South Suburban Special Recreation Association

815.806.0384
info@sssra.org
19910 80th Avenue
Tinley Park, IL
Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Guidelines & Policies

Participation Guidelines When Illness Occurs

To prevent the spread of contagious illnesses, it is recommended that participants refrain from attending programs when any of the following conditions exist:

1. Fever of 100 degrees or higher.

2. Vomiting within the last 24 hours.

3. Persistent diarrhea in conjunction with other symptoms.

4. Contagious rash or a rash of unknown origin.

5. Persistent cough and/or cold symptoms.

6. “Pink eye” (conjunctivitis) or discharge from the eye.

7. Symptoms of mumps, measles, chicken pox, strep throat, flu, impetigo, coxsackie virus, head lice, mites, and ringworm.

8. Runny nose with yellow or green discharge, which indicates infection.

9. Fatigue, due to illness, that will hinder participation and enjoyment of the program.

10. SSSRA may request that a participant submit a doctor’s release in order to participate in SSSRA programs or special events.

Please notify the SSSRA office if the participant contracts any contagious illness that will affect his/her attendance at the program. Participants should return to programs at the recommendation of the doctor, or, if not under a doctor’s care, when the symptoms have clearly passed.


Program Policies

1. SSSRA reserves the right to determine participant appropriateness for programs and special events.

2. When arriving and departing a program, parents/guardians/group home staff are required to notify the program supervisor.

3. If a participant cannot attend a program, he/she cannot send a substitute in their place.

4. When participants of varying ages and ability levels are in the same program, SSSRA will group them appropriately.

5. SSSRA provides an approximate 1:4 staff-to-participant ratio.

6. While SSSRA staff will assist participants with their belongings at programs, SSSRA cannot be responsible for lost or stolen property. Participants should not bring valuables to programs.

7. Vacation Trips, Weekend Trips, and Overnights: Participants must have independent self-help skills, be able to work successfully in a 1:4 staff to participant ratio, and have participated in SSSRA weekly programs.

8. With your child’s best interest in mind, parents are invited to their child’s first program meeting. Our instructors have found that parent and/or sibling distractions during the program time affects the quality of their instruction. Our instructors always welcome the opportunity to discuss a participant’s progress with parents at any time.


Participant Expectations

1. Participants must have bowel and bladder control or arrive at the program wearing Depends or similar items under clothing. If this is a concern, please contact the SSSRA office.

2. Overall appearance should be clean (Hair, face, teeth, hands, nails, etc.).

3. Clean, dry clothing.

4. Appropriate attire for program participation (i.e. tennis shoes, warm-ups or loose/comfortable fitting clothing for athletic/sports/exercise programs).


Behavior Guidelines

SSSRA promotes the concept of “equal fun for everyone.” Participants are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times. SSSRA’s behavior guidelines have been developed to help make the programs safe and enjoyable for all participants.

1. Participants must show respect to all participants, staff and volunteers.

2. Participants must refrain from threatening or causing bodily harm to self, other participants, or staff.

3. Participants must refrain from using foul language or discussing inappropriate topics.

4. Participants must show respect for equipment, supplies, and facilities.

5. Additional rules may be developed for specific programs and athletic programs as deemed necessary by staff.

6. If inappropriate behavior occurs, a prompt resolution will be sought specific to each individual’s situation. SSSRA reserves the right to dismiss participants whose behavior endangers the safety of themselves or others.


Program Cancellations

SSSRA attempts to hold programs whenever possible. However, inclement weather occasionally makes it difficult for staff and participants to travel to program locations. SSSRA’s cancellation policies are as follows:

1. At the scheduled program time, if no participants arrive within the first 30 minutes, the program session will be cancelled, and staff will be sent home. No refunds will be given.

2. SSSRA staff look at all circumstances three hours prior to the starting time of the program or transportation route, to determine if the program should be cancelled.

3. If the program is cancelled, program staff attempt to reach all participants by phone to inform them. You will only be called if the program is cancelled.

4. SSSRA attempts to extend programs to make up missed dates.

5. SSSRA will call/send a letter announcing program extensions.


Severe Weather Guidelines

In the event of severe weather, cancelling programs may be in the best interest of our participants. For the safety of our participants, supervisors may make the decision to cancel a program in progress, should weather become questionable. The following guidelines will be used to determine cancellations:

Severe Cold Weather
• Outdoor programs: Temperature range of 0 degrees or less, including wind chill.
• Programs with transportation: Temperature of 0 degrees or less, including wind chill.
• All programs (including indoor): Snowstorm situations when driving restrictions (winter storm or blizzard warning in which authorities have advised not going out unless necessary) and emergency accident plans (state and local police) are in effect.

Severe Hot Weather
• Outdoor programs, or indoor sites without air-conditioning, a heat index of 100 degrees or higher.
• Programs with transportation: Heat index of 100 degrees or higher.
• All programs (including indoor): Weather situations when a tornado warning is in effect for Lake, Will, Cook and/or DuPage counties.

High Wind Advisory
Transportation when there is a high wind advisory in effect, strong winds can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.


Safety Precautions

Some participants in SSSRA programs and special events may be carriers of infectious disease(s). Staff and volunteers have been provided in-service training concerning proper hygienic procedures. SSSRA seeks to provide a safe environment for all of our participants, staff, volunteers, and the public. If you have any specific questions, please call the SSSRA Executive Director or Superintendent at 815.806.0384.