DANNY'S PLACE PROGRAMS FAQ

At Danny's Place, we're committed to providing programs that help young people thrive. We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you better understand what we offer and how your child can benefit from participating. If you have any questions that aren't covered here, please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

What types of programs does Danny's Place offer?

We offer a variety of programs focusing on self-discovery, 21st century skills, and future direction for kids in grades K through 12. Each program is designed to help young people explore their interests, build skills, and foster personal growth. Our programs offer engaging ways for youth to discover important topic areas and life skills lessons that often do not make their way into the school curriculum or can be challenging to address at home.

Can I see a schedule or descriptions of the programs?
Yes, detailed schedules and descriptions of our programs are available on our program page. Each program page includes information on session topics, activities, and objectives. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to reach out to us at info@dannys-place.org.

How do I choose the right program for my child?

At Danny's Place, we offer a variety of programs designed to match your child's unique personality and interests. Each program is crafted to provide the best environment for your child to grow, learn, and have fun. We are happy to answer any questions about program specifics, please reach out to info@dannys-place.org.

How much does it cost to participate in a program?

The pricing for weekly programs will be $275 per season per child. For more details on the cost of each program, please see detailed program descriptions here. Accessibility is our top priority. We are committed to ensuring that cost is never a barrier to participation. We always offer full scholarships to any participant, as well as provide a self-select sliding scale option for those who need it, with no questions asked. This pricing model  reflects our dedication to maintaining exceptional program quality and value. We are steadfast in our commitment to making all of our programs accessible to anyone who wants to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this update, or how the sliding scale and scholarship process work, please contact us at info@dannys-place.org. 

How do I apply for financial assistance or choose a sliding scale option?

We never want cost to be the reason a child can't participate. We offer sliding-scale support for families who need it. Reach out to us directly (by email or phone) to talk through what would work for your family; there's no formal application or documentation required. We'll get you set up so the discount applies when you check out. Email: info@dannys-place.org, phone: 978-264-9754.

What is the process for enrolling my child in a program?

To enroll your child, visit our website at dannys-place.org/programs and complete the online registration form. You'll be asked to provide some basic information about your child and select your preferred program. Once registered, you will receive further instructions and details.

Registration Software FAQs:

Do I need to create an account before I can register my child?

Yes. Danny's Place now uses Amilia (through the SmartRec platform) for all registrations. Before you can sign up for any program, you'll need to create a free account and add a free membership for your child — this is a one-time step, not a paid membership. Once that's done, you can register for any program, event, or drop-in session.

I got a message that an account already exists under my email — what do I do?

If Amilia tells you an account already exists (this can happen if you've registered for a Danny's Place program before, or used Amilia with another organization), follow the prompt to link your existing account rather than creating a new one. If you get stuck, reach out to us and we'll help you get connected.

Does registering for a "membership" or day-bundle option automatically enroll my child in that day's classes, or do I need to register separately?

It depends on the option. Some bundles (like a full-day pass) automatically include the sessions scheduled for that day — you won't need to separately register for each class. Others require you to select each session individually. If you're not sure which applies to the option you picked, contact us and we'll confirm your child is registered for exactly what you expect.

My child's age doesn't match the age range listed for the program that fits their grade — what should I do?

Our programs are grouped by grade level, and while we've set age ranges to match, you may occasionally run into a program where the listed age range doesn't line up with your child's grade (for example, an 11-year-old entering 6th grade). This is a known hiccup as we finish rolling out the new system — please don't create a workaround account or use an incorrect birthdate. Instead, contact us directly and we'll get the age range corrected and your child registered right away.

How do I know if a program still has space?

The online store reflects live availability, but the filter tool doesn't always display results the way you'd expect, especially before a season is fully scheduled. If a search comes back empty and you think that's wrong, don't assume the program is full — contact us to double-check.

My confirmation shows the wrong grade, age group, or program for my child — what now?

Contact us with your child's name and the program you intended to register for. We'll correct it on our end — you won't need to re-register or pay again.

Will I need to fill out any additional forms after I register?

Possibly. Depending on the program, you may receive a follow-up email with a short additional form (for example, emergency contact or pickup information). Check your inbox (and spam folder) after registering, and reach out if you don't see anything within a day or two.

I'm getting an error message when I try to register — who do I contact?

Please reach out to us at info@dannys-place.org or 978-264-9754 with a screenshot of the error if you can. We're still smoothing out rough edges on the new system and want to get you registered as quickly as possible.

The form won't let me finish because of a field about pickup or caregiver information — what do I do?

If a required field won't accept your entry or the form won't let you move forward even though everything looks filled in, this is a known glitch on some pages. Contact us and we'll either walk you through it or register your child manually so you don't lose your spot.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help — email us at info@dannys-place.org or call 978-264-9754. We're actively improving the registration experience as we finish moving to this new system, and we appreciate your patience.

How can I help support other families in need during the checkout process?

During checkout, you have the option to donate to our community supported Scholarship Fund. Your contribution directly supports families who may be facing financial hardships, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate in our programs, regardless of their ability to pay. By pitching in, you're not just helping a child access valuable resources and experiences; you're strengthening our entire community. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. Thank you for considering a gift that can open doors for another family.

What is your refund policy? 

We understand that plans can change. If your child wishes to withdraw from a program, you can request a refund within the first two sessions of the program. Simply email us with your request to unenroll, and we’ll process your refund and make your child’s spot available to someone on our waitlist.

What are the qualifications of your program facilitators?

Our facilitators are experienced professionals in their fields, including mental health specialists, educators, and community leaders. Each facilitator is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for your child or teen’s growth and development. To learn more visit our staff page.

What measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of my child?

We prioritize the safety and well-being of all participants. Our programs are conducted in secure environments, and all staff undergo background checks and training in child protection. We also maintain a low facilitator-to-participant ratio to ensure individualized attention.

For illness-related concerns, please refer to our Illness Policy. 

What should my child bring to the program?

Depending on the program, your child may need to bring specific materials or personal items. A list of required items will be provided upon registration. Please reach out to your program leader with any specific questions.

Can my child join a program in the middle of a season?

Due to the structure of our programs, we typically close registration once our programs have started for the season. Some of the programs are rolling, please reach out to see if the program you are interested in is available.

What are the drop-off and pick-up expectations for this year's programs?

If you are new to Danny’s Place, or if it is the beginning of a program year, please arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out our Welcome Form.

Throughout the year we kindly ask participants to arrive promptly when the program is scheduled to begin. This allows us to begin on time and provide your child with the full experience. If you know you are going to be late, please reach out to your program leader or info@dannys-place.org so we know to expect you. 

At the end of the program please be prompt in picking up your child, as our small and mighty team needs to clean up and prepare for the following program. If you anticipate any delays, please notify us as soon as possible, so we can make appropriate arrangements. Your cooperation helps us maintain a positive environment. Thank you for your understanding and support!

Of note - if your program is scheduled to meet somewhere other than Danny’s Place (ie. Discovery Museum), we require caregivers to stay with their child until the Danny’s Place staff arrives. Third party sites are not responsible for supervising our participants.

What if my child needs to miss a session?

We understand that conflicts can arise. Please email info@dannys-place.org, your specific program leader, or you can call us during office hours at 978-264-9754, if your child will miss a session. If you know in advance please let us know so we can plan accordingly. 

How can I get involved or support Danny's Place?

We welcome and appreciate support in various forms, including volunteering, donating, or becoming a program partner. For more information on how to get involved, visit our website or contact us at info@dannys-place.org.

How can my kid/teen get to Danny’s Place?

Kids from Douglas-Gates, Merriam - McCarthy Towne usually walk to Danny’s Place.

Using the MART Van: Thanks to our friends from Boxborough Connects, beginning on October 15 the MART Van will prioritize pickups along the route to accommodate afterschool programming. Please see the updated Schedule for more information and for stop schedules. Rides continue to be offered at only $1 per trip! Kids 10yo +