Our Policies

At Community STRIDES, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for every participant is our top priority. We believe that clear communication and transparency are essential in creating a positive environment for all participants. This page outlines our policies and guidelines, covering everything from registration and health procedures to behavior expectations and emergency protocols. Please review these carefully to ensure a smooth and enriching experience for everyone involved. If you have any questions or need further clarification, our team is here to assist you every step of the way.

Attendance Policies

Drop-offs

We kindly request that parents and guardians adhere to our drop-off policy, arriving no later than 5 minutes after the designated start time of the activity. It is essential that you arrive on time to avoid any disruption or missed activities. After the 5 minute grace period all staff will be departing for the daily activities.

Pick-ups

Please note the pick-up time for each event. For any late pickups beyond the designated time, a fee of $25 will be applied to cover the cost of extended supervision for each additional 15-minute increment past pick-up time. This fee will be directly charged to the family. Only pre-approved individuals, with photo ID, may pick up participants.

Community Integration Cancellation Policy

Due to the structured nature of our programs and the planning involved in staffing, transportation, and resources, we regret to inform you that we do not offer refunds for cancellations that occur within 24 hours of the scheduled event. This policy helps us manage our staff, time, and resources effectively—thank you for your understanding

Summer Program Cancellation Policy

Due to the structured nature of our programs and the planning involved in staffing, transportation, and resources, we regret to inform you that we do not offer refunds for cancellations due to no shows or illness (a doctor’s note is required to qualify for a refund or reschedule). Once registration and payment are confirmed, fees are non-refundable. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we encourage families to review our program and event dates and schedules carefully before registering. If you have any questions or concerns about our policy, please feel free to contact us.

“Good fit” Refund

Our “Good Fit” policy is designed to ensure the safety, enjoyment, and socialization opportunities of all participants. Parents will be asked to provide accurate information in terms of their child’s current level of functioning and share any needs relating to their cognitive, academic, communication, physical/motor, social & emotional, and behavioral skills so that Community STRIDES may provide a supportive and safe environment for each participant. If the team decides that we cannot provide the support that your child needs, we will refund the future dates in full.

Staff Schedule Modifications

While we strive to adhere to our planned daily schedule, we reserve the right to make changes due to unforeseen circumstances or events beyond our control. These changes may include adjustments to activity times, locations, traffic, emergencies, or programming to ensure the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of all participants. We understand the importance of clear communication and will inform parents and guardians promptly of any schedule modifications via preferred communication channels.

Behavior Policies

Participants may occasionally display challenging behaviors, most of which can be effectively managed by our trained Community STRIDES employees. Our staff are equipped with skills in empathetic listening and strategies designed to address these challenges. Additionally, several staff members have undergone Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI Training).
Should challenging behaviors persist or escalate in frequency or severity, further behavioral support may be necessary. In such instances, Community STRIDES staff will assess the situation and formulate appropriate strategies. All incidents will be documented, and guardians will be promptly informed.
If initial interventions are unsuccessful, parents will be consulted to assist in devising additional strategies. Successful resolution of the behavior will allow the individual to continue participating in activities.
However, if challenging behaviors persist despite the efforts of staff and parents, parents may be required to withdraw their child from the program. In cases where a participant poses a safety risk to themselves or others and immediate interventions are ineffective, it may be necessary for the participant to leave the premises before the scheduled pick-up time.

Health & Safety Policies

Health Guidelines:

We adhere to strict health guidelines recommended by health authorities to prevent the spread of illnesses. This includes regular hand washing, sanitization, and monitoring of participant health. Staff members will procure any and all necessary medical help for them while they are in our care. Participants may receive basic first aid for minor injuries (such as a band-aid, ice pack, etc.).

Emergency Procedures

We have comprehensive emergency plans in place, including protocols for handling medical emergencies.
When a participant exhibits serious injury or symptoms that may warrant a trip to the hospital, emergency care will be provided, including transportation by ambulance if necessary. A staff member will accompany the individual to the hospital. We will contact you immediately. If we cannot reach you, we will use our best judgment and continue to make all efforts to contact you.

Medical Information & Release Form:

We require all participants to complete and sign a Medical Information and Release Form to ensure that we can provide appropriate care and support. It is mandatory for participation in our programs, and all information provided will be kept confidential and used only for the purpose of ensuring participant safety and well-being.

Medical Coverage Disclaimer:

Community Strides provides no health insurance or medical coverage and parents/guardians will have the responsibility for payment of any medical treatment that may be required while participants are at our programs.

Communicable Diseases:

Reporting Requirements: Parents/guardians are required to promptly notify our staff of any diagnosed notifiable communicable diseases affecting their child. This includes illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, measles, etc.
Exclusion Criteria: Participants diagnosed with a notifiable communicable disease may be required to refrain from attending our programs until they are no longer contagious, as determined by healthcare professionals and in accordance with public health guidelines.
Communication: We will communicate any confirmed cases of notifiable communicable diseases to affected families while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to privacy laws.
Return to STRIDES: Participants recovering from a notifiable communicable disease must provide medical clearance from a healthcare provider before returning to our programs.

Allergies and Medications:

We collect and maintain information about participant allergies and medical conditions to ensure appropriate care and response in case of emergencies.

Bathroom Policies:

Staff provides “auditory monitoring" from outside the entry door just in case there are issues, if an individual needs assistance, a staff member will assist. Only individuals with specific toileting protocols will be assisted by a staff member.

Qualified Staff

All of our staff members undergo thorough background checks and are trained in CPR, first aid, and emergency procedures.

Mandated Reporting

California state law mandates that workers in certain professions must make reports if they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect. All professionals who work at Community Strides are considered mandatory reporters because their profession is in the educational, clinical or therapeutic field and they come into contact with vulnerable populations (i.e., children, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly). By law, mandatory reporters must report suspected abuse or neglect regardless of whether or not the knowledge of the abuse was gained in the reporter’s official capacity. The mandatory reporting of abuse or neglect is a 24-hour obligation. For more information, visit https://mandatedreporterca.com.