In-Home Tutors has identified a few practical guidelines which enable tutors to establish caring relationships with their students while ensuring both the safety of minors and protecting you, the tutor, from allegations.
Tutors must be aware of their own vulnerability and that of any individual student with whom they may be working. Do not go beyond a professional relationship with your students. And exercise due caution if you become aware that any student seeks more than a teacher-student relationship with you.
If you recognize inappropriate personal or physical attraction developing between yourself and a minor, maintain clear professional boundaries between you and the child. Do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with In-Home Tutors. We’ll be happy to bring in an alternate tutor and find you a new client.
All tutors should observe the following guidelines for dealing with tutees:
- A parent or adult guardian should be on the premises when you tutor. This requirement is in your contract with us as well as in the Terms and Conditions that parents agree to when they register.
- Physical contact should generally be avoided. If you are are the sort of tutor who instinctively and naturally hugs a young child, this should only occur in the presence of the parent, for example as you say goodbye.
- Avoid overly personal topics of conversation. Do not ask about the child’s boyfriend or girlfriend; do not talk about your own love life. Avoid any topic that may make your student uncomfortable; for example, refrain from compliments that relate to physique or body development.
- You should never use or supply alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes when working with any student of any age.
- Do not take photos of your student except with express written permission from both the parent and In-Home Tutors.
- You may not take your student on a field trip without discussing this with In-Home Tutors. We would probably need some liability waiver from the parent.
- Always meet with students in areas that are visible and accessible. Leave open the door to the room where the tutoring session is held unless it is too noisy in the rest of the house. Never tutor in a locked room. If you are meeting in a library or other public place, ensure that other adults are in sight.
- Do not offer to pick up or drop off a student from school. This would require a special waiver of liability from the parent and is, in general, strongly discouraged.
- Students of any age should not be invited into your home while you are actively tutoring them on behalf of In-Home Tutors.
All of this is pure common sense. Misunderstandings can usually be avoided if you are always conscious of the proper boundaries between you and the student. You are being paid by the parent to improve the grades and skills of their child — not to be their child’s friend or therapist or counselor.
And a final note: as a contractor you may be personally liable for any damages sought by parents arising from your tutoring. In-Home Tutors does not carry liability insurance on your behalf.
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