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 & Teen Centers
- Inter-Center Sports
- Kids’ Day Out/Winter Break Camps/Spring Break Camps
Unprotected Includes:
- Everything else.
What To Do If A Client Makes A Request to Attend Your Protected Program
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Assess the request and determine if your section details allow for it (contract, nature of trips, etc.) and if you feel comfortable endorsing it.
- If you don’t approve: inform client that the request will not be approved.
- If you do approve: get written request (letter, email or Age Override Request Form) from client explaining the circumstances and referencing both the specific client Household and specific section number(s).
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Email the request to your regional manager/supervisor.
- If supervisor doesn’t approve: inform client.
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If supervisor does approve: forward approval to your division chief.
- If division chief doesn’t approve: inform client.
- If division chief does approve: inform client.
- Have client credit their account with the amount needed to cover the full section registration (or scheduled payment, if applicable) and provide answers to the Super 7 questions (if applicable).
- Forward approval to CustomerService.
- Help Desk will process the registration and inform you when done.
- Welcome client to your program!
Find the age override request form below.