Second Nature Arts: Program Policies & Guidelines

Registration
Program registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. A participant's space is reserved once registration is complete, all required forms have been submitted, and payment has been received. A waiting list will be established for programs that have reached capacity.

Children may attend only on the days for which they are registered and all required forms have been submitted. We are unable to accommodate drop-in attendance or day-of schedule changes without prior approval and available space.

Health & Wellness
-Illness: Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our participants. Please refrain from attending or sending your child to a program if you/they exhibit symptoms of illness such as fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious symptoms, or if you/they have had a fever within the previous 24 hours. Participants with lice or other communicable conditions should remain home until treated and cleared to return.

Parents/guardians of children who become ill during a program will be contacted and asked to pick up their child.

Parents/guardians are asked to inform the program of any communicable illness so that appropriate health precautions may be taken. Second Nature Arts reserves the right to exclude participants from programs when necessary to protect the health and safety of other participants and staff in accordance with applicable public health guidance.

-Nut-Free: As we have participants and staff with allergies, we ask that only nut-free snacks and food be brought to programs.

-Medications: Emergency medications such as inhalers or EpiPens must be provided by the parent/guardian along with any required authorization forms prior to attendance.

-Health Forms: For children’s summer programs, required health forms, immunization records, and allergy emergency action plans (if applicable) must be submitted prior to attendance in accordance with Massachusetts camp regulations.

-Sun Protection & Insect Repellent: Children should arrive with sunscreen already applied when appropriate for the weather and planned outdoor activities. Families are encouraged to send labeled sunscreen and/or insect repellent with their child as needed for reapplication. Second Nature Arts staff do not apply sunscreen or insect repellent to campers.

Mandated Reporting
All Second Nature Arts staff are mandated reporters and are required by Massachusetts law to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

Attendance & Punctuality for Youth Participants
Please inform us if your child will be absent, arriving late, or picked up early please let us know as soon as possible by emailing info@secondnaturearts.org or calling 413-457-1646.

Authorized Pick Up for Youth Participants
Please plan to pick up your child on time and notify us if you'll be late. For participants being picked up by an adult other than a parent/guardian or an individual authorized in their registration materials, please email info@secondnaturearts.org or call 413.457.1646 with the name of the person, relationship to student, and a contact phone number. If a child has not been picked up by the end of the program day and we have not heard from a parent or guardian, staff will attempt to contact the parent/guardian and authorized emergency contacts. If no authorized adult can be reached within a reasonable period of time, Second Nature Arts will follow its emergency procedures to ensure the child's safety, which may include contacting local authorities.

Appropriate Dress for Outdoor Time
Please send your child in layers appropriate for the weather and outdoor art & play. In the cooler months, layers should include a warm jacket, snow or rain pants, hat, gloves, and boots. In the warmer months, please provide layers that can be removed as the day warms up, along with a sun hat and sneakers or sandals suitable for recreation.

Behavior Expectations
We strive to create a kind, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants. All participants are expected to:

• Treat other participants, staff, volunteers, materials, and shared spaces with kindness and respect.
• Follow safety guidelines and remain within designated program areas.
• Listen to staff instructions and ask questions when clarification is needed.
• Resolve conflicts peacefully and seek staff support when needed.
• Use program materials and equipment responsibly.

Please note that damage to materials or the physical space resulting from deliberate misuse may be the responsibility of the participant’s parent/guardian.

If a participant engages in behavior that falls outside of these expectations, staff may respond with:

• A verbal reminder or redirection
• A brief break from activities
• A conversation with the participant and/or parent/guardian to support a positive resolution

Second Nature Arts uses positive guidance, redirection, and age-appropriate behavior support strategies. The following disciplinary practices are prohibited:

• Corporal punishment, including spanking
• Cruel or severe punishment, humiliation, or verbal abuse
• Denial of food, water, or shelter
• Punishment for soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet

If repeated or serious behavioral concerns arise that impact safety or the well-being of the group, a participant may be temporarily or permanently dismissed from the program. In such cases, refunds or credits may not be issued.

Emergency Communication
In the event of severe weather, emergency situations, or unexpected program changes, families will be contacted using the phone numbers and email addresses provided during registration. Emergency services may be contacted when necessary. In the event of a medical emergency, staff will provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency medical services when needed, and notify the parent/guardian as soon as possible.

Photography & Videography Media Policy
When possible, we document our programs so that we can share what we do via social media, on our website, via emails as well as for marketing purposes. We will never share the name of participants unless we receive permission to do so from a parent/guardian. As such, Second Nature Arts reserves the right to take photographs and/or video of programs for promotional use. If you prefer that you or your child not be photographed or videotaped, please email info@secondnaturearts.org.

Refunds & Cancellations
Specific refund policies for our after school, daytime, evening, and weekend programs are as follows:

• Cancel 14 days or more before the first day of the session: Tuition will be refunded, less a $25 processing fee.

• Cancel 7 to 14 days before the first day of the session: Receive a 50% refund.

• Cancel 0 to 6 days before the first day of the session: No refunds or credits.

In the case that Second Nature Arts cancels a program due to facility issues, staffing, or emergencies, families will be notified via email and offered a make-up program day or a refund for the canceled program. Unfortunately, refunds or credits cannot be provided when a participant misses a scheduled program day.

Weather-related cancellations generally follow BHRSD's full-day closures or early dismissals. For each session, one make-up day will be offered in the event of a weather cancellation, scheduled on another day when our program has availability. For afterschool programs, please note that bus transportation will not be available for make-up days.

Specific refund policies for our summer sessions are as follows:

• Cancel by May 1: Tuition will be refunded, less a $125 non-refundable deposit/processing fee.

• Cancel between May 2 and May 31: Receive a 50% refund.

• Cancel after May 31: No refunds or credits.

Please Note: The summer weeks are transferable based on availability and at the discretion of the director.

Accessibility and Accommodations
For accommodation requests or inquiries regarding accessibility, please reach out to us.

Non-Discrimination Policy
Second Nature Arts is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every individual is valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any aspect of our activities or operations. We uphold this commitment through education, proactive measures, and adherence to applicable laws and regulations.

Grievance Procedure
Second Nature Arts is committed to maintaining open communication with participants and families. Questions, concerns, or complaints should be directed to the Program Director so they may be addressed promptly and collaboratively. If a concern cannot be resolved through discussion, families may submit their concern in writing for review.

Access to Information
Parents/Guardians have the right to review the program's Background Check Policy, Health Care Policy, Discipline Policy, and Grievance Procedure upon request.

Second Nature Arts programs are operated by Second Nature Arts LLC.

For additional info, please complete the PROGRAM INQUIRY FORM, send an EMAIL or call 413.457.1646.