Young Kidz Academy has developed a unique curriculum based on Houghton Mifflin HARCOURT approved Sunshine State curriculum that will promote the skills and talents of each individual in the facility. The curriculum will provide children with great knowledge and skills that will go beyond the English language and promote multi-lingual abilities that through research-based studies have shown to develop higher IQ levels in youngsters. Classrooms are organized by the use of Sunshine State Standards which facilitate the learning process across key curricular areas such as:
• MATHEMATICS
• WRITING
• READING
• SCIENCE
• SOCIAL STUDIES
• ART
• HEALTH, SAFETY AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Young Kidz Academy curriculum provides children with opportunities to construct knowledge and meaning through active, hands-on exploration in a variety of settings, which include small group, individual and partner activities. All Elementary teachers are highly educated and have their master or bachelor degree as well as a high volume of previous experience in Early Child Education.
Accreditation is an official review process performed by a nationally recognized outside agency that validates our excellence in curriculum, learning environment, care, safety, and organization. Young Kidz Academy, the nation’s premier private provider of preschool programs, was awarded the prestigious distinction of corporation accreditation by the Green Apple Accreditation of Children’s Services, a global leader in advancing excellence in education through accreditation.
As an educational organization, we strongly believe in the process and purpose of accreditation. It inspires a dedication to constant improvement and confirms that we focus on what is most important for our students, staff, and families—meaning our sites take the care and education of children very seriously. We’re proud to work alongside hundreds of schools and school districts to help parents prepare their children for success.
Step Up for Students is a nonprofit that helps administer the Florida
Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Gardiner Scholarship. These
scholarships empower families to customize their children’s education.
For more information click here
POLICY ON ETHICAL CONDUCT OF INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL AND
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
Standards of Ethical Conduct
Young Kidz Academy
(Adapted from the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida and Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida)
1. Our school values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.
2. Our primary concern is the student and the development of the student’s potential. Employees will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.
3. Concern for the student requires that our instructional personnel:
a. Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning and/or to the student’s mental and/or physical health and/or safety.
b. Shall not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit of learning.
c. Shall not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view.
d. Shall not intentionally suppress or distort subject matter relevant to a student’s academic program.
e. Shall not intentionally expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
f. Shall not intentionally violate or deny a student’s legal rights.
g. 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, handicapping condition, sexual orientation, or social and family background and shall make reasonable effort to assure that each student is protected from harassment or discrimination.
h. Shall not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage.
i. Shall keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.
4. Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of colleagues, of students, of parents, and of the community, employees of our school must display the highest degree of ethical conduct. This commitment requires that our employees:
a. Shall maintain honesty in all professional dealings.
b. Shall not on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition if otherwise qualified, or social and family background deny to a colleague professional benefits or advantages or participation in any professional organization.
c. Shall not interfere with a colleague’s exercise of political or civil rights and responsibilities.
d. Shall not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct which unreasonably interferes with an individual’s performance of professional or work responsibilities or with the orderly processes of education or which creates a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive environment; and, further, shall make reasonable effort to assure that each individual is protected from such harassment or discrimination.
e. Shall not make malicious or intentionally false statements about a colleague.
- Training Requirement All employees, educational support, instructional personnel 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, educational support, instructional personnel and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which 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 of employees should be made to
Kinga Ferrara, contact info: Phone 954-987-1600.
Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to Gregory Ferrara, contact info: HR@YKA1.com
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 which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student are posted on bulletin board, and break area.
And on our Web site at SCHOOL’S WEBSITE
https://youngkidzacademy.wordpress.com/2023/03/27/standards-of-ethical-conduct/
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 1-800-96-ABUSE or report online at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/.
Signs of Physical Abuse The child may have unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries; broken bones; or burns. A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home or may run away, shy away from physical contact, be aggressive, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.
Signs of Sexual Abuse The child may have torn, stained or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in genital area, or a sexually transmitted disease. A child experiencing sexual abuse may have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively, fear a particular person, seem withdrawn or depressed, gain or lose weight suddenly, shy away from physical contact, or run away from home.
Signs of Neglect The child may have unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene, or appear underweight. A child experiencing neglect may be frequently tired or hungry, steal food, or appear 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 which might otherwise result by reason of such action. (F.S. 39.203)
An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer of the former or current employee upon request of the prospective employer or of the former or current employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed by the former or current employer was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the former or current employee protected under F.S. Chapter 760. (F.S. 768.095)
WORKPLACE STANDARDS AND POLICIES
ETHICAL CONDUCT OF INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
Personnel and administrators must demonstrate and uphold standards of ethical conduct both in and outside of the classroom. As an employee and a role model to students, instructional personnel and school administrators have a duty, at all times, to:
Abide by the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida (Rule 6B-1.001, F.A.C.)
1.The educator values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.
2.The educator’s primary professional concern will always be for the student and for the development of the student’s potential. The educator will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.
3.Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of one’s colleagues, of students, of parents, and of other members of the community, the educator strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct.
Uphold the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida (Rule 6B-1.006, F.A.C.)
1. Obligation to the student requires that the individual:
a.Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning and/or to the student’s mental and/or physical health and/or safety.
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b.Shall not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit of learning.
c.Shall not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view.
d.Shall not intentionally suppress or distort subject matter relevant to a student’s academic program.
e.Shall not intentionally expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
f.Shall not intentionally violate or deny a student’s legal rights.
g.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, handicapping condition, sexual orientation, or social and family background and shall make reasonable effort to assure that each student is protected from harassment or discrimination.
h.Shall not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage.
i.Shall keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.
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2. Obligation to the public requires that the individual:
a.Shall take reasonable precautions to distinguish between personal views and those of any educational institution or organization with which the individual is affiliated.
b.Shall not intentionally distort or misrepresent facts concerning an educational matter in direct or indirect public expression.
c.Shall not use institutional privileges for personal gain or advantage.
d.Shall accept no gratuity, gift, or favor that might influence professional judgment.
e.Shall offer no gratuity, gift, or favor to obtain special advantages.
3. Obligation to the profession of education requires that the individual:
a.Shall maintain honesty in all professional dealings.
b.Shall not on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition if otherwise qualified, or social and family background deny to a colleague professional benefits or advantages or participation in any professional organization.
c.Shall not interfere with a colleague’s exercise of political or civil rights and responsibilities.
d.Shall not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct which unreasonably interferes with an individual’s performance of professional or work responsibilities or with the orderly processes of education or which creates a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive environment; and, further, shall make reasonable effort to assure that each individual is protected from such harassment or discrimination.
e.Shall not make malicious or intentionally false statements about a colleague.
f.Shall not use coercive means or promise special treatment to influence professional judgments of colleagues.
g.Shall not misrepresent one’s own professional qualifications.
h.Shall not submit fraudulent information on any document in connection with professional activities.
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i.Shall not make any fraudulent statement or fail to disclose a material fact in one’s own or another’s application for a professional position.
j.Shall not withhold information regarding a position from an applicant or misrepresent an assignment or conditions of employment.
k.Shall provide upon the request of the certificated individual a written statement of specific reason for recommendations that lead to the denial of increments, significant changes in employment, or termination of employment.
l.Shall not assist entry into or continuance in the profession of any person known to be unqualified in accordance with these Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida and other applicable Florida Statutes and State
Board of Education Rules.
m.Shall self-report within forty-eight (48) hours to appropriate authorities (as determined by district) any arrests/charges involving the abuse of a child or the sale and/or possession of a controlled substance. Such notice shall not be considered an admission of guilt nor shall such notice be admissible for any purpose in any proceeding, civil or criminal, administrative or judicial, investigatory or adjudicatory. In addition, shall self-report any conviction, finding of guilt, withholding of adjudication, commitment to a pretrial diversion program, or entering of a plea of guilty or Nolo Contendre for any criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation within forty-eight (48) hours after the final judgment. When handling sealed and expunged records disclosed under this rule, school districts shall comply with the confidentiality provisions of Sections 943.0585(4)(c) and 943.059(4)(c), Florida Statutes.
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n. Shall report to appropriate authorities any known allegation of a violation
of the Florida School Code or State Board of Education Rules as defined in
Section 1012.795(1), Florida Statutes.
o. Shall seek no reprisal against any individual who has reported any allegation of a violation of the Florida School Code or State Board of Education Rules as defined in Section1012.795(1), Florida Statutes.
p. Shall comply with the conditions of an order of the Education Practices Commission.
q. Shall, as the supervising administrator, cooperate with the Education Practices Commission in monitoring the probation of a subordinate.
Abide by all school policies and procedures with steadfast adherence to the following:
Immediately report known or suspected child abuse or neglect to the Florida Department of Children and Families Toll-Free Hotline (1-800-96-ABUSE)
In accordance with section 39.201, Florida Statutes, any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent, legal custodian, caregiver, or other person responsible for the child’s welfare, or that a child is in need of supervision and care and has no parent, legal custodian, or responsible adult relative immediately known and available to provide supervision and care shall report such knowledge or suspicion to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Central Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
Instructional personnel and school administrators may report such information to DCF in unison, but reporting to another school employee does not fulfill the legal obligation to report to DCF.
A person who is required by statute to report known or suspected abuse or neglect and fails to do so, is subject to disciplinary action by the employer, by the State Department of Education and/or through criminal prosecution.
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In section 39.01(2), Florida Statutes, the term “Abuse” means any willful act or threatened act that results in any physical, mental, or sexual injury or harm that causes or is likely to cause the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired. Abuse of a child includes acts or omissions. Corporal discipline of a child by a parent or legal custodian for disciplinary purposes does not in itself constitute abuse when it does not result in harm to the child.
In section 39.01(44), Florida Statutes, an act of “Neglect” occurs when a child is deprived of, or is allowed to be deprived of, necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment or a child is permitted to live in an environment when such deprivation or environment causes the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired or to be in danger of being significantly impaired.
In section 39.01(47), Florida Statutes, “Other person responsible for a child’s welfare” includes the child’s legal guardian or foster parent; an employee of any school, public or private child day care center, residential home, institution, facility, or agency; a law enforcement officer employed in any facility, service, or program for children that is operated or contracted by the Department of Juvenile Justice; or any other person legally responsible for the child’s welfare in a residential setting; and also includes an adult sitter or relative entrusted with a child’s care.
In accordance with section 39.203, Florida Statutes, any person who reports in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the Department of Children and Families or any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action.
Immediately report to the Chief Administrator any alleged misconduct that affects the health, safety or welfare of a student, by other instructional personnel or school administrators
In accordance with section 1012.795(1)(b) Florida Statutes, any instructional personnel or school administrator must report alleged misconduct that affects the health, safety or welfare of a student by instructional personnel or school
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administrators. If instructional personnel or school administrators have knowledge of a violation of section 1012.795 or the Principles of Professional Conduct or the district code of conduct, designated employees shall immediately report the nature of the misconduct to the Chief Administrator.
The Chief Administrator’s name is Gregory Ferrara.
Instructional personnel or school administrators who fail to report misconduct of other instructional personnel or school administrators that affect the health, safety or welfare of students shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment and revocation of their Florida Educator Certificate.
Prohibition of Bullying and Harassment
All students and school employees have the right to an educational setting that is safe, secure, and free from harassment and bullying of any kind. The district will not tolerate bullying and harassment of any type. Conduct that constitutes bullying and/or harassment, as defined by district policy and section 1006.147, Florida Statutes, are prohibited.
Bullying means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students and may involve but is not limited to:
Teasing
Social Exclusion
Threat
Intimidation
Stalking
Physical violence
Theft
Sexual, religious, or racial harassment Public humiliation
Destruction of property
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Harassment means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal, or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee that:
1. Places a student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property;
2. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities, or benefits; or
3. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school. Bullying and Harassment also include:
Retaliation against a student or school employee by another student or school employee for asserting or alleging an act of bullying or harassment. Reporting an act of bullying or harassment that is not made in good faith is considered retaliation.
Perpetuation of conduct listed in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) by an individual or group with intent to demean, dehumanize, embarrass, or cause physical harm to a student or school employee by:
a. Incitement or coercion;
b. Accessing or knowingly causing or providing access to data or computer software through a computer, computer system, or computer network within the scope of the district school system; or
c. Acting in a manner that has an effect substantially similar to the effect of bullying or harassment.
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Discrimination Prohibited
All employees shall abide by the policy on prohibiting discrimination. No person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, political or religious beliefs, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity, or in any employment conditions or practices conducted by this school district, except as provided by law.
Confidentiality Agreement Prohibited
In accordance with section 1001.42(6), Florida Statutes, neither the school nor any employee of the school may enter into a confidentiality agreement, written or verbal, with an instructional personnel or school administrator who resigns, is terminated, or resigns in lieu of termination due to allegations, in whole or in part, of misconduct related to the health safety or welfare of a student. Any part of an agreement that has the purpose or effect of concealing misconduct which affects the health, safety or welfare of a student is void and contrary to public policy and shall not be enforced.
Reference Checks
In accordance with section 1001.42(6), Florida Statutes, neither the school nor any employee of the school may provide instructional personnel or school administrators with employment references or discuss their performance with prospective employers from another educational setting without also disclosing the personnel’s or administrator’s misconduct.
In accordance with section 768.095, Florida Statutes, an employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer of the former or current employee upon request of the prospective employer or of the former or current employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed by the former or current employer was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the former or current employee protected under chapter 760, Florida Statutes.
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Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace
No employee shall possess, consume, sell, distribute, dispense, use or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage in the workplace, including all school sponsored events that may be on or off school grounds. No employee shall possess, consume, inject or ingest, sell, manufacture, distribute, dispense, use or be under the influence of, on or off the job, or in the workplace, including all school sponsored events that may be on or off school grounds, any narcotic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana or any other controlled substance, as defined in the Controlled Substances Act and as further defined by regulations at 21 CFR 12001.11 through 1300.15 or Florida Statutes Chapter 893, without a lawful prescription. As a condition of employment, each employee will abide by the terms of this policy and notify the Superintendent of any arrest for a criminal drug offense within 48 hours.
Reasonable Suspicion Tests
As a condition of continued employment, current employees shall submit to drug screening when reasonable suspicion exists to believe that an employee is using a substance that is impairing the employee and/or his or her job performance.
Perform duties in a competent manner
Continuing evaluation of instructional and administrative staff is necessary to enable the school to monitor the effectiveness and competence of instructional and administrative staff members and to assist them in the improvement of their professional performance. In accordance with section 1012.34, Florida Statutes, the performance and capacity of instructional and administrative staff shall be evaluated according to procedures established by the Superintendent.
Physical Examinations and Medical Evaluations
The School may require a physical, psychological, and /or psychiatric examination by a physician licensed in the state of Florida when in the School administrator’s judgment such an examination is relevant to
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the teaching performance or employment status of the school employee. The School shall select the physician(s), psychologist(s), or psychiatrist(s) for the examination(s). The employee shall allow the report of the physician, psychologist or psychiatrist to be submitted to the School with a copy being forwarded to the employee.
Conflicts of Interest
No employee shall engage in conduct, which creates a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest shall be defined as a situation in which regard for a private interest tends to lead to disregard of a public duty or interest.
Acceptable Use of School Property and Resources
All employees shall use resources, electronic and otherwise, only for duties and activities in support of the educational goals and policies of the school board. Use of such district resources, electronic and otherwise, for purposes not related to the educational goals and policies of the school board can result in adverse action against the employee, up to and including termination and, when appropriate, certification action and/or criminal charges.
Security of Tests
All mandatory tests administered by or through the State Board of Education and / or School District administered national norm-referenced achievement tests shall be secured pursuant to Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules. The loss of testing materials, cheating or any other breach of test security procedures and laws shall be reported immediately to the testing coordinator.
Dress Code
All instructional staff and school administrators shall be physically clean, neat and well groomed and shall dress in a manner consistent with being a professional.
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Tobacco Use in Facilities
All use of tobacco products in any form are prohibited in or on any school building, facility or property.
Electronic Communications and Social Networking Sites
Instructional Personnel and School Administrators shall use caution and good judgment when using electronic communications and social networking sites. Any information relayed to students via electronic communications shall be professional in nature and related to a student’s academic progress. Any information posted to or communicated through a social networking site shall not bring disfavor, embarrassment or condemnation to the employee, student or school district.
Training Required
All instructional personnel and school administrators must engage in annual training on the standards of ethical conduct and the policy for reporting misconduct. Training may be provided or conducted as determined appropriate, but at a minimum must include examples of violations of the Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct and potential penalties, information on how to properly identify and report child abuse or neglect, procedures on how to report misconduct of other instructional personnel and school administrators, requirements of self-reporting criminal charges, the nature and consequences of disqualifying offenses, the importance of being a role model, and the fiduciary responsibility of being an educator.
Reports to the Office of Professional Practices Services (DOE)
Any violation of these standards of conduct may result in the information being reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services for investigation to determine if disciplinary action should be taken against an educator’s Florida Educator Certificate.
