Rainbow DJ LabRas Tafari Inc. · Rainbow Beach Park, Chicago
Proposed:The Lab is not running yet. No class runs until every item on the launch checklist is complete.
Rainbow DJ Lab › Families › Family Orientation

Family Orientation

A visit before the first class where families try the gear, meet the adults, tour the space and ask questions; date to be announced.

Before day one

Before the first class of each season, we'll hold a family orientation. It's a chance for you and your child to see the space, meet the adults, put your hands on a controller and ask anything, before you ever drop your child off.

Date: to be announced. No class dates are set yet, and the Lab is still proposed: the Chicago Park District has not approved or permitted it. Orientation will be scheduled once the launch requirements are met. Registered families will be told the date by email.

Who should come

  • Your child, and at least one parent or guardian.
  • Anyone on your authorized-pickup list is welcome too, so staff can meet them.
  • Little DJs (5–7): the grown-up who will stay through class should come, since you'll be learning alongside your child.
  • Brothers and sisters are welcome.

What we'll cover

1. Meet the adults

You'll meet the adults who will work with your child. Every one of them must finish screening before their first class: the Chicago Park District's background check (run by the Park District under its rules), references, youth-protection training, and Illinois DCFS mandated reporter training. You'll also hear who to call about any adult: the Chicago Park District, at the Rainbow Beach Park office, (312) 745-1479. No staff are hired yet, so we can't name them here.

2. Try the gear

  • Kids (and grown-ups) try a beginner DJ controller and see how two songs get lined up.
  • Try the headphones and hear what the capped volume sounds like. Pick up free earplugs if your child wants them.
  • See how a station works: 4 kids, one controller, rotating jobs (DJ, Co-pilot, Hype and Logger).

3. Tour the space

  • Where check-in and sign-out happen.
  • The restrooms, and how the buddy system works.
  • The cool-down space.
  • Exits and where the group goes in bad weather.
  • Where medicine is kept.

The emergency action plan and the fieldhouse lockdown plan will be finalized after a site walk with park staff. That's a launch requirement.

4. Walk through the paperwork

  • Check that your forms are complete: authorized-pickup list, emergency contacts, medical and allergy information, medication authorization and FARE plan if needed, and consents.
  • Bring photo ID so staff can see it for the first time.
  • See the class app at /dj-lab/live/: what your private family link shows (only your own child) and what the in-room station board shows. See data privacy.
  • Forms: enrollment forms.

5. Questions and answers

Ask anything. Nothing is too small. Common questions so far are in the enrollment FAQ.

Can't make it?

Orientation is strongly encouraged but not required. If you can't come, contact Stephen Henry (872-255-9333, stephen@selassiefest.com) and we'll arrange a short walk-through before or after a class, or answer your questions by phone. You're also welcome to watch any session under our open-door policy.