Child Safety Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Child Safety Policy is to establish clear standards, expectations, and procedures that protect every student who participates in LearnSpace from harm — physical, emotional, or digital. This policy applies to all program participants including students, parents, volunteers, tutors, mentors, and administrators.

Child safety is not a feature of this program. It is the foundation upon which everything else is built.

2. Parent and guardian supervision

Parents and guardians play a critical role in their child's safety within this program.

• Parents must supervise their child's participation in all online program activities
• Students under 13 must have a parent present or nearby during any online session or tutoring interaction
• Parents are expected to regularly review their child's assignments, grades, Q&A posts, and portal activity through the parent dashboard
• Parents must immediately report any concern — academic or safety-related — to the program coordinator
• Parents are responsible for ensuring their child follows the Student Code of Conduct at all times

3. Volunteer screening requirements

Every volunteer who interacts with students must complete the following screening process before being activated:

• Volunteer application — completed with full personal information, role selection, and background statement
• Two character references — references must speak to the applicant's character and appropriateness to work with minors
• Background check — all volunteers who interact directly with students must authorize and clear a criminal background check. This requirement is absolute and has no exceptions.
• Coordinator interview — a conversation with the program coordinator to confirm fit, expectations, and understanding of safety policies
• Safety orientation — all approved volunteers complete a safety orientation before account activation
• Code of Conduct agreement — volunteers must read and sign the Volunteer Code of Conduct

Any volunteer who does not pass background screening will not be permitted to work with students under any circumstances and will not be given a reason.

4. Communication rules — non-negotiable

The following communication rules apply to all volunteers, tutors, and mentors without exception:

• All communication between volunteers and students must occur within the LearnSpace platform only
• Private messaging, texting, emailing, or social media contact between volunteers and students is strictly prohibited
• Volunteers may not share their personal phone number, email, or social media accounts with students or families
• Volunteers may not meet students in person outside of officially scheduled, church-supervised events
• Volunteers may not photograph or record students in any form
• Volunteers may not request or collect any personal information from students beyond what is provided through the platform
• All platform communications are logged and may be reviewed by administrators at any time

Any violation of these communication rules will result in immediate suspension of volunteer access pending investigation.

5. Student code of conduct

Students are expected to:

• Treat all tutors, mentors, volunteers, and fellow students with respect and courtesy
• Use the Q&A board and platform only for academic purposes
• Never share personal information (home address, school location, daily schedule) on the platform
• Never attempt to contact tutors or volunteers outside the platform
• Report any uncomfortable, inappropriate, or concerning interaction to a parent or the program coordinator immediately
• Complete assignments honestly and without academic dishonesty
• Not share login credentials with anyone

6. Prohibited behaviors

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited for all program participants:

• Any form of grooming, manipulation, or inappropriate relationship building with students
• Sexual, romantic, or inappropriate communication of any kind with a student
• Bullying, harassment, or intimidation — digital or otherwise
• Sharing explicit, violent, or age-inappropriate content
• Attempting to obtain private information about a student outside the platform
• Meeting a student in person without explicit authorization from the program coordinator and parent
• Sharing student information with any unauthorized person

7. Reporting concerns

Any person — student, parent, volunteer, or community member — who observes or suspects inappropriate behavior, communication, or interaction must report it immediately.

How to report:

• Use the Safety Reporting form on the Contact page
• Email: safety@learnspace.org
• Phone: (555) 000-0000
• Anonymous reports are accepted and taken seriously

Response timeline:

• All safety reports are acknowledged within 24 hours
• Volunteer access is suspended immediately pending investigation of any safety concern
• Suspected abuse, exploitation, or criminal activity will be reported to appropriate law enforcement or child protective services
• All reports are handled confidentially to the extent permitted by law

8. Data privacy and protection

Student data is protected in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable law including COPPA:

• Student information is accessible only to authorized administrators and assigned tutors
• No volunteer has access to a student's home address, school address, or emergency contact information
• All platform data is encrypted in transit and at rest
• Parents may request access to or deletion of their child's data at any time

9. Consequences for policy violations

Violations of this Child Safety Policy will result in immediate action:

• Students — warning, temporary suspension, or permanent removal from the program depending on the severity of the violation
• Volunteers — immediate suspension of platform access, investigation, and permanent removal for confirmed violations. Suspected criminal activity will be reported to authorities.
• Parents — a family's participation may be suspended if a parent violates the Parent Code of Conduct or undermines the safety of any student in the program

10. Policy review

This Child Safety Policy is reviewed annually by the program coordinator and church leadership. Updates are effective immediately upon posting and will be communicated to all active participants by email.

Questions about this policy may be directed to: safety@learnspace.org