Kootenay Circus Arts Association

-Policy on-

Working With Children

Purpose

The KCAA is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children who are involved in activities coordinated by Discover Circus. This includes both the physical and mental well being of children.

Policy

The following measures will be taken to ensure the safety and well being of children:

1. Criminal record checks specific to those working with children and marginalized populations will be completed for all staff.
2. Staff will not work alone with a child without the presence of a parent, guardian or staff member.
3. Staff will not take photographs and/or videos of children unless it is with written permission of the child’s parent or guardian and is to be used in a professional context for promotion of Discover Circus activities.
4. No staff member will use harsh or foul language around any child.
5. Children and parents will be encouraged to communicate any concerns to a board member and/or the instructor.
6. Safe practices will be reinforced in each lesson:

1. always trying new skills with a spotter
2. not exerting yourself beyond your ability
3. encouraging regular water breaks
4. use of warm up and cool down activities
5. crash mats will be used under aerial equipment

7. Instructors will use the following techniques when coaching:

1. focus on building strengths of each individual child
2. provide encouragement and support
3. communicate clearly and respectfully
4. ensure each child gets individual coaching every class
5. spotting by touching non-sensitive areas such as the shoulders, hips, and by reinforcement of point of contact on equipment (eg. instructor hand over child’s hand)