This form is used for Smart Start Academy Registration. 

What is Smart Start Academy?
Smart Start Academy is a four-week, full-day summer program designed to help girls strengthen academic skills, build confidence, and explore Science, Math, Art, and Technology before the start of the school year.

Who Can Participate?
Rising 2nd grade through rising 5th grade (20 seats available)
Rising 6th grade through rising 8th grade (20 seats available)

Spots are limited and enrollment is first come, first served.

Daily Schedule - Monday to Friday
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Core Programming (Lunch and Snacks Provided)

Drop-off begins at 8:00 AM for enrolled students.

Option Available for Early Care

Fun Friday Field Trips

Families may choose the enrollment option that best fits their schedule.

Enrollment Options - Monday to Friday

Session 1: Weeks 1–2 (July 6 – July 17)  
Two Full Weeks
Total cost: $100 

Session 2: Weeks 3–4 (July 20–July 31) 
Two Full Weeks
Total cost: $100 

Full Program: Weeks 1–4 (July 6–July 31) 
Four Full Weeks 
Total cost: $200 

Families may choose to participate in early care at an additonal cost.

Early Care (7:30 AM to 8:00 AM) 
Early care provides a calm, welcoming environment focused on supervision and relationship building. Activities include quiet games, reading, drawing, and informal social interaction. Early care is intentionally low-structure to support a positive start to the day. 

Enrollment Options

Session 1: July 6 to July 17

2 Weeks Total

Program Cost Breakdown (Per Child):

• Core Program: $100
• Early Care: $100

Total: $200

Session 2: July 20 to July 31
2 Weeks Total

Program Cost Breakdown (Per Child):

• Core Program: $100
• Early Care: $100

Total: $200

Full Program: July 6 to July 31
4 Weeks Total

Program Cost Breakdown (Per Child):

• Core Program: $200
• Early Care: $200

Total: $400

In the event of an accident/emergency or injury occurs to a girl during program session(s), staff will take the necessary action to protect each girl from further harm. If care is not required by the ER it is our policy to contact parent(s). If the parent is not reached, the staff will call the emergency contact person listed below.

Authorized Emergency Contact & Pick-Up List

In addition to the parent/guardian(s), the emergency contact listed below is authorized to pick up participant.

Treatment/Emergency Care

I hereby grant permission to the emergency care physician and/or Girls Inc. of Delaware staff to order an x-ray, routine tests, and treatment; to release any records necessary for insurance purposes; and to provide or arrange necessary related transportation for my child. In the event I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby give permission to the physician selected by Girls Inc. of Delaware supervisor to secure and administer treatment, including hospitalization, for the person/s named above.

Administration of First Aid

I give Girls Inc. of Delaware permission to administer basic first aid to my child when needed. I understand that I will be informed in any given situation that my child is ill or injured before picking them up from the program.

Field Trip/Transportation

Girls Inc. of Delaware has permission to take my child on all pre-arranged field trips.

Media/Movie Release

I give Girls Inc. of Delaware permission for my child to be photographed/videotaped or interviewed for promotional purposes while at the center, during events, field trips, etc.

I also grant permission for my child to view age-appropriate movies as part of the GIDE activities/program.

Sunscreen Release

I give Girls Inc. of Delaware permission to apply sunscreen provided by me or from the Girls Inc. supplies during programs.

Informed Consent

I understand that the Girl Inc. of Delaware activities have inherent risks and I hereby assume all risks and hazards incident to my daughter's (and family's) participation in Girls Inc. of Delaware activities. I further waive, release, absolve, indemnify, and agree to hold harmless Girls Inc. of Delaware, the organizers, volunteers, supervisors, officers, directors, participants, as well as persons or parents transporting participants to and from activities from any claims or injury sustained during participation and/or use of Girls Inc. property.

Girls are entitled to a pleasant and harmonious environment at the program centers, therefore girls who participate in all programs must abide by the Girls Inc. Agreement.

1. I will be respectful of other people.

2. I will be a good citizen and keep my hands and feet to myself.

3. I will be aware of others' feelings and treat them with courtesy and kindness.

4. I will use appropriate language at all times.

5. I will tell the truth.

6. I will use good manners.

7. I will listen carefully and speak clearly.

8. I will put away my things in their proper place and clean up after myself.

9. I will be respectful of others' property and Girls Inc.'s property.

10. I will remain with my group at Girls Inc. at all times unless I ask permission to leave and I am given permission to do so.

11. I will follow all rules when riding in the van or bus (for field trips).

12. I will keep all electronic devices in my book bag and will not use it while I am at Girls Inc.

13. I will assist in keeping Girls Inc. a bully-free, safe zone.

Expectation Policy

I affirm that my daughter is in good health and, with appropriate guidance and support, is able to participate in the group experience. We have reviewed and discussed the Girls Inc. of Delaware Expectations Policy together. We understand these expectations are designed to create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all participants. We agree to uphold these expectations and acknowledge that, if challenges arise, the Program Director will work to determine appropriate next steps, which may include additional support, temporary suspension, or dismissal if necessary to ensure the well-being of the group.

Philosophy
Our program is committed to creating an environment where every girl and young woman feels safe, respected, and supported. We recognize that behavior and communication are influenced by emotions, experiences, and development. When challenges arise, our focus is to understand what is happening beneath the surface, support emotional regulation, and build skills for healthy expression and relationships.

Staff are trained to respond with empathy, consistency, and respect. We work to strengthen each participant’s sense of belonging, confidence, and leadership while helping them navigate challenges in a positive and empowering way.

Support Process
Step 1: Connection and Safety
When a concern arises, staff focus first on ensuring safety and re-establishing connection. The goal is to help the participant feel calm, supported, and heard.

Step 2: Regulation and Calming
The participant may take a brief pause, step away from an activity, or use a preferred calming strategy. Staff provide guidance and emotional support as needed.

Step 3: Reflection and Understanding
Once the participant is ready, staff talk with them privately to reflect on what happened, identify emotions, and explore possible solutions or next steps.

Step 4: Repair and Accountability
If someone was affected by the behavior, staff help the participant take restorative steps to rebuild trust or repair relationships in an age-appropriate way.

Step 5: Family or Guardian Partnership
If a younger participant (under 18) continues to experience challenges, staff will collaborate with the parent or guardian to create a support plan that promotes consistency between home and the program.

Step 6: Individualized Support Planning
For older youth and young adults, staff will work directly with the participant to develop a personalized support plan focused on emotional well-being, accountability, and skill-building.

Step 7: Team Review and Continued Support
If behavior concerns continue, a meeting will be held with the Program Director, relevant staff, and the participant (and family, if appropriate) to adjust the plan and identify additional supports. Suspension will be considered when prior interventions have been implemented consistently and with fidelity, yet the behavior continues to pose a risk to the safety, well being, or learning environment of the participant or others, and all reasonable supports have been exhausted.

Step 8: Safety and Crisis Response
If someone’s actions create a safety risk, staff will use calm, trauma-informed approaches to de-escalate and protect everyone involved. Families will be informed promptly for minors, and appropriate steps will be taken to review the incident.