For purposes of this document:
- “SPARKS Academy” includes its founders, coordinators, instructors, volunteers, and the owner/host of the facility where programming takes place.
- “My child(ren)” means every child I enroll.
By agreeing to this release form, I acknowledge that SPARKS Academy cannot guarantee that my child(ren) or I will not become infected with COVID-19 or any other contagious illness.
I voluntarily agree to assume the risks associated with my child(ren)’s participation in SPARKS Academy activities and accept responsibility for injuries, illnesses, damages, losses, claims, liabilities, or expenses that my child(ren) or I may experience or incur in connection with participation, to the extent permitted by law.
I understand that some classes and activities may include, without limitation, jumping, stretching, running, physical games and sports, using scissors and paints, handling ingredients for science experiments, cooking with open flames under supervision, using various food ingredients, and other related activities. I understand that some activities involve inherent risks, including physical strain or bodily injury.
We are a peanut-free program and consistently remind students and families not to bring peanut-ingredient foods, but we cannot guarantee that the environment will be completely free of peanuts or other allergens. As the parent or guardian, you are responsible for constantly reminding your child not to take or accept food from anyone else and for ensuring that your child is consistently vocal about any allergies they may have.
To the extent permitted by law, I agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless SPARKS Academy from claims, demands, or causes of action arising from my child(ren)’s or my participation in SPARKS Academy activities, including claims involving injury, illness, damage, or loss, except where such release is prohibited by law.
I acknowledge that I have read this statement, understand the potential risks associated with participation, and voluntarily accept those risks on behalf of myself and my child(ren).
I acknowledge and agree that I, as the parent or legal guardian, have primary and ongoing responsibility for my child(ren)’s safety, awareness, and behavior at all times while participating in SPARKS Academy activities. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Personally explaining all known and potential risks, facility hazards, activity rules, and expected behavior to my child(ren) before and throughout the program.
- Ensuring my child(ren) understand and are willing and able to follow all safety instructions, rules, and adult directions.
- Inspecting the activity area and asking questions about different activities and promptly removing or prohibiting my child(ren) from any activity or area that I believe is unsafe or inappropriate for them.
- Instructing my child(ren) on personal safety practices, including recognizing hazards (such as sharp objects, open flames, kitchen appliances, cleaning products, animals, or wildlife), avoiding them, and immediately reporting concerns to an adult.
I accept full responsibility for ensuring my child(ren) are adequately prepared, aware, and responsible for their own safety and the safety of others. I understand that SPARKS Academy coordinators, instructors, and parent volunteers cannot continuously monitor every child and that supervision is shared and limited.
I agree that I am responsible for my child(ren)’s conduct. If my child(ren) cause injury, damage, or loss to any person or property, I will indemnify and hold harmless SPARKS Academy from any resulting claims, to the extent permitted by law. I further agree that SPARKS Academy may, in its discretion, require my child(ren) to leave an activity if their behavior creates a safety risk or disrupts the program.
I authorize SPARKS Academy coordinators, instructors, and designated parent volunteers to act on my behalf in an emergency if I cannot be reached or it is impracticable to communicate with me or another family member. This authorization includes seeking emergency medical care or other treatment for my child(ren) as deemed necessary under the circumstances. I agree to be responsible for medical expenses incurred on behalf of my child(ren).
If I, as the parent or legal guardian, experience a medical emergency and am unable to communicate, I authorize the responsible adults present at SPARKS Academy to contact emergency services, including calling 911 when necessary. I understand that I am responsible for any medical expenses incurred on my behalf.
I agree to disclose relevant medical conditions, allergies, medications, and other health-related information concerning my child(ren) that could affect their safety or participation in SPARKS Academy activities. I understand that incomplete or inaccurate information may increase the risk of harm and may affect the ability of SPARKS Academy personnel to respond appropriately in an emergency.
I further agree to update this information promptly if anything changes, and I accept responsibility for any increased risk that results from incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated information I provide.
I understand that SPARKS Academy meets in a facility that may be used by other individuals or groups on days when SPARKS Academy is not in session. As a result, SPARKS Academy coordinators and volunteers may not be aware of every condition or potential hazard on the premises or in the surrounding area. Such hazards may include, but are not limited to, kitchen appliances, tools, cleaning products, and animals or wildlife (such as cats, spiders, or other animals) that may enter indoor or outdoor spaces.
I acknowledge that reasonable care is taken to promote a safe environment; however, I understand that not all hazards can necessarily be anticipated, identified, or controlled. I accept responsibility for helping my child(ren) understand the importance of personal safety and agree to communicate consistently with them about recognizing potential hazards, following safety expectations, and making responsible choices to help protect themselves and others.
To the extent permitted by law, I accept the risks associated with conditions or hazards that may be present at the facility and understand that the responsibility of SPARKS Academy is subject to applicable law and the circumstances of any incident.
By signing below, I confirm that:
- I have carefully read this entire document.
- I understand the risks and my primary responsibility for my child(ren)’s awareness, supervision, and safety.
- I have had the opportunity to ask questions and ask for any clarification I need.
- I am signing voluntarily on behalf of myself and my child(ren).
- I have explained the relevant risks and rules to my child(ren) in an age-appropriate manner.