Education Coaching Services Standards of Ethical Conduct

(Adapted from the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida and the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida 6A-10.081 )

I. Core Ethical Principles

All school employees and representatives shall adhere to and complete training on the following foundational principles:

1. Respect for Human Dignity
   We value the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the development of democratic citizenship. Equal opportunity and the freedom to teach and learn are essential.
2. Commitment to Students
   Our primary professional concern is the student and the development of each student’s full potential. Staff shall exercise sound professional judgment, integrity, and continuous professional growth.
3. Professional Integrity and Trust
   Employees shall maintain the respect and confidence of students, parents, colleagues, and the community by demonstrating the highest standards of ethical conduct. (Florida Department of Education)

II. Ethical Responsibilities to Students

School personnel shall:

• Protect students from conditions harmful to learning or to their mental, emotional, or physical health and safety
• Encourage independent learning and not unreasonably restrict student expression or access to diverse viewpoints
• Present subject matter accurately and without intentional distortion
• Avoid embarrassment, disparagement, or exploitation of students
• Respect and protect students’ legal rights
• Maintain confidentiality of student information unless disclosure is required or permitted by law
• Refrain from discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or other protected status
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and avoid using relationships with students for personal gain (Florida Department of Education)

III. Ethical Responsibilities to the Public

School personnel shall:

• Distinguish between personal views and those of the school or organization
• Represent facts truthfully in all public and professional communications
• Avoid using institutional privileges for personal benefit
• Refuse gifts, favors, or compensation that could improperly influence professional judgment
• Conduct themselves in a manner that builds public trust in the school and the education profession (Florida Department of Education)

IV. Ethical Responsibilities to the Profession and Colleagues

School personnel shall:

• Maintain honesty and integrity in all professional dealings
• Treat colleagues fairly and without discrimination
• Refrain from harassment, intimidation, or creating a hostile work environment
• Avoid false or malicious statements about colleagues
• Accurately represent their qualifications and experience
• Not submit fraudulent or misleading information in any professional context
• Support ethical hiring practices and not assist unqualified individuals in entering the profession
• Cooperate with investigations and comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Report known violations of law or professional standards to appropriate authorities
• Refrain from retaliation against individuals who report misconduct (Florida Department of Education)

V. Legal and Professional Accountability

• Violations of these standards may result in disciplinary action, including termination or reporting to state authorities.
• Certified educators may be subject to sanctions, including suspension or revocation of certification, under Florida law. (Florida Department of Education)

VI. School Commitment

Our school is committed to fostering an ethical culture that:

• Places students first
• Promotes integrity and professionalism
• Ensures a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment
• Upholds all applicable Florida laws and educational standards

VII. Reporting Misconduct

All employees, support staff, and administration must report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administration that affect the health, safety or welfare of a student. Examples include: obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors.

Reports of misconduct of an employee should be submitted to ECS Founder:

ECS Founder

Adam Struckhoff

adam@educationcoachingservices.com

727-455-2725

Legally sufficient allegations of misconduct by Florida Certified Educationators will be made to the Florida Department of Education Office of Professional Practices Services when applicable.

VII. Mandatory Reporting of Misconduct, Abuse, Neglect, or Abandonment

1. Duty to Report

All employees, contractors, and volunteers of the school are mandatory reporters under Florida law. Any individual who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is abused, neglected, or abandoned must immediately report such knowledge or suspicion.

• Reports must be made immediately to the
  Florida Abuse Hotline (operated by the Florida Department of Children and Families):
  • Phone: 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
  • Online: https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/
  • TTY: 1-800-453-5145
• A report must be made directly by the individual who has the knowledge or suspicion. Notifying a supervisor or administrator does not satisfy the legal requirement to report.

1. Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect

Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries—especially in patterns or at different stages of healing. Child may flinch, avoid touch, seem fearful of adults, or try to hide injuries.

Emotional (Mental) Abuse: Extreme behaviors (withdrawn, anxious, aggressive), low self-esteem, excessive fear, or delayed emotional development. Child may appear overly compliant or lack attachment to a caregiver.

Sexual Abuse: Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior, sudden mood or behavior changes, fear of a specific person or place, regression (e.g., bedwetting), or avoidance of physical contact.

Neglect: Frequent hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate clothing, lack of supervision, frequent absences, or untreated medical needs.

Abandonment: Child reports being left alone, shows anxiety about not being picked up, or lacks a consistent caregiver.

Reminder: These are warning signs—not proof. You are not required to investigate. If you have reasonable suspicion, you are required to report immediately.

 C. Internal Notification

While external reporting is mandatory and cannot be delayed, employees are expected to also inform the Head of School or designated administrator after making a report, unless doing so would:

• Place the student at further risk, or
• Interfere with a law enforcement or child protection investigation

D. Confidentiality

• The identity of the reporter is confidential and protected under Florida law.
• Employees shall maintain strict confidentiality regarding reports and related information, sharing only with those legally authorized to receive it.

E. Immunity and Protection from Liability

Any person who reports suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment in good faith:

• Is immune from civil and criminal liability arising from such report
• Is protected from retaliation or adverse employment action by the school for making a report

The school strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who makes a good faith report or participates in an investigation.

F. Consequences for Failure to Report

Failure to report suspected abuse, neglect, or abandonment as required by Florida law:

• May result in criminal penalties
• May result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or removal from volunteer service

G. Training and Acknowledgment

All employees, contractors, and volunteers shall:

• Receive training on identifying and reporting abuse and misconduct
• Acknowledge in writing their understanding of these obligations upon hire and periodically thereafter.

F. Posting Notice in Prominent Place and Website

Additionally, per section 1006.061(1), F.S., ECS will post in a prominent place at school a notice that all employees and agents of the private school have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Per Section 1006.061(2), F.S., the policies and procedures for reporting alleged misconduct by educational support employees, instructional personnel, or school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student; the contact person to whom the report is made; and the penalties imposed on educational support employees, instructional personnel, or school administrators who fail to report suspected or actual child abuse or alleged misconduct by other educational support employees, instructional personnel, or school administrators will also be published on the ECS website.