About

1. Core Values

Belle Menti Montessori School 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 the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.

2. Commitment to Students

Our primary concern is the student and the development of each child's potential. Employees will strive for professional growth and exercise the highest level of professional judgment and integrity.

3. Responsibilities Toward Students

Instructional personnel shall:

• a. Protect students from conditions harmful to learning or to mental, physical, or emotional health and safety.
• b. Respect students' right to independent learning.
• c. Provide access to diverse perspectives.
• d. Present subject matter accurately and without distortion.
• e. Avoid exposing students to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
• f. Respect students' legal rights.
• g. Provide an environment free from harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or social and family background.
• h. Never exploit a student relationship for personal gain.
• i. Maintain confidentiality of personally identifiable information unless disclosure is required by law or professional duty.

4. Responsibilities Toward Colleagues and Community

Employees must maintain the trust and confidence of colleagues, students, parents, and the community by demonstrating the highest ethical conduct:

• a. Maintain honesty in all professional dealings.
• b. Provide equal professional opportunities to colleagues.
• c. Respect colleagues' political and civil rights.
• d. Avoid harassment, discrimination, or hostile work environments.
• e. Refrain from making malicious or knowingly false statements about colleagues.

Training Requirement

All instructional personnel, support staff, and administrators must complete training on these Standards of Ethical Conduct as a condition of employment.

Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators

All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and school administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel, educational support employees, and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student.

Examples include:

• Obscene language
• Drug or alcohol use
• Disparaging or prejudiced comments
• Sexual innuendo
• Cheating or testing violations
• Physical aggression
• Accepting or offering inappropriate favors

Legally sufficient allegations involving Florida-certified educators will be reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services.

Policy Posting Locations

Front Office, Main Hallway, Staff Break Room and Online at: www.bellementimontessorihollywood.com

Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect

All employees and agents are mandated reporters and must report any known or suspected abuse.

Call: 1-800-96-ABUSE

Report online: 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)