JCC Policies

After School at the J Guidebook 2024-25

Aquatics Policies

Aquatics Policies

Make-up Classes and Credits
Missed swim classes for group lessons can be made up only once per session with a doctor's note, and approved by the aquatics leadership team. Make-up swim lessons are only offered if space is available. The Aquatics Department will make every effort to accommodate the request but make-up requests are not guaranteed. Credits will not be issued for missed classes.

Private Lesson Scheduling
Scheduling is based on the student's and instructor’s availability. Swim student must notify instructor and/or facility four hours prior to scheduled class to ensure proper reschedule. This allows swim instructors to adjust their schedule and plan accordingly. Failure to do so in the four-hour time frame will result in forfeiting the swim lesson.

Choosing the Right Swim Class/Level
If you have questions about the right swim class or swim level for your child, please request a free swim evaluation. This procedure will ensure that your child will be taught at the appropriate level. It only takes a couple of minutes for an instructor to evaluate a child’s ability. Contact our Aquatics Department at [email protected] if you would like assistance choosing the right level.

What Do I Need for Lessons?
Children under the age of 3 (and older if not toilet trained) need to wear a disposable swim diaper and rubber pants under their bathing suit. Also, be sure to bring a towel or two. (The JCC provides towel service for $2.50 at the Member Services Desk.) Additionally, goggles are recommended, and may also be purchased at the JCC Member Services Desk.

*Attention: Parents/Caregivers*
To help your child feel more secure, you are welcome to remain in the pool area during the first day of the class session and again on the last day of the class session. Please do not hover over your child’s class. This will hinder the swim instructor’s ability to keep students engaged in swim class. It is suggested that parents wait in the pool area for only the first five minutes and the last five minutes of class in the interim weeks. This will allow your swimmer to effectively transition and focus on learning swim skills

Supervision Ratios
In order to ensure the safety of all participants, the following supervision ratios in the pools and pool areas must be maintained:

All children under the age of 12 MUST have adult supervision while in the pool area or in the pools
Children age 6 and under must have 1:1 adult supervision while in the pools. Meaning, an adult must be within arm’s reach of the child. For our indoor pool and larger outdoor pool, this specifically means that the adult must be IN THE WATER with the child. For our smaller splash pool, the adult must be sitting on the edge of the pool, facing the child at all times.
Children ages 7-11 are to be supervised at a ratio of 1 adult per 5 children. Meaning, the adult must be ACTIVELY watching the child(ren).

Outside Trainer/Instructor Policy - Fitness Instruction, Personal Training and Sports Specific Training and Instruction

JCC members and guests are not allowed to bring in outside fitness instructors, personal trainers, sports trainers or instructors (i.e., basketball, weight lifting, swimming) to provide one-on-one or group training in the gymnasium, fitness center, basketball courts, aquatics area or anywhere on our campus.

The JCC employs certified trainers and instructors who conduct both private and small group training courses and clinics which are open to members and guests.

Members and Guests may not provide these services, whether free or paid to other members or guests. This includes virtual instructional training to members while they are physically present at the JCC.

Essential Eligibility Criteria

Individuals applying for any swim program at the JCC must meet the following essential eligibility criteria:

Tolerate the environment without signs or symptoms of distress
Enter, remain in and exit the water safely without compromising their own safety or the safety of others
Bladder and bowel toilet-trained or wear leak proof rubber diaper/swim pants specifically designed for immersion in water which are securely fitted around waist and thighs
Swimmers participating in swim lessons must be able to follow simple instructions to maintain safety in the water and advance in skills

Bather Rules for Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas
Updated July 2022

All persons must shower before entering the water.
No running! Deck is slippery when wet.
Strollers, glass containers and food are prohibited on pool deck.
No breath-holding games. This can lead to under water blackouts.
Any conduct which endangers the safety and comfort of others shall be prohibited. This includes horse play, excessive splashing, etc.
Children wearing swim aids (bubble/puddle jumper/noodle) must have direct supervision in the pool. Child must be with in arms reach of an adult at all times.
Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult. Of-age person must be present on pool’s deck. Children 12 and older are allowed to independently reserve pool space.
Children in diapers must wear diapers specially designed for immersion in water; swim diapers/rubber briefs must be securely fitted around waist and thighs.
Everyone should be encouraged to use the restroom before entering the water. Immediately report any "accidents" you observe in the bathing waters to a lifeguard.
Do not enter the water if you are experiencing or recovering from diarrhea or have had any signs or symptoms of a gastrointestinal (stomach) disease or viral issue in the past seven days.
Any person showing evidence of any communicable skin disease, sore or inflamed eyes, cold, nasal or ear discharges or any other communicable disease shall be denied admission.
Any person with excessive sunburn, open blisters, cuts or bandages shall be denied admission.
No animals, except for service animals, shall be allowed in the swimming pools, splash pool, dressing rooms or other parts of the enclosure.
Pools are closed during electrical storms. JCC policy is to remain closed 30 minutes after last sound of thunder or sight of lightning.
Persons suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall be prohibited from entering the water.

Thunder/Lightening Policy

If thunder/lightening is heard or seen, the JCC policy is to remain closed 30 minutes after last sound of thunder or sight of lightning.
If the forecast calls for bad weather, a decision about the pool opening will be posted on the JCC website.

Sauna Policy

The Sauna is for JCC members and guests ages 18 and above.
Children - When exposed to excessive heat and high temperatures are susceptible to heat stroke and difficulties breathing.
Adults - Elevated temperatures can cause a significant decrease in blood pressure. Heart rate and metabolism can also increase dangerously. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or are taking medications please consult with your physician before using the sauna.
Please DO shower before entering sauna and use suggested 15 minute usage.
Please DO NOT hang any anything in the sauna. This includes towels and any articles of clothing.
Please DO NOT pour liquid onto rocks. Failure to comply creates significant FIRE HAZARD.

Lockers/Locker Room Use

Children up to 5 years of age are allowed in the locker rooms with either parent.
Children 6-11 years of age are allowed in the same-gender locker rooms at the parent/caregiver’s discretion. The JCC reserves the right to require parent supervision on an individual basis.
A gender neutral bathroom is located in the locker room hallways and is available for parents who wish to change their children.
EATING IS PROHIBITED IN LOCKER ROOMS. PLEASE HELP US KEEP OUR LOCKER ROOMS CLEAN!
The JCC is not responsible for lost or stolen articles in the locker rooms, fitness center, gym, pool, etc. Please bring a lock (or you can purchase one at the front desk) for daily usage. Locks must be removed after each use to allow other members to use the lockers, except for those with reserved lockers.
Lockers are available for longer term rental – please see the Member Services Desk for details.
Towel service is available for $2.50 per towel per usage. A towel service package is available for $240 annually for unlimited usage throughout the year.

JCC Refund Policy

Birthday Party Policies

Parties may be scheduled on Saturdays only between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Parties must be booked no later than three weeks prior to party date
Party deposit of $100 is required to reserve party and will be charged automatically to the credit card on file in your JCC account.
Deposits are fully refundable up to one week prior to party
Any requests for party date changes must be made no less than one week prior to original booked date
Final attendance count is needed one week prior to the party date
Add-ons are needed one week prior the party date.
Final party balance is automatically charged to your credit card on file (in your JCC account) 48 hours prior to the booked party date.
Birthday Parties at the J are open to the community.

JCC Refund Policy

Building Safety

At the JCC, we constantly strive to build and maintain a “culture of safety.” One of the ways we do that is to make sure that our staff is educated and trained in best practices, drills, and important policies.

Drills

We regularly practice safety drills to ensure that our staff and members know what to do in the event of an emergency. We take these drills very seriously while also making every effort to help our members and Early Childhood students feel calm and protected. Please listen to staff and follow directions during these procedures, as they are our best defense against a dangerous situation.

Accessing the JCC

All building exit and entry must be through the main entrance. No other access will be allowed without proper authorization. Doors are alarmed. All members must swipe in to access the front doors and must swipe again at the front desk so that they are registered as being present in the building.

Non-members will need to present their driver’s license to run through our Raptor software that screens the national and local sex offender registries. Anyone who is discovered to be on a sex offender registry will be barred from the JCC. This includes, but is not limited to, membership, program participation, facility access and volunteer and employment opportunities. Non-members will be issued a visitor pass which must be worn at all times.

For non-JCC programs running at the JCC, a roster of participants must be provided in advance to assist our Member Services staff in welcoming arrivals.

Safety Reminders

See something; say something to a JCC staff member, especially if you see something that looks suspicious.
Supervise your children at all times when in the JCC and on the property.
Drive SLOWLY in the JCC parking lot and be mindful of leaves, ice and snow.
Please do not stop your car for long periods at the walkway entrance to the JCC and courtyard; this blocks the flow of traffic within the parking lot.
Please park in legal, marked spots only. Do not park in handicap spots unless you have the proper credentials, this includes unloading or receiving passengers.
Handicap spots are available for individuals with the proper credentials in the main parking lot near the entrance and on the exit drive near the Weinberg doors.

Camp Yachad

Camp Yachad ROCKS Agreement
We have formulated a thoughtful and intentional camp-wide behavior policy so all campers and staff can enjoy a fun and productive summer. Prior to the start of the season, parents/guardians are required to submit their signed ROCKS agreement.

Staff Training
All staff must meet certain criteria before being hired and then must complete the required staff training. Camp Yachad establishes clear protocols for camper supervision. We teach our staff about supervision, conflict resolution, fun ways to engage campers, age-appropriate behaviors and language and safety and pool procedures. Additionally, staff are trained in emergency evacuation, emergency procedures and emergency response.

The JCC works closely with our insurance carrier to ensure that our policies and procedures are in line with industry best practices. The JCC conducts criminal background checks for all camp staff aged 18 and older.

Camper-Staff Ratios
All of our camp groups meet and exceed the minimum ratio requirements for supervision set forth by the American Camping Association (ACA).

Kosher & Nut-Free
Our onsite food service provider is Kosher and all snacks served are also Kosher. We are a nut-free camp and we do not serve any nut products.

Health Forms and Insurance
Each camper is required by New Jersey state law to submit medical history and health forms completed by a parent or guardian.

Immunization Policy
Updated immunization records are required yearly for all campers. The JCC and Camp Yachad currently honor religious and medical exemptions from immunizations. If we were to have a confirmed disease case in our catchment area (Union County and select towns in Essex and Middlesex counties – where we bus – and Jersey City), we would immediately disallow participation in our camp program for any child who has not been immunized.

Personal Property
All campers are responsible for respecting the property of others. Campers are also responsible for their own personal property. Camp Yachad will not be held responsible for any lost or stolen items. Valuables should not be brought to camp.

Social Media/Internet Usage
Our staff is not permitted to communicate with campers via their personal web pages, e-mails, instant messaging or any social media platforms or apps (Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, YouTube, TikTok etc.). In addition, we inform our camp staff that posting comments or pictures of campers on their own personal web pages or on websites (such as Instagram, SnapChat and TikTok) is prohibited also.

Visitors
All visitors must report to the front desk of the JCC to be checked in and screened and then come to the camp office to sign in. Visitors are identified by a name tag and must be escorted by a member of the Leadership Team at all times. Any unidentified persons must be reported to the Camp Office immediately.

JCC Refund Policy

Certificate of Insurance (COI) Policy

The JCC of Central NJ requires all vendors operating on our premises to provide a Certificate of Insurance listing the “JCC of Central NJ, 1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076” as the certificate holder and as additional insured under the vendor’s general commercial liability policy with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence. Please be sure that on the COI, the additional insured box is checked.

Additionally, we require proof of Workers’ Compensation for all vendors operating at the JCC who are legally obligated to maintain Workers’ Compensation.

Club Connect Guidebook 2024-25

DOWNLOADABLE GUIDEBOOK

JCC Refund Policy

COVID-19 Policies

Testing Positive for COVID-19

We no longer require a minimum 5-day isolation period
Employees sick with symptoms of a respiratory virus
- Should stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications AND other symptoms are improving
- Over the following 5 days, take additional precautions like distancing, improving ventilation and wearing masks especially around vulnerable people
Asymptomatic employees may return to work immediately; note that asymptomatic people can still spread the virus so be mindful to limit exposing others to these germs

Exposure to COVID-19

Masking following an exposure to COVID-19 is still not required
If you develop symptoms, test for COVID-19
If you test positive, follow guidelines above

Early Childhood Guidebook 2024-25

EC Guidebook 2024:25 rev. 1:10.25

Downloadable Guidebook

JCC Refund Policy

Employment

The JCC of Central NJ promotes a diverse workforce where all employees are treated fairly. All employees must work together with mutual respect. The Center complies with all applicable state and federal laws and expects employees to do the same.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The Center provides equal opportunity to employees and applicants for employment in accordance with applicable laws. The Center does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, mental or physical disability, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other class protected under applicable law. The Center will take action to ensure that all employment practices are free of such discrimination. Such employment practices include, but are not limited to: hiring, promotion, demotion, training, transfer, recruitment, selection, layoff, disciplinary action, termination, and compensation.

Enrichment Policies

Logistics Information:

JCC enrichment classes are an added enhancement to your child's JCC experience after their school day is over.
If your child is enrolled in our school, we will bring them to their enrichments at their school dismissal time. For example, if your child's school day ends at 2:45, we can bring them to a 2:45 p.m. enrichment. Parents will need to pick their children up at the end of the enrichment class.
Students who are signed up for late stay or After School at the J can take part in our after school enrichments and may either return to their late stay classroom when the enrichment class is done or they may be picked up to go home.

We will bring any of these children to their enrichment class from their program and back to their program when their enrichment class ends.

JCC Refund Policy

Fitness & Wellness Policies

General Fitness Center Usage

Members and guests must be at least 12 years old to use the fitness center. Members and guests under 12 can only use the group exercise studio as part of a supervised program (dance, group exercise class, personal training, etc.)
The group exercise studio is closed for general use during classes. It is open for use when there are no classes.
Equipment must be wiped clean after use and if applicable, returned to its area.
Allow others to work-in on equipment you are not actively using.
Bags and jackets must be left at the coatrack.

Conduct and Attire

Proper attire must be worn in the fitness center. Closed-toe shoes are required. Crocs and Croc-like footwear is not allowed.
Members and guests may be asked to leave for inappropriate conduct or inappropriate clothing.
Music and videos from personal devices must be listened to with headphones.

Personal Training

Sessions must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance or it will be charged to the account.

Outside Trainer/Instructor Policy - Fitness Instruction, Personal Training and Sports Specific Training and Instruction

The JCC employs certified trainers and instructors who conduct both private and small group training courses and clinics which are open to members and guests.

Group Exercise

Participants must make a reservation on the JCC app for group exercise classes. Spots will be prioritized for members with reservations in the event of an overbooking.

JCC Refund Policy

Guest Policy

We welcome all guests to the JCC with an accompanying member. However, before using our facility, all guests need to create a JCC account to sign the required JCC waiver. As a convenience, any guest can create a non-member JCC account prior to coming to the JCC. To create a JCC account, click here, scroll down and choose the non-member option. You can also complete this process at the JCC on the lobby kiosk.

Guests are permitted five (5) paid visits or one (1) 2-week guest pass. (No additional paid visits permitted or passes re-issued when this limit has been met.)
Paid guest visits are $15/each (18+) or $10/each (17 & under) or $30 family.
Guest(s) must be accompanied by a JCC member.
JCC members are limited to bringing two (2) guests or one (1) family, per visit, unless prior written arrangements have been made with JCC management.
Guest(s) must present photo ID and sign a Guest Participation Waiver form.
Minors (17 and younger) need to create a non-member account and have the electronic waiver signed prior to coming to the facility.

Accessing the JCC

For non-JCC programs running at the JCC, a roster of participants must be provided in advance to assist our Member Services staff in welcoming arrivals.

All building exit or entry must be through the main entrance. No other access will be allowed without proper authorization. Doors are alarmed.

Independent Contractor Support Services Policy

All self-employed individuals or individuals paid by a third party providing a billable service at the JCC may be considered independent contractors. Independent contractors that provide ongoing or frequent services to JCC staff, members or community participants must complete an onboarding process prior to providing services. Onboarding may be waived for independent contractors providing observations, consultations, or single services at the discretion of the JCC. Independent contractors not required to complete the onboarding process will register at the Member Services Desk as a JCC visitor.

Independent contractors may be paid directly by a family, private agency, public agency, through insurance, etc. Independent contractors may also be paid by the JCC after submitting an invoice for services rendered. The earnings of a person who is working as an independent contractor are subject to self-employment tax. To find out what your tax obligations are, visit the Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center (IRS.gov). The JCC will provide a 1099 form to all independent contractors earning over $600 per year from the JCC for tax purposes.

Independent Contractor and Student Intern Onboarding
All independent contractors that will be conducting business at the JCC on a regular basis must complete an onboarding process prior to providing services. The following onboarding procedures must be completed:

Signed Third Party Agreement
Signed JCC Child Abuse Prevention Code of Conduct form
Background check results (must be current within 6 months); otherwise, background check authorization form permitting the JCC to run a background check (waived for Early Intervention and school-based employees)
Current Certificate of Insurance
Independent Contractors shall submit a Certificate of Insurance to ensure themselves against all claims for bodily injury, death, property damage etc. resulting from the performance of services provided by the Independent Contractor.
Redwoods training completion certificates (waived for Early Intervention and school-based employees)
Child Sexual Abuse Prevention (RW76)
Harassment Prevention (EJ4)
Managing Your Risk of Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens (RW60)
Completion of fingerprinting (waived for Early Intervention and school-based employees)
Completed W-9 form (if being paid by the JCC)

Independent Contractor Procedures at the JCC
Independent contractors will arrange visits in advance with their JCC staff contact, will be required to check in at the Member Services Desk upon arrival and wear a visitor’s tag while at the JCC. Independent contractors will not be provided with a facility swipe card and must always be under the supervision of JCC staff. Supervision will be determined by the department head. At no time is an independent contractor permitted to be alone with a JCC member or community participant under the age of 18. Independent contractors are welcome to use the JCC guest Wi-Fi network and common spaces at the JCC for work purposes including:

Front courtyard entry
Entry lobby
Café
Restrooms

Third-Party Payments
Payment for all services being paid by a third party will be exclusively arranged between the independent contractor and the third-party payer. The JCC is not responsible for maintaining records and holds no responsibility in facilitating third party payments.

Payments Made by the JCC
Payments made to independent contractors working directly for the JCC will be outlined through a mutually agreed upon contract. Independent contracts are required to submit an invoice for services rendered according to the parameters outlined in the agreed upon contract. The JCC will provide payment for services rendered according to timelines and procedures outlined by Accounts Payable.

Termination
The JCC reserves the right to terminate the services of an independent contractor paid by the JCC or a third-party at our discretion, without prior notice, for any cause.

Kashrut Policy

Adopted by the Board of Directors
October 26, 2020

The JCC of Central NJ, as a Jewish communal agency, having the responsibility of conducting itself and its activities in accordance with Jewish traditional practices, sets forth the following guidelines for Kashrut for the Agency. Our center’s policies regarding food reflect our attempt to impart Jewish values and traditions, while respecting the personal lifestyles of members, staff and the community.

Onsite

All food brought into the JCC by members, staff, guests or rentals will adhere to our Kosher-style policy as outlined below (with exception of the café space, see below).

The kitchen(s) at the JCC observe(s) separation of meat and dairy.
- Caterer/renting party must provide kashering (kosher purification) if required by the caterer/renting party or adhere to the kosher-style policy.
JCC contracts with a kosher dairy café under OU supervision, a place where community members can purchase and eat strictly kosher food.
In the spirit of Passover and out of respect for one another's beliefs and our Jewish traditions, we kindly request the exclusion of leavened products (namely, bread) from the facilities during the holiday. All programming, including Vacation Day programing, that occurs during Passover shall provide Passover-style food. Staff, members, rentals and guests bringing in food shall be asked to adhere to the same.

Offsite

All food served or purchased at off-site JCC sponsored events shall adhere to the Kosher Style policy.

Kosher Style

No pork or shellfish are permitted.
No mixing of meat and dairy (e.g., no cheeseburgers, no turkey with cheese)
All events not being catered under Orthodox Kashrut supervision shall offer meat only (with vegetarian option) OR dairy only.

*The café rental space shall remain under Orthodox Kashrut Supervision. All other programs must be kosher style or under Orthodox or Conservative kashrut supervision and shall be noted as such.

Membership Policies

All member and non-member participants coming to the JCC on a weekly basis will be issued JCC swipe cards which must be used to swipe in at each visit.
In the event of a lost or stolen card, the Member Services Desk will issue a replacement swipe for the first lost card. Any additional replacements will cost $5. A photo ID is required for any replacements.
All children under the age of 12 must have adult supervision while in the facility.
Children up to 5 years of age are allowed in the locker rooms with either parent.
Children 6-11 years of age are allowed in the gender neutral bathroom at the parent/caregiver’s discretion. The JCC reserves the right to require parent supervision on an individual basis.
A gender neutral bathroom is located in the locker room hallways and is available for parents who wish to change their children.
EATING IS PROHIBITED IN LOCKER ROOMS. PLEASE HELP US KEEP OUR LOCKER ROOMS CLEAN!
The JCC is not responsible for lost or stolen articles in the locker rooms, fitness center, gym, pool, etc. Please bring a lock (or you can purchase one at the front desk) for daily usage. Locks must be removed after each use to allow other members to use the lockers, except for those with reserved lockers.
Lockers are available for longer term rental – please see the Member Services Desk for details.
Towel service is available for $2.50 per towel per usage. A towel service package is available for $240 annually for unlimited usage throughout the year.

Membership Cancellation Policy

Membership is required to enroll in Early Childhood, Kindergarten, Camp, After School and Barracudas Swim Team programs.
Once the initial 12-month agreement is fulfilled, membership is on a monthly basis with the exception of Youth/Teen membership. Youth/Teen membership is on a monthly basis upon initial sign-up and does not require a 12-month commitment.
To initiate the cancellation process, log into your JCC account through the JCC website by clicking here. All approved cancellation requests made after the 1^st of the month will go into effect the following month.
If you are currently enrolled in a program, your membership must remain active until the program is complete.
Monthly payment drafts will continue until notification of the cancellation is approved.

Please contact Jodi Hotra at [email protected] for Membership questions.

No Smoking Policy

The JCC of Central NJ and its property are smoke-free environments. Smoking, vaping, the use of e-cigarettes or chewing tobacco inside any of the Centers buildings or on the Wilf campus grounds, or at any off-site facility being used as a JCC program site is strictly prohibited.

Outside Trainer/Instructor Policy

Fitness Instruction, Personal Training and Sports Specific Training and Instruction

The JCC employs certified trainers and instructors who conduct both private and small group training courses and clinics which are open to members and guests.

Payment and Refund Policies

Credit Card Transaction Service Fee

Effective December 1, 2024 all credit card transactions* made to the JCC through your JCC account will automatically include a 2.7% service fee. This amount does not exceed the expense the JCC incurs to process these transactions. This service fee will apply to credit card transactions only. This fee cannot be waived and is non-refundable. In order to avoid the service fee, payment can be made by EFT, debit card, check or cash. If switching to EFT, our system allows you to securely enter your protected bank account information. Our staff can delete payment methods, but never have access to your account details.

Refund Policy

Non-Tuition Based Programs

All refunds will be in the form of a system credit.
System credits can be used for any outstanding balance, future purchase, or donation and are valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
Full system credit will only be given when requested at least 7 days prior to a program start date. After that date credits may be issued for extenuating circumstances only and will be prorated based on the number of classes attended if applicable.
Requests made between day 7 and the program start date will incur a $25.00 administrative fee, if the program costs is less than $25 no refund will be issued.
No credits are given for missed classes. However, as a Community Center we recognize unusual circumstances arise and may be accommodated.
The JCC reserves the right to cancel programs. For programs cancelled by the JCC system credits will be issued, no request is necessary.

Early Childhood

A non-refundable deposit of one month’s tuition per enrolled student is required at the time of registration. This deposit will be applied to the last month of the program.
If a family decides to disenroll their child the family is responsible for the deposit and tuition balance until their spot is filled. A refund of unused tuition will occur only when a child has disenrolled because the JCC has determined that the disenrollment is necessary.
Any absence due to illness will not be eligible for a refund or credit, except in extreme cases at the discretion of the Early Childhood Director.

Camp

The deposit plus any additional camp payments made are fully refundable through March 3, 2025.
If you paid by credit card the credit card fee is not refundable.
There are no refunds or credits after March 3, 2025.
Changes in reducing weeks or programs made between March 4, 2025 and June 1, 2025 will incur a $250 fee per camper.
Internal program changes made after June 1, 2025 will incur a $100 administrative fee per camper.
Camp fees must be paid in full for the 2025 season by May 5, 2025. Defaulting on a payment plan will result in loss of discounted pricing.
Requests for refunds or credits for dropped weeks after camp begins will not be honored.
Any absence due to illness will not be eligible for a refund or credit and will not be able to be made up, except in extreme cases at the discretion of the Camp Director.

Protecting Children from Child Abuse

At the JCC of Central NJ our Mission is to educate, enrich and empower our community- from generation to generation. The safety of children is the utmost priority at the JCC. Child Abuse Prevention takes an entire community and the JCC stands with our community, as our vision states. In our community, with our community, for our community.

The following is in place for all programs at our JCC that serve children. These protocols ensure that we protect your children while in our care, protect our staff and protect the JCC.

Criminal background, sex offender registry and reference checks are conducted on all staff prior to hiring.
Staff must agree and sign our Child Abuse Prevention Code of Conduct which remains in their employee file.
Staff are required to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training prior to their 1st day of work.
Staff are annually trained on Child Abuse Prevention.
All guests and vendors are screened when visiting the JCC through the Nationwide Sex Offender Database.
In order to protect the staff, volunteers, and program participants – at no time during a program may a staff person be alone with a single child where they cannot be observed by others. As staff supervise children, they should space themselves in a way that other staff can see them.
As part of our Culture of Safety Engagement Plan, we have established protocols for screening volunteers at the JCC. As an agency that serves children, developmentally disabled, and the elderly, this is best practice as outlined by our Insurer.
Volunteers are screened by the Program Director and referred to the Volunteer Coordinator to begin the volunteer screening process which includes, reference checks, national sex offender registry checks (ongoing), training, and supervision.
Our Children’s Services programs adhere to all guidance (including staff supervision ratios) set forth by the Department of Children and Families (Early Childhood and Afterschool at the J) and the Youth Camp Safety Standards and American Camp Association Standards (Camp Yachad). The standards set forth by these guiding bodies inform our policies and procedures.

As designated mandated reporters, the director(s) of all Children’s Services programs are required to report any instance of suspected abuse whenever there is reasonable cause.

Service Animal Policy

The JCC of Central NJ welcomes employees, members, program participants and guests with disabilities who are accompanied by a trained service dog, in accordance with the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the ADA, “a service animal is a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.” The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. Pets, comfort animals, emotional support or therapy animals do not qualify as a service animal under the LAD and ADA.

Please ensure your service animal is visibly marked as such and see the Member Services staff to receive access to the building.

A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents them from using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of task. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

The owner is responsible to curb their dog. The JCC of Central NJ retains the right to ask someone to remove their service animal if the dog is not housebroken or the dog is out of control and the person cannot get the dog in control.

Shabbat Opening Policy

Adopted by the Board of Directors
October 26, 2020

Opening our doors on Saturdays fulfills our role of being a “home away from home” where Jewish individuals and families can choose to enjoy Shabbat together with other Jews in our community as they participate in the social and recreational services our JCC provides. Because our JCC is truly a pluralistic agency – our membership is comprised of affiliated Jews from all denominations, Jews who are unaffiliated or unengaged, as well as other segments from our geographic community – we believe being open on Shabbat provides a welcoming environment and thus an ideal place for involving, engaging and enabling the Jewish community to gather and enjoy rest, relaxation, recreation and friendship at our JCC.

However, it is important to note that Shabbat will feel special and different at the JCC and business will not be as usual. The business office will be closed and there will be no league practice or competitive games.

Members and their guests can enjoy the pools, fitness center, gym and other common areas for informal gathering and individual choice activities. Individual choice activities, such as personal training, swim lessons and group exercise classes will be available on a pre-paid or post-billed basis.

Rental of the facilities for personal use or celebrations is permitted. All contracts and payments should be pre-paid or post-billed. Any food brought into the JCC must comply with our stated Kashrut policy.

Any staff that works in the building on Shabbat will do so at their own volition.

We believe providing a welcoming gathering place where members and their guests can choose to enjoy recreation and relaxation on Shabbat enables the opportunity to bring our community together. In doing so, we seize the chance to build and reinforce Jewish connections in our pluralistic community environment.

Sports & Recreation Policies

Etiquette

Please play by the rules.
Rubber soled shoes only.
No offensive language.

Outside Trainer/Instructor Policy - Fitness Instruction, Personal Training and Sports Specific Training and Instruction

The JCC employs certified trainers and instructors who conduct both private and small group training courses and clinics which are open to members and guests.

Gymnasium

Must be at least 12 years old to be in the gymnasium on your own.

Open Pick-Up Basketball

Must be 18 years and older to play open pick-up basketball.
Must be a JCC Member or be accompanied by a JCC member as a guest.
All guests must pay the guest fee for open pick-up basketball.
Please see the membership guest policies for more information.

Adult Softball

Must be at least 21 years old to participate in adult softball.

Men’s Basketball

Must be 30 years old to participate in men’s basketball leagues.

Pickle Ball

Must be at least 18 years old to play pickle ball in the gymnasium.
Advance sign-up is required.

JCC Refund Policy

Student Intern Policy

Student interns are individuals providing services and/or completing clinical hours at the JCC through a supervised higher education program. Student interns that provide ongoing or frequent services to JCC staff, members or community participants must complete an onboarding process prior to providing services. Onboarding may be waived for student interns providing observations, consultations, or single services at the discretion of the JCC. Student interns may be paid for specific positions and will follow staff onboarding procedures outlined in their contract.

Student Intern Onboarding
Student Interns that will be interning at the JCC on a regular basis must complete an onboarding process prior to providing services. The following onboarding procedures must be completed:

Signed Third Party Agreement (signed by university)
Current Certificate of Insurance (provided by university)
Completion of fingerprinting
Background check results (must be current within 6 months; otherwise, complete background check authorization form)
Signed JCC Child Abuse Prevention Code of Conduct form
Redwoods training completion certificates
Child Sexual Abuse Prevention (RW76)
Harassment Prevention (EJ4)
Managing Your Risk of Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens (RW60)

Student Intern Procedures at the JCC
Student interns must arrange their schedule in advance with their JCC staff contact. All Student Interns will be required to check in at the Membership Desk upon arrival and wear a visitor’s tag while at the JCC. At no time is a Student intern permitted to be alone with a JCC member or community participant under the age of 18. Student interns are welcome to use the JCC guest Wi-Fi network and common spaces at the JCC for work purposes including:

Front courtyard
Entry lobby
Teacher’s work room
Café/Weinberg courtyard
Restrooms

Supervision
The JCC agrees to provide educational opportunities and supervision in coordination with the supervising university. JCC staff supervisors agree to complete required student assessments, feedback and direct supervision.

Code of Conduct Violation
The JCC reserves the right to terminate a student intern at our discretion without prior notice for violation of our Code of Conduct

JCC Policies

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After School at the J Guidebook 2024-25

Aquatics Policies

Essential Eligibility Criteria

Birthday Party Policies

Building Safety

Camp Yachad

Certificate of Insurance (COI) Policy

Club Connect Guidebook 2024-25

COVID-19 Policies

Early Childhood Guidebook 2024-25

Employment

Enrichment Policies

Fitness & Wellness Policies

Guest Policy

Independent Contractor Support Services Policy

Kashrut Policy

Membership Policies

Membership Cancellation Policy

No Smoking Policy

Outside Trainer/Instructor Policy

Payment and Refund Policies

Protecting Children from Child Abuse

Service Animal Policy

Shabbat Opening Policy

Sports & Recreation Policies

Student Intern Policy

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