Free template · Families

Participant code of conduct

Kid-friendly behavior expectations, what's never allowed and the steps staff take when rules are broken, signed by the child and a parent.

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What's in it

What the code of conduct covers

At the top: We want [Program name] to be safe, fun and fair for everyone. Please read this with your child, talk about it together and both sign below.

My promises

At [Program name], I will:

Treat everyone with kindness and respect, including kids, staff and visitors.
Keep my hands, feet and things to myself.
Use kind words. No bullying, teasing, name-calling or threats, in person or online.
Listen to staff and follow directions the first time.
Stay with my group and tell a staff member before I go anywhere.
Take care of equipment, buildings and other people's things.
Include others and play fair.
Tell a staff member if I feel unsafe, see someone get hurt or know about a problem.

Never allowed

Fighting, hurting someone on purpose or threatening to
Bullying or harassment of any kind, in person or online
Weapons or anything that looks like one
Alcohol, tobacco, vaping or drugs
Stealing or damaging property
Leaving the program area without permission
Taking photos or videos of other kids without staff permission

Phones and devices

[Your phone and device rule. Example: Phones stay off and in backpacks until pickup. If your child needs to reach you, staff will help.]

If a rule is broken

Staff will help your child understand what went wrong and make it right, and most problems end at step 1. Serious or unsafe behavior, such as fighting, threats or weapons, can go straight to step 3 or 4.

Step 1: A reminder and a chance to fix it
Step 2: A short break from the activity and a talk with staff
Step 3: A call or meeting with the parent or guardian, and a plan to help
Step 4: Suspension or removal from the program. We'll meet with the family first unless safety requires us to act right away. Refunds follow our refund policy.

Help us help your child

What helps your child calm down or get back on track (optional)
Anything else staff should know (optional)

Child's promise

I read (or listened to) this code of conduct. I understand it, and I'll do my best to follow it.

Child's printed name
Child's signature
Date

Parent or guardian

I've read this code of conduct with my child. I understand how the program handles behavior, and I'll work with staff if a problem comes up.

Parent or guardian's printed name
Parent or guardian signature
Date

Free to use and change, but not legal or medical advice. Check your state's licensing rules and your insurer's requirements, and have a lawyer review any consent or waiver language.

Tips

How to use it well

Read the code aloud on the first day and post a short version in each room. Younger children need pictures and simple words.
Use the same steps for every child, and write down what happened each time you go past a reminder.
Call families early when you see a pattern. Step 3 shouldn't be the first time they hear about a problem.
Fill in your device rule, and make sure the steps match your parent handbook and refund policy.

Rules on ratios, medication and reporting vary by state. See your state in our state-by-state rules for youth programs.

FAQ

Questions, answered

Should kids sign a code of conduct?

Yes, if they're old enough to understand it, usually about age 6 and up. Signing makes the rules feel like their own promise. For younger children, have a parent read it with them and sign for the family.

Can a program remove a child for behavior?

Most programs can, if the policy is written down and families agreed to it before the program started. Follow your own steps, keep notes and meet with the family first. If the behavior may be related to a disability or other special need, talk with the family about what support could help, and get advice before removing the child.