Employee Ethical Standards & Mandatory Reporting

CODE OF ETHICS POLICY AND PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING MISCONDUCT:
(Adapted from Florida State Board of Education)

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.

4. Countryside Christian Academy is committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and Christ-centered environment for all students. All employees and staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and are required by law to report any suspected abuse or misconduct.

5. All employees and agents of Countryside Christian Academy have an affirmative duty to report any actual or suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

6. All employees are required to report misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators that affects th, school administrators, or other employees that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student.

7. Examples of misconduct may include inappropriate communication or relationships with students, sexual misconduct or innuendo, use of drugs or alcohol on campus or during school activities, physical aggression or abuse, disparaging, demeaning, or abusive language, and boundary violations or unethical behavior.

8. Reports of suspected abuse or misconduct must be made immediately or as soon as reasonably possible.

9. Reports of suspected abuse may be made directly to the Florida Abuse Hotline and are not required to be reported through the school prior to making a report.

10. Reports may also be made to appropriate law enforcement agencies when applicable.

11. School Contact for Reporting:
Name: Crystal Mascaro
Title: Head of School
Phone: 727-437-0090
 
12. If the report involves the Head of School, it should be directed to the appropriate governing authority.

13. Violation of Florida law. Failure to report suspected abuse or misconduct may result in disciplinary action, termination of employment, and reporting to appropriate state authorities.

14. Reports of suspected abuse may be made directly to the Florida Abuse Hotline and are not required to be reported through the school prior to making a report. 

15. Reports may also be made to appropriate law enforcement agencies when applicable.

How to Report Abuse:

Be prepared to provide specific descriptions of the incident(s) or circumstances contributing to the risk of harm.

Report Hotline: 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
Report Online: https://www.floridaabusehotline.gov
Emergency: Call 911

State of Florida Required Notices:

Mandatory Abuse Reporting Poster
Educator Misconduct Reporting Poster
Florida Department of Education Reporting Information