Policies & Procedures: Safety & Emergency Response
Our cooking classes are designed to be enriching, joyful, and safe environments where children can learn lifelong skills. Because cooking is a hands-on activity, there are inherent risks, including minor cuts, scrapes, and spills. The following policies outline how we proactively manage safety and how emergencies are handled should they arise.
1. Safety Philosophy
Safety is our highest priority. Classes are structured to balance hands-on learning with close supervision, clear instruction, and age-appropriate tools. While every reasonable precaution is taken, no activity involving food preparation and tools is entirely risk-free.
2. Supervision & Classroom Standards
• Children are supervised at all times during class.
• Tools and equipment are selected to be age-appropriate and suitable for children’s skill levels.
• Safety rules and proper tool-handling techniques are taught and reinforced regularly.
• Workstations and activities are limited to ensure close, intentional supervision.
3. Drop-Off Policy & Classroom Access
For the safety and well-being of all students:
• Classes are drop-off only.
• Only approved, cleared staff are permitted in the classroom.
• Parents, guardians, or other adults are not allowed to remain in or enter the classroom during class time.
Allowing unvetted adults into the classroom creates safety, supervision, and privacy risks. This policy aligns with charter school requirements and child safety standards and is non-negotiable.
4. Instructor Training, Credentials & Clearances
Instruction is provided by a qualified educator with extensive experience working with children.
Training and clearances include:
• Live Scan fingerprinting and background checks
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification
• Child abuse prevention and mandated reporter training
• Compliance with charter school safety and clearance requirements
The instructor also has professional experience teaching special education and autistic students, with a strong emphasis on inclusive, supportive, and developmentally appropriate instruction.
5. Inherent Risk Acknowledgment
By enrolling a child, parents/guardians acknowledge that cooking activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to cuts, scrapes, burns, spills, or other incidental injuries. These risks cannot be entirely eliminated even with proper supervision and safety protocols.
6. Minor Injuries (Cuts, Scrapes, Burns)
Examples include superficial finger cuts, minor scrapes, or small burns.
Procedure:
• The activity is stopped immediately for the affected child.
• First aid is administered promptly and appropriately.
• The child is monitored for comfort and safety.
• Parents/guardians are informed at class dismissal or immediately following first aid.
Parents are not typically called into the classroom during first aid for minor injuries unless the situation escalates or requires outside medical attention.
7. Medical Conditions & Special Needs
• Parents/guardians must disclose all relevant medical conditions, allergies, or special needs during registration.
• Required medications (e.g., inhalers, EpiPens) must be provided and clearly labeled.
• Care instructions provided by parents will be followed to the best of staff ability.
• If symptoms escalate or do not resolve quickly, emergency services will be contacted.
8. Serious Injuries or Medical Emergencies
Examples include deep cuts, head injuries, breathing distress, allergic reactions, or loss of consciousness.
Procedure:
• Emergency services (911) will be called immediately.
• Parents/guardians will be contacted as soon as possible.
• Staff will remain with the child and follow emergency protocols until help arrives.
Financial Responsibility for Emergency Medical Care
In the event that emergency medical services (including 911) are contacted, all medical evaluation, treatment, transportation, and related costs are the sole financial responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The program, instructor, and staff are not responsible for medical bills, ambulance fees, hospital charges, or any expenses associated with emergency care rendered to a child.
9. Incident Documentation
• All injuries requiring first aid are documented in an incident report.
• Reports include the date, time, activity, response provided, and method of parent notification.
• Documentation is maintained for safety, compliance, and insurance purposes.
10. Communication & Professional Boundaries
• Families are informed of incidents in a timely and transparent manner.
• Emotional or confrontational discussions will be redirected to written communication to ensure clarity, accuracy, and documentation.
• Staff do not negotiate liability or compensation directly with families.
11.Right to Discontinue Enrollment
For the safety, integrity, and well-being of all participants, the program reserves the right to:
• Decline or discontinue enrollment if policies are not respected.
• End participation if trust between staff and family is compromised.
• Remove students whose continued participation is not in the best interest of the group without refund.
By enrolling in the program and signing the waiver, parents/guardians confirm that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Policies & Procedures.
Our goal is to provide a supportive, inclusive, and enriching learning environment where children can explore food, creativity, and independence with confidence and care.