About Us

Standards of Ethical Conduct

Better Learning Center (BLinc)

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

1. Commitment to Faith, Character, and Learning

Better Learning Center affirms the inherent dignity and value of every person as created by God. Our educational mission includes the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, the acquisition of knowledge, and the development of responsible citizens grounded in moral character and faith.

Freedom to learn and to teach, along with respect for each individual, are essential to fulfilling this mission.

2. Primary Commitment to Students

The primary professional responsibility of all employees is the welfare and development of students. Staff members shall exercise professional judgment, maintain integrity, and seek continuous professional growth to support each student academically, morally, and socially.

All employees are expected to act in ways that protect the safety, dignity, and well-being of every student.

3. Professional Responsibilities Toward Students

All instructional personnel and employees shall:

• Make reasonable efforts to protect students from conditions harmful to learning or to their mental, emotional, or physical health and safety.
• Encourage intellectual curiosity and responsible independent thinking.
• Teach subject matter honestly and responsibly.
• Avoid actions that unnecessarily embarrass, demean, or disparage students.
• Respect and uphold the legal rights of students.
• Refrain from harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion,      sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, political beliefs, or social and family background.
• Refrain from exploiting professional relationships with students for personal gain or advantage.
• Maintain confidentiality of personally identifiable student information unless disclosure is required by law or serves legitimate educational purposes.

4. Professional Conduct and Christian Character

Employees of Better Learning Center are expected to demonstrate conduct consistent with the values of the school.

Employees shall:

• Maintain honesty and integrity in all professional dealings.
• Treat colleagues, students, and families with respect and fairness.
• Avoid harassment, intimidation, or discriminatory behavior.
• Refrain from making malicious or knowingly false statements about colleagues.
• Serve as role models of integrity, responsibility, and moral character.

5. Required Annual Training

All instructional personnel, educational support staff, and administrators must complete annual training on the Standards of Ethical Conduct and procedures for reporting misconduct.

Training must include:

• Examples of violations of the Code of Ethics and potential penalties
• Procedures for identifying and reporting child abuse or neglect
• Procedures for reporting misconduct by instructional personnel or administrators
• Self-reporting requirements for criminal charges
• Disqualifying offenses under Florida law
• The responsibility of educators to serve as role models and protect students

Documentation of training participation shall be maintained by the school.

6. Reporting Misconduct

All employees have an affirmative duty to report misconduct by instructional personnel or administrators that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student.

Examples of misconduct include:

• Obscene or inappropriate language
• Drug or alcohol use
• Disparaging comments, prejudice, or bigotry
• Sexual  innuendo or misconduct
• Cheating or testing violations
• Physical aggression
• Accepting or offering improper favors

Reports of misconduct committed by instructional personnel should be made to the school administration.

Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to Dr. Manrque at:
jonathan@betterlearningcenter.org

Legally sufficient allegations of misconduct by Florida-certified educators will be reported to the Florida Department of Education Office of Professional Practices Services (OPPS).

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 office and on the school website:

www.betterlearningcenter.org

Failure by a school employee to report misconduct that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student may result in disciplinary action.

7. Self-Reporting of Arrests or Criminal Charges

All employees who are arrested for or charged with a criminal offense must self-report the arrest or charges within 48 hoursto school administration.

Failure to self-report may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

8. Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect

All employees and agents of Better Learning Center are mandated reporters under Florida law.

Any employee who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse, abandonment, or neglect must immediately report the information to the Florida Abuse Hotline.

Phone: 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
Online reporting: https://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/

9. Indicators of Abuse or Neglect

Physical Abuse

• Unexplained  bruises or injuries
• Fear of going home
• Withdrawal or aggression

Sexual Abuse

• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Knowledge of sexual activity inappropriate for age
• Fear of a particular person

Neglect

• Poor  hygiene
• Frequent  hunger or fatigue
• Lack of supervision
• Untreated medical needs

Patterns of physical or behavioral indicators should be reported immediately.

10. Legal Protections

Under Florida Statute 39.203, any person who reports suspected abuse, abandonment, or neglect in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability.

Under Florida Statute 768.095, employers who provide truthful information regarding a current or former employee to a prospective employer are protected from civil liability.

11. Employee Acknowledgment

All employees must acknowledge receipt of and agreement to comply with these Standards of Ethical Conduct.

Signed acknowledgments will be maintained in employee personnel files.