These guidelines help ensure a safe, professional environment where children thrive and everyone feels confident in their role. Our goal is to set you up for success while maintaining the high standards families expect from Bamboo Valley.
1. Child Safety & Interaction
Children's safety is our absolute priority. These guidelines protect both children and staff.
Core Safety Rules
Never be alone with a child: Always maintain visibility to other team members
Appropriate physical contact: High-fives, helping hands during activities are fine. Avoid extended hugging, lap-sitting, or isolated physical contact
Photography: Do not take photos of children on personal devices without explicit permission from school director
Report concerns immediately: If you observe anything concerning (injury, conflict, behavioral issue), inform a teacher or director right away
Positive Interaction
Follow children's lead in play and activities
Use encouraging, positive language
Respect children's physical boundaries
Help facilitate rather than direct activities
2. Boundaries with Parents
Your role is to support the school's mission, not to build personal social relationships with parents during school hours or events.
Professional Communication
Keep conversations school-focused: Child's activities, questions about the day, school events
Refer complex questions appropriately: If a parent asks about curriculum, policies, or concerns beyond your scope, direct them to teaching staff or administration
Avoid personal socializing: Don't ask parents about going out, getting drinks, or making plans outside school context
Maintain friendly professionalism: Be warm and approachable, but remember you're representing the school
Example scenario: If you're interested in exploring Phuket or meeting new people, those conversations should happen outside your role at school - not during drop-off/pick-up or school events where you're representing Bamboo Valley.
3. Confidentiality & Professionalism
What you observe at school stays at school.
Keep Private:
Children's behavior, development, or challenges
Family situations or personal information
Conversations between parents and staff
School policies under development
Any incidents or conflicts you observe
Professional Boundaries:
Don't post about school activities on social media without permission
Don't share school photos that include identifiable children
Don't discuss school matters in public places
Keep work relationships professional, even on social media
4. Communication & Questions
Clear communication keeps everyone on the same page and helps you feel supported.
Who to Ask When You Have Questions:
Daily activities/schedules: Lead teacher for that day
Policy questions: School director or administrator
Safety concerns: Any teacher immediately, then follow up with director
Personal issues/scheduling: School director directly
When Parents Ask You Questions:
About their child's day: General observations are fine ("They really enjoyed the mud play today!")
About curriculum/policies: "That's a great question for the teachers - they can give you more detail"
About incidents/concerns: "I'll make sure a teacher follows up with you about that"
5. Professional Appearance
As a team member working with children, your appearance should reflect professionalism and be practical for active, outdoor work.
✓ DO Wear:
Tops that cover your shoulders and chest
Comfortable clothes you can bend, sit, and play in
Clothes that are durable and can get dirty
✗ DON'T Wear:
Tube tops, spaghetti straps, or strapless tops
Very short shorts or skirts
Revealing or tight-fitting clothing
Clothing with inappropriate messages
Why this matters: Parents need to trust that everyone on campus maintains professional boundaries. Children also model behavior they observe, and appropriate dress sets important standards.
Quick Reference Checklist
Shoulders and chest covered, appropriate length
Never alone with a child - always maintain visibility
Keep parent conversations school-focused and professional
Refer complex questions to teachers or director
Report any concerns immediately to teaching staff
What happens at school stays confidential
No personal photos of children on your devices
When in doubt, ask a teacher!
Acknowledgment
I have read and understand the Code of Conduct for Bamboo Valley School. I agree to follow these guidelines during my time at Bamboo Valley and understand that failure to do so may result in dismissal.
I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to follow all guidelines outlined in this document.
Full Name:
Date:
Signature:
Bamboo Valley School | Building Both the Drive and Skills to Succeed