Safety First

At The Village, the safety and well-being of every student is our highest priority. We are committed to creating an environment where students can learn, grow, serve, build friendships, and explore opportunities within a safe, supervised, and caring community.

All staff members, mentors, volunteers, drivers, coaches, instructors, business partners, community partners, board members, and any individual age 18 or older who may interact with students are required to complete and maintain all applicable background checks, child abuse clearances, criminal history clearances, and screening requirements required by law and Village policy.

All required clearances must remain current and be renewed annually or as otherwise required by law. Individuals who fail to maintain current clearances may not participate in Village activities involving students until compliance is restored

Students are supervised by approved Village staff, mentors, volunteers, and community partners during Village activities, events, transportation, and approved off-site experiences.

The Village maintains supervision standards designed to promote student safety, accountability, and appropriate adult-student interactions. Adults are expected to model professionalism, integrity, respect, and good judgment at all times.

Students participating in transportation services, field trips, apprenticeships, career exploration experiences, athletic activities, service projects, and other Village-sponsored events must have appropriate parental authorization on file.

All drivers must meet Village approval requirements, maintain required clearances, and comply with all applicable laws, safety standards, and transportation policies.

The Village maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding abuse, neglect, harassment, exploitation, bullying, discrimination, threats, violence, inappropriate conduct, or any behavior that compromises student safety.

Any safety concern, incident, injury, allegation, or suspected child abuse will be addressed immediately and reported to the appropriate authorities as required by law.

The Village continually evaluates facility safety, emergency preparedness, security procedures, student check-in and check-out processes, transportation protocols, and operational practices to help maintain a safe environment for students, families, staff, volunteers, and guests.

Student safety is a shared responsibility between The Village, families, mentors, volunteers, community partners, and students themselves.

We encourage families to communicate any medical conditions, allergies, behavioral concerns, custody arrangements, emergency information, or other relevant safety considerations that may help us better support their student.

Parents can be confident that student safety is not an afterthought at The Village—it is a foundational part of everything we do.

Every policy, procedure, partnership, volunteer opportunity, transportation plan, and student experience is evaluated through one simple question:

"Does this help protect and serve our students?"