Child & Caregiver Class Policies

There are no refunds or credits given for withdrawals (if made later than two weeks prior to the start date of the class) or for classes not attended. Unfortunately, because we cannot offer more than one or two of each type of class in a session and because our classes are generally full, we cannot allow you to make up a missed class by attending a class for which you are not registered. If you need to cancel your registration, please email Miriam (mszubin@edcjcc.org). If it is more than two weeks before the start date of the class, you will receive a full refund minus the $2 credit card processing fee.

If a class or session needs to be cancelled by the teacher, we will try to schedule a make-up. Make-up dates are often (but not always) designated in advance and listed on the registration page. We will do our best to schedule the make-up class on the same day and time as the regular class, but we reserve the right to schedule make-ups at a different day and/or time if necessary. If a make-up is offered, you will not be refunded for the cancelled class even if you personally cannot attend the make-up. If there is no possibility for an in-person make-up, we reserve the right to offer a virtual makeup over zoom. If this is also not possible, we will issue a refund to your credit card for the class missed.

If classes are cancelled because of inclement weather, we will do our best to schedule a make-up or offer a virtual version, but you will not receive a refund for the class if there is no possibility of a make-up.

If a teacher needs to cancel a class or there is an inclement weather delay or closing, families registered in the class will receive an email at the address(es) associated with their EDCJCC Household Account. We will give as much notice as we can about cancellations, but please understand that, unfortunately, last-minute situations do arise and we are not equipped to make phone calls or send text messages; email is the only way that you will be notified, even for last-minute cancellations.

Decisions to cancel Parenting Center classes due to weather are made by our staff, on a case-by-case basis. If the entire EDCJCC building closes for the day, we will definitely cancel class. Otherwise, the decision will be made based on weather conditions in the neighborhood of the EDCJCC and on the teacher’s ability to get to class, rather than on the decisions of school districts in the area or any other factors. If a class is cancelled, you will be notified by an email from Miriam or the teacher, at least an hour before the class start time. Please be sure to check your email if there is inclement weather. If you haven’t received an email at least an hour before the class start time, class is on as scheduled. If a class is cancelled due to inclement weather, we will hold a make-up class on the make-up date specified on our registration page. However, if we have already used that make-up date in a session, we cannot hold additional make-ups for inclement weather and you will not be refunded for the additional cancelled classes.

It is important that caregivers be responsible for the safety of their child. Caregivers are also responsible for monitoring their child to see that he/she does not harm others. If a child is acting aggressively towards other children (including hitting, pushing, biting, etc.), we reserve the right to ask you to remove the child temporarily, for the day, or, in extreme cases, for the session. If that happens, you will not be refunded for classes missed. By registering for this class you both acknowledge and agree with the following statement:

We strive to create the safest environment possible that will allow for some freedom of expression given the types of materials and amount of activity. By enrolling in Edlavitch DCJCC Parenting Center classes you acknowledge the potential risks involved and agree to hold harmless the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center.

Additional adult family members are welcome in most classes at no charge. Space permitting and unless otherwise indicated on the registration page, siblings below the stated age range of the class are also welcome at no charge, as long as the caregiver assumes full responsibility for all children in his/her care and as long as the younger child is not disruptive to the class. If a class is full or if the younger child causes disruption, we reserve the right to ask that only the registered child attends.

All children who fall within or above the stated age range of the class must be registered in order to attend.

If you want to register a child who falls above the stated age range of the class, please email Miriam to ask whether the specific class can accommodate an older child.

For twins or siblings who are both within the stated age range of the class, we offer a 10% discount for the second child. This discount will be applied when your registration is processed. If you need to bring an extra child with you on a one-time basis, please email Miriam in advance to obtain permission. Please remember that if a child is too sick to attend school, he or she cannot be brought to our classes!

Class minimum and maximum numbers vary according to the type and location of the class. We will keep registration open until a class has reached capacity. We must meet the minimum enrollment at least one week before the class starts. We reserve the right to cancel classes as late as one week before the start date if the minimum enrollment is not met. You will receive a full refund if we have to cancel. Registration for each class closes when the class reaches capacity; spots do sometimes come open after a class fills up, so waitlist registration will remain open after a class has filled.

We ask that all children attending Parenting Center classes be vaccinated according to age-appropriate physician recommended guidelines. See a list of required vaccines for children in DC here.

In general, please follow a 24-hour rule when deciding if your child is well enough to attend class. In other words, please wait 24 hours after the fever breaks, the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea, starting antibiotics/medication, etc. If you have a child in your care who is not allowed to go to school because of illness, you cannot bring that child along to Parenting Center classes. Parenting Center teachers reserve the right to send a child home from class if he or she seems too sick to be around other children safely.

For sanitary reasons and for the protection of everyone’s health, please use a restroom to take care of your child’s toileting and diapering needs. There is a restroom with a changing table located on every floor of the building. Please always use a diaper changing pad when changing your child’s diaper.

By registering for a class, you give to the Edlavitch DCJCC and all persons acting with its permission, the absolute right and unrestricted permission to obtain, use, copyright and/or publish via print, web or multimedia, photographic portraits or pictures of the registrant(s), whether such pictures are still, moving, single or multiple. We will not identify children by name in any of our marketing. If you do not want photos of your child used for any of the above purposes, you will submit a letter in writing to the Edlavitch DCJCC stating that you do not want images of your child used in EDCJCC marketing.

Children learn from watching you! Please make an effort to participate in the class. Even if you have no inclination towards the subject matter, you can still model enthusiasm, and that will help your child to focus and enjoy the class too. Please do not socialize and do not talk on your cell phone during class. We understand that you want to take photos and video, but we reserve the right to ask you to stop if it proves disruptive or makes other participants uncomfortable.

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t seem to be following the instructor. As long as adults are participating, children will find their own way to experience the activities. However, as any class environment can become overwhelming to a small child, please feel free to step outside for a few minutes if your child needs a break and to come back after he/she has a chance to calm down. If your child is having a meltdown that is disruptive to the class, the teacher may ask you to step outside until he or she has calmed down. If your child is acting aggressively towards other children, we reserve the right to ask you to step outside or leave for the day. Remember that caregivers are responsible for the children that they bring.

We are always looking for ways to improve our classes and programming! Please email Miriam if you’d like to give feedback (positive, negative, or in-between) on any of our classes, or if you have suggestions for classes or workshops that you’d like to see offered at the Parenting Center.