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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

All registration and participation in STEM Minds programs and events are subject to the STEM Minds Policies and Procedures. You can view our full Policies and Procedures as well as supporting documents in the sections below.

 

Any questions about our Policies and Procedures should be directed to info@stemminds.com

Mandatory Policies

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STEM MINDS uses email and other means electronic telecommunication to distribute information about the programs and activities. In accordance with Canada’s anti-spam legislation, we require your permission to communicate with you via email or other means of electronic telecommunications.

By registering my child(ren) in STEM MINDS programs, you are providing STEMMINDS with consent to communicate with you via electronic means of telecommunications. If, at any time, you wish to revoke this consent, please state such intention in writing to STEM MINDS at info@stemminds.com

Consent to Communicate via Email (Opt-in)

STEM MINDS uses email and other means electronic telecommunication to distribute information about the programs and activities. In accordance with Canada’s anti-spam legislation, we require your permission to communicate with you via email or other means of electronic telecommunications.

By registering in STEM MINDS programs, you are providing STEM MINDS with consent to communicate with you via electronic means of telecommunications. If, at any time, you wish to revoke this consent, please state such intention in writing to STEM MINDS at info@stemminds.com.

Liability Waiver (Opt-in)

I, the undersigned, for myself and sponsored dependent and guest, assume full responsibility for death, or any other injuries or damages which may occur to me or my sponsored guests or dependents in, on, or about the premises of the facility and do hereby fully and forever release and discharge STEM MINDS Corp. employees, officers, agents, servants and independent contractors from any and all suits, claims damages cost and expenses of every kind, in conjunction with the use of the facility and equipment thereof except that arising out of the sole negligence or willful misconduct of STEM MINDS Corp.

I, the undersigned, for myself and my sponsored dependents and guests further agree to use all related equipment, props and activity area properly and leave them in good condition. I, the undersigned, understand the activities which will be held during the program and have had my questions answered to my satisfaction. I, the undersigned, certify that the information I have given on my registration form is complete and accurate. By my signature below, I agree to the provisions of this Release of Liability Waiver for myself, for my sponsored dependents and guests, and for my heirs and assigns intending to be legally bound.

Privacy Policy (Opt-in)

 

Your privacy is important to STEM Minds Corp. This privacy policy sets out the kinds of personal information we collect about visitors to our Site (as defined in the Terms of Use) and our customers, why we collect it, how we use it, how we protect it, and under what circumstances we share it with third parties.

Please click here to view our Privacy Policy in its entirety.

Terms of Use and End User Agreement (Opt-in)

 

The Terms of Use comprise a legal agreement between STEM Minds Corp. and you, the person accessing and using this Site, on your own behalf and on your child’s behalf. This Terms of Use sets forth the legally binding terms and conditions for the use of STEM Minds’ websites, including but not limited to, https://www.stemminds.com, that are owned, operated and maintained, directly or indirectly, by STEM Minds, and all other sites owned and operated by STEM Minds, all subdomains provided through the site or such other website, and all downloadable applications, features, functionality, content or information that is made available or provided by STEM Minds.

Please click here to view the Terms of Use in its entirety.

Please click here to view the End User Agreement in its entirety

 

Third Party Content

Third Party Tools in STEM Minds Programs 

Third party tools are used to support STEM Minds programs. Some tools may require the creation of an account in order to utilize the tool. 

STEM Minds takes the privacy and security of student information very seriously. As a result, wherever possible, STEM Minds will create and provide an account to student participants in order to prevent students from needing to provide personally identifying information (e.g. email). Some exceptions may apply; click here for details.

In order to protect student privacy, STEM Minds has created a highly detailed privacy and security review process that is strictly followed before any digital tool is used in our programs. However, you should still review the third-party Privacy and Security Policies of the online tools used in our programs.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such websites or services, and you should review the privacy policy of each such website or service to make sure that you are comfortable with it before providing any Personal Data.

Some third-party tools may have age limitations that require parental consent for us; your registration in STEM Minds programs serves as your consent for your child to use these tools. We cannot be held responsible for student use of any third-party tools outside of class time.

By clicking here you can view a list of all third-party tools currently used in STEM Minds programs. You can view: 

  1. A summary of our internal review process 
  2. Links to the relevant Privacy and Security Policies of each of the tools currently used in our programs 
  3. Recommended options for account creation and privacy settings, if applicable 

 If you have any questions or concerns about third-party tools used in STEM Minds programs, please contact us at info@stemminds.com 

Third Party Content Liability Waiver

Certain Third Party Content may be provided subject to separate terms and conditions (“Third Party Terms”). If Third Party Content is provided subject to separate Third Party Terms, then your use of the Third Party Content is subject to the terms and conditions of the Third Party Terms and STEM Minds shall have no liability or responsibility to you in respect of such Third Party Content.

You are strongly advised to check the Third Party Terms or such other terms of use and the privacy policies of Third Party Content, including third-party websites, applications or resources before making use of them. Your sole and exclusive recourse in respect of any defect, mistake, issue or other matter or dispute concerning such Third Party Content shall be in accordance with the Third Party Terms between you and the applicable third party.

You hereby release STEM Minds from any and all liability associated with its access to, use of and any reliance on such Third Party Content.

If you have questions or concerns about any third-party tools used in our courses, please contact us at info@stemminds.com

General Terms and Conditions for Registration

I, the undersigned, agree to the following:

  1. To enroll my child(ren) at STEM MINDS Programs.
  2. To provide STEM MINDS with all fees prior to the dates they are due.
  3. STEM MINDS uses email and other means of electronic telecommunication to distribute information about the programs and activities. In accordance with Canada’s anti-spam legislation, we require your permission to communicate with you via email or other means of electronic telecommunications. By registering my child(ren) in STEM MINDS programs, you are providing STEM MINDS with consent to communicate with you via electronic means of telecommunications. If, at any time, you wish to revoke this consent, please state such intention in writing to STEM MINDS at info@stemminds.com.
  4. Future registrations in STEM Minds programming will function as consent to be contacted again.

For In-Person Programs:

  1. To notify STEM MINDS in advance if any person other than the parent/guardian is picking up my child/children.
  2. To advise STEM MINDS if there are any changes in the family relationship, including any changes to the custody/access of my child/children.
  3. I understand that absences due to illnesses or holidays and closures due to severe weather conditions and/or natural disasters are not exempt from payment.
  4. To keep my child/children from STEM MINDS programs if there is any question of illness; to notify STEM MINDS about any serious illness; and to call/inform STEM MINDS if my child/children will be absent from the program.
  5. That permission is granted to call a physician or ambulance in case of an emergency.
  6. To bring my child(ren) to the program on time and pick up my child(ren) on time.
  7. Agreed and follow all the terms, policies and procedures stated in the Policies and Procedures
  8. Extended care must be indicated and requested upon confirmation of registration. No changes, cancellations or refunds will be made after the registration is completed.
  9. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure that our child/children’s immunization record is always up to date.
STEAM Hub Data Privacy

Please refer to STEAM Hub Data Privacy Assessment. STEAM Hub Data Privacy

Third Party Tools Data Privacy Assessment

Please refer to our data privacy assessment of third party tools refernced and used within STEAM Hub. Third Party Tools Data Privacy Assessment

Important Policies and Procedures

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In order to request a refund, please email us at info@stemminds.com with your name, child’s name, and order number. A full refund for a program may be provided prior to the start of the first class of a program or prior to the start of the second class of any program session.

Refunds requested after the start of the second class of any program session will not be accommodated. Partial refunds, credits, or makeup sessions for missed classes will not be accommodated except in the case of legitimate medical circumstances (e.g. serious injury that prevents participation in programming, scheduled surgery, etc).

For Virtual STEM Camps, Virtual Summer Camps, and STEAM @ Home programs, a full refund can be offered if (a) a refund is requested prior to the start of the second class for multi-day programming or (b) a refund is requested no less than 4 hours prior to the start time of a single-day program. No refunds will be provided for failure to attend the class.

No refunds are available for the Virtual Summer School Package Upgrade or STEAM on Demand self-directed courses.

Teacher resources and professional development webinars are non-refundable.

Refunds will be processed as either (a) a direct refund to the original method of payment or (b) a cheque. At the discretion of STEM Minds, a store credit may be provided in lieu of a refund.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

In order to request a refund, please email us at info@stemminds.com with your name, child’s name, and order number.

Refunds will be processed as a direct refund to the original method of payment. At the discretion of STEM Minds, a store credit may be provided in lieu of a refund.

In Person Evening/Weekend Programs:

A full refund for a program may be provided if it is requested prior to the start of the second class of any program session.

Refunds requested after the start of the second class of any program session will not be accommodated. Partial refunds, credits, or makeup sessions for missed classes will not be accommodated except in the case of legitimate medical circumstances (e.g. serious injury that prevents participation in programming, scheduled surgery, etc).

Live Virtual Classes:

A full refund for a program may be provided if (a) a refund is requested prior to the start of the second class for multi-day programming or (b) a refund is requested no less than 24 hours prior to the start time of a single-day program. No refunds will be provided for failure to attend the class.

Camps:

A full refund for a program may be provided if it is requested at least 24 hours prior to the start of the camp.

Refunds requested with less than 24 hours notice will be accommodated minus the first day of fees. No refunds, partial refunds, or credits, will be accommodated beyond the start of the second day of camp programming except in the case of legitimate medical circumstances (e.g. serious injury that prevents participation in programming, scheduled surgery, etc). Makeup sessions for missed classes cannot be accommodated.

STEAM Hub Online Courses:

A STEAM Hub Annual Subscription can be refunded within 14 days of purchase. After the 14 day period, no refunds will be processed.

Teacher Resources

Teacher resources and professional development webinars are non-refundable.

Non-Payment of Fees

In circumstances where STEM Minds has authorized a payment plan, a fee of $35 will be levied in the event of late payments or payments declined due to insufficient funds. When payment has not been received within 5 business days of the instalment due date, the order will be cancelled. Any fees paid to that point will be refunded, minus any fees for classes already delivered.

 

Permission to Use Photograph and Video (Optional)

I hereby grant to STEM MINDS Corp.™, its representatives and employees, the right to take photographs and videos of my child(ren) registered via this form and/or me and hereby consent to the use of such photographs and/or videos in STEM MINDS Corp.’s™ marketing and promotional materials, in print and/or electronically. I acknowledge and agree that STEM MINDs Corp.™ shall own all copyright in such pictures and videos. I agree that STEM MINDS Corp.™ may use such photographs and videos with or without our names for any marketing and/or promotional activity, including without limitation its Website, newspaper advertisements and social media without any compensation being payable and without any additional consent or
authorization from us.

Clients may opt out of the photography and video permission by leaving the photography consent unchecked during program registration. 

Safe and Responsible Technology Use

All technological equipment required to participate in STEM MINDS programs and camps will be provided by STEM MINDS. Participants are not required to bring their own equipment with them to programs or camps.

In the event that a participant does bring a technological device, STEM MINDS, its staff, and its vendors are not liable for any loss, theft, or damage that may occur. Participants are only permitted to use their personal devices during times specified by staff.

It is expected that technology and technology services supplied by STEM MINDS will be used in an appropriate, responsible and safe manner. This includes, but is not limited to, all technology provided by STEM MINDS and personal technologies connecting to STEM MINDS network and accessing STEM MINDS technology services such as the internet, collaboration tools and digital learning platforms.

Use of personal devices on networks other than the STEM MINDS network when used in STEM MINDS learning and program environment(s) are also subject to these policies and procedures.

All participants in STEM MINDS programs and camps who are given access to STEM MINDS technology and technology services are required to know and abide by the Safe & Responsible Technology Use Policy.

In the event of a breach of this policy, STEM MINDS will take appropriate measures to address the situation. This may include, but is not limited to:

  • disciplinary action (please refer to our Behaviour & Safety Policy for more information)
  • temporary confiscation of personal devices to be returned promptly at the end of a program
  • temporary or permanent revocation of access to STEM MINDS equipment and/or technology services
Behaviour and Safety Policies

Summary

STEM MINDS strives to provide the highest level of safety and enjoyment to all participants and staff during its camps and programs. We have developed this Behaviour & Safety Policy to support this mission and make programs and camp enjoyable for everyone.

  1. Coarse language, bullying, non-compliance, aggressive or inappropriate behaviour, and behaviour that significantly impacts the safety or enjoyment of staff or other participants are not permitted in programs or at camp.
  2. All parents/guardians are responsible for discussing appropriate behaviours with their children.
  3. Behaviours that pose a safety risk to the individual or others may result in temporary or immediate removal from activities or programs.
  4. No work created by participants should feature violent or otherwise inappropriate themes.

Our staff will make every effort to accommodate your child’s needs and integrate them into programming. However,  actions or behaviours that do not adhere to this policy will be documented, reported, and could result in the permanent removal of a participant from programs or camp. We reserve the right to remove and withdraw your child from the program should their behaviour cause harm to themselves, participants, staff or property.

 

Progressive Discipline Policy

STEM MINDS promotes a progressive discipline model. Through progressive discipline, staff determine appropriate consequences and/ or supports to help participants improve their behaviour, while taking into account their individual circumstances. The goal is to help prevent inappropriate behaviour from happening again. Within this context, more serious consequences may be considered for inappropriate behaviour that escalates or is repeated.

Staff will consider a range of options to determine the most appropriate way to respond to each situation and help the participant learn from their choices. These will include different supports and consequences.

Supports could include:

  • a conversation with the participant
  • a review of expectations for the participant’s behaviour
  • a change of activity or setting

Consequences could include:

  • Revocation of access to certain technology, equipment, or materials
  • Change of seating
  • “Time Out”
  • Behaviour Reflection Assignment
  • Conversation with parent/guardian
  • Expulsion from the camp/program as per the STEM Minds 3 Strike Policy

3 Strike Policy

STEM Minds strives to provide the highest level of safety and enjoyment to all participants and staff during its camps and programs. It’s important that everyone attending a STEM Minds program is having a fun and safe experience.

Behaviours that are NOT permitted in STEM Minds programs include, but are not limited to:

  • Physically striking another participant or staff
  • Bullying, harassing, or threating any of the other participants or staff
  • Stealing anything from another participant, staff, or location
  • Possession of any harmful objects (such as knives, lighters, etc.)
  • Purposefully breaking anything that is supplied for their use or belongs to another participant or staff member
  • Any behaviour that may pose a safety risk to the individual, other participants, or staff

These behaviours will be documented, reported, and could result in the removal of a participant from camps or programs as per our 3-strike policy.

If the participant’s behaviour is deemed inappropriate by a supervisor, they may be administered a strike. In the event a strike has been given, the parent/guardian of the participant will be notified immediately and the participant will be removed from the program for the remainder of the day. The incident will also be documented and kept on file.

After the third strike, a participant will be removed indefinitely from the current program and from any other programs they may be signed up for.  STEM Minds reserves the right to administer all three strikes at once depending on the severity of the behaviour.

To view a copy of the STEM Minds Behaviour Report, please click here

Student Seating

STEM Minds recognizes that students may have indivudals with whom they would prefer to sit (e.g. school friends attending the same camp). While we will make an effort to accommodate such requests, this is not guaranteed. Additionally, STEM Minds reserves the right to re-seat students at any time in order to promote positive student behaviour and ensure the enjoyment of programs for all students. 

Important Policies and Procedures for In-Person Programs

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All registrations for our in-person programs are currently subject to our Policies and Procedures to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19.Please note that these policies are subject to change based on guidance from health authorities.

Health and Safety Policies (COVID19 protocol)

All registrations for our in-person programs are currently subject to our Policies and Procedures to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19. Click here to view the policies in full. Please note that these policies are subject to change based on guidance from health authorities.

Consent of Medical Care

While every effort will be made to reach parents/guardians in the event of a medical emergency, we require your permission to authorize any Doctor to give necessary treatment in the event of such as an emergency. I hereby grant permission for STEM MINDS Corp.™ to take whatever steps necessary to obtain emergency medical care. These steps may include but are not limited to the following:
1. Attempt to contact a parent/guardian
2. Attempt to contact the child’s physician
3. Attempt to contact the emergency contact person
If we cannot contact any of the above, we will call an ambulance and if necessary have the child taken to the emergency department of the hospital, in the company of a staff member. Any expense incurred under the circumstances listed above will be paid by the child’s family.

STEM MINDS CORP.™ will not be responsible for any incident that may occur as a result of false information given at the time of enrolment.

Camp Policies and FAQ

Camp activities run from 9:00am to 4:00pm for full-day campers and 9:00 – 12:00 for half-day campers, Monday to Friday.

Campers will only be released to a parent/guardian or the appointed person listed on your child’s approved contact list. If anyone else is going to pick up your child, please submit a written notice to info@stemminds.com before your child is picked up. The notice must contain the name and the relationship of the individual who will be picking up your child.

Please advise the adult picking up your child that they may be required to present a picture ID for verification. If our staff has any doubt as to the approval of an individual, it is our policy to NOT release your child and to contact the main contact on the original registration.

Extended care is available from 7:00am – 9:00am and 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm for an additional fee. We allow drop off from 8:30 – 9:00 and pickup from 4:00 – 4:30 for no additional fee.

If your child is sick, unable to attend, or will be late for any reason, please send an email to info@stemminds.com on each day of your child/children’s absence. Please see our refund/cancellation policy for more details. Students who are visibly ill will not be permitted to join the program and/or may be sent home if they develop signs of illness later in the day.

To ensure your child is prepared for the camp each day, please bring the following:

  • Non-marking closed-toe shoes
  • A healthy lunch and two snacks (nut-free). Refrigeration and heating are not available. Please do not send any money to camp. Campers are not permitted to leave the facility for lunch unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.
  • A filled water bottle labelled with the child’s name
  • Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
  • Sunscreen and sun hat for outdoor activities

Additional policies and procedures have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All in-person summer camp registrations are subject to these policies and procedures. Click here to learn more. 

Inclement Weather & Program Interruptions Policy

In the event of inclement weather, STEM MINDS reserves the right to cancel programs. A variety of factors are considered in the cancellation of programs including:

  • School bus cancellations and/or school closures by our partnering school boards
  • Environment Canada weather advisories and warnings
  • The closure of municipal buildings, facilities and programs

Programs cancelled due to inclement weather are non-refundable. Make-up classes (including virtual classes) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In the event that make-up classes cannot be accommodated, a refund or credit towards another program for the amount of the missed class will be provided. Please note that this policy only applies to classes that are missed due to inclement weather and will not apply to classes missed due to personal illness, vacation, etc.

Notice of program cancellation due to inclement weather will be sent via email to the address provided by participants upon registration. Notice of program cancellation will also be posted on our Facebook page and on the homepage of our website. Notification of class cancellation will occur a minimum of 2 hours prior to the start of a program. If you have questions regarding our inclement weather policy, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@stemminds.com or at 647-846-3154

 

In the event of interuptions to in-person programs (e.g. due to government lockdowns), classes will be offered virtually where applicable. No refunds will be offered if you decline to participate in two (2) or fewer classes to be temporarily offered virtually. In the event of extended lockdowns (i.e. affecting 3 or more classes), you may request a refund for the affected classes in lieu of participation in virtual classes. 

Makerscience Glue Gun Safety

Please note that tools that may be used by students as part of our “maker science” activities that are found in our camps and select school programs including our “STEAM Explorers” program include glue guns.

All tools used by students in our programming are accompanied by detailed training for safe use. For using a glue gun, these safety steps include:

  1. Our staff review and provide a copy of a safety infographic to all students during the first class/first use, which outlines the steps students need to follow in order to keep themselves safe during the program and includes information about glue guns specifically. Please click here to download and view our safety infographic. 
  2. Our staff do a detail review and tutorial of using hot glue guns safely each time they are being used in the program/activity before participants have access to the materials
  3. All glue gun usage is closely supervised by our instructors. Participants are frequently reminded that in the event they are not comfortable using a glue gun or require assistance, instructors are there to support them.

If this tool is not something you are comfortable having your child use, please make a note of this in the notes section of your order.