Safe Sanctuary Participant Covenant

DeKalb Christian Home Educators, Inc. is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children and youth. Thus, all members must comply with the Safe Sanctuary Covenant,

• I understand no adult or youth of any sex abuse defined by Georgia Code section O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12 is allowed to serve in activities. 

• I understand that parent-volunteers, staff, instructors, or community partners must complete annual Safe Sanctuary Training.

• I understand staff and instructors must complete a background and reference check.

• I will follow the “Two-Adult Rule” that requires a minimum of two adults to be present during children and youth activities.

• If I witness any child abuse, I will immediately secure the safety of the child  *Note: If you believe a child or youth is in imminent danger, call 911.

• I will report any sex abuse defined by Georgia Code section O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12 within 24 hours.

1. I will respect and follow all “Guidelines for Social Media and Communications” including:

   1. NOT posting of any person without consent or signed Photo Release.
   2. NO private communication with children or youth without parental consent. 

• I have read this Safe Sanctuaries Participation Covenant.

• I agree to observe and abide by the Safe Sanctuary Policy set forth. 

I hereby grant permission to the rights of my image, likeness, and sound of my voice as recorded on audio or videotape without payment or any other consideration. I understand that my image may be edited, copied, exhibited, published, or distributed, and waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein my likeness appears. Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of my image or recording. I also understand that this material may be used in diverse educational settings within an unrestricted geographic area. Photographic, audio, or video recordings may be used for the following purposes:

• conference presentations
• educational presentations or courses
• informational presentations
• online educational courses
• educational videos

By signing or completing this application I understand this permission signifies that photographic or video recordings of me may be electronically displayed via the Internet or in a public educational setting. I will be consulted about the use of the photographs or video recording for any purpose other than those listed above. There is no time limit on the validity of this release nor is there any geographic limitation on where these materials may be distributed. This release applies to photographic, audio, or video recordings collected as part of the sessions listed on this document only. By signing this form I acknowledge that I have completely read and fully understand the above release and agree to be bound thereby. I hereby release any and all claims against any person or organization utilizing this material for educational purposes.

*Note all Annual Family Membership Fees are nonrefundable.

This is a legally binding release, waiver, assumption of risk, and parental consent made by the parent or guardian on behalf of the minor child or children to participate in “Activities” with DeKalb Christian Home Educators, Inc. (DCHE). I hereby agree as follows:

• I understand the nature of the Activities and the minors’ experiences and capabilities and believe the minor(s) to be qualified to participate in such activities. I further agree to supervise and will instruct the minor(s) that if at any time the minor(s) believes the condition to be unsafe, s/he will immediately discontinue further participation in the activity.

• I acknowledge and understand that a). risks and dangers may be caused by the minors’ own actions, or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the activities, or the condition of the Facilities or of any equipment used; b) there may be other risks and social or economic losses either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibly for losses, costs, and damages incurred as a result of the minors’ participation in the activities. 

• I hereby release, discharge, and agree to indemnify and save and hold harmless church partners DCHE, their respective coordinators, board members, volunteers, other participants, any sponsors, and advertisers (each considered one of the “releases” herein) from liability, claims, demands, losses or damages on the minor’s or minors’ account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by organizers of the Activities.  I will indemnify, save and hold harmless each of the “releases” from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss liability, damages or cost any may incur as the result of any such claim.

By signing or completing this application I agree to use my best judgment in participating in the Activities and utilizing the Facilities and to faithfully adhere to all safety instructions and recommendations, whether oral or written. I fully understand that I and the minor(s) have given up substantial rights by signing it and have signed it freely without duress of any nature. I intend the agreement to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.

Daily Policies and Procedures

DCHE …

• is a co-op, a group of people who meet together and work cooperatively to achieve common goals. Parents organize or facilitate social/ academic events and extracurricular activities including competitive clubs and teams. 

• is NOT a school. The individual student's education and behavior are guided by the parents.

• uses Crossroad Presbyterian Church, Park Place Church, and Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church facilities. Please do NOT call any church facility office; instead, contact DCHE coordinators directly at dcheeducators@gmail.com or 678-571-7928.

• does not allow drop-offs. NO drop-offs.  Students may NOT wait on campus for later classes to start unless directly supervised by an adult.

DUES: Membership dues must be paid before students can participate in teams or clubs. Membership dues are non-refundable.  Sign-up is based on a first-paid basis.

CHURCH PROPERTY: Interior and Exterior rules 

1. No students on the church campus are unattended.  The parent must monitor children at all times (doorway monitoring is allowed).  

2. Adult supervision is required for the playground.

3. Exterior doors must remain closed at all times.  No propping the door open.

4. Please respect and preserve all church property and furnishings. Misuse will require the student’s parents to pay for repairs and/or replacements. 

5. ONLY park in the lot located on Panola Roadside, left the of building's front entrance.

End of activity/ event procedure:   “Leave all areas better than you found them.”

• Empty wastebaskets and trash cans.

• Wiped down all surfaces (tables, desks, countertops, etc.).

• Sweep and vacuum floors.

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LUNCHES/SNACKS: All food and beverages must be eaten in designated areas.                                                            

• No open food containers are allowed in hallways or the lobby. Please properly dispose of all food packaging and waste.

SPECIAL NEEDS: We welcome special needs children to participate BUT the parent must remain in the room during the meetings or provide a supervisory person. Other needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

DRESS CODE: Please be modest with your dress and comply with the rules (students and parents):

• No hats or caps inside the church (boys).

• No attire with a derogatory, or sexual message or symbols.

• Shorts and/or skirts of 6th grade and older should reach fingertips with hands to sides.

ILLNESS: Please keep children home if they are contagious such as, but not limited to the following:  

Ø  FEVER: May return when fever free (under 100 degrees) for 24 hours without medication

Ø  DIARRHEA / VOMITING: May return when symptom-free for 24 hours

Ø  CONJUNCTIVITIS (pink eye): May return 24 hours after treatment and eyes are free of discharge

Ø  HEAD LICE: May return after treatment and removal of all live lice and nits from hair

Ø  RINGWORM / IMPETIGO / STAPH / MRSA: May return when cleared by a medical professional; must cover are with dressing taped on all 4 sides

Ø  COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (COVID, strep, influenza, chickenpox, measles, mumps, pertussis, meningitis, mononucleosis, hand-foot-mouth disease, etc.): May return when cleared by a medical professional.

BATHROOM/ CHANGING ROOMS POLICY: Parents rotate monitoring bathrooms from the hallway.

Diaper changing policy:

• NO changing diapers in any area other than the bathroom.

• Solid dirty diapers must be disposed of outside immediately.

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BEHAVIOR: We are NOT a school. The individual student's education and behavior are guided by the parents.

1. Please refrain from horseplay, running in the halls, or hitting.

2. No viewing of inappropriate media content on cellphones, devices, or laptops.

3. Use kind words and refrain from participating in inappropriate conversations or jokes. 

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CLASS ETIQUETTE: "Our goal is to learn to be better representatives of Christ every day."

Listen to instructions (you cannot listen with a cell phone in hand). ~Hebrews 13:17

Enter and exit class prepared. ~ Proverbs 6:6-8

Always do your best. ~ Colossians 3:23

Respect yourself and others. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:20/ Matthew 7:12

No Excuses (complete assigned work).  ~ James 4:17

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My family agrees to follow DCHE Policies and Procedures. We also understand policies & Procedures can change for the continued protection and benefit of the church. DCHE will notify you via email if this happens.