The Kate Spans Irish Dance kids program is designed to be age-appropriate, beginner-friendly instruction in Irish dance, with close supervision, clear communication, and a commitment to respectful classroom culture.
Program Values
Children’s classes are built around the following principles:
- Safety first.
- Respect for every child and family.
- Age-appropriate teaching and movement expectations.
- Clear boundaries between adults, youth assistants, and students.
- Inclusion, encouragement, and positive learning experiences, including welcoming all body types.
Child-safe dance guidance emphasizes documented policies, clear codes of conduct, and consistent reporting and supervision practices in youth-serving dance spaces.
Supervision
A responsible adult instructor remains in charge of all class content, behavior guidance, and student safety during class. If a teen teaching assistant or other youth helper is present, that person works under adult supervision and does not replace the lead instructor.
Children should remain in supervised, visible spaces at all times. No staff member, volunteer, or assistant should be alone with a child in a closed or isolated room, restroom, or changing area except a child’s own parent or guardian.
For younger children, a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult may be required to remain on site during class, depending on the class format and age group.
Arrival and Dismissal
Families should arrive on time and follow any check-in instructions provided for the class. Children should not be dropped off early unless that has been specifically arranged.
At the end of class, children will be released only according to the program’s dismissal procedures. Younger children should be picked up promptly by a parent, guardian, or approved adult.
If a family anticipates a late pickup, the instructor should be notified as soon as possible.
Class Behavior Expectations
All students are expected to:
- Listen when the teacher is giving instructions.
- Treat others with kindness and respect.
- Keep hands, feet, and bodies to themselves unless an activity specifically requires partnered movement.
- Follow directions about spacing, turns, and movement around the room.
- Participate in a way that supports the group learning environment.
- Electronic communication devices (such as cell phones) should not be used during class time.
Respect, teamwork, patience, and focus are important parts of dance education, especially in group classes.
Behavior that creates a safety issue or repeatedly disrupts class may result in redirection, a conversation with a parent or guardian, or removal from an activity as needed to protect the group.
Clothing and Footwear
Students should wear comfortable clothing that allows them to move safely and freely.
Shoes should be appropriate for the class and the dance floor. Special Irish dance shoes are not required for introductory/beginner sessions, and sneakers or hard rubber-soled shoes are recommended. Street shoes that track in mud, water, or debris, barefoot participation when not specifically allowed, or footwear that increases slip or injury risk should be avoided. As students advance, instructors will recommend appropriate footwear for Irish dancing.
Physical Safety
Classes should use age-appropriate movement progressions, warm-ups, and teaching practices. The classes emphasize physical, psychological, and emotional well-being for the safety of all students.
The studio space should be kept clear of unnecessary hazards. Families, students, and staff should help keep bags, water bottles, and loose items out of pathways to reduce trip-and-fall risk.
Any injury, pain, illness, or unsafe floor condition should be reported to the lead instructor immediately.
Boundaries and Appropriate Conduct
All instructors, assistants, and volunteers in the program are expected to maintain appropriate boundaries with children. Child-safe guidance recommends clear conduct standards, visibility, and avoidance of secluded one-on-one situations.
The following standards apply:
- Use respectful, age-appropriate language.
- Avoid yelling, shaming, teasing, or humiliating behavior.
- Keep any physical contact limited, appropriate, and connected to instruction or safety.
- Do not communicate privately with child students outside approved program channels.
- Do not promise secrecy to a child.
Any concern about boundaries, conduct, or child safety should be reported promptly to the lead instructor.
Bathroom and Changing Area Rules
Children should not be accompanied into restrooms or changing areas by staff, assistants, or volunteers unless there is a specific emergency or the child is with their own parent or guardian. Child-safe guidance emphasizes avoiding isolated one-on-one situations and maintaining visibility whenever possible.
Parents or guardians remain responsible for toileting, changing, and other personal-care needs.
Communication with Families
Questions about classes, registration, student progress, safety, or concerns should be directed to Kate Spanos. Assistants and volunteers should not make commitments on behalf of the program unless they have been authorized to do so.
Families are encouraged to communicate any relevant access needs, injuries, allergies, or concerns that may affect a child’s participation so that reasonable adjustments can be considered.
Photography, Video, and Social Media
Students, families, staff, assistants, and volunteers should not post identifiable images or personal information about children from class without explicit, appropriate permission from parents and guardians.
Accessibility and Inclusion
The program aims to welcome children with different bodies, learning styles, and support needs. Reasonable adjustments may include pacing changes, visual or verbal cueing, activity modifications, or space adjustments when feasible.
A respectful and inclusive classroom culture means students should not be mocked, excluded, or singled out for differences in ability, experience, communication style, background, or identity.
Illness, Injury, and Emergencies
If a child becomes sick, injured, or distressed during class, the lead instructor will contact the parent or guardian as appropriate and follow the program’s emergency procedures. Dance studio safety guidance recommends clear emergency roles, hazard awareness, and prompt reporting.
In an emergency, families, staff, assistants, and volunteers are expected to follow the directions of the lead instructor.
Concerns and Reporting
Any concern involving safety, inappropriate conduct, injury, supervision, or policy violations should be reported to the lead instructor as soon as possible.
Acknowledgment
Participation in the kids program means agreeing to support these class rules and policies and to help maintain a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all children and families.