SAFETY

BEHAVIOR

Members are expected to behave in an appropriate manner creating a fun-filled learning environment. Members will treat each other and staff with respect following Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County’s rules.

When negative behavior occurs, Club staff will attempt to redirect the child’s behavior.  If the child’s behavior remains disruptive, he or she will be given a time out. If the disruptive behavior continues beyond the time out, the child’s parent or guardian will be contacted to discuss ideas for solving the problem or conflict. Disciplinary measures include a time out and/or exclusion from certain activities. Repeated disciplinary problems or violations in line with our Zero-Tolerance Policy can result in a child being suspended from the Club. The child’s membership can be revoked if all appropriate attempts to redirect the child’s behavior fail, or if the incident/behavior is considered to be a serious safety hazard.  Each incident will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. This behavior and the disciplinary action is documented through the Member Incident Report, in which all parties will receive a copy of. Should the parent/guardian chose to dispute the disciplinary action given, the Grievance Policy for Program Participants may be referred to (page 10).

Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County adheres to the following methods of discipline. It is our policy never to use physical or mentally abusive forms of discipline.

1. Discipline will be in proportion to the particular inappropriate behavior and enforced within an appropriate time.
2. Children will not be subjected to verbal or physical abuse.
3. Members will be informed of the inappropriate behavior and given time out or excluded from certain activities as warranted by the child’s behavior.  Parents/guardians may also be called if necessary.

Zero Tolerance Behaviors

1. Physical altercations and/or threatening the safety of others
2. All forms of bullying
3. Theft
4. Vandalism
5. Inappropriate behavior (includes sexual behavior, drugs/tobacco/alcohol, weapons, etc.)
6. Disrespect towards staff, volunteers, and/or fellow members

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

Bullying behavior or threats are taken seriously. Bullying is seen as a discipline issue and will be dealt with through the normal discipline procedures.

What is bullying behavior?  Bullying is –

Physical:                pushing, hitting, kicking, stealing, threatening gestures

Verbal:                 name-calling, teasing, taunting, intimidating, humiliating, spreading malicious gossip, sexual      harassment, racial abuse/slurs, homophobic abuse

Cyber/Written:    text, email messages, notes, social media, etc.

Silent:                     exclusion from activities, rude gestures

All staff and volunteers are expected to be vigilant and alert to cases of bullying. Reports can be made by staff, volunteers, parents and members. Suspected cases of bullying should be reported immediately to the Director. Reports will be investigated immediately using the Club discipline guidelines. Incidents will be recorded and monitored.

REPORTING POLICY

We are required by law to immediately report suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the Child Protective Services unit of the Department of Social Services. BGCRC requests that any volunteer, parent, or staff members who suspects that abuse or neglect has occurred notify us immediately so that we may initiate the process of notifying the state or “Hot Line” and coordinate support for the family. If the Director is not available, the Director of Operations or Chief Executive Officer can be contacted. Child Abuse Hotline: 1-877-237-0004 or https://apps.tn.gov/carat/.

TECHNOLOGY

Members have access to the Club’s Technology Center each day to help with homework and to teach members valuable technology skills. The use of the Club computers and access to the internet is a privilege, not a right, and requires responsibility. We strictly monitor internet access and teach members the importance of online safety. Members who violate our technology policy by using it inappropriately will have their privileges revoked, be suspended from the Club, or in extreme cases their membership can be revoked.

MEDICAL ILLNESS OR EMERGENCY

Should your child become ill while at the Club, he or she will be removed from their activity so that isolation precautions and/or control measures may be implemented. A parent or guardian will be notified to come and pick up the child within 30 minutes of receiving a phone call. Parents may need to contact an emergency person to pick up the child.

Members with communicable and contagious illnesses, and/or other symptoms will be sent home. A child may return to the Club after a physician has evaluated the illness, medication prescribed, and any period of contagion has passed as determined by a licensed physician.  A written statement from your child’s doctor is required.

Children with the following will need to be picked up from the Boys & Girls Club immediately:

Fever (100 degrees or above)

Members may not return to the Club until their temperature has been below 100 degrees, without the use of fever-reducing medications, for 24 hours. Doctor’s note required before returning.

Vomiting/Diarrhea/Bacterial Infection

Members may return to the Club 24 hours after last experience. Doctor’s note required before returning.

Lice

Members with lice must remain out of the Club for 24 hours after treatment, show proof of treatment and will be subject to a head check before they may return to the Club.

Rashes/Skin Infections

Members with rashes or skin infections (ringworm, scabies, staph, cellulitis, etc.) must provide a doctor’s note and proof of treatment before they may return to the Club. The rash and/or skin infection must remain covered until completely healed.

Pink Eye

Members with Pink Eye must provide a doctor’s note and proof of treatment before they may return to the Club.

Additional symptoms that prevent members from attending or remaining at the Club include, but are not limited to, sore throat, headache, congestion/runny nose, shortness of breath, muscle aches, stomach aches, fatigue, and chills.

In the event of an accident or medical emergency, our staff will take the appropriate emergency measures to ensure the necessary care and protection of your child. To comply with State of Tennessee’s DOE regulations and other best practices, BGCRC’s program staff are trained Youth Development Professionals and CPR and First Aid certified.

MEDICATION

Policy prohibits staff members of the BGCRC to administer prescription or over-the-counter medications of any kind. This includes skin cream, sunscreen, and insect repellant. If your child requires emergency medication, such as an inhaler or EpiPen, you are required to provide the medicine in its original container and labeled with the child’s name, instructions for administration, including the times and amounts for dosages and the physician’s name. If your child is asthmatic, you must provide an inhaler to the Club and a valid asthma action plan.

Members are not allowed to keep or carry their own medication while at the Club. All emergency medications and plans will be locked in a storage cabinet at your child’s Club. (Medicines that are out of date or not in the clearly labeled original container are not permitted and will not be accepted by BGCRC staff.)

If a situation arises that your child should need their prescribed/emergency medication, BGCRC staff will then allow him/her access to their medication and allow him/her to administer the medication themselves. BGCRC staff will not administer medication to a child. A log will be kept of when a child consumes medication.