Our Inclusive Workshop Policies & Behavior Guidelines for Success
Our formula for success is simple: small class sizes, a personal understanding diverse abilities, incorporating parent/guardian input, and adhering to strict policies and behavioral guidelines to create an environment that fosters personal goal achievement, direction-following, social skill development, friendships & fun!
We’re thrilled to welcome you, your crafter, and adult support partner (if required),
Our goal is to create a supportive environment where every crafter can thrive, learn, and have fun!
The Inclusive Workshop Policies
WAIVER & INCLUSIVE CRAFTER REGISTRATION FORM
A mandatory completed and signed waiver for each participant must be on file before participationAn Inclusive crafter registration form is required so that we can get to know your crafter before their first workshopPre-Workshop Tours: To ease any concerns, we’re happy to arrange a tour of the workshop before registration.Our goal is to create a supportive environment where every crafter can thrive, learn, and have fun!
ATTENDANCE SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS
Ages 5–8 (Lil’ Sprouts)
A parent, guardian, nurse, aide, or Direct Support Professional (e.g., Behavioral Health Technician) must accompany crafter for the entire workshop.At the director’s discretion, a crafter may attend future workshops without support after a period of observation & collaboration with behavior supports to ensure suitability.
Ages 9-12 (Grow Getters)
A parent, guardian, nurse, aide, or Direct Support Professional (e.g., Behavioral Health Technician) must accompany Inclusive Grow Getter crafter for the entire FIRST workshop.At the director’s discretion, the accompanying adult may be required to stay for the entire workshop and future workshops, OR the crafter may attend without support after assessment.
Ages 13-17 The Be-Leafers
A parent, guardian, nurse, aide, or Direct Support Professional (e.g., Behavioral Health Technician) must accompany crafter for the entire FIRST workshop.At the director’s discretion, an Inclusive Be-Leafer crafter may attend future workshops without support after a period of observation & collaboration with behavior supports to ensure suitability.
Adults 18+
If a support person is required to assist an adult crafter for daily functioning, support, or redirections (IE parent, guardian, nurse, aid or Direct Support Professional) we require this support person to stay the duration of the workshop.At the director’s discretion, an adult Inclusive Crafter may attend future workshops without support after a period of observation & collaboration with behavior supports to ensure suitability.INCLUSIVE WORKSHOP LOCATIONS
The Greenhouse Location (North Coventry Township)The Schoolhouse location (East Vincent Township)Off-site available for Inclusive Crafters who require extensive supports and/or accommodations.
PERMISSION FOR PHYSICAL CONTACT TO ASSIST CRAFTER
Parent or guardian permission is required for workshop staff to provide physical contact assistance during workshops. This may include touching or guiding a crafter’s finger, hand, or arm to teach a skill or support project success.
CLASS SCHEDULING
We aim to schedule adult and child Diverse Ability Workshops separately.Separate scheduling is not always guaranteed, as ability, needs, or class size may require combined classes. (For example, a 14-year-old Diverse Ability crafter may be placed in a low-enrollment adult class if deemed appropriate OR Lil' Sprouts and Grow Getters may be scheduled during same session but split into two groups during workshop)
LIMITATIONS OF SERVICES
We do NOT provide the following services:
Toileting or diaper changingClothing changesSafety restraintsPhysical comfort (e.g., handholding or hugs)Storage or administration of medications
Behavior Guidelines for Success
Our workshops are designed to be safe, inclusive, and fun for all crafters. We rarely need to enforce these rules, but they are essential to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
RULES FOR RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR
No inappropriate language, negative talk, or comments about race, color, religion, sexuality, politics, appearances, or other crafters’ projects.Physical actions like hitting, inappropriate touching, or throwing objects etc is not permitted
CONSEQUENCES FOR RULE VIOLATIONS
If a crafter continues inappropriate behavior after redirection, they are moved to a single table with their support adult.Persistent unsafe behavior will result in dismissal from the workshop for the day. Crafters are welcome to return for the next session with improved behavior. (Behaviors including, but not limited to, hitting, throwing objects, using tools to harm self or others, or elopement)
SUPPORTING INCLUSIVE CRAFTERS
Support items such as stuffed animals, blankets, earphones, fidget spinners, worry stones etc.. are welcomeOur team provides teachable moments, reminders, and redirection to help crafters stay on task and safe.We respect your parenting style and your crafter’s unique needs (physical, social, emotional, communication, or allergies) while adhering to our rules.With parent/guardian approval, we use positive reinforcement with praise or stickers (tailored to individual crafter needs)We are happy to discuss techniques for your Inclusive Crafter so we can best support their success
MANAGING CHALLENGES
If a crafter becomes overstimulated or triggered, their support adult is the first line of support. Removal from the crafting area to another area to recover and our team will assist with de-escalation & recovery techniques as allowedOnce recovered and de-escalated, the Inclusive Crafter may rejoin workshop.If an Inclusive Crafter cannot recover and behavior poses a risk to self or others, they will be dismissed for the day, but welcomed back next workshop to try again.
INCLUSIVE WORKSHOP FINANCIAL POLICIES
No Refunds: If a crafter is dismissed or unable to complete a session, we’ll provide a DIY to-go kit so your crafter can finish their project in the comfort of their own home.