Health and Safety Policy

Head Start California (HSC) is looking forward to holding in-person meetings again and committed to planning events designed to keep all participants healthy, safe, and comfortable.

Safety is a top priority for Head Start California, and every participant — attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and staff — plays a critical role in risk mitigation.

Head Start California has prepared the following protocols. It is the responsibility of every participant to familiarize yourself with these protocols and to comply. Participants include registrants, exhibitors/sponsors, presenters, volunteers, service providers (e.g., AV, exposition services, etc.), and all others directly involved with the onsite administration and management of the event. These health and safety protocols will be regularly reviewed and updated based on state and local requirements and mandates. We recommend checking this page regularly. As these protocols are updated, the date at the bottom of this page will reflect such.

All Head Start California in-person meeting and event attendees are expected to:

• Acknowledgment during registration of health and safety policies.
• Your badge must be worn at all times when attending the event as it is your proof of registration.
• You may not pick up a badge for another participant (registrant, exhibitor, presenter, volunteer, etc.).
• Personal Comfort Zones: Different participants have different comfort zones. Please keep this in mind as you are meeting and mingling throughout the conference.
• Attendees agree to wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and to regularly utilize the hand sanitizer provided at the Conference.
• Attendees agree to notify HSC immediately if they test positive for Covid-19 within 14 days after attending the Conference so that other attendees may be notified (no personally identifiable information will be shared).

Masking

• Wearing a mask is highly encouraged as an important mitigation strategy to prevent the spread of COVID.
• All conference attendees, speakers, and exhibitors should practice indoor masking when the county community level risk is HIGH. Please check the CDC website now and as the event approaches by selecting the county in which the event takes place (Annual Conference & Leadership and Wellness Symposium will take place in Los Angeles County, Advocacy Day & Manager and Directors Institute will be in Sacramento County, Health Institute will take place in Orange County).
• Surgical masks or high-level respirators (e.g. N95, KN95, KF94) with a good fit are highly recommended.

Release of Liability

By agreeing to the health and safety policies upon registration, I agree to the release of liability, policies and procedures. Attendee acknowledges that (i) I am attending the Conference and entering the Facility voluntarily and of my own free will; (ii) I voluntarily agree to assume all risks associated with (a) my travel to and from the Conference, (b) my attendance of the Conference, and (c) my use of and presence at the Facility and in the geographic area surrounding the Facility; (iii) I have entered into this Agreement voluntarily and of my own free will, and (iv) I have been informed that I have the right to seek the assistance of legal counsel of my own choosing and that doing so is recommended. I understand and agree that the Released Parties shall not be held liable or responsible in any way for any injury, death or other damages to me or my family, heirs, or assigns which may occur as a result of my attendance of the Conference, entry onto the premises of the Facility, or my associated travel and presence in the surrounding area. I have carefully read and understand this Agreement. By agreeing to this Agreement, I exempt and release the Released Parties from all liability or responsibility whatsoever for illness, personal injury, or wrongful death as a result of my attendance of the Conference, my entry onto the premises of the Facility, or my associated travel, however caused, including but not limited to the negligence of the released parties.

If an attendee develops any symptoms of COVID-19 prior to or during a meeting or event, they should refrain from attending. Symptoms associated with COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, among others.

While the meeting and event safety protocols have been developed by Head Start California in accordance with existing state and federal requirements and recommendations, any stricter guidelines at the location of the event (e.g., facility, city, or county) will apply in addition to Head Start California requirements. Likewise, any further restrictions made at the state or federal level could also initiate a revision of Head Start California protocols.

Our goal is to provide exceptional educational experiences and networking opportunities that make attendees and their agencies more successful, and in an environment that is safe for all.

To achieve this goal, we expect all attendees to adhere to the meeting and event requirements. Head Start California (HSC) is dedicated to doing our part as well, and will:

• Work with staff at the event facilities to ensure that regular cleaning protocols are followed throughout the event.
• Ensure that the hotel has hand sanitizer stations strategically placed throughout the facility.
• Continue to evaluate these and additional protocols so you can have a safe, enjoyable conference experience.
• Continue to provide any additional updates via emails in advance of the conference, posting on dedicated web pages, or onsite announcements, to participants.

These meeting and event requirements will be in place through the end of September 2024 and reassessed at that time.