Policies & Procedures

Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures

We have established this procedure to ensure the safe and efficient drop-off and pick-up of participants. Please carefully review and adhere to the guidelines below:
 
Speed Limit:

The speed limit on Triunfo is 35mph, our neighbors are very supportive of the Ranch and our mission, please respect the community by observing the posted speed limit.
The speed limit on Golden Heart Ranch is 5 miles per hour.

Drop-Off Procedure
 
Arrival Time:

The Ranch opens at 9:30AM, doors will remain locked until 9:30AM. If you arrive early please remain in your vehicle. Golden Heart Ranch is not responsible for Ranchers prior to the program start time.

 
Follow Traffic Flow:

Drive ALL the way to the top off the property and turn around at the tree past the chicken coop. Do NOT turn around in the middle of the driveway. There should be NO need to reverse on the driveway. Staff will greet your Rancher at the entrance to the Main Center building.

 
Stay in Vehicle:

Parents/guardians are required to stay in their vehicles during drop off. Staff will assist participants as needed. If you would like to walk in with your Rancher please park in the front lot before crossing the bridge and walk across with them, do not park on the driveway.

 
Safe Unloading:

Ranchers must wait in their vehicle until they are at the front of the drop off line. Do not allow them to exit your vehicle early. The driveway is two-way traffic, do not pass vehicles that are parked ahead of your. Staff will guide traffic to move waiting vehicles ahead to create a safe passing zone if necessary.

Parking:

The inner lot is reserved for GHR vehicles and accessible parking. Do not park here to drop/off pick up your Rancher, and do not park in the driveway. Aides may park in the front lot before the creek or at the top of the property.
 
Pick-Up Procedure
 
Pick Up:
Pick up time is from 2:50PM – 3:00PM. Please follow the exact drop-off procedures including parking. Staff will send Ranchers out in order of the vehicles. Be patient and considerate while waiting in the pick up line. If you need to talk with staff or vice versa we will ask you to park in the front lot to allow the traffic flow to continue.

 
Late Fees

If you anticipate a late pick-up due to exceptional circumstances, please contact our Program Director.
Late pick up will be billed at the rate of $10/15minutes. $40/hour. Late pick up fees will be billed at the end of the month and musts be paid before additional registration will be permitted.
Habitual late pick-ups may result in further action, including suspension or termination from the program.
 
AM/PM Bus
On occasional program days, GHR offers and offsite drop off and/or pick up at the corner of Kanan & Agoura Rd. Ranchers must register for this in the weekly program email. The van will arrive at 9:30AM and leave when all registered riders have arrived or 9:45AM whichever comes first. Pick up is promptly at 3PM and late fees will apply.
Sunscreen/Shoe

At Golden Heart Ranch we prioritize the safety and well-being of our program participants. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, we have established the following policy regarding sunscreen and footwear:
 
Sunscreen Requirement:

  • Participants are encouraged to apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 to exposed skin areas before joining any outdoor activities or programs.
  • Parents/legal guardians are responsible for the initial application of sunscreen. Sunscreen should be applied prior to the program start to allow for proper absorption and protection.

 
Sunscreen Replication & Sun Protection:

  • If approved on your Ranchers medical forms, GHR staff will reapply spray sunscreen to the body periodically throughout the day. Lotion sunscreen will only be applied to Rancher faces.
  • If your Rancher has special sunscreen please label it with your Ranchers name and notify staff.
  • It is recommended that Ranchers wear proper clothing to prevent sunburns, such as broad brimmed hats, rash guards, and light long-sleeve shirts.

Closed-Toed Shoes Requirement:

  • Participants are required to wear closed-toed shoes during all program activities.
  • Closed-toed shoes provide better protection for your feet and reduce the risk of injuries from uneven terrain, rocks, or other potential hazards.
  • Slip on and flip flops may be worn within the gated pool area.

 
Program Leaders and Staff:

  • Our program leaders and staff will also adhere to these sunscreen and footwear requirements to set a positive example for participants and ensure everyone’s safety.

 
Exceptions:

  • Exceptions to this policy may be considered in certain situations, such as medical conditions that prevent the use of sunscreen or closed-toed shoes. Please contact our Program Director in advance to discuss any special accommodations.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

  • Participants who do not comply with this policy may be asked to sit out of certain activities or may not be allowed to participate in the program for their safety and the safety of others.

 

Liability Disclaimer:
  • Golden Heart Ranch is not responsible for any sunburn or injuries resulting from the failure to apply sunscreen or wear appropriate footwear during our programs.
Cancellation Policy

Golden Heart Ranch Cancellation Policy

At Golden Heart Ranch, we understand that plans can change. To best accommodate all our participants and manage staffing and resources, we have established the following cancellation policies for our programs:

Ranch Days (Monday/Wednesday/Friday)

  • Cancellations must be received at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled Ranch Day.

  • Cancellations made within 48 hours may be subject to a cancellation fee.

Ranch Days (Tuesday/Thursday)

  • Cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to the first Tuesday/Thursday of the month.

  • Cancellations apply to the entire month — single-day cancellations are not permitted for this schedule.

  • Cancellations made after this deadline may be subject to a cancellation fee.

Seasonal Camps

  • Cancellations must be received by 5:00 PM on the Friday prior to the start of the camp week.

  • Late cancellations may be subject to a cancellation fee.

Camp Coyote Ridge

  • Cancellations must be made at least 1 week prior to the start of camp.

  • Cancellations made within this period may be subject to a cancellation fee.

Behavior Policy

This behavior policy is designed to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all participants in Golden Heart Ranch. It aims to address challenging behaviors while respecting the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities.
 
Understanding Challenging Behaviors:

  • We recognize that individuals with disabilities may exhibit challenging behaviors due to various factors, including communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, or medical conditions. It is our commitment to provide support and understanding in managing these behaviors.

 
Positive Behavior Support:

  • Our program emphasizes the use of positive behavior support strategies to promote the well-being and positive development of participants.
  • Any behavior displayed by a participant of Golden Heart Ranch that injures, threatens or leads to injury of oneself or others or theft or damage to property in unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

 
Action Steps
If at any time the incident involves harming another Rancher (hit, bite, injury in any way), or requires any type of first aid to self, other Rancher/staff, or animal, the Rancher must be picked up immediately regardless of the current action step. This may include picking up at a community-based location.
 
Step One, Verbal Warning:

  • When a challenging behavior occurs, the staff will provide a verbal warning and offer redirection and support. A record of the incident will be documented for reference and parent/guardian will be notified at pick up.

 
Step Two, Phone Call

  • If the same or similar challenging behavior reoccurs on the same program day, parents will be called and notified of the second incident.

Step Three, Immediate Pick Up

  • If the same or similar challenging behavior reoccurs on the same program day for a third time, parents will be called and the Rancher must be picked up immediately. This may include picking up at a community-based location.
  • Rancher may not return to programs until a behavior review meeting has been conducted with GHR staff and family to assess the underlying causes of the behavior and develop strategies for prevention and support.

 
Suspension or Termination:

In cases where a participant’s behavior poses a serious risk to safety and well-being of themselves or others, and after reasonable support measures have been exhausted, Golden Heart Ranch may consider temporary suspension or, as a last resort, termination from the program.