Parent and Guardian Resources

Welcome Parents and Guardians!

At Cal Poly, we prioritize the safety, well-being, and personal growth of everyone in our Youth Programs. We understand that as parents and guardians, you want the best for your child, and your involvement and understanding are vital to maintaining a secure and enriching environment. Cal Poly's Youth Programs are designed to provide safe, educational, and engaging experiences, offering a variety of activities that foster learning, creativity, and exploration—from STEM workshops to arts and sports camps. This page provides comprehensive information, resources, and tools to support you and your child throughout their journey with us.

Our Commitment to Youth Protection

We follow stringent policies and procedures designed to protect all participants. This includes:

• Background checks: All staff, volunteers, and program leaders undergo rigorous screening.
• Training and education: All personnel are trained in youth protection, abuse prevention, and reporting protocols.
• Zero-tolerance policies: Any behavior that compromises a Youth’s safety is immediately addressed and resolved.
• Reporting protocols: We provide clear pathways for reporting concerns confidentially and without fear of retaliation.

Your Role as a Parent

We encourage parents to actively participate in ensuring their Youth’s safety. Here are ways you can help:

• Stay informed: Familiarize yourself with the program’s rules, schedules, and emergency procedures.
• Open communication: Speak regularly with your Youth about their experiences and encourage them to share concerns.
• Know the signs of abuse: Learn the warning signs of inappropriate behavior and how to address them.
• Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to reach out to Program Coordinators and Program Directors with concerns or questions about Youth Protection policies.

What to Expect from Our Programs

Our programs are designed to provide a safe and enriching environment. Here’s what you can expect:

• Supervised activities: All activities are closely monitored to ensure safety and accountability.
• Transparent communication: Regular updates about program events, any incidents, or changes in procedures.
• Medical and emergency preparedness: Staff are trained in first aid and CPR, and emergency action plans are in place.
• Staff and Volunteer Code of Conduct: All participants, staff, and volunteers are required to adhere to behavior guidelines.

Reporting Concerns

Your voice is essential in maintaining a safe environment. If you notice or suspect something concerning, please follow these steps:

1. Contact program leadership: Speak directly to the Program Coordinator or Director.
2. Use our reporting hotline: Call 805-756-0842.
3. Submit an online report.
4. Reach out to local authorities: If the concern is urgent or involves suspected abuse, contact law enforcement immediately.

Resources for Parents

We’ve compiled helpful resources to assist you in understanding youth protection policies and supporting your child:

• Recognizing and Preventing Abuse
• Parent-Child Communication Tips
• Common Sense Media
• Internet Matters
• Participant & Parent Handbook
• Youth Program Code of Conduct
• Consent for Medical Treatment of Youth
• Parent/Guardian Participation Agreement
• Pickup, Drop-off or Commuter Permission Form
• Visual-Audio Image Release Form

Frequently Asked Questions

What should my child bring to the program? A detailed packing list will be provided upon registration.

Who can I contact if I have questions during the program? Program Coordinators and Directors’ contact details will be shared with parents prior to the start date.

What happens in case of an emergency? Emergency procedures and contact protocols are in place and will be shared with parents prior to the Youth Program starting.

How do you ensure all staff and volunteers are safe to work with Youth? All staff and volunteers undergo comprehensive live scans, background checks, reference verification, and mandatory training in youth protection.

What should I do if my Youth reports feeling uncomfortable? Take your child’s concerns seriously. Speak with them calmly, document their statements, and report the issue to program leadership or Risk Management.

Are staff trained in handling emergencies? Yes, all staff members are trained in emergency response protocols, including first aid, CPR, and evacuation procedures.

Can parents observe program activities? Absolutely. We welcome and encourage parent observation while maintaining a structured and distraction-free environment for participants.

Reporting Other Issues

If you would like to report other issues or concerns related to youth programs at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, please contact Youth Protection Programs at (805) 756-0842 or by emailing us at youthprograms@calpoly.edu.