MWS Studios Policies

Supervision & Child Safety Policy

To ensure a safe and supportive environment, all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult until they are signed into a supervised program. MWS Studios maintains a minimum supervision ratio of 1 adult for every 8 children during all programs and workshops.

Dress Code & Safety Policy

For safety reasons, all participants must wear closed-toe shoes to take part in any MWS Studios workshop. Due to the use of real tools and materials, we cannot allow students wearing sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, or other open footwear to participate.

Students should also:

  • Wear clothing that they can move in comfortably and that can get messy — woodworking often involves paint, wood glue, and sawdust.

  • Have their hair pulled back if it is long enough to obstruct vision or become entangled in tools. We’ll have extra hair ties available if needed.

  • Be prepared to wear safety glasses during parts of the workshop. We provide all necessary safety gear and will ensure it’s worn properly when required.

If a child arrives without proper footwear, they will not be able to participate in the workshop.  We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep everyone safe and focused on creating!

Health & Wellness Policy

For the health of all participants, children who are feeling unwell or showing signs of illness should stay home. Studio staff clean tools and surfaces regularly, and hand sanitizer is available. We reserve the right to ask anyone displaying symptoms to return when they’re feeling better.

Behavior Support & Studio Expectations

At MWS Studios, we strive to create a welcoming, respectful, and safe environment for every child to explore, learn, and build. We believe that all children benefit from clear expectations, compassionate guidance, and collaborative support.

We work closely with students and caregivers to support positive behavior and to address any actions that may create an unsafe or disruptive environment for themselves or others. Our approach centers on understanding, redirection, and learning from challenges.

If a student is having difficulty meeting behavior expectations, our team will follow this general process:

First Occurrence – Gentle Redirection

The instructor will provide a calm, clear reminder of studio expectations and redirect the student toward a safe and appropriate activity.

Second Occurrence – Conversation & Reflection

The student will be given space to regroup with the support of a staff member. Caregivers may be informed at pickup to keep lines of communication open.

Third Occurrence – Collaborative Plan

We will speak directly with the caregiver to create a plan for continued participation. This may include behavior supports, breaks, or modifications.

In rare cases where safety is at risk and redirection is not effective, MWS Studios reserves the right to pause or end a child’s participation for the day. Removal from a program is a last resort and will only occur after all supportive steps have been attempted, unless immediate safety is in question.

We’re committed to working with families to help every child thrive in the studio, and we welcome communication at any time about what your child needs to feel successful.

Arrival & Pick-Up Policy

To help programs run smoothly and ensure every child’s safety, we ask that participants arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. Please pick up your child promptly at the end of the session. Late pick-ups may incur a fee.

Children will only be released to adults who have been listed as authorized for pick-up during registration. If someone other than a pre-approved adult will be picking up your child, written notice must be provided in advance. Photo identification may be required at pickup.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a secure and caring environment for all students.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled class and must be submitted via email. Cancellations made within this timeframe will receive a class credit that can be applied to a future program.

No-shows or cancellations made less than 48 hours before the class are not eligible for credit.

If MWS Studios cancels a class, workshop, or camp for any reason, participants will be offered either a full class credit or the option to reschedule. In the case of cancellation due to low enrollment, a full refund will be issued.

Materials & Tool Use Policy

Only tools and materials provided by MWS Studios may be used during classes. We offer a curated selection of safe, age-appropriate hand tools. Personal tools are not permitted unless pre-approved by staff.

Personal Belongings Policy

To maintain a clean and organized workspace, we ask that large bags, backpacks, or valuable personal items remain with a parent/guardian. Limited space is available for small bags, coats, and water bottles. MWS Studios is not responsible for lost or misplaced items.

Food & Drink Policy

Food and beverages are not permitted in the studio area during workshops unless otherwise specified. Water bottles with secure lids are allowed and encouraged. Designated snack or meal breaks may occur during full-day programs.

Photography & Media Policy

MWS Studios occasionally documents workshops and events through photographs or short video clips for use in promotional materials, social media, and our website.

We require written permission from a parent or guardian before any child may be photographed or recorded. This consent is collected during registration and can be updated at any time by contacting our staff or by accessing your account online.

In addition to parental consent, we believe in honoring each child’s autonomy and comfort. Even with a signed photo release, our instructors will always ask the student directly for their permission before taking any photos or videos. If a child declines, we will fully respect their choice.

No identifying information (such as names or ages) will ever be shared publicly without explicit additional permission.

Accessibility & Inclusion Policy

MWS Studios is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all children. We recognize that every child has unique strengths, needs, and ways of learning.

We encourage parents and caregivers to reach out to us in advance to discuss any accommodations, supports, or preferences that can help make your child’s experience safe, comfortable, and engaging. To the best of our ability, we will work with families to implement strategies that support each child’s participation and enjoyment in our programs.

Our studio is wheelchair accessible, and our team is committed to fostering an inclusive space where all children can thrive.

Visit Us


L
ocation:
1 Lackawanna Plaza Suite G
Montclair, NJ 07042

Phone:
(973) 494-7488

Email:
montclair@maplewoodshop.com

 

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