Standards & Accreditation

First Presbyterian Learning Centers

Standards of Ethical Conduct

Our learning center values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of responsible citizenship. Essential to achieving these standards are the freedom to learn and teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.

Our primary concern is the students and the development of their potential. Employees will therefore strive for professional growth and seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.

The Concern for the Student Requires that Our Instructional Personnel

Shall make reasonable efforts to protect students from conditions harmful to learning and/or to their mental, physical health, and/or safety.
Shall not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit of learning.
Shall not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view.
Shall not intentionally suppress or distort subject matter relevant to a student’s academic program.
Shall not intentionally expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
Shall not intentionally violate or deny a student’s legal rights.
Shall not harass or discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or social and family background, and shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that each student is protected from harassment or discrimination.
Shall not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage.
Shall keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course of professional service unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.

Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of colleagues, students, parents, and the community, employees of our learning center must display the highest degree of ethical conduct.

This commitment requires that our employees:

Shall maintain honesty in all professional dealings.
Shall not, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, disability, or social and family background, deny a colleague professional benefits, advantages, or participation in any professional organization.
Shall not interfere with a colleague’s exercise of political or civil rights and responsibilities.
Shall not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work responsibilities or creates a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive environment. Further, they shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that each individual is protected from such harassment or discrimination.
Shall not make malicious or intentionally false statements about a colleague.

Training Requirement

All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and administrators are required as a condition of employment to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct.

Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators

All employees and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors.

Reports of misconduct by employees should be made to the school director:

Alba Aviles: 954-399-8594 | aaviles@fpcoh.org

Rebecca Ortiz: 954-922-8598 | rotiz@fpcoh.org

Jaqueline Carbonell: 954-929-8233 | jcarbonell@fpcoh.org

Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to: The Office of Professional Practices Services (Florida Department of Education)

Legally sufficient allegations of misconduct by Florida-certified educators will be reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services. Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators that affect the health, safety, or welfare of a student are posted in the school’s lounge and on our website at www.hollywoodlearningcenters.com | Hollywood Learning Centers.

Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect

All employees and agents have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Call 1-800-962-2873 or report online at http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/.

Signs of Physical Abuse

Unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, broken bones, or burns.
Withdrawn or depressed behavior, fear of going home, aggression, or wearing inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.

Signs of Sexual Abuse

Torn, stained, or bloody underwear; trouble walking or sitting; pain or itching in the genital area; or a sexually transmitted disease.
Unusual knowledge of sex, seductive behavior, fear of a particular person, withdrawal, weight changes, or running away from home.

Signs of Neglect

Unattended medical needs, lack of supervision, poor hygiene, or appearing underweight.
Frequently tired or hungry, stealing food, or appearing overly needy for adult attention.

Patterns of Abuse

Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.

Liability Protections

Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, or reporting in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the department or any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from such action. (F.S. 39.203)

An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer, upon request, is immune from civil liability for such disclosure unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the employee protected under F.S. Chapter 760. (F.S. 768.095)

Acknowledgment of Training and Compliance

I acknowledge that I have received training on these ethical standards and will adhere to them.

Employee Name: _____________________
Employee Signature: _____________________
Date: _______________