STUDENT HANDBOOK:

1. Children will not be released to anyone not listed in the enrollment form unless advised by the parent, with provided written consent 24hrs in advance. 

2. A non-refundable fee of $25 per student is due at time of Registration, per session. This will go towards supplies needed.

3. The selected package tuition fees are due on the date that is on your invoice from ROOTS or by the Registration deadline; no refunds for absenteeism due to illness, inclement weather, etc. 

4. Supplies needed: Your child does NOT need to bring any consistent supplies to workshops. Less is more here! If special supplies are needed for an individual workshop, this will be communicated in advance via email by ROOTS staff. This will be VERY infrequent and will only consist of items around the house and/or traditional school supplies.

5. Dress Code: Please ensure your child will come to each workshop with "play" clothing on; assume they may get messy. All students will need closed-toed shoes or boots. If applicable, please apply sunscreen prior to arrival and/or supply sunglasses/hat. Please ensure your child is dressed to go outside, wearing seasonally appropriate clothing: including jackets, hats, gloves, etc. 

6. Drop Off Policy: Parents can wait in their vehicles, but  parents are encouraged to relax on the cabin's front porch area/Parent Lounge while their child participates in their workshop. This allows parents time to connect with like-minded families! If your child is 2yrs-3yrs old, parents will stay to participate in their toddler's class. Ages 4+, parents will wait in designated lounge areas. 

Parents are NOT permitted to participate in the workshops with their child. (This is to eliminate distractions and encourage child independence) There may be opportunities for parents to join selected workshops; this will be communicated in advance, if applicable. *If your child is in the Explorers class, you will remain with your child during class. (Explorers are ages 18mos-early 3yrs) 

7. Late Pick up Policy: Please pick up at the exact time of workshop ending. If you are greater than 5min late picking up your child, there will be a $5 per 10min late fee.

8. Refund Policy: Packages purchased are non-refundable regardless of child attendance and the full amount required at time of enrollment. R.O.O.T.S. will hold classes rain or shine! No refunds will be issued in the event of a State-of-Emergency weather status. In the event of a government mandated closure (COVID-19), 50% of your remaining package will be refunded. There will be no availability for make-up classes.

9. Student Behavior Policy: all students, parents, and staff are expected to be kind and courteous to all members of ROOTS. 

Aggressive behavior is not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to: roughhousing, biting, punching, kicking, spitting, and name-calling.
All members are expected to use care with all belongings and property. 
Adults who are leading group activities have the authority to verbally correct (kindly ask) a child engaging in disruptive or inappropriate behavior. If the child does not respond to verbal correction and the behavior persists, he or she will be asked to visit the “Regulation Station” with another trained staff member of ROOTS which will help the child self-regulate, cool down, and will encourage expression of feelings. When the child is able, they will rejoin their class. 
Any conflict resolution needed between students will involve the assistance of trained ROOTS staff.

The parents will be made aware of any behavioral concerns by a Teacher or Director and will work together to formulate a game plan on how to meet the child’s needs while attending ROOTS. 

10. COVID-19 Policy: Masks will be optional for students, staff, and parents while indoors at ROOTS, unless there is a State Mask Mandate- then because ROOTS is a LLC, we must follow the rules of this mandate, as written. There will be no-refunds if a mask mandate is implemented from the state.

11. This program does not discriminate against anyone regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.   

12. If you are a parent with a currently enrolled child that would like to volunteer for ROOTS the following is required:

-A phone interview with a program Director.

-We recommend our volunteers attend our staff meetings and trainings as they are for the betterment of all ROOTS children.

-Agree to follow all of ROOTS SOPs.

-Agree to volunteer for a class that your child is not currently enrolled in. (ie: if your child is a Pathfinder, you may volunteer for the Pioneers or Explorers group). This policy was written to promote student independence and potentially prevent behavioral challenges as previously seen. 

*We love our volunteers and ROOTS family, however, at this time we are not always able to accommodate all those who wish to volunteer.

13. Group Assignment Policy: Assigned per age group at checkout.

14. Sick Policy: Please do not bring your child to ROOTS if they are sick or have been sick within the last 72hrs. Sick as defined as the following signs/symptoms (but not limited to) within the last 72hrs: fever, diarrhea, stomach pains, cough, sore throat, nausea, abnormal headaches etc. There will be no refunds for absenteeism due to illness; there are no makeup classes available. 

15. Please ensure that you have read the Student Handbook carefully and you agree to follow the instructions. By signing this, you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions within the Student Handbook.

I agree to all of the terms and conditions listed above in the Student Handbook for all of my children currently enrolled into the ROOTS Youth Development Program by signing this form:

 

All Personal Information provided to the ROOTS YDP will be treated in accordance with the terms of the school Privacy Policy. By affixing your signature above, you agree that you have read the Student Handbook and that you have agreed to all the polices and procedures as described in the Student Handbook.

I, {parent}, the parent of a child(ren) at ROOTS Youth Development Program (Hereinafter known as the "ROOTS"), agree to the following: I understand that my child(ren) whose name is listed below may be photographed at ROOTS during normal program activities. I understand that these photographs may be used in promoting ROOTS services, either in print or on the Internet. 

With my signature below I grant permission for my child(ren) to be photographed, or their images recorded for print or electronic use in promoting ROOTS. I understand that it is my responsibility to update this form in the event that I no longer wish to authorize the above uses. I agree that this form will remain in effect during the term of my child's enrollment. I understand that there will be no payment for me or my child's participation in this release.

1.) GENERAL

In consideration for my and/ or my child(ren)'s participation in R.O.O.T.S. Youth Development Program at 22424 Peterkins rd Georgetown DE 19947 (or off-site in the community but during ROOTS programming), hereinafter referenced as "ROOTS,' I understand by participating in ROOTS that I hereby RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE the Program, R.O.O.T.S. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM LLC, and their respective employees, agents, representatives and volunteers (hereinafter referred to as "RELEASEES") from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me or my student, or to any property belonging to me, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or otherwise, while participating in the ROOTS, or while in, on or upon or away from the premises where the program is being conducted. This will also include all online communications, services, field trip outings, indoor and outdoor learning that are rendered away from ROOTS at 22424 Peterkins rd Georgetown DE 19947.

2.) ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISK

I am fully aware of the risks and potential hazards connected with participating in ROOTS, including but not limited to, the risk of loss of personal property from theft, injuries during outdoor learning, farming on premises of ROOTS, or field trips off premises; injuries associated with ROOTS that may or may not be foreseeable, and I hereby elect to voluntarily participate in ROOTS, and engage in such activity knowing that the activity may be hazardous to my child and my property. ROOTS participants may be immersed in the community on and off premises.

3.) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION

I further acknowledge my child(ren) is/are in good physical condition and I do not know of any medical or physical condition or other reason that I or my child(ren) should not participate in ROOTS or which could interfere with my child(ren)'s safety in such ROOTS, or else I am willing to assume-and bear the cost of-all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition. My or my child(ren)'s, any of our family members', or friends' participation in any ROOTS activity is purely voluntary, and I elect to have me and/ or my child(ren) participate in spite of the risks and known or unknown dangers associated with ROOTS activities.

4.) RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY

I HEREBY EXPRESSLY RECOGNIZE AND ASSUME ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MY OR MY CHILD(REN)'S PARTICIPATION IN ROOTS AND VOLUNTARILY RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE, COVENANT NOT TO SUE AND HOLD HARMLESS THE RELEASEES. I AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS the RELEASEES from any loss, liability, damage or costs, including court costs and attorneys' fees, that may incur due to my or my child's participation in ROOTS, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF RELEASEES or otherwise. It is my express intent that this Participant Release, Consent and Waiver of Liability shall bind the members of my family and spouse, ifI am alive, and my heirs, assigns and personal representative, if I am deceased, and shall be deemed as a RELEASE, WAIVER, DISCHARGE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE the above-named RELEASEES. I hereby further agree that this Participant Release, Consent and Waiver of Liability shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

5.) In the event that any provision contained within this Release of Liability shall be deemed to be severable or invalid, or if any term, condition, phrase or portion of this agreement shall be determined to be unlawful or otherwise unenforceable, the remainder of this agreement shall remain in full force and effect, so long as the clause severed does not affect the intent of the parties. If a court should find that any provision of this agreement to be invalid or unenforceable, by that by limiting said provision it would become valid and enforceable, then said provision shall be deemed to be written, construed and enforced as so limited. IN SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, I ACKNOWLEDGE AND REPRESENT THAT I have read the foregoing Consent and Waiver of Liability, understand it and sign it voluntarily as my own free act and deed; no oral representations, statements, or inducements, apart from the foregoing written agreement, have been made; I am at least eighteen (18) years of age and fully competent; and I execute this Agreement for full, adequate and complete consideration fully intending to be bound by same. 

Sick Student Policy -

Please do not bring your child unless they have been at least 72 hours fever free and no signs or symptoms of illness such as, but not limited to, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomitting, coughing, runny nose, headache, sore throat, etc

COVID-19 Exposure Policy -

If you or your child are exposed to COVID-19, please do not come to the workshop. Please ensure at least a 14 day window from exposure, before returning to our workshops. Please email the ROOTS Program Director at talon@roots302.com to notify them of any known COVID-19 potential exposure that could directly affect workshop members.

By signing below, I, the parent / guardian, of the student(s) being enrolled acknowledge the Medical Profile has been completed to the best of our knowledge. We agree and understand the Sick and COVID Exposure Policy and will adhere to the policies laid out above. 

1.) Welcome parents/students and guide parents to their cars/drop off/designated area

2.) Direct students into the schoolhouse; hang up jackets/bags OR stay outside (whatever is applicable; stay outdoors as much as possible)

3.) New Student Introduction (as needed); verify everyone has needed supplies.

4.) Quick Review of last week’s topic 

A. Say: “Who remembers what we learned about last week?” Spend (2mins) recapping, asking students: 

i. “What did you like about last week’s lesson?”
ii. “Does anyone have questions about last week’s lesson?  

5.) Introduction to Topic of the Week 

1. Get students excited!
2. KWL (What do you Know, Want to know, and what we're going to Learn) Chart as apply to age 
3. Visual learner lesson

6.) Lesson 

1. Hands on lesson/activity via written and owned curriculum by R.O.O.T.S. 
    

7.) Clean up 

8.) Review “Learned” section of KWL chart

1. Encourage answers from multiple students
2. If applicable, have students volunteer to reenact through an interactive “play” on what they learned.

9.) Walk around the homestead to see progress on homestead projects, as applicable. 

10.) Dismissal

1. Ensure parents picking up are listed on student’s applications. 
2. Tell parents/children next week’s topic to get them excited! 

Dismiss according to the Dismissal Policy for safety.

R.O.O.T.S. Pillars to be covered throughout sessions accordingly:

1.) Bushcraft (Survival skills)
2.) Regenerative Farming (gardening, soil, compost, animals systems etc)
3.) Animal Husbandry (all things farm animals: care, breeding, farm helpers etc)
4.) Nature Study (all things nature; how nature works together/ecosystems, nature provides for us, Earth care, etc)
5.) Homesteading (home economics: cooking, handmade items, canning, etc)

Our commitment

R.O.O.T.S. is committed to providing a safe environment for the participation of children. Part of this is ensuring that children are not left alone after, or during, workshops. 

What we will do

• Make sure parents/guardians and children know the time and location of the workshop and when they can expect to collect their children. Drop off/Pick up at 22424 Peterkins Rd Georgetown DE 19947 (Log Cabin) at below times. Parking will be limited! Some days have multiple workshop time slots, so please be on time! Follow designated traffic signs on property. Please follow a 5mph Speed Limit while on premise. 

- Monday 3pm Workshop:

˖Students to arrive promptly at 2:55-3pm
˖Students to be picked up promptly at 4:00pm

- Monday 4:30pm Workshop:

˖Students to arrive promptly at 4:25-4:30pm
˖Students to be picked up promptly at 5:30pm 

            -   Saturday 10:00am Workshop:

                   ˖Students to arrive promptly at 9:55-10:00am
                   ˖Students to be picked up promptly at 11:00am

 

• R.O.O.T.S. staff to arrive before the scheduled workshop and participate in dismissal of all students.

• R.O.O.T.S. staff to have a register of parent/guardian emergency contact numbers and names from the authorized pick up list.

• Ensure that if parents/guardians are late, staff will try to make contact with them and remain with the student until an authorized pick up person arrives. (Please reference back to the submitted application for the Late Pick Up Policy).

What we ask you to do

• Pick up and drop off  your children on time or make other arrangements. Being late for dropping off or picking up, consistently, may result in membership termination and your membership will not be refunded. The determination of membership termination is at the discretion of the R.O.O.T.S. management team and a “warning” will be provided to you prior to the decision to terminate. 
• Inform your child’s teacher about any changes in arrangements for picking up your child.
• Follow parking signs on premise; utilize 5mph Speed Limit
• Drop off students and return at the designated pick up time, wait patiently in your vehicle, or wait in the designated waiting area which will be marked accordingly. Parents / guardians / other members of your group are not permitted to roam the property. For fluidity of the classes and safety of everyone involved, this will be strictly enforced. Not following this request may result in membership termination and your membership will not be refunded.

**If your child(ren) is/are not potty trained: Please ensure you take your child(ren) to use the restroom before class starts, at time of arrival; and ensure your child(ren) has/have a dry diaper before start of the workshop**