Defining "Inclusive"
As the first truly inclusive, cooperative, home-school enhancement community to be located in York County, it’s important to define what we mean by “inclusive”, what we are now, and what we hope to be in the very near future. We also feel it is important to share what our core, fundamental beliefs are.
Inclusive, as it pertains to a secular homeschool extension program and our community, means creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the community, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities. This includes respecting the unique strengths and needs of each learner and allowing for flexibility to ensure that all learners are able to actively participate. We believe that being inclusive also means we should actively work to eliminate barriers to participation, create a sense of belonging for all learners, and maintain an open mind and a listening ear.
Core Beliefs
We believe that education should empower learners to discover their strengths and passions. As such, we are committed to building a community that centers around creating diverse educational experiences. We are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space where students can explore their interests, develop their talents, and grow into confident and capable learners.
We believe collaboration and inclusivity are crucial to fostering a love of learning and discovering new ways to encourage that learning. We strive to create a culture that empowers every student to take the lead in their own education and encourages them to engage with their
peers and educators in open, honest, kind, and regardful discourse. We are all rooting for each other!
Building a team of educators and guides that are representative of the learners we wish to serve is essential to creating a foundation for our collective goals. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that diverse educators bring to this community. We are committed to providing ongoing support to ensure that all educators are equipped to serve our diverse student base. Likewise, we encourage feedback as we are all learning as much as we are teaching. We understand and greatly appreciate genuine, considerate input as we evolve.
Key Standards
1. Inclusivity and Respect: Everyone is expected to be inclusive and respectful of everyone. We fully endorse being good humans, and also understand sometimes people just have off days. As long as we genuinely root for each other and for our community, we can tackle anything that comes our way. Any instances of bullying, aggression, or discrimination will not be tolerated.
2. Secularism: Our community is secular and does not endorse any particular religious beliefs. Learners, grown-ups, and educators are welcome to hold and express their own beliefs, but these beliefs should not be imposed upon others with any expectations.
3. Diversity: We value diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for learners of all backgrounds. We will always strive to provide a range of educational experiences that cater to the diverse interests and needs of our community.
4. Educators: As community leaders, we are responsible for recruiting and supporting a team of educators and guides who are representative of the community of learners we wish to serve. Educators and guides are expected to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment and
support learners in discovering their strengths and passions.
5. Attendance and Participation: Learners are encouraged to attend and actively participate in classes/activities. If a child is unable to attend, families should inform educators and guides in advance, when possible. Learners should understand that they are there to contribute to the learning environment, not distract or disrupt it.
6. Concerns and Issues: Students and parents are encouraged to bring any concerns or issues to the attention of a trusted community member. These issues will be addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.
7. Evaluation and Improvement: The community leaders will regularly evaluate our operations and make improvements as needed to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our students and fulfilling our commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Common Ground Standards for Grown Ups
As parents and caregivers in our community, we ask that the following considerations be taken:
• Be supportive of your learners attending and participating in class days and activities.
• Communicate with community leaders, educators, guides, and other caregivers in a kind manner.
• Encourage your learners to be inclusive and respectful towards their peers and educators and to be as engaged as they feel compelled to be. This is an important aspect to building our community. Repeated disruptions and disrespect will not be tolerated.
• Inform a trusted community member, either in writing or in person, of any concerns or issues that may arise.
A note on neurodivergence: We are a community of many minds, including neurodivergent ones. The key to ensuring that a neurodivergent child has a successful and fulfilling experience in an inclusive classroom is for parents to work with teachers and any other members of our community that they feel comfortable with. Once you have selected your classes, we encourage parents to establish an open dialogue with their teachers. This includes discussing learning styles, potential triggers, and any other information that may help your teacher best plan for a successful class outcome.
While we will not require any parent to divulge information about their child that they are not comfortable sharing, if your child is neurodivergent, we strongly suggest connecting with your teacher prior to class start. Teachers benefit from knowing any strategies that can help achieve an engaging class experience. Even a simple shift in classroom language can put minds at ease and create a better environment.
We value neurodiversity and appreciate all minds in our community, but being neurodivergent is not an excuse for disrespectful behavior. We do not tolerate deliberate and repeated disruptions or disrespect towards others, regardless of neurodivergent status.
As an organization, we are committed to building psychological safety for all members of our community, and we encourage open and respectful communication. We understand that misunderstandings and conflicts can arise, and we will work together to resolve them in a way that respects the dignity and worth of all individuals involved. Any instances of bullying, harassment, or discrimination will not be tolerated.