Youth Student & Parent Handbook

Welcome to Columbia Aerial Fitness! We are thrilled to share aerial arts with your child. Please read carefully so both students and parents understand how to support a safe, positive learning environment.

Student Expectations

* Arrive on time, ready to participate.

* Listen to your instructor and follow directions the first time they are given.

Students must listen to *all instructors**, not only their own teacher. Every instructor has the authority to enforce safety and studio rules.

* Be open to feedback — corrections are part of learning and keeping you safe.

* Show respect to instructors and classmates. No teasing, name-calling, or disruptive behavior.

* No equipment uses before or after class without instructor permission. Open Gym sessions are for independent training outside class time.

*Do not touch other students during class.

Parent/Guardian Expectations

* Ensure your child arrives on time and is picked up promptly at the end of class.

* Observe quietly from designated waiting areas if you stay during class. Please do not interrupt instruction or attempt to coach your child.

* Support your child by encouraging them to practice resilience — aerial can be challenging!

Direct any concerns about instruction, scheduling, or other students to *management** rather than addressing instructors during class time.

 Recording & Social Media

* Recording is not automatic. Each instructor decides if and when students may record.

* Permission must be requested every time. Instructors may allow one student to record while asking others not to.

* Parents and students may post their own progress online, but may not post images or videos of other students without that family’s permission.

* Recording must occur only at designated times approved by the instructor.

Observers & Guests

*Students are not permitted to bring friends or observers for the safety and privacy of our other minor participants.

*For safety and professionalism, no student is permitted to bring a boyfriend or girlfriend to watch class.

Open Gym Policy (For Teens & Parents)

* Open Gym is for practicing skills that have already been taught in class at the student’s level.

* Students may not attempt skills they have only seen online (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc.).

* Safety comes first: students may not “teach themselves” new tricks during Open Gym without instructor guidance.

Attendance & Cancellations

* We do not currently charge for no-shows, but this is subject to change if absences become a problem.

* Please cancel early if your child cannot attend. This allows another student to take their spot.

Safety First

* Food and drinks are welcome in the lounge/waiting area but not on the training floor or near equipment.

* Proper attire is required: leggings or athletic pants that cover the backs of the knees, fitted tops, and bare feet or socks with grip.

* Students must tell instructors about any injuries, soreness, or discomfort before class.

Communication, Feedback & Problem-Solving

*Students are encouraged to talk with their instructor if they have questions or concerns during class.

*Parents should bring any larger concerns (scheduling, safety, communication) directly to management.

*Feedback about the services your family receives should always be directed to the studio owner.

*If you have questions about the curriculum structure, pricing, or business operations, please contact the studio owner directly — instructors may not have the necessary information or authority to answer these questions accurately.

*Parents are expected to help support a safe and positive environment for all students by encouraging children to follow directions and uphold safety policies.

Disciplinary Steps

To maintain a safe and respectful environment, the following steps may be taken if policies are not followed:

1. Verbal Warning— Instructor or management addresses the behavior.

2. Written Warning — Documentation of the issue, shared with the student.

3. Temporary Suspension — Student may not participate for a set period of time.

4. Removal from Program — For repeated or severe violations, enrollment may be terminated without refund.