Education Connection exists to help elementary students in Central Texas public schools read by the end of third grade so they can become lifelong learners.

As a purpose-driven nonprofit, we cultivate relationships, partner with schools and communities, connect volunteers, onboard them for success, and serve students with Humility, Consistency, and Simplicity.

These three principles guide every interaction with students, teachers, school staff, community partners, fellow volunteers, and the communities we serve.

Humility – We are guests on every campus. We serve without personal agendas, respect school staff, and support the goals established by each school.

Consistency – Students thrive when caring adults show up. We honor our commitments by being dependable, prepared, and present throughout the school year.

Simplicity – We keep volunteering easy for schools by following established procedures, respecting classroom routines, and allowing educators to lead the educational experience.

These values are the foundation of every Education Connection volunteer.

As an Education Connection volunteer, you serve as a representative of Education Connection, your community partner, and the school where you volunteer. Your actions and interactions reflect on each of these organizations and contribute to building strong, trusted relationships within the community.

The following policies are designed to protect students, volunteers, schools, and our organization. Please read each section carefully before acknowledging your agreement.

Thank you for volunteering with Education Connection and investing in the lives of students throughout Central Texas. By serving as a Literacy Partner, you are making a meaningful difference in helping children develop a lifelong love of reading.

1. District Policies

Education Connection is committed to respecting and adhering to all policies, procedures, and guidelines established by each participating school district and campus. Education Connection volunteers are guests on every campus. School administrators and staff have final authority regarding campus procedures, volunteer activities, and student interactions.

Volunteers are responsible for reviewing and following the policies of the district and school where they serve.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Visitor procedures
• Volunteer expectations
• Campus safety protocols
• Student privacy requirements
• Technology and device policies
• Social media policies
• Emergency procedures

Please refer to the district's official website for the most current policies and procedures.

2. Student Privacy & Photography

Protecting the privacy and dignity of every student is one of Education Connection's highest priorities.

Education Connection volunteers must comply with all district privacy policies and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Volunteers agree to the following:

• Students will be identified only by their first name and, when necessary, the first initial of their last name. Volunteers should never request or attempt to learn a student's full name or other personally identifiable information.
• Volunteers may never photograph, video record, audio record, screenshot, or otherwise capture images or recordings of students using any personal or school-owned device.
• Volunteers may never take selfies or group photos that include students.
• Volunteers may never ask students to pose for photographs.
• Volunteers may never post, email, text, or otherwise share photographs, videos, recordings, names, identifying details, or personal information about students.
• Volunteers may not share student stories if those stories could reasonably identify a student or family.
• Any photography or media involving students is permitted only through authorized school or district personnel following district media release procedures.

Protecting student privacy is a condition of volunteering with Education Connection.

3. Confidentiality

A relationship of trust between students, school staff, volunteers, and Education Connection is essential.

Volunteers may become aware of information regarding a student's academic progress, behavior, personal circumstances, or other sensitive matters. This information must remain confidential at all times.

Volunteers agree that they will:

• Maintain the confidentiality of all student information.
• Maintain the confidentiality of teacher, campus, and district information that is not publicly available.
• Not discuss students, teachers, or school matters with friends, family members, other volunteers, or on social media.
• Not retain or copy confidential school documents.
• Not request or collect personally identifiable student information beyond what is necessary to participate in the reading program.
• Not ask for confidential information regarding a student's grades, diagnosis, educational records, family circumstances, or disciplinary history.

If you are unsure whether information may be shared, do not share it. Contact the Education Connection Executive Director for guidance.

4. Mandatory Reporting

Texas law requires volunteers to immediately report any disclosure or suspicion involving:

• Child abuse or neglect
• Physical or emotional abuse
• Suicidal thoughts or threats
• Homicidal threats
• Illegal activity involving a student's safety

Immediately notify the school principal or designated school administrator and follow district reporting procedures.

Suspected child abuse or neglect should also be reported to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services by calling 1-800-252-5400 or submitting a report through the Texas Abuse Hotline.

5. Social Media

Education Connection recognizes the positive impact social media can have in promoting literacy, volunteerism, and community engagement.

Volunteers are encouraged to share their volunteer experience while always protecting student privacy.

Volunteers may:

• Share their own volunteer experience.
• Share Education Connection public posts.
• Encourage others to volunteer.

Volunteers may not:

• Post photographs, videos, or recordings of students.
• Mention or identify students by name.
• Share confidential information regarding schools, teachers, staff, or Education Connection.
• Share internal Education Connection documents or communications that have not been publicly released.
• Discuss concerns involving students or schools on social media.

If you are uncertain whether information may be shared publicly, consult the Executive Director before posting.

Volunteer contact information collected by Education Connection is confidential and will only be used as permitted by law.

6. Commitment & Attendance

Education Connection volunteers demonstrate our core values of Humility, Consistency, and Simplicity by arriving prepared, honoring commitments, respecting school procedures, and serving with a positive attitude.

Volunteers agree to:

• Arrive on time for scheduled reading sessions.
• Notify both the student's teacher and Literacy Partner Coordinator as soon as possible if unable to attend.
• Complete their commitment for the school year whenever possible.
• Conduct themselves professionally and respectfully while on campus.
• Follow all directions provided by school personnel.

Consistency is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child.

7. Reading Materials

To ensure reading materials are appropriate, relevant, and aligned with the school's curriculum and student reading levels:

• Volunteers must use only books provided by the school library or books specifically approved by the student's teacher or school librarian.
• Volunteers may not bring personal books from home unless prior written approval has been received from the student's teacher or school librarian.
• Volunteers should respect all school procedures regarding library materials and classroom resources.
• Volunteers should not introduce personal teaching methods, worksheets, curriculum, or educational activities unless specifically requested in writing by school staff and shared with the Executive Director.

8. Appropriate Volunteer Conduct

• Treat every student with dignity, respect, patience, and encouragement.
• Use appropriate language at all times.
• Never use physical discipline or verbal intimidation.
• Physical contact should be limited to what is appropriate, brief, and initiated within normal school expectations (such as a high-five or fist bump when appropriate).
• Never give gifts, money, food, or rewards to students unless approved by the teacher.
• Never transport students off campus.
• Follow teacher directions regarding classroom management and student interactions.
• Refer any behavioral or safety concerns to school staff immediately.

9. Campus Safety & Health

Sign-In and Identification

Each time you volunteer, you must:

• Sign in and out through the school's designated visitor system.
• Wear your Education Connection volunteer lanyard and campus issued identification badge while on campus.
• Follow all campus visitor procedures.
• Record your volunteer hours as requested by the school or Education Connection.
• Volunteers should never be alone with a student in an area not visible to school personnel.

Illness

To help maintain a healthy school environment, volunteers should not come to campus if experiencing symptoms of contagious illness, including but not limited to:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Any other contagious illness symptoms

Please notify your Literacy Partner Coordinator and the student's teacher if you must cancel due to illness.

10. Volunteer Standards and Removal from Service

Education Connection volunteers serve at the invitation of both Education Connection and our participating schools and districts. By volunteering through Education Connection, volunteers agree to comply with all Education Connection policies, confidentiality requirements, and all applicable school and district policies and procedures.

Like all volunteers and visitors on elementary school campuses, Education Connection volunteers are expected to follow the directions of school administrators and staff and to conduct themselves in a manner that supports a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment.

As a trusted partner of the schools we serve, Education Connection is responsible for addressing volunteer concerns and ensuring that volunteers comply with both Education Connection policies and the expectations established by participating schools and districts.

Volunteer service with Education Connection is voluntary and may be ended at any time by either the volunteer or Education Connection, with notice. Education Connection reserves the right to suspend or terminate a volunteer's participation immediately when, in the judgment of Education Connection or at the request of a participating school or district, a volunteer has violated Education Connection policies, school or district policies, confidentiality requirements, campus expectations, or engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with Education Connection's mission, values, or standards of professionalism.

When a participating school or district determines that a volunteer may no longer serve on its campus, Education Connection will honor that decision. Such determinations are final and are not subject to appeal through Education Connection.

Volunteer Acknowledgment and Release

By signing this agreement, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to comply with the Education Connection Volunteer Confidentiality, Commitment, Privacy, and Safety Agreement.

I understand that protecting the privacy and safety of students is a condition of volunteering with Education Connection.

I specifically acknowledge and agree that I will:

• Never photograph, video record, or audio record students.
• Never seek or disclose personally identifiable student information, including a student's full last name, unless expressly authorized by school personnel in writing.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, schools, teachers, and Education Connection.
• Follow all school district policies and Education Connection procedures.

I understand that failure to comply with these policies will result in immediate removal from volunteering with Education Connection and/or the participating school and district.

I voluntarily assume all responsibility for any risks associated with participating as an Education Connection volunteer.

I, on behalf of myself and my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, hereby release, waive, and discharge Education Connection and its officers, directors, employees, agents, volunteers, partner organizations, and participating school districts from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to my volunteer service, except where prohibited by law.

I further agree that this release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted under the laws of the State of Texas. If any provision is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

I understand that volunteering with Education Connection is a privilege made possible through the trust of our school partners. By following these policies and embodying the principles of Humility, Consistency, and Simplicity, I help create a safe, welcoming, and encouraging reading experience for every student.

I certify that I have carefully read this agreement, understand its contents, and sign it voluntarily as my own free act.

Virtually signed through the Education Connection database is an acknowledgment of understanding and adhering to Education Connection's Volunteer Confidentiality, Commitment, Privacy, and Safety Agreement.