Gameschooling Program Policies

Thank you for enrolling in Toy Hermit’s Gameschooling program. These policies help ensure a safe, enriching, and enjoyable experience for all families. Please review the guidelines below.

Late Pick-Up Policy

Each session includes a 5-minute grace period after the scheduled end time. After this, a $10 fee is charged for every 10-minute block or portion thereof.

Example

For a class with pick-up time of 3:00pm:

Pick-Up Time	Late Fee
By 3:05 p.m.	No Fee
3:06–3:15 p.m.	$10
3:16–3:25 p.m.	$20
3:26–3:35 p.m.	$30

Late fees will be invoiced and repeat late pick-ups may result in removal from the program.

Photo & Media Usage

Toy Hermit may take photos or videos during sessions for:

• Internal use (e.g., session recaps for families)
• External promotions (e.g., website, social media, flyers)

Photos will never include full student names. Parents may opt out by indicating their preference on the registration form.

Behavior & Participation Expectations

We foster a safe, inclusive, and playful learning environment where students are supported in developing social skills and emotional regulation. Our instructors guide children with patience and positivity.
At Toy Hermit, our goal is to create a safe, positive, and engaging environment where all students can learn and grow through play. We recognize that children develop social and self-regulation skills at different paces, and we are committed to working closely with families to support each child’s success.

Our Core Expectations

At the start of each session, instructors review expectations using our “I Can Be…” framework:

• Safe – keeping hands, bodies, and materials safe
• Kind – treating peers and instructors with respect
• Responsible – following instructions and caring for shared spaces

These expectations help ensure a positive experience for all students.

Unacceptable Behaviors

While occasional reminders are a normal part of learning, certain behaviors raise safety concerns and require closer attention. These include:

• Physical aggression (e.g., hitting, pushing)
• Defiance of safety instructions
• Unsafe use of space or materials (e.g., climbing furniture, pulling books off shelves)

When sessions are held in shared spaces such as the school library, it is especially important that students respect the environment so the program can continue to use the space.

How We Support Students

Our instructors actively work to help students meet expectations by:

• Reviewing expectations at the start of each session
• Giving clear verbal and visual reminders
• Redirecting students to engaging, appropriate games
• Offering one-on-one support when needed
• Collaborating with families to apply strategies that work at home

The focus is always on guidance, redirection, and skill-building.

Session Behavior Snapshot

To ensure consistency and reduce subjectivity, instructors complete a brief behavior snapshot after each session for students who need additional support. This snapshot documents:

• Whether expectations were reviewed
• What supports were used
• Whether safety expectations were met during the session

This helps us track progress over time and communicate clearly with families.

Warnings & Next Steps

If a student is unable to meet safety expectations during a session despite reminders and support, that session is recorded as a warning.

• After a warning, we communicate with families and continue providing support
• If similar safety concerns occur across multiple sessions, additional conversations will take place
• In rare cases, if safety concerns persist despite repeated support, removal from the program may be necessary to ensure a safe environment for all students

Our sincere goal is always to avoid removal by working together proactively.

Partnering with Families

We deeply value family partnership and welcome input from parents on strategies that help their child succeed. Open communication allows us to create a more supportive and consistent experience for students.

If you have questions, concerns, or strategies you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for trusting Toy Hermit and for partnering with us to support meaningful learning through play.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

Cancellations are subject to the following refund structure:

• 100% refund if cancelled before the first class of the session
• Only pay for the 1st class if cancelled at least 24 hours before the second class of the session
• 50% refund (of the pro-rated balance) if cancelled at least 24 hours before the 3rd class of the session
• No refunds after the 3rd class of the session

Requests must be submitted in writing. Exceptions for emergencies may be considered at Toy Hermit’s discretion.

Authorized Pick-Up & Emergency Procedures

Student Release: Students will only be released to adults listed on the Authorized Pick-Up section of the Parent Authorization form. If someone else arrives, instructors will contact the parent/guardian to verify. A valid photo ID WILL be required.

We also drop-off students to other afterschool programs like primetime upon parents request. Please include under the Authorized pick-up section.

Emergency Procedures: All instructors are CPR/First Aid certified and have passed a California DOJ background check. In case of emergencies:

• Minor injuries: Basic first aid is provided; parents are informed at pickup
• Serious issues: 911 is called immediately, then the parent or emergency contact
• School-wide events: Instructors follow school site safety procedures

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe and fun learning environment!