SOME OF OUR GROUND RULES

Class Policies

Find all of our policy documentation here. Each tab will either display our policies or link to our official external document. Please feel free to contact us with any questions!

Our Mission

To provide high-quality circus arts training for students and artists while facilitating greater access and programming to everyone.

Overview

Circus has been combining artistry and athleticism, awe and wonder, joy and playfulness, with a touch of magic for over 250 years. At NECCA, we believe that the many benefits of circus education should be available to anyone who wants to learn. Circus arts can be a significant benefit to physical, mental and emotional health and we are dedicated to providing expert, specialized instruction to kids, recreational students, hobbyists, as well as pre-professionals and professionals. Whether you are looking to challenge yourself farther than you know you can go, or are just looking for a creative community, our coaches are devoted to challenging and inspiring each student where they are and focused on helping each individual meet their specific goals.

Location

Trapezium: 10 Town Crier Drive

Cotton Mill Studios: 74 Cotton Mill Hill
A-330 (Main Mill) & A-354 (Big Mill)

Contact Information

Phone: 802-254-9780
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram

Email Us
About our Classes

NECCA offers a variety of classes, workshops, and programs to fit every level and interest. If you don’t see something you’re looking for, just let us know. There’s always more in the works.

Session Classes

Session Classes meet once a week for several weeks at a time. We have classes for all ages, youth and adults, from beginner to advanced in multiple disciplines. These run throughout the year with the following approximate schedule and are a perfect way to get started and try something new.

  • Winter Session: January – mid March
  • Spring Session: End of March – early June
  • Summer Session: Mid June – August
  • Fall Session: September – December
Workshops

Our workshops offer focused training sessions in a specialized discipline. From an afternoon, to a multi-week immersive experience, our workshops offer a focused investigation and concentrated training with NECCA’s world class coaches and visiting instructors.

Youth Camps

For students age 5-17, our youth camps run during summer weeks and school breaks. Students have a chance to try something new and to delve deep into their favorite circus skills along with like-minded creative and energetic kids in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

Professional Training

From full time guided training to flexible independent residencies, we have options for aspiring professionals, working artists, and companies. Our ProTrack Program is a full-time, 3-year program designed to equip today’s professional artists with the tools they need to succeed in the business. The Create Your Own Program is for the artist or artist-in-training with specific goals they want to achieve in a mid-term timeline. It is largely self-guided and includes hours of dedicated training space as well as check-ins.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are fully customizable and allow students to work solo or in small groups on their desired apparatus with individualized coach attention. These can be scheduled as a one-of or as a regular occurrence on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule. For more information or to book a private lesson, click HERE.

Open Training

Any regular or session students are invited to attend our Open Studios that occur weekly throughout the year. Approved or invited students may sign up for Members Only training and come in to train at designated times. For more information on Open Studio & Members Only, click HERE.

Flying Trapeze

In addition to a full range of flying trapeze session classes, we offer drop ins and other recurring flying events. Flying trapeze is appropriate for any level student and is a great way to try out circus for the first time. For more information about flying see our flying trapeze page.

Parties & Events

Our facilities and coaches are available for birthday parties, corporate events, and custom workshops. For more information, email our scheduler at scheduler@necenterforcircusarts.com.

Outreach Programming

NECCA is committed to improving the lives of others through the benefits of circus. We are constantly adding to our programming in schools, after-school, and with communities that are underserved or just those that would benefit from learning or watching circus arts in action. If you have an idea for NECCA outreach OR if you would like to become involved, volunteer or donate to support our outreach programming, email outreach@necenterforcircusarts.com for more information.

When you Arrive to the Trapezium:
In the Lobby
  • When you first come in our lobby, please check in at the registration desk to let us know you have arrived, verify your enrollment, and find out any information you might need for class. We will also make sure that you have a current waiver on file which you must renew each year in order to participate.
  • The lobby is outfitted with cubbies for your personal belongings. You find hooks for hanging coats and shoe racks by the front door.
  • With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed in the building student allergies and phobias. See our Pet Policies here.
  • While in the lobby, please be mindful of others by picking up after yourself and leaving room for other students and classes that may need to travel through.
  • Family, friends and visitors of students may watch from the lobby area or any approved viewing space, but are not permitted in the training areas.
  • Please enjoy our circus books in the lobby – and leave them on the shelves for the next person.
  • All non-students who wish to take photos or video must have permission from the front desk or a coach.
  • No acrobatics in the lobby or on the staircase.
  • No smoking is permitted anywhere on NECCA grounds.
Preparing for Class
  • Please arrive at least ten minutes before the scheduled start time of your class to get settled in. If you arrive more than ten minutes late to a class, the coach may modify or limit your participation to be safe.
  • No food, glass, or open containers are allowed in the training space; however you are welcome and encouraged to bring a water bottle.
  • Street shoes must be removed before entering the studio.
  • Payment for lessons, classes, workshops, members only or anything else must be made in advance. Students will be asked not to participate if payment or arrangements for payment has not been made with the registrar.
  • Wear clothing that is easy to move in and free of zippers, belts, or anything else that could get tangled or snagged. We suggest supportive clothing that stays put when upside down. Some classes may have additional considerations such as specific shoes or long sleeved-shirts or leg coverage, and is generally listed in the class descriptions.
  • All jewelry that can be removed should be. Any jewelry that cannot be removed should be covered so that it does not get caught on anything.
  • Hair that is long enough to swing in front of your face must be tied back.
  • We strive to be a scent neutral environment. This means no perfumes, colognes, etc. and that you may need to use scent neutralizers such as deodorant when you train.
  • NECCA requests that anyone with open wounds or skin sores bandage and cover the area with clothing to the best of their ability. If you have a contagious disease that includes open sores, please do not come to NECCA until you have been cleared by a doctor to no longer be contagious.
During Classes
  • Only use equipment you have been expressly given permission to use by a coach and only when you have permission to use it.
  • Any student’s participation can be limited by a coach at any time if the coach feels that their safety is compromised, including by illness, fatigue, distractions or the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Use a mat at all times (for any discipline that can). Please ask your coach about the amount of mat required for what you are doing – note that the “grover” does not count as a mat for many things. No aerialist is permitted to train or perform above the bare concrete.
  • Have a coach show you how to use the pulley points or pull aways and test you on them before you do it yourself.
  • Any personal equipment needs to be checked by a Program Director before using it at NECCA.
  • Follow the instructions of your coaches at all times. Anyone not following instructions or being disruptive may not be allowed to participate at the coach’s discretion.
  • Cell phones are not permitted for use for calls or texts while in the training spaces. However, phones can be used for video use when approved by a coach. To take video, most of the time your coach will encourage you to listen to instructions (as opposed to videoing instructions) and learn the material fully first. Afterwards, you can have a coach or fellow student take a video of YOU executing the skill. We find students learn the material more completely this way.
  • All injuries, no matter how minor, must be reported to your coach or the assigned Safety Coordinator.
    For some injuries, including concussions, students may be required to have written permission from a doctor to return to class.
  • No one may use equipment or train while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, excessive fatigue or any other consideration that would impede their ability to train safely. Coaches may prohibit participation if they suspect any of these factors are the case.
  • Only students and NECCA staff are allowed in the training space.
  • Please respect other students in the space. This means sharing equipment when applicable, sharing access to the coach, being encouraging to fellow students, but also giving them space to focus on their work. Our students and staff work deliberately to create an environment of encouragement here at NECCA and we appreciate everything our students do to help us maintain that.
  • Refrain from coaching other students – let the trained coaches do that and use your training time to focus on your own goals and progress.
  • Coaches and Staff may add to the studio rules at any time to ensure the safety of the students.
What to expect as a student
  • Your coach will greet you and introduce everyone to start the class. This is also a great time to let them know what pronouns you use.
  • Please let your coach know about any accommodations you might need, including those that might affect your ability to participate fully in class or might require adjustments to the techniques offered. Coaches are happy to make accommodations and you’d be surprised how often an adjustment is possible.
  • After introductions, the coach will generally lead the class through a warm up followed by skill building, technique learning, sequence choreographing as well as any supplemental conditioning, creative or training skills that may be useful to the students. Please feel free to communicate with your coach what your interests are. They are always happy to take these into consideration where appropriate.
  • NECCA coaches teach in clear progressions and use a lot of hands-on spotting. They will communicate about spotting to you in advance and let you know what the goal of the spot is. If you have any spotting related questions or concerns, please bring them up with your coach. They are happy to provide additional information. If you are uncomfortable being spotted or with a particular spot, the coach will either adjust the skill or spot or they can adjust an activity to be something that can be done safely without a spot.
  • There are many skills that simply must be spotted until a student is ready. NECCA staff is available to talk about this openly with students and parents to make sure everyone is comfortable and we encourage open communication about safety of every kind.
  • At the end of a session, workshop or private lesson, we encourage you to talk to your coach about any classes or workshops you are considering next. They will help you determine what level classes might be right for you and may be able to suggest future classes that fit your particular interests.
  • NECCA staff prioritize facilitating an encouraging and supportive environment. Your coaches will meet you where you are and will coach with your specific goals in mind. We highly encourage sharing your goals, preferences, questions, concerns, critiques and feedback.
  • Every student and program at NECCA is equally important. Each individual is valued for what they bring to the studio, and what their individual goals and needs are. NECCA believes that the first time recreational student has as much value as the superstar performer and strives to make this apparent and ensure that the space feels welcoming to everyone. If you have any concerns, please bring them to your coach or any other staff member so that we can continue to create an environment that welcomes everyone.
  • It is important to NECCA to create an encouraging atmosphere in our classes for people of every age, physical fitness, ability, adaptation needs or body type. We believe all types of training and instruction should be available to all humans as long as the training can be safely executed! We encourage people to try everything and not limit themselves according to labels. If you don’t feel safe or have other considerations, we will respect that, otherwise we want to lead by example that everyone can do anything they choose.

Performance Opportunities

Throughout the year, NECCA provides opportunities for students to perform if they choose. It is not required, but performing can be a tremendous asset to connect with your circus training on a deeper level and share with others. We offer opportunities including our holiday show, community performances, end of session demonstrations, Beta nights, and more. Talk to your coach if you are interested in performing and they will connect you with some options and opportunities.

Our General Policies:
  • Only use equipment you have been expressly given permission to use by a coach and only when you have permission to use it.
  • Any student’s participation can be limited by a coach at any time if the coach feels that their safety is compromised by illness, fatigue, distractions or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Use a mat at all times (for any discipline that can). Please ask your coach about the amount of mat required for what you are doing – note that the blue “grover” does not count as a mat for many things. No aerialist is permitted to train or perform above the bare concrete.
  • Have a coach show you how to use the pulley points or pull aways and test you on them before you do it yourself.
  • Any personal equipment needs to be checked by a Program Director before using it at NECCA.
  • Follow the instructions of your coaches at all times. Anyone not following instructions or being disruptive may not be allowed to participate at the coach’s discretion.
  • Cell phones are not permitted for use for calls or texts while in the training spaces. However, phones can be used for video use when approved by a coach. To take video, most of the time your coach will encourage you to listen to instructions (as opposed to videoing instructions) and learn the material fully first. Afterwards, you can have a coach or fellow student take a video of YOU actually executing the skill. We find students learn the material more completely this way.
  • All injuries, no matter how minor, must be reported to your coach.
  • For some injuries, including concussions, students may be required to have written permission from a doctor to return to class.
  • No one may use equipment or train while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, excessive fatigue or any other consideration that would impede their ability to train safely. Coaches may prohibit participation if they suspect any of these factors are the case.
  • Please be on time and arrive early enough to be ready to begin class. Students who arrive 10 minutes or more late may be asked not to participate in some activities.
  • Only students and NECCA staff are allowed in the training space.
  • Please respect other students in the space. This means sharing equipment when applicable, sharing access to the coach, being encouraging to fellow students, but also giving them space to focus on their work. Our students and staff work deliberately to create an environment of encouragement here at NECCA and we appreciate everything our students do to help us maintain that.
  • Refrain from coaching other students – let the trained coaches do that and use your training time to focus on your own goals and progress.
  • Coaches and Staff may add to the studio rules at any time to ensure the safety of the students.
  • If you have a safety concern of ANY kind, please bring that to your coach or a staff member who will address it immediately.
  • If you have concerns or feedback about your classes, or if you just want to sing the praises of an amazing coach, there are several ways to let us know. There is a feedback box in our lobby, we send out class surveys at the end of each program or you can email us at info@necenterforcircusarts.org.
Enrollment

All registrations and payments must go through our registration software, called “ASAP Connected.” You can create or view your account at any time by going to: necenterforcircusarts.asapconnected.com. If you have any trouble finding what you are looking for, contact info@necenterforcircusarts.org.

Session Classes, Workshops, and Camps
  • All available session classes, workshops, and camps are open for registration at necenterforcircusarts.asapconnected.com.
  • Enrollment for session classes stays open through the first week of each session.
  • Enrollment for workshops and camps is open until the start of the workshop/camp.
  • If a class, workshop, or camp is full, students may add themselves to the wait list. If a spot becomes available, students will be notified by email in the order of the wait list. Payment must be received in order to confirm a spot that was previously wait listed.
Teen & Young Adults joining Adult Session Classes
  • Recreational – Student must be 16 years or older and at an advanced level to join adult session classes (coach permission required)
  • Youth Troupe – Student must be 12 years or older, at an advanced level, or a class in their discipline is not offered in the youth & teen program (coach & Youth Program Director permission required)
Private Lessons
  • Check here for information on how to schedule a private lesson
  • Private lessons are not confirmed until the student receives the final confirmation email. Payment is due at the time of confirmation, before the lesson is takes place.
Programs Requiring Permission or Acceptance

If you are accepted into a program that requires an application or is by invitation only, you will create an account in our registration software and then we will get you enrolled and send you an email with an invoice. Your registration is confirmed once payment is received.

Drop-Ins

General drop-ins are listed here.

If you are interested in trying a class that does not have drop-ins offered, you may be able to drop-in during the first week of a session.

Drop-ins are subject to space and approval. Email info@necenterforcircusarts.org to request a drop-in spot.

Additional drop-in dates may be arranged by contacting info@necenterforcircusarts.org at least 48 hours before the class. We will bring your request to the coach for approval and then bill you for the lesson before you participate.

Missed Session Classes and Makeups

Please refer to our Missed Session Classes and Makeups policies if you miss a class. Shoot us an email if you have any questions.

Payment Policies

Payment in full is due in order to confirm registration and enrollment in a program. The only exceptions are programs that are on a payment schedule. Any student who has not paid in full or is not up to date on their payment schedule may be asked not to participate.

To inquire about a payment plan, please review details and use the application form here. Unless the program is designed otherwise, all payment plans must be complete by the start of the program.

Financial Aid

NECCA strives to create as many opportunities for scholarships to as many students as possible. A key point of our mission is to make the benefits of circus arts education available to anyone and everyone interested. This is made possible by the support of donors, sponsors, grants and proceeds from our Circus Spectacular performance each March. For more information or to apply for a scholarship, visit our Financial Aid page.

Discounts

Only one discount, promotion or coupon can be applied to a registration purchase. If a registration is eligible for more than one discount, the highest discount will be applied.

Joining Late

Some session classes may be able to accommodate students who would like to join after the open enrollment period ends. This often depends on the level and subject of the class as well as availability. If you are interested in joining a class mid-session, email info@necenterforcircusarts.org.

Cancellations & Withdrawals
If a Student Needs to Cancel
  • All refunds require a 5% admin and credit card fee and can only be provided to the original payment method.
  • Health or Injury Considerations – If a student must withdraw from any program due to health or injury, a 95% refund or 100% credit may be issued for the portion of the program the student was not able to attend.
  • Workshops and Camps
    • One month before the first day of the workshop, 95% of the fee may be refunded or 100% credited.
    • Two weeks before the first day of the workshop, 47.5% of the class fee may be refunded or 50% credited.
    • Less than two weeks before the first day of the workshop, no refund or credit will be given.
  • Private lessons must be canceled 48 hours in advance. If canceled at least 48 hours in advance, a full credit or 95% refund will be issued. Lessons missed or canceled without 48 hours notice are not credited or refunded except for extenuating circumstances.
  • Session Classes
    • Before the Monday that classes start, 100% of the class fee may be credited or 95% may be refunded.
    • During the first week of class or after, no credit or refund will be given
  • Programs – Please refer to the information provided upon acceptance into any of our other programs for withdrawal and credit information.

Credit is good for a year from the date it is issued.

If NECCA Needs to Cancel
  • Workshops – If NECCA cancels a workshop for any reason, the students will receive a full refund. If a student enrolls in a workshop, and does not meet the prerequisites, NECCA will offer a credit minus the cost of the class attended or the evaluation of the student.
  • Session Classes
    • If a session class is under-enrolled, NECCA will run the first week of classes to allow time for additional students to enroll. If it is still under-enrolled after the first week, we will try to move any existing students to other classes and will reach out to students directly. If no alternative can be found, students will be given a credit or refund minus the cost of the classes that were held.
    • If NECCA cancels a single meeting of a session class for a reason other than weather (for instance coach illness), we will make every effort to schedule a makeup class at a mutually agreed upon time. If a makeup cannot be scheduled, a credit for the single class will be issued.
    • If a student enrolls in a class, and does not meet the prerequisites, NECCA will offer a credit minus the cost of the class attended or the evaluation of the student.
  • Private Lessons – If NECCA needs to cancel a private lesson for any reason (for example coach illness), the student will be notified as soon as possible and will receive a full credit.
Weather Related Cancellations
  • In the case of inclement weather, NECCA will announce closings on our website, and email.
  • Any private lessons cancelled by the student OR by NECCA for weather-related issues will result in a full credit or refund.
  • Any session classes cancelled by NECCA will result in a credit for the amount of that class. This credit does not apply to students whose enrollment is including in another program, such as ProTrack and Intensive.
  • For ProTrack and Intensive programs, please see Program Handbooks for the full policy of that program.
Drop-off and pick-up policies by age group:

No child under the age of 18 may be left without a parent or guardian if there are less than two adult staff members on site. If a child under the age of 18 has a private lesson scheduled while no other classes are happening, the parent or guardian must remain on site for the lesson.

Pick Up

Students will be escorted by their coach to the lobby to meet their parents/guardians.
No student under the age of 12 may exit the building without a parent/guardian.

If you are late to pick up a child, they will be either in the care of the receptionist in the lobby or their coach in the studio.

Students 5 and Under

Any student age 5 or under must have a parent or guardian on-site at all times while at NECCA. Parents or guardians are encouraged to wait in the lobby as their child attends class.

Children 5 or under will be escorted to the restroom when needed and parents or guardians may be asked to escort them back to class.

Students Age 6 – 11

Any students ages 6-11 must be walked to class and have a parent or guardian on site until they are under the watch of their coach when their class begins. Parents or guardians may leave the NECCA grounds during class time only as long as they have left contact information with the reception team.

Students age 12 – 17

Any students age 12-17 may be dropped off by a parent or guardian by walking them into the building or by dropping them off outside.

Students may be left in the visitor waiting area for up to 10 minutes before their class begins.

Adult Open Studio
  • Adult Open Studio is an open training session for students age 18+ who are currently enrolled in adult classes or are taking private lessons.
  • Youth & TAYA Troupe students may attend adult open studio with a parent/guardian on-site at all times.
  • Although there is no instruction during open studio there is a coach available to answer questions and help with equipment needs.
  • Students are only permitted to train on equipment on which they have trained with a NECCA coach. Students may not work on new skills they have not yet received instruction on.
  • Students may not teach other students during Open Studio.
  • All training must be over an appropriate mat. NO ONE may train an aerial apparatus over bare floor at any time.
  • Please put all equipment away after use and put all mats back where they belong. If you are leaving something out for someone to use after you, please verify that they will put it away for you when they are done training with it.
Youth and Family Open Gym
  • Youth Open Gym is for students ages 1.5 – 17 to experience circus at their own pace.
  • Family Open Gym is for family members ages 1.5 and up to experience circus together at their own pace
  • It is open to everyone – from first timers to our currently enrolled students.
  • Ages 1.5 – 5 require a parent or guardian to be with them at all times.
  • Parents or guardians of this age group are the primary adults responsible for their child’s safety and ensuring the child is not impacting the safety of others. Please make sure you are watching your child and are free from other distractions during the open gym.
  • No appointment is necessary, but advance registration is recommended as space is limited.
  • This is a self-led circus experience with coach supervision. No teaching is permitted during Open Gym by students. Coaches are available for safety, but this is not a time for instruction.
  • A coach will be on-site at all times for safety purposes (check rigging, answer questions, direct students to available training spaces, etc.).
  • All training must be over an appropriate mat. NO ONE may train an aerial apparatus over bare floor at any time.
Members Only

Members Only is open studio training without a host coach available and is intended for intermediate/advanced students, TAYA Troupe, and professionals by permission. Please review enrollment details here.

  • Any personal equipment must be inspected and approved prior to use by submitting this form.
  • Please put all equipment away after use, including putting all mats and grovers back where they belong. If you are leaving something out for someone to use after you, please verify that they will put it away for you when they are done training with it.
  • All members only participants are expected to follow the studio rules at all times.
  • Classes, workshops and lessons have priority use of the space.
  • Check the calendar for what spaces are available and be aware that you may need to move your training in order to accommodate a class or lesson.
Stretching Activities at NECCA: A Guide for Students
  • The student is always in control; please tell us what you need
  • Aim for clear communication, especially during facilitated stretching. Your coach is here to help you by learning from you
  • Learn your limits & boundaries, and develop an awareness of what your body needs
  • Expectations of what sensations are okay and what are not okay are different for different people. Sensation manifestation can be emotional or physical. We encourage students to become aware of the difference between an emotional reaction to stretching vs a physical reaction to stretching
    • Emotional reaction: crying, euphoria, depression, brain fog
    • Physical reaction: nausea, dizziness, pain aka “sensation”, physical guarding
  • NECCA does not endorse a culture of pain, but recognizes that some of the work we do can create pain
  • Personal resiliency to stretching and sensations of pain and fear change from day-to-day
  • Opting out of facilitated stretching in a class where that is part of the curriculum is allowed and supported; the instructor will let you know how that choice might affect your goals/expectations of the class.

Read the full guide here.

Photo Policies

NECCA regularly takes photos and videos during classes, rehearsals, workshops, and events. These images help us share our programs, celebrate our community, and promote circus arts through our website, social media, and other marketing or educational materials.

Consent & Registration Waiver

When you sign NECCA’s online liability waiver on our registration site, you are automatically opting in to photography and video use.

By signing the waiver, you grant NECCA permission to use your (or your child’s) likeness in photographs, videos, or other digital media in any of our publications, including web-based and promotional materials, without payment, royalty, or other compensation.

Opting Out & Photo Use

Everyone has the right to opt out of being photographed or filmed.

If you do not wish for your or your child’s image to be used, you must opt out by notifying our registration staff via email at info@necenterforcircusarts.org. We understand that preferences change, and you’re always welcome to update your photo consent status at any time.

Our reception and registration staff help track these preferences, and we do our best to ensure they are respected at all times. If you ever see an image of yourself or your child that you would like removed, please contact us right away. We will take action as quickly as possible.

New England Center for Circus Arts is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Being accessible and inclusive to our students, staff, and greater community is important to us. We recognize that accessibility includes accommodations for all physical, mental, and financial needs and that this journey is neither comfortable or easy. Our goal is to meet people where they are and take them as far as they can go by providing services and creating accessible and inclusive environments and communications.

Read about building accessibility and our policies here.

COVID-19, Influenza, Colds, and Other Contagion Policies

NECCA is Mask Optional. NECCA reserves the right to change protocols if necessary. We encourage a culture of care for the health of others.

All questions may be directed to info@necenterforcircusarts.org.

COVID-19

If you are feeling sick:

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms (fever, severe sore throat, fatigue, stomach related symptoms), we ask that you please stay home so as to not spread germs.

You can go back to your normal activities after at least one day (24 hours) if:

  • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
  • You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours (and are not using fever-reducing medicines)
  • You must wear a mask for five days if you have been ill and are returning to NECCA.

Please wear a mask if…

  • Someone you live with is experiencing the symptoms above.
  • You are experiencing mild symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, or sore throat.
  • A coach asks for masks to be worn in class.

If you Test Positive for COVID-19:

  • You must be away from NECCA for three days. Day zero is the day you test positive; you can return on day four.
  • If you have been symptomatic, after 3 days follow the guidelines above.
  • If you are asymptomatic (but tested positive), you must wear a mask for 5 days after return.
  • You do NOT need a negative test to return to NECCA if you meet the other criteria.
Wounds, Skin Sores, Lice, and Other Contagions

NECCA requests that anyone with open wounds or skin sores bandage and cover the area with clothing to the best of their ability. If you have a contagious disease that includes open sores, please do not come to NECCA until you have been cleared by a doctor to no longer be contagious.

Any student suspected of having a communicable disease are not allowed to participate in circus classes. Students may not return without medical authorization, or until the signs and symptoms of the disease are no longer present for a period of at least 24 hours.

  • Chickenpox – All lesions are dry and crusted.
  • Impetigo – (blisters covered with honey-colored crusts) – at least 24 hours after the start of medication.
  • Conjunctivitis (“Pink Eye” defined as a redness of the eye with burning and thick purulent discharge and/or edema) – at least 48 hours after the start of medication as this is a highly contagious disease.
  • Lice and Scabies – 24 hours after following medical treatment and hair and scalp are nit free
  • Pin Worms – no restrictions following medical treatment.
  • Hepatitis – Physician’s statement required for re-admittance.
  • Strep Throat – No sooner than 48 hours after the start of oral medication or 24 hours after an injection.
  • Giardia – Following medical treatment.
  • For other contagious infections or diseases we will consult the current CDC guidelines.
Student/Employee Relationships

Whenever a staff member might be in a position of directly instructing or supervising any student, even if they are not directly their student, a personal relationship between them of a romantic or sexual nature, even if consensual, is inappropriate and not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, any liaison or coach positions.

Pre-existing consensual romantic or sexual relationships between NECCA staff and a NECCA adult student MUST be disclosed to the SAT Team to ensure that it does not affect the student’s experience at NECCA, other students’ experience at NECCA, or the ability of the staff person to perform their job. If this should arise, we will make every effort to reassign coaches to students. Absolutely NO romantic or sexual relationships of any kind are permitted between NECCA staff and a student under 18 years of age.

NECCA recognizes that some staff members may be hired who are in an existing relationship with a student. NECCA will make every effort to provide instruction by a different coach when available. When this is not possible or appropriate, periodic evaluations may occur to determine that neither the employee, the student involved in the relationship, or the other students in the class feel that any party is receiving preferential treatment or favoritism, and that the relationship is not having an adverse effect on any student or providing a distraction to the class.

Social Media & Communications

Any communication between a NECCA Employee and any Student should meet TAP (Transparent, Accessible, Professional) guidelines . If the communication meets all three of the TAP criteria, then it is likely the method of communication will be appropriate.

TAP : Transparent, Accessible, Professional:

  • Transparent: All electronic communications between an employee and student should not only be clear and direct but also free of hidden meanings, innuendos, and expectations.
  • Accessible: Whenever possible, include another employee or parent in the communication so that there is no question regarding accessibility.
  • Professional: All electronic communications between an employee and student should be conducted professionally as a representative of NECCA. This includes word choices, tone, grammar, and subject matter that model the standards and integrity of a NECCA staff member

Electronic communication should not contain or relate to any of the following:

  • The employees personal life, social activities, relationship or family issues, or personal problems;
  • Drugs or alcohol use;
  • Sexually oriented conversation; sexually explicit language; sexual activity;
  • Inappropriate or sexually explicit images
  • Any and all hate speech, including but not limited to: racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, and religious discrimination
Communication Pathways

Approved direct lines of electronic communication between an employee and a student include emails through ASAP, emails from an employee’s NECCA email, or BaseCamp ‘pings’.

When time-sensitive communication is required – such as late changes to class times, class locations, or delays or cancellations – employees should use BaseCamp ‘pings’ to contact ProTrack students. If this is not an option, and for all other students, direct phone texts are approved. Communications to a minor student who is not enrolled in an adult program (ie ProTrack or intensive) should include a parent / guardian (see “Minor Students’ below).

Social Media Guidelines

Staff should refrain from private messaging with any student. Use BaseCamp pings or NECCA email, or, in the case of time sensitive information, a phone text following the guidelines above.

Meeting Guidelines:
  • Meetings should be held in public view (not behind closed doors or an out-of-view space)
  • Virtual meetings with students should be recorded.
  • Offsite meetings and activities with students must be communicated to the Program Director and added to the work calendar, including coffee meetings, walk & talks, group meals and group excursions.
  • Additional guidelines for Minor Students
    • Parents should be invited to any meeting with a minor student. Exceptions include regularly planned meetings with minor students enrolled in adult programs such as liaison meetings.
    • All meetings and communications (email or telephone communication, virtual or in-person meetings) require the inclusion of two or more adults: a NECCA staff member and a parent/guardian, or two NECCA staff members, in addition to the student.
Mandatory Reporting

All of NECCAs youth programming involving students under the age of 18 falls under the mandatory reporting guidelines. This means that all staff working at NECCA are required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect.

Read about our pet policies here.

Medical Emergencies

If you or someone else has a medical emergency, please notify the nearest staff member immediately.

The staff person will assess the situation and may need to follow our incident/accident protocol which may include completing a report (anything more than basic first aid), requiring the individual to seek medical attention or calling 911.

Anyone who falls in a manner that could have caused damage to their head, neck or spine will not be moved and 911 will be called.

Non-Medical Emergencies
  • Fire, Earthquake or Evacuation – Staff, students and visitors should leave through the nearest exit. Staff should guide visitors to the nearest exit.
  • Tornado or Severe Weather – Staff, students and visitors should gather in bathrooms and away from windows.
  • Lockdown Procedure – When there is an immediate threat making it more dangerous to exit the building than to stay inside, a lockdown procedure may be necessary. This is designed to secure the safety off all occupants of the building. If it is safe to exit the building, exit the building. If not, students, staff and visitors should go to the bathrooms or the storage room behind the trampoline wall. The storage room doors lock automatically if the tape is removed from the latch.
    • Bathroom doors can be barricaded or wedged shut with a door-stopper. Call 911 and wait for emergency services to give the all clear. There is an internet-ready computer in the back of the storage area available if needed.
Reporting an Incident

An incident is defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) as an occurrence involving other unwanted consequences other than accident, serious illness or injury such as but not limited to property damage, a “near miss” with a serious health outcome, emotional or mental health event or other unusual or disruptive event that might affect people in the space and/or the organization.

Please use this form to make a report or reach out to a Safety Coordinator or any staff.

Code of Conduct for Students

Read our code of conduct for general students here.

Code of Conduct for ProTrack Students

Read our code of conduct for ProTrack students here.

Donations

NECCA is a not-for-profit organization that relies on the generosity of our donors for programming and operating support. We have a direct impact on the students and families with whom we work, and we also have a dynamic relationship with the community in which we live. We strive to spread the positive effects of circus – fitness, joy, connection, curiosity, empowerment – by building ties to local service organizations to foster our presence outside our physical doors. You can have a direct impact as well by helping us provide the benefits of circus and circus education to larger audiences. For more information on how your donation could help, contact info@necenterforcircusarts.org.

You can have a direct impact as well by helping us provide the benefits of circus and circus education to larger audiences. For more information on how your donation could help, contact info@necenterforcircusarts.org.

We are grateful for donations large and small. To donate, visit our donation page here.

Volunteering

Interested in taking a personal role in helping NECCA? There are constantly volunteer needs and opportunities. For volunteer opportunities, see our iVolunteer Page. And thank you!

Have Questions?

If you have any questions regarding our class policies, please reach out!

Email us

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