FAQs

Standards of Ethical Conduct

Standards of Ethical Conduct

Ivybrook 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

d.       Shall not make malicious or intentionally false statements about a colleague.

5.                    Training Requirement All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and administrators are required as a condition of employment to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct.

6.                   Reporting Misconduct 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 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 Jade Thompson. Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to Duran Thompson.

7.                    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 in our employee handbook and in our break area.

8.                   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. Call1-800-96-ABUSE or report online at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/.

9.                   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.

10.                 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.

11.                  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.

12.                  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.

13.                  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)

14.                 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)

About Ivybrook Academy

Ivybrook Academy blends proven educational philosophies—Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and customized assessment—to create a unique, individualized curriculum. Our half-day model emphasizes academic rigor, creative exploration, and social-emotional growth in a nurturing environment.

Our half-day model is research-backed to align with young children’s developmental needs. Shorter, focused learning periods allow children to engage deeply without feeling overwhelmed, giving them time to process and apply their learning at home.

Ivybrook Academy offers programs for children from toddler age (approximately 18 months) to kindergarten. Each program is tailored to meet the developmental milestones of that specific age group.

No. Ivybrook Academy is a private preschool focused on academic, social, and emotional development through an innovative curriculum. Unlike daycares, our half-day schedule emphasizes high-quality learning experiences rather than extended childcare

Curriculum and Learning Environment

Our curriculum integrates elements of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and individualized assessments to foster critical thinking, creativity, and independence. Lessons are designed to adapt to each child’s unique strengths and developmental needs.

Our curriculum encompasses early literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, creative arts, and social-emotional learning. Enrichment activities like music, movement, and cultural exploration are also a key part of the program.

Yes! Our curriculum aligns with national standards from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Council for the Teaching of English, and more, ensuring a comprehensive, high-quality education.

We use ongoing, individualized assessments to track each child’s development. These assessments inform our teaching strategies and ensure that every child’s learning path is tailored to their needs.

We believe that the environment is a “third teacher.” Our classrooms feature calming colors, natural materials, and intentional designs to reduce overstimulation and promote focus, curiosity, and creativity.

At Ivybrook Academy, we believe that early childhood is a time for exploration, self-discovery, and celebrating individuality. Following the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies, we encourage children to express themselves—even through their clothing choices. This fosters independence, confidence, and a strong sense of identity, all of which are key to nurturing lifelong learners.

Admissions and Enrollment

Registration for the upcoming school year typically begins in February. Early enrollment is encouraged as spaces are limited and fill quickly.

Yes, we maintain a waitlist for families interested in enrolling their children when spaces become available. Please contact your local campus for more information.

Classroom placement is based on age and developmental milestones. Our educators carefully assess each child’s readiness to ensure they are placed in the environment that best supports their growth.

Our small class sizes ensure individualized attention. Ratios vary by program but are always designed to provide a nurturing and supportive environment.

Health, Safety, and Nutrition

Safety is a top priority at Ivybrook Academy. Our campuses feature state-of-the-art security systems, keycard access, and strict pickup protocols. All staff undergo comprehensive background checks and regular safety training.

Yes, Ivybrook Academy is a peanut/tree nut-free facility to ensure the safety of children with allergies. We maintain strict policies regarding food brought onto campus.

We provide nutritious, peanut-free snacks such as fruits, crackers, and cheese. Families receive a weekly snack schedule to ensure transparency and accommodate dietary restrictions.

Our campuses follow enhanced cleaning protocols, including daily sanitation of classrooms, the use of air purifiers, and frequent handwashing to maintain a healthy environment.

Family Involvement

We encourage family participation through classroom activities, special events, and our Parent Teacher Committee. Parents are welcome to volunteer during art projects, storytime, and other enrichment activities.

Yes, regular parent-teacher conferences provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, milestones, and goals. We value open communication with families.

Franchise Opportunities

Ivybrook Academy offers franchisees a rewarding investment opportunity with comprehensive curriculum support, marketing resources, and a unique educational model. Our half-day schedule allows for a family-friendly work-life balance.

Franchisees receive extensive training, ongoing operational support, and access to a network of resources to ensure success. Learn more about franchising opportunities here.

Next Steps

We’d love to meet you and show you around our campus! Schedule a tour by contacting your local Ivybrook Academy or filling out our online form.

Feel free to reach out to us directly. We’re here to help and look forward to welcoming you to Ivybrook Academy!