Frequently Asked Questions

View bid opportunities on our website.

Click our link below to view activities and register online. You may also register in person at the District Office Monday - Friday located at 1099 E Street, Hayward between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:45 PM. If you're new to H.A.R.D. please set up your new account then find your desired courses.

Yes, follow the link below to download and print a registration form.

Children MUST be able to use the restroom independently before attending preschool.  Pull-ups are not allowed.

Instructors and aides who work in our programs are at least 18 years of age.  All instructors have been educated in Early Childhood Education and have previous experience working with young children. They also have been First Aid and CPR certified. Additionally, all instructors participate in periodic trainings to enhance their knowledge and skills in working with children.

Children need to be 3.5-5.5 years by the first date of the session.  Age exceptions are at the discretion of staff and are on a case-by-case basis.  Please contact preschool@haywarec.org for more info.

1:8, but lower in most classrooms.

Absolutely!  Please email preschool@haywardrec.org to schedule a tour.

All emergency forms and waivers via ePACT.  ePACT is a secured website that collects and manages critical emergency information. Our camps utilize ePACT to replace paper forms and ensure we have critical emergency information accessible to us at all times.  An email will be sent to the email address on file in your registration account once you have enrolled in camp. 

No, but you can send an email to info@haywardrec.org as a special request. All requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis and require approval to override.

Although we do not offer sibling discounts, financial assistance is available. Please CLICK HERE for more information.

Our district wants to ensure that individuals with disabilities or special needs are encouraged to register and participate in our programs. If you have specific access needs in order to participate, please CLICK HERE for more information.

Sadly, we can’t enroll every child into our summer camps.  If someone withdraws from camp, a spot will open up and staff will notify participants by order of their placement on the waitlist to enroll. 

All applicants go through an interview and review process. Once a candidate has been selected, they must be cleared by the DOJ using fingerprints before being hired.

Yes, please let site staff know and perform standard sign-out procedures.

No, camp staff is not available until the camp start time.

Please let camp staff know if your child will be absent from camp by emailing parkexplorers@haywardrec.org or speaking with them on site.

Although our camps take place in public spaces, we would like to limit distractions during the program. Please check-in with camp staff. staff may ask you to leave so they may continue with the day’s activities.

Should the camp be canceled for any unforeseen reason, we will notify you via ePACT using both email and text message. Please be certain to have accurate and up to date information on your ePACT forms.

Please review our Behavior Management policy inside the parent handbook CLICK HERE.

Staff cannot administer any medication to participants. Each child must be responsible for tracking and taking in their prescribed medication during camp.

Staff will call 911 should your child have a reaction and require immediate medical attention.  All staff members are trained in administering EPI-pens. All camper medications should be provided and carried by the camper. Please be certain to inform camp staff if your child carries an Epi-pen and where they are keeping it. We cannot store it for you. 

Yes, please bring a refillable water bottle with your child's name on it.

No, however, on Friday's popsicles will be provided after lunch.

We would be happy to be part of your child’s special day. Please inform the staff at least a day before you plan to celebrate so that they can plan accordingly. All birthday celebrations will be held at the end of the day, so as not to interfere with programming. Only store-bought items can be shared with the camp.

Please contact 510-888-0117 or email parkexplorers@haywardrec.org for any questions. 

Most safety forms are completed through ePACT. Select excursions for Potowatomi or Vida Nueva will require additional waivers or permission slips.

ePACT is a secured website that collects and manages critical emergency information. Our programs utilize ePACT to replace paper forms and ensure we have the most up-to-date and accurate medical information in case of an emergency.

No, but you can send an email as a special request. All requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis and require approval to override.

Although we do not offer sibling discounts, financial assistance is available. Please view our Scholarship page for more information.

Yes, please let site staff know in advance and perform standard sign-out procedures. 

No, but extended care is offered at East Ave Camps.

Yes, but please ensure to send your child with a reusable water bottle.

Contacting us about absences is optional, we will move on to the next activity after sign in and review sign in/note who is in attendance for the day.  You are welcome to send an email to eastavecamps@haywardrec.org as well.

Although our camps take place in public spaces, we would like to limit distractions during the program and ask that parents do not join in for camp activities.  Many will observe from a distance and head out, which is fine.

All applicants go through an interview and review process. Once a candidate has been selected, they must be cleared by the DOJ using fingerprints before being hired. Staff is also CPR/First Aid/AED certified.

Our district wants to ensure that individuals with disabilities or special needs are encouraged to register and participate in our programs. If you have specific access needs in order to participate, please CLICK HERE for more information.

We would be happy to be part of your child’s special day. Please inform the staff at least a day before you plan to celebrate so that they can plan accordingly. All birthday celebrations will be held at the end of the day, so as not to interfere with programming. Only store-bought items can be shared with the camp.

Staff cannot administer any medication to participants. Each child must be responsible for tracking and taking in their prescribed medication during camp.

Should the camp be canceled for any unforeseen reason, we will notify you using both email and text message. Please be certain to have accurate and up to date information on your ePACT forms.

Please review our Behavior Management policy inside the parent packet.

Sadly, we cannot take everyone into our programs. If someone withdraws from the program, a spot will open up, we will notify people by order of their placement on the waitlist.

Staff will call 911 should your child have a reaction and require injection. All staff members are trained in administering EPI-pens. All camper medications should be provided and carried by the camper. Please be certain to inform the staff if your child carries an Epi-pen and where they are keeping. We cannot store it for you.

Please email eastavecamps@haywardrec.org for any questions.

All special requests must be submitted via email to EastAveCamps@haywardrec.org. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate group requests.