Operate Your Youth Program

Program Administration

Once your program begins, program directors are responsible for maintaining a safe, well-supervised, and positive environment for all participants. The resources below provide guidance on key operational practices, including youth supervision, participant accountability, behavior expectations, and responding to participant concerns.

Review these resources to support compliance with University Policy 8.8 and promote a safe and successful program experience.

Key Business Processes	Summary
Supervision of Minors	Review required supervision ratios, effective supervision practices, and additional considerations for high-risk activities, transportation, overnight programs, and other situations that may require enhanced oversight.
Check-in/Check-out	Establish procedures for participant arrival, departure, authorized pick-up, attendance tracking, and participant accountability throughout program activities.
Behavioral Expectations for Youth Participants	Review required participant conduct expectations, prohibited behaviors, and disciplinary procedures that support a safe and respectful program environment.
Participant Feedback	Provide participants and families with clear ways to ask questions, share feedback, and report safety concerns, inappropriate conduct, or potential policy violations.

Additional Resources and Training

Key Business Processes	Summary
Supervision Training: Day Programs	Optional online training for personnel working in day programs.
Supervision Training: Overnight/ Residential Programs	Optional online training for personnel working in overnight or residential programs.
Behavior Management Techniques (PDF)	Access practical strategies from ACT for Youth for promoting positive behavior, responding to challenging situations, and creating supportive environments for youth participants. (Resources opens as a printable PDF).
Behavior Management Training	Optional online behavior management training.