PARKS DIRECT sections are divided into two categories -- what we call “Unprotected” and “Protected” programs. This policy was implemented in 2009 in order to clearly delineate programs that are considered higher risk and separate the registration process from that of all other sections.

• Unprotected programs allow a section supervisor to personally make a decision about whether a participant who does not fall into the age range can be registered for the program (taking certain factors into consideration).
• Protected programs require not only the supervisor’s consent but also permission from the division chief of the division in question. This allows the department to “protect” specific types of programs where ages are deemed to be sensitive for the safety of the participants involved.

Regardless of the category, age overrides are not always able to be approved by the supervisor -- sometimes an instructor’s contract or other factors may prevent participants over or under the advertised threshold from getting an OK. DPR’s official statement is that while a client can make an age override request for any program, whether or not 1) the program specifics make the section appropriate for the child and 2) the supervisor has the ability to make the decision his/herself to approve that request is not a black and white issue. NO client should/will be told that an override request is ever guaranteed.

Protected Includes:

• Kids’ Care/Kids’ Club/Therapeutic Rec Kids’ Care/Leisure and Life Skills/Leisure Skills Development
• Morning Care/Pre-School
• Summer Day Camps/Summer Playgrounds & Xtreme Teen Centers
• Inter-Center Sports
• Kids’ Day Out/Winter Break Camps/Spring Break Camps

Unprotected Includes:

• Everything else.