HUB PRODUCTIONS: INCLUSION POLICY

 All students, customers, staff and volunteers are expected to follow Part 1 and Part 2 of the Inclusion Policy, as well as our code of conduct expectations, while attending any of our programs, camps, classes, rehearsals or meetings. 

INCLUSION POLICY: PART 1

The truly amazing thing about theatre and HUB Productions is that the structure and nature of our program and camp setting often allows students with exceptionalities and differences to thrive. Finding new ways to express themselves and find confidence in their differences in a judgement-free, positive setting. We want to ensure your child is set-up for success and make sure our programs are a good fit for your child’s specific needs. It is also our responsibility to keep other campers safe to express themselves and grow. Thank you for understanding and support in making our camps an inclusive and a positive space for all! 

We would like to take the time now to gently remind all participants that while we take great pride in fostering a safe and inclusive environment where campers of all ages and abilities can flourish, our camp is also classified as ‘specialized’. HUB programs are geared towards high-skill development and expect students to strive towards a professional attitude. Structured daily activities revolve around concentrated learning of performance techniques under skilled professionals, which may pose challenges for some individuals. Children enrolled in any of our programs are expected to fully participate in the program unless accommodation is requested and agreed upon beforehand. 

 HUB will not tolerate any behaviour that regularly disrupts the learning of their peers, our staff’s ability to teach, or promotes a negative experience for another child. Our programs are offered in a structured, professional learning environment for children and students with a variety of skill levels. It is important to note that beginners are encouraged and prior performance experience is not a requirement for participation! However, if you anticipate that your child may encounter difficulties maintaining focus, expressing frustration through anger or aggression, adhering to the structure and performance guidelines, or potentially becoming a consistent distraction for others particularly during our LIVE performances, we encourage you to reach out to us. In addition, qualified childcare and educator staff will be on location at all times to maintain a positive and safe learning environment for each child. We are committed to working collaboratively with you to assess whether our programs are a suitable fit for your child's needs and abilities. Your proactive communication enables us to ensure the best possible experience for all participants. See further details below.

INCLUSION POLICY: PART 2 

This policy outlines the circumstances in which your child may need additional care, attention, or the rare circumstances in which your child may be asked to leave camp. We ask that everyone read through this policy carefully and sign the digital forms provided so that we know it was received and understood. 
 
HUB Productions is an inclusive company that provides safety, fun and self-expression for all of its participants. To provide the best possible theatre and camp experience for your child, and protect the experience of other campers in this specialized performance setting, we ask that parents/guardians provide us with information about how to best support your child i.e., campers’ strength’s, needs, strategies etc. Please note there is a strict "REQUIREMENT TO DISCLOSE ALL MEDICAL, ALLERGY, BEHAVIOURAL ISSUES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENT THAT MAY CAUSE NEED FOR ONE-ON-ONE ATTENTION &/OR STAFFING OF AN INCLUSION COUNSELLOR".  At the time of registration, parents/guardians are responsible for notifying HUB Productions regarding any or all of these for their child: 

1)      an officially diagnosed medical or neurological condition (i.e. ADHD, ASD, anaphylaxis allergy, diabetic, etc)
2)      undiagnosed behaviours or sensory processing issues that cause significant need for one-on-one attention to help them manage in a group situation, 
3)      if they have ever been asked to leave any program, 
4)      if they’ve had an EA/aide during school, 
5)      if they require additional support when dressing and toileting, and/or 
6)      if your child is associated with a support agency.

Generally, if any of the above apply to your child it is recommended that he/she attend camp with a HUB Inclusion Counsellor or personal support worker. This may incur additional costs. If you are unsure if your child needs support at camp, or if you think your camper might need “occasional extra support”, the Artistic or Education Director will help make that decision with you. If you think your child requires an exception, email our office with details. Your disclosures will not preclude your child’s participation, but you may result in the additional cost of an Inclusion Counsellor if one is required. If you plan to send your child to camp with a private personal support worker, please inform us of this before your child’s week(s) at camp.

Families have 3 options:

• HUB can provide a qualified Inclusion Counsellor at an additional cost. Contact the Education Director to check if one would be available for you.
• Families could also contact a local agency that works in collaboration with HUB’s policies and philosophies to ensure successful artistic and recreational experiences for all campers. 
•  A final option for families would be to send a private support worker to camp with the child.  The cost for this worker is the responsibility of the families and are in addition to camp fees.

Please note: If we find that a camper has not been sent with a support worker but is monopolizing the time of staff, parents will be informed and required to arrange for support to be provided before the camper can return to camp. If adequate information or staff support is not provided by parents, or if we are unable to safely support the child at camp, we reserve the right to remove the child from camp.

BREAK OR DISMISSAL FROM CAMP:
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There are rare times when our Staff or Education Director must either have a camper take a day off or dismiss them from the camp program due to behaviour that demands significant 1:1 staff and youth leader attention. Behaviours which may result in 24-hour break or dismissal include:  running away from the group, repeatedly not listening to staff directions where safety is the concern, inability or lack of desire to participate in majority of our programming, scary language and/or meanness towards other campers, causing physical harm to anyone at the camp, including, but not limited to: hitting, kicking, biting, throwing objects at others. If a serious issue involving physical harm or property destruction has occurred, an immediate dismissal will occur. Whereas, with other behaviours, we communicate with parents and campers and give three chances before requiring a day long break from camp. 

Upon return from a day long break, if the behaviour causing the break happens again, it is grounds for dismissal for the remainder of the camp session or further enrolment in our programs. Our goal is to create successful situations for all involved. We realize it is not easy to get this news, or to make plans at the last minute, so it’s important to consider our policy before signing up your child. It may be possible for the child to return to camp with an Inclusion Counsellor. There will be no refund for unused days at camp.