Childcare

1. Our Philosophy: Leave No One Behind

• Based on the open-source spirit, FOSS4G welcomes participants from all backgrounds. We extend the "Geo for All" philosophy to include families and respect children as "future community leaders". Our goal is to provide an environment where attendees do not have to give up participation due to parenting responsibilities, allowing them to balance professional career growth with family time.

2. Session Participation

• Admission with Children: Children accompanied by guardians are welcome in all sessions. Strollers (pushchairs) are also permitted in the rooms.
• Seating Arrangements: Priority seating will be designated near the exits of each room to allow parents to step out easily if a child becomes restless.
• Speaker Support: Presenters are welcome to bring their children on stage if they wish. If needed, staff can be assigned to support the child during the presentation.

3. Fees and Sponsorship

• Registration Fee: Conference registration for children (under 16) is free.
• Childcare Costs: The LOC will explore options to subsidize childcare services through Childcare Sponsorship and other funding. The extent of subsidies will depend on sponsorship availability.
• Meals: Children are welcome to use the on-site catering services. However, parents/guardians bear final responsibility for their children's dietary needs, including the management of allergies and dietary restrictions. Please declare any allergy information during pre-registration.

4. Request to Participants

• Community Acceptance: We ask all participants to be patient and welcoming toward attendees with children. Please remember that children learn by observing the adults in our community as role models.
• Code of Conduct (CoC): The conference Code of Conduct applies to children as well. We ask guardians to ensure their children are respected and can enjoy the event safely.

5. On-site Facilities and Services

• Kids Space (Chill Space): We will establish a dedicated "Chill Space" within the venue for parents and children to relax. This area will be equipped with toys and books, providing a safe play environment regardless of the weather.
• Nursing and Changing Rooms: Private and quiet nursing (lactation) rooms and diaper-changing stations will be set up within the childcare space. A dedicated nursing zone will be created using partitions to ensure privacy.
• On-site Childcare Service: During the main conference, on-site childcare services will be arranged through an external professional childcare provider. The service will operate as a direct contract between the childcare provider and the participant. The service covers children from infants (age 0) through junior high school age, with age-appropriate arrangements (nursery care for infants/toddlers, a Junior Lounge for older children, etc.).

6. How to Use (Pre-registration)

Those wishing to use childcare services are requested to register directly through the childcare provider's dedicated registration form. The link to the form will be available on the conference website and during the ticket registration process once ready.

Note: Personal information such as the child's age, allergy details, and emergency contacts will be submitted directly to the childcare provider.

7. Disclaimer

Childcare services are provided by an external professional vendor. The conference organizers (LOC) are not responsible for the services provided by third-party childcare vendors. All agreements and consents regarding childcare services are made directly between the participant and the childcare provider.