear as a sign of affection. To others, the same situation may be perceived as inappropriate interaction. It is very important for staff to protect themselves by making sure they do not act in a way that can be perceived as a potential problem. The most important thing to remember is: NEVER BE ALONE WITH A CHILD and MINIMIZE PHYSICAL INTERACTION. If you are in individualized time with your participant you should ALWAYS be within eyesight of your group, other leaders, or the director.
Here are some specific guidelines to follow:
Hugging
Hug the child hip to hip
Sitting
Children should not sit on a staff members lap. If a child attempts to sit on your lap, the response should be, “no thank you” and then suggest a nearby seat.
In the event of an Injury
If a child’s injury is under clothing, two staff should be present to view the injury and/or provide first aid. Good questions to ask a child with an injury:
“Can you point to it?”
“Is it OK for me to look at it? “Is it OK if ___ sees it?” (a way to bring the second staff member to the scene)
Interactions which are not allowed include:
Children hanging on staff
Staff picking up a child or swinging them around
Staff and children massaging each other or playing with each other’s hair
Any toileting or medical assistance, including opening bottles or sunscreen
Building relationships with Families
Camp Directors will communicate with families on a regular basis, however as an inclusion leader you are expected to communicate with your participant's family on a daily basis at pick-up and drop-off. Communication with families is imperative and staff are expected to form positive and professional relationships with all. Each camp has a designated parent table where families will sign their child in and out, and can find important information about the camp. During program time, each and every person that walks into the program area must be greeted by a staff member with a smile.
Under no circumstance is staff allowed to provide letters, make written or verbal statements on behalf of a parent, or give copies of reports to participants, parents, or guardians. Any request for such materials must be made at the District office, or directed to the Inclusion Coordinator.
In the event an adult/parent is upset about something related to the program, it is the responsibility of the staff to resolve the situation in a positive manner.
Speak with the adult away from participants and staff. Communicate in a positive, non-accusatory, non-defensive manner.
Provide them the opportunity to share their concern.
If the situation is not resolved, communicate the situation with the Inclusion or Camp Coordinator so they can do follow up.
Building relationships with Coworkers
Work together and support your coworkers! You are all one team and must create a united front. Inclusion Leaders and Camp Leaders all work together, in different roles, to make camp a success.
Positive communication is key. Always communicate with your team about what you need, and how you can help. Be kind and communicate in a respectful manner. Be sure that everyone knows if you are planning on taking any time off.
Conversations should always be work appropriate. Non-work-related social interaction between staff should be kept at a minimum and may not interfere with job duties.
Building Relationships with Supervisors
Respect- Listen and be present when talking with your supervisors. Be aware of your body language, tone of voice, and your demeanor. Respect the position- like them or not, they are your supervisor and you do have to show respect.
Follow directions- When your supervisor gives you direction, follow it. You may not always agree with the direction that they give, and that is ok. Find an appropriate time to meet with them to share your perspective or ideas.
Seek guidance- Your supervisors are here to support you! Don’t hesitate to ask questions or ask for help.
Directors are not permitted to supervise individuals whom they are dating or are related to. If this does occur, employees must immediately notify their supervisor.
Please contact your Inclusion Coordinator at the office...
If your schedule/availability needs to change
When you need a letter of recommendation (Staff is not permitted to write Letters of Recommendation or be a Reference for coworkers.)
If you are unable to attend a mandatory meeting/training (communicate in advance)
If the media wants to interview you or visit the program - only Inclusion or Camp Coordinators may authorize interviews or program visits
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