What are the current participation agreements and policies
Our policies are viewable on the Parent Portal (for current customers), listed on our online enrollment form at the time of online application and available here:
Choice Educaiton Network, Inc.
Policies and Guidelines
2019-2020 School Year
Last Revised 8-18-2019
SECTION I: Overview
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to connect homeschool families with local educational resources, businesses and services to support their goals and needs. In the event local services are not available, or easily accessible, Choice Education Network, Inc. (“CEN, Inc.”) will work to build quality programming in the form of workshops, classes, and special events to help fulfill the educational needs of the homeschool community. We believe that knowledge and skills training are essential to empowering individuals to be their best selves, to be active participants within their community and provide opportunities for professional development and personal enrichment.
TYPES OF SERVICES:
CEN, Inc. offers three types of services: 1) Free Classes and “Meet-Ups”, 2) Club-style classes, and 3) Tuition-based classes. Class descriptions will clearly state any applicable fees, supply costs and whether financial aid, multi-student or multi-class discounts apply, and other details regarding curriculum, prerequisites and expectations.
CEN, Inc. does not require a membership in the network to participate in clubs, classes or events. While long term commitments are not required, it is expected that families will complete the classes for which they are enrolled and meet any prerequisites for these classes.
Fall 2019 offers classes on an a le carte basis, meaning families sign up for each individual class or club and applicable discounts are applied. Please contact our Network Director, Amy Chiodo, regarding financial aid, family packages and discount availability.
CLUBS VS CLASSES
Clubs: Clubs are generally led by volunteer teachers, or skilled individuals willing to work at significantly reduced rates, are usually considered recreational or extra curricular subjects and may not necessarily follow a set curriculum. Clubs generally meet less than 10 times in each semester or in smaller unit time frames not to exceed a 12-week period. Club-style classes may be offered year round on a seasonal basis. Club fees are billed either annually or by the session.
Classes: Classes are generally taught by paid instructors or mentors holding a college degree, certification, or are highly experienced in the field for which they are teaching. Classes follow a curriculum with specific objectives and are generally accepted as an academic subject for which parents may choose to grade their students. Our teachers do not “grade” students (this is the role of their parent) but will offer feedback if requested and may produce a certificate or other document showing course completion upon request. Classes generally meet weekly over the span of a typical 14-16 week semester and are generally offered through the school year. Classes are billed by the semester or session and offer monthly payment options.
Clubs and Classes have separate discount structures. A student enrolled in one class and one club will not necessarily see a discount; however, additional enrollments by the same student or family members will automatically populate discounts where they are available.
Free Classes and Meet-Ups. As CEN, Inc. receives sponsorships and support these savings and special offers are passed on to our network families. Opportunities for free and discounted classes will vary from semester to semester according to enrollments, sponsorships, donations, availability of volunteers, etc.
Additional Fees: Some classes may have registration fees or additional supply costs reflected in the total cost. Please read the class description fully for a break down of fees and due dates. Registration, supply, and facility fees do not qualify for discounts, are non-refundable and are to be paid on or before the first day of class.
SECTION II: Fees and Payments
At this time, online enrollment does not require immediate payment. This process enrolls your child and reserves their place on our roster allowing time for promotional classes to be manually adjusted by our administrators.
All clubs and classes are billed and posted “in full” for the entire session. Families may choose to pay in full or arrange for monthly installments.
Payments in full: Families wishing to pay in full are asked to pay any applicable registration, supply, and facility fees by their student’s first scheduled class date and remaining tuition/fees within 30 days of their first class.
Monthly installments: Installments are accepted and must be pre-approved with the Network Director in advance. All registration, facility and supply fees are due on or before the student’s first scheduled class. Tuition payments are due by the 15th of each month. Late accounts will incur a $10 late fee on the 16th of each month. Payments may be made online by selecting “partial payment” or by check, debit, credit or cash on the day of class.
Returned Check / NSF Automatic Payment Alert: All returned checks will incur a $40 service fee. After the second returned check, payment via cash, money order, cashier’s check or credit card to bring their account current is required and a “hot check” alert will be placed on the account. No checks will be accepted on flagged accounts. All flagged accounts reset after 1 year at the discretion of the Network Director. Accounts on automatic payment will have three attempts to draft the amount before the automatic feature is disabled. Alternate forms of payment are required and due on or before the 15th of the month. Altered late fees and due dates may be made at the discretion of the Network Director.
REFUND POLICY:
CEN, Inc, works to keep our rates affordable to as many families as possible. By taking part in our activities we are depending on your fees to cover our teachers, facilities and supplies. Generally, refunds cannot be guaranteed after the class/session has begun.
Registration, supply and facility fees are non-refundable after the enrollment deadline or after the first scheduled class - whichever is later. In the event CEN, Inc. must cancel a class or club, any pre-paid fees will be refunded.
Closed enrollment classes or clubs (i.e. do not allow late/open enrollment throughout the session; have an enrollment deadline) are generally not eligible for refunds. Except in extenuating circumstances, families are expected to fulfill their tuition obligation for the session.
Open enrollment classes or clubs (i.e. allow enrollment at any time during the session) qualify for prorated tuition/refunds at the discretion of the Network Director.
Clubs are generally billed by the semester and typically only cover supply/facility costs. Partial refunds will be given whenever possible for families unable to continue club-style classes.
No refund will be issued for completed/past classes and no credit or refund will be issued for classes missed by the student.
Holidays and inclement weather have been considered in determining the pricing structure. Tuition is not prorated for “short months” nor for the occasional closing due to inclement weather. In the event of a closing or class cancellation, every reasonable effort will be made to schedule make-up sessions or extend session dates to complete projects.
SECTION III: Attendance Policy
Attendance is taken during each class. Generally, clubs and classes do not enforce a participation or minimum attendance policy to remain on the roster if accounts are current.
However, choirs, production classes and competitive teams depend on active and steady participation and attendance for the overall success and performance of the program. Students accepted into advanced programs such as choir, production classes or competitive teams risk losing their place and being transferred to another project or class requiring less commitment. Re-enrollment to advanced courses/competitive teams is at the discretion of the director, teacher or coach after completing a re-entry interview.
Accounts with no payment activity and a “no-show” at the time of the first scheduled class will result in an automatic “drop” from the roster unless prior arrangements have been made with the teacher or network director.
Some classes have limited space and enrollment deadlines. As a courtesy to those on the waitlist, please contact CEN, Inc. as soon as possible if you will not be able to keep your place in the class.
Students “dropped” from a class roster due to a “no show” and no payment will require a registration fee and first month’s tuition payment to enroll again.
SECTION IV: Financial Aid, Scholarships, Donations, Sponsorships
In order to make services as widely available as possible, we accept many forms of donations and work with local entities interested in sponsoring CEN, Inc. programs.
Gift Certificates: Gift certificates may be purchased for a specific student or family, but are not considered donations and do not qualify for tax-deductions.
Sponsorships: Sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact our Network Director for more information.
Donations: Donations to our organization are allocated at the discretion of the board to provide services to our network members and community.
Financial Aid / Scholarships: Families requesting aid must contact the Network Director and indicate a need for assistance. All scholarships and financial aid are awarded at the discretion of the Board of Directors or the Network Director based on the needs of individual students and available resources.
SECTION V: Participation Agreements & General Policy
A participant is defined as any individual enrolled into CEN, Inc. programs and any family members remaining on-site during CEN, Inc. activities.
CEN, Inc. strives to build a community of trust and cooperation as we work to include all homeschool families in their efforts to provide quality education programs to their unique homeschooling goals. All participants are expected to abide by "The Golden Rule" to treat others as they wish to be treated.
Acceptance or denial of any applicant to any class, club or event is at the complete discretion of the Network Director and/or the Board of Directors. The following policies and standards apply to each participant:
CEN, Inc. has two basic rules regarding behavior and interaction with one another: Be Kind; Be Safe. Grace, courtesy and respect towards one another is always expected. We do not need to agree on everything in order to cooperate civilly within the classroom setting. Keep yourself, those around you and any property/materials safe. Reckless or dangerous behavior is not tolerated.
CEN, Inc. has a ZERO BULLYING policy. This applies to students, parents, staff and volunteers participating in any activity or event. This also applies to interaction on official electronic media controlled by CEN, Inc., including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram and its official website.
By participating in our services, participants and their families agree to refrain from vulgar language and swearing. Help our children and youth build meaningful vocabulary and learn to express their needs with respectful language. Vulgar gestures and innuendos are never acceptable and grounds for immediate dismissal from any official activity. A repeat offense will result in removal from our programs without refund.
Participants and their families understand and acknowledge that CEN, Inc.’s Board of Directors reserves the right to regulate the scope of its services and curriculum as it deems appropriate.
CEN, Inc. requires participants to enroll in its programs using the gender indicated on their legal birth certificate. Gender pronoun preferences may be included on the application if desired under “other” on the application.
Though students may make their gender preference known, CEN, Inc. does not require staff, volunteers, students or the network community to honor the requests. In the event of a legal gender change, court documentation and legal birth certificate changes must be presented in order to modify gender identity on applications. It is the responsibility of the individual participant to inform staff and fellow participants of their individual pronoun preference.
Participants are expected to dress according to their legally documented gender where specialty uniforms and dress codes unique to “male” or “female” dress standards exist.
CEN, Inc.’s policies comply with applicable Arkansas law. For more information, consult Ark. Code Ann. §§ 20-18-307, 20-18-304, 20-18-305.
Bathroom policy: During class time, students may use restrooms one at a time as to not disrupt the flow and productivity of the classroom. Some facilities used by CEN, Inc’s have segregated “adult” and “student/minor” restrooms. Please be sure to note the locations of both.
Medical concerns: CEN, Inc. activities are nut-free and tree-nut free. Certain members in our network may experience life-threatening contact allergies to nuts. However, please note that CEN, Inc. uses publicly available space and venues and cannot guarantee an "allergy free" environment at all times and is not responsible for incidents resulting from exposure to said spaces or venues. Please communicate only medical conditions or allergies, not "dietary preferences" in your allergy comments. Use the “other” area to communicate non-emergency requests, dietary preferences or other information you feel is important for our staff to know.
CEN, Inc. requires each household to be illness/symptom free for at least 72 hours before attending events/classes.
All participants are to adhere to the policies and standards of our host venues. CEN, Inc. intends to network throughout the region. It is the responsibility of participants to follow all posted and verbal instructions, safety procedures and facility policies. CEN, Inc. is not responsible for injuries resulting from the failure to abide by the policies and standards of these venues. Our staff will do their best to communicate any known “special” venue policies in advance.
Under 501(c)(3) requirements, it is inappropriate for CEN, Inc. to engage in political lobbying and activist activity. CEN, Inc. encourages its members to be active participants in their communities and to stay abreast of current affairs, but does not support/endorse any particular political agenda, candidate, ideology, etc. Any expression of personal opinions by teachers, staff, volunteers, board members and/or hosts should not be considered an official representation or viewpoint of CEN, Inc.
It is inappropriate for teachers, staff, volunteers or participants to allow topics/subject matter to stray outside the context and purpose of the class or club.
General Behavior: Our teachers, volunteers and hosts reserve the right to manage classrooms or activities as they deem appropriate, and in accordance with CEN, Inc. policies and guidelines.
CEN. Inc. will not tolerate reckless behavior, disrespect toward or behavior that could result in physical harm to others. Anyone exhibiting said behavior may be dismissed from the current activities without refund. The Network Director and host venues reserve the right to remove disruptive individuals from a class/premises without refund.
Parents or responsible parties will be informed if their students are causing disruptions to the classroom. Continued disturbances may result in dismissal from CEN, Inc. programs.
Parents are always welcome and encouraged to attend any classes or events with their students. Parents of students with known behavioral needs are asked to remain on-site, or in class at all times, or until their student has acclimated to their classes.
Participants are asked to clearly and visibly wear their name tag or uniform (as applicable) during events and classes.
During activities, participants are asked to remain in areas designated for the activity in which they are participating. Children are not to be left unattended at any time. Minors participating in drop-off programs must remain with their group at all times.
Participants are asked to check-in and out for each day’s activities for participant safety and for recording attendance, which is available for parents to view within the parent portal. Children under age 10 must have an older sibling or guardian sign on their behalf. Please advise staff if someone other than the parent or legal guardian will be picking up your child.
Please do not contact host venues directly for any reason pertaining to CEN, Inc. activities. If there are questions or concerns you may contact our Network Director, instructor, club leaders or event leads.
Complaints, concerns and other suggestions should be brought to CEN, Inc.'s Network Director. CEN, Inc. will provide anonymous surveys at the conclusion of each event/semester in an effort to improve our participants’ experience. We encourage honest feedback as well as suggestions for improvement, development and club/class offerings.
By submitting an application for enrollment, participants agree to abide by all policies and standards. Participants also understand that policies may be changed/updated at any time. Additionally, course specific or club policies may be changed at anytime at the discretion of the Network Director. Changes to policies will be communicated via EMAIL. Current policies are viewable on the parent portal and on our website at www.ChoiceEdNetwork.org under FAQ’s. Families may request a digital or hard copy of the latest policies by emailing ChoiceEdNetwork@gmail.com.
SECTION VI: Dress Code
We wish to present our best self and as such implement a general dress standard while participating in CEN, Inc. activities. Please be advised that some clubs/classes may enforce a different dress code as outlined in their club/class policies and there may be special circumstances where specific attire is required. These instances will be clearly communicated in advance.
In general, the following standards apply:
NO crop tops/bare midriffs.
NO pants/shorts/skirts waistlines below the natural hip (no sagging!)
NO shorts/skirt hemline above mid-thigh when sitting.
NO vulgar saying or graphic pictures on any attire, accessories or other merchandise.
NO "torn" or "grunge" styles.
Athletic wear is appropriate for Active Kids club, sports, dance and some community service projects.
I acknowledge receipt of these policies and standards and agree to abide by the rules of conduct.
Student Signature: _____________________________________________________________
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature: ____________________________ Date: _______________
SECTION VII: Waiver and Hold Harmless Agreement
This HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made effective at the time of my enrollment at Choice Education Network, Inc. by and between Choice Education Network, Inc. (hereinafter, "CEN, Inc."), and The Legal Parents/Guardians of The Participant(s) (hereinafter, "The Legal Guardian"). CEN, Inc. and Participant and Parents/Guardians of Participant are sometimes individually referred to as "Party" and collectively referred to as the "Parties."
WHEREAS, The Legal Guardian desires to hold harmless CEN, Inc. from any claims and/or litigation arising out of The Legal Guardian and/or participating family member's actions in connection with CEN, Inc. events, classes, workshops, clubs, field trips or other organized activities including activities and/or classes with inherent known and unknown risks.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions contained herein, CEN, Inc. and The Legal Guardian hereby agree as follows:
TERMS
1. Hold Harmless. The Legal Guardian shall fully defend, indemnify, and hold harmless CEN, Inc. from any and all claims, lawsuits, demands, causes of action, liability, loss, damage and/or injury, of any kind whatsoever (including without limitation all claims for monetary loss, property damage, equitable relief, personal injury and/or wrongful death), whether brought by an individual or other entity, or imposed by a court of law or by administrative action of any federal, state, or local governmental body or agency, arising out of, in any way whatsoever, any acts, omissions, negligence, or willful misconduct on the part of The Legal Guardian and/or family members, its officers, owners, personnel, employees, agents, contractors, invitees, or volunteers . This indemnification applies to and includes, without limitation, the payment of all penalties, fines, judgments, awards, decrees, attorneys' fees, and related costs or expenses, and any reimbursements to CEN, Inc. for all legal fees, expenses, and costs incurred by it.
2. Authority to Enter Agreement. Each Party warrants that the individuals who have signed this Agreement have the actual legal power, right, and authority to make this Agreement and bind each respective Party.
3. Amendment; Modification. No supplement, modification, or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing and signed by both Parties.
4. Prior to initiation of any legal action, the Parties agree to attend a minimum of 2 hours of mediation and shall engage in good faith efforts to resolve the dispute.
5. Waiver. No waiver of any default shall constitute a waiver of any other default or breach, whether of the same or other covenant or condition. No waiver, benefit, privilege, or service voluntarily given or performed by a Party shall give the other Party any contractual right by custom, estoppel, or otherwise.
6. Attorneys' Fees and Costs. If any legal action or other proceeding is brought in connection with this Agreement, the successful or prevailing Party, if any, shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and other related costs, in addition to any other relief to which that Party is entitled. In the event that it is the subject of dispute, the court or trier of fact who presides over such legal action or proceeding is empowered to determine which Party, if any, is the prevailing party in accordance with this provision.
7. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the Parties related to the matters specified herein and supersedes any prior oral or written statements or agreements between the Parties related to such matters.
8. Enforceability, Severability, and Reformation. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and enforceable. If a court finds that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, but that by limiting such provision it would become valid and enforceable, then such provision shall be deemed to be written, construed, and enforced as so limited. The intent of the Parties is to provide as broad an indemnification as possible under Arkansas law. In the event that any aspect of this Agreement is deemed unenforceable, the court is empowered to modify this Agreement to give the broadest possible interpretation permitted under Arkansas law.
9. Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed exclusively by the laws of Arkansas, without regard to conflict of law provisions.
10. Exclusive Venue and Jurisdiction. Any lawsuit or legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any way whatsoever shall be exclusively brought and litigated in the jurisdiction where the alleged offence occurred. Each Party expressly consents and submits to this exclusive jurisdiction and exclusive venue. Each Party expressly waives the right to challenge this jurisdiction and/or venue as improper or inconvenient. Each Party consent to the dismissal of any lawsuit that they bring in any other jurisdiction or venue.
I understand & agree that by submitting this form it is legal representation of my signature. I acknowledge receipt of this agreement and understand the releases and waivers.
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature: ________________________________ Date: ___________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
SECTION VIII: Media Agreements and General Release
I agree that as a participant of CEN, Inc. I will respect the privacy of others by not posting pictures or recordings which contain images or other identifying properties of those outside of my immediate family on any public page without permission from those photographed/recorded.
I agree to never post inappropriate photos, links or recordings to any CEN, Inc.’s social media or website forums.
I understand that CEN, Inc. may use photos and recordings which have been publicly posted by it’s network members for educational and promotional use without notice. Compensation under such cases will not be given and I agree not to seek compensation under these circumstances.
I understand that CEN, Inc. offers private pages on social media and website for the purpose of sharing photos and recordings of our classes, events and activities between network members and away from the general public. I understand that by participating in any network activities photos and/or recordings of myself and my family may be posted on private network pages without notice or consent.
CEN, Inc. directors, teachers and group leads may announce they are taking photos and or recordings for PUBLIC use at anytime during class or activities. Families wishing to opt out may leave the area being photographed/recorded. FORMAL CHOIR AND CLUB PICTURES WILL BE SHARED ON PUBLIC PAGES for the purpose of advertising. CEN, Inc. DOES NOT tag minors or otherwise identify our youth by name on any public pages without prior consent. Families are asked to help keep identities of our minors private.
I understand that as a participant in CEN, Inc. any and all PUBLIC events, concerts, fundraisers, networking events, open houses, etc are not bound by the conditions of privacy. CEN, Inc. may use any and all photographs, videos and/or recordings obtained from public events for educational and promotional purposes without consent, notice or compensation. I understand that some classes, such as journalism and performance based classes, may require an additional signed media release to fully participate in all activities.
I understand that participation in the network subjects me and my family to certain social media and public posting risks. While CEN, Inc. will do everything possible to help minimize unwanted postings and tags to the public, I understand complete control and auditing is not possible.
Student Signature: ______________________________________ Date: _________________
Parent/Legal Guardian signature; __________________________ Date __________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
