Legal-ese
Hedfex is not a school. If your children are subject to Minnesota's compulsory attendance law (based on age or any other criteria) you are wholly responsible for ensuring compliance with said law at all times. We rely on the honor system to enforce this; however, if Hedfex's status as a non-school is ever questioned, and it comes to our attention that a family is not in compliance with the law, that family will be suspended from participation in Hedfex, until compliance is restored. No refunds will be issued for any classes, events, or other activities missed during the suspension.
I understand and agree that I am participating in the Home Educators for Excellence co-op voluntarily and at my own risk. I will not hold the co-op, church, or any of their officers, directors, employees, contractors or assigns liable for any negligence or alleged negligence or other fault that results in personal injury, death, or property damage during or in connection with the above program. The undersigned, for myself and for my children, heirs, executors, administrators, and assignees, hereby agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, release and forever discharge the co-op and the church (or any other meeting place) and its directors, officers, contractors, and employees from all such claims.
I hereby release all members of Home Educators for Excellence of any and all liability resulting from medical treatment. I understand if medical attention is necessary and I am not present, Home Educators for Excellence has my permission to call an ambulance to transport any family member listed below to the nearest medical facility for emergency medical treatment. I am responsible for all expenses incurred.
Further, I understand that this waiver applies to any and all family members potentially present at Home Educators for Excellence activities.
Age Range Policy
For the youngest age range, children must be 5 at the start of fall term. For the other age ranges, a child may take classes if they are, or will turn, the minimum age during fall term. If you want an exception to this policy, see the FAQs for the procedure.
Class Cancellation Policy
The leadership team will announce class cancellations (due to inclement weather, teacher illness, etc.) via the Member Announcement thread on the Forum. Please make sure you have the email option for this thread set to "receive notifications IMMEDIATELY". Refunds are not available. Efforts will be made to accommodate a make-up day if more than one day is missed in a semester, but due to instructor and building availability, they are not guaranteed.
Drop Off Policy
Hedfex allows drop off of children age 12 and over. Both the parent/guardian and the student(s) must read and agree to this policy. This covers only the responsibilities unique to drop-off situations. The regular Hedfex policies also apply.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
- Note that Hedfex is not assuming guardianship and does not provide supervision of the student(s) other than the typicial supervision during class. It is the responsibility of the student(s) to stay on the premises and leave only with you or another authorized adult.
- If the student(s) does not follow co-op policies, including behavior guidelines, you may be required to stay on-site.
Student Responsibilities
- Stay in the classroom or the space designated for socializing when not in class at all times (other than reasonable trips to the bathroom).
- Be respectful: Of others, their property, and our host facility. This includes getting to class on time.
Behavior Expectations
Be respectful of others, their property, their time, and our host facility. This is most of what we expect from everyone at co-op, but to be a bit more specific:
Arrive on time.
Remain in the areas of the building designated for our use.
Remain on the premises unless your child is 12 or over, and you have signed the Drop-Off Agreement.
Pay for any damage caused to the facility or other property by your children or yourself.
Recognize that we are a diverse group, and be sensitive and supportive of each other. Avoid hurtful, objectionable or controversial subjects.
HedFex uses a four-step procedure to resolve persistent problems with student behavior:
If student behavior is a persistent disruption in the classroom or social area, the parent will be notified.
If disruptive behavior persists, parents, student, co-op leadership, and tutors (if relevant) will meet together to brainstorm ways to support the parent and student in succeeding during co-op.
If disruptive behavior further persists, a parent will be required to accompany the student at all times, including during class, if relevant. (finding alternative care for younger siblings is the responsibility of the parent)
If having the parent present still does not stop the disruptive behavior, the student will be suspended for the remainder of the term. Suspension is used only as a last resort, when the disruption is significant, or a threat to the safety of others or their property.
No one expects children to behave perfectly at all times, but good communication will help prevent minor behavior issues from escalating into larger issues.
Sick Child Policy
Use common sense in deciding if your child should stay home from co-op, but here are a few guidelines.
Keep your child home if the child has had a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting in the last 24 hours.
Keep your child home if he is showing signs of pink eye, unless he has been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
Keep your child home if she has a persistent phlegmy cough or sore throat and seems cranky or lethargic.
Sharing Pictures/Videos
By participating in Hedfex, you are giving permission for pictures/video/other media of you/your children to be posted on the private section of the Hedfex website, which is accessible only when logged in. To respect the privacy of others, do not share pictures/video/other media anywhere else, unless you have permission from every adult, and a parent/guardian of every child, who is included in the media.
Birthday Treat Policy
Due to various dietary restrictions, and a desire to avoid sugar overload, please do not bring food to share for your child's birthday. You are welcome to bring non-food treats such as stickers or pencils to share, or to have your child wear a sticker or something to let everyone know he/she is having a birthday, so we can all give Happy Birthday greetings.