3.5: Participant Safety & Supervision

Your organization is responsible for establishing clear supervision procedures before delivering Powerhouse®. These should reflect the age and needs of participants, the activities being offered, the program setting, and any requirements that apply to your organization.

Active Supervision

Your supervision procedures should ensure participants are appropriately supervised throughout the program, with particular attention to:

• Arrival and departure.
• Breaks and transitions between activities or spaces.
• Washroom breaks.
• Outdoor or off-site activities.
• Large or shared program spaces.

Procedures should also address how coverage will be maintained when a staff member or volunteer needs to step away from the group.

Establishing Supervision Ratios

There is no single staff-to-participant ratio that will be appropriate for every Powerhouse® program. When establishing your ratios, consider:

• Participant age, developmental needs, and support needs.
• Group size.
• Type of activity and level of risk.
• Program location and physical layout.
• Off-site activities or transportation, where applicable.
• Your organization’s policies, insurance requirements, and any provincial or territorial requirements that apply.

Before delivering Powerhouse®, confirm the supervision and staffing requirements that apply to the age group, activities, and setting you will be offering.