Health and Safety Policy

Head Start California (HSC) is committed to planning in-person events that prioritize the health, safety, and comfort of all participants. Our safety policies apply to all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, volunteers, and staff and are designed to ensure a welcoming, clean, and responsible event experience. Every attendee plays a critical role in risk mitigation, and we appreciate your cooperation in following these guidelines. All Head Start California in-person meeting and event attendees are expected to:

• Review and agree to the event’s health and safety policies during registration.
• Your event badge serves as proof of registration and must be worn at all times while attending the conference.
• Each attendee must collect their own badge; badges cannot be picked up on behalf of another registrant, exhibitor, presenter, or volunteer.
• Attendees have different levels of comfort with personal space. Please be mindful and respectful when interacting with others.

Attendees are encouraged to wash their hands frequently and, when available, to use the hand sanitizing stations provided throughout the venue.

Masking

• Wearing a mask is optional but encouraged for those who prefer an added layer of protection.
• HSC will monitor and follow any venue-specific, local, or state health mandates that may require additional measures.

Release of Liability
By agreeing to the health and safety policies upon registration, I agree to the release of liability, policies, and procedures. I acknowledge that:

(i) Participation is voluntary, and I assume responsibility for my personal health and safety.
(ii) I release HSC, event venues, and associated parties from liability related to illness or injury resulting from conference attendance.
(iii) I voluntarily accept all risks associated with:

• Travel to and from the conference,
• Participation in conference activities, and
• Presence at the event facility and surrounding area.

I understand and agree to release and hold harmless Head Start California (HSC), the event venue, and all associated parties (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all liability related to illness, injury, death, or other damages that may arise from my participation in the conference.

I acknowledge that the Released Parties shall not be held liable or responsible in any way for any harm that may occur to me, my family, heirs, or assigns due to:

• My attendance at the conference,
• My entry onto the premises of the event venue, or
• Any associated travel or presence in the surrounding area.

I confirm that I have carefully read and fully understand this Agreement. By agreeing to these terms, I voluntarily waive and release the Released Parties from any and all claims, liabilities, or responsibilities related to illness, personal injury, or wrongful death, regardless of the cause, including but not limited to negligence on the part of the Released Parties.

HSC follows all applicable health and safety guidelines issued by state, local, and venue authorities. In cases where stricter facility, city, county, or state regulations apply, those rules will take precedence over HSC policies. If federal or state health authorities implement additional safety measures, HSC will revise its protocols accordingly.

Our goal is to provide exceptional educational and networking opportunities in a safe and welcoming environment. We appreciate every attendee’s cooperation in adhering to these health and safety measures. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, we ask that participants adhere to the established meeting and event guidelines. In return, Head Start California (HSC) is committed to maintaining a healthy and secure environment by:

• Collaborating with event venues to implement and uphold enhanced cleaning protocols.
• Providing timely updates on health and safety policies via email, event web pages, and on-site announcements.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a safe and welcoming event for everyone.

These meeting and event requirements will remain in effect through February 2026 and will be reassessed at that time to ensure continued alignment with current health and safety guidelines.