Behavior & Interaction Policy for
Employees, Volunteers, Board Members,
Program Partners, and Chaperones


1. Purpose. Down For Dance (DFD) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all participants, volunteers, staff, and other members of the DFD community. This policy outlines clear expectations for professional and respectful behavior across all roles within our community.

We work with individuals of all abilities. We understand that students with disabilities may display behaviors related to their disability. Our instructors and staff are trained to approach all behavior with empathy, patience, and clarity. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations to support every student's participation. And, we require that parents or guardians provide individual support or supervision for any student who requires it to ensure safe participation in the program. Student behavior and expectations are governed under a separate policy. 

2. Scope. This policy applies to all individuals representing the organization, whether paid or unpaid, including but not limited to:

  • Employees and contractors

  • Volunteers 

  • Board members

  • Program partners 

  • Chaperones

3. Core Standards of Behavior. All individuals must:

  • Treat others with kindness, respect, and dignity.

  • Maintain appropriate physical and verbal boundaries.

  • Follow instructions and organizational protocols.

  • Communicate in a respectful manner.

  • Refrain from aggressive, threatening, or disruptive behavior.

  • Adhere to mandatory reporting requirements.

4. Zero Tolerance Behaviors. The following behaviors violate the values and safety standards of DFD and will result in immediate removal from duties and possible termination of employment, contract, or volunteer service:

  • Sexual misconduct of any kind (including but not limited to verbal, written, or physical). Sexual misconduct is governed by the Sexual Misconduct Policy.

  • Romantic or sexual relationships with students/participants of any age.

  • Physical violence or threats of violence.

  • Possession or use of illegal drugs or weapons while participating in DFD activities.

  • Harassment, discrimination, bullying, or intimidation (including cyberbullying). Harassment and discrimination are governed by the  Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination policy.

  • Discrimination or hate speech based on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or any protected status.

These behaviors violate the values and safety standards of Down For Dance and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. All zero tolerance incidents will be clearly documented.

5. Role-Specific Responsibilities

Employees & Faculty

  • Model positive behavior and language for students.

  • Maintain confidentiality of all student and family information.

  • Failure to comply may result in corrective action up to and including termination of employment.

Contractors

  • Represent DFD with professionalism at all times.

  • Follow all program and facility guidelines.

  • Avoid conflicts of interest and maintain confidentiality.

  • Violations may result in immediate termination of contract.

Volunteers, program partners, chaperones 

  • Support staff and instructors; not act in place of them.

  • Follow instructions from employees and faculty.

  • Maintain confidentiality of student and family information.

  • Violations may result in removal from the volunteer program and restriction from future opportunities.

6. Prohibited Conduct. Examples of prohibited conduct include (but are not limited to):

  • Favoritism towards specific students.

  • Giving personal gifts, cards, or favors that create an expectation of return.

  • Inappropriate touching (non-sexual but boundary-crossing).

  • Allowing students to sit on laps, cuddling, or tickling.

  • Telling sexual jokes, comments, or sharing inappropriate materials.

  • Communicating with minors via personal social media, text, or email without prior approval from a parent/guardian and administration.

  • Being alone with a minor or vulnerable adult without prior authorization from a parent/guardian.

  • Driving participants in a personal vehicle without explicit parent/guardian permission.

  • Repeated use of inappropriate language.

DFD may use the following approaches to address prohibited conduct violations: 

  1. Verbal Warning and Coaching: Communicate a clear explanation of the issue, provide coaching that outlines the corrective action needed, and remind the individual of the Behavior and Interaction Policy.

  2. Written Warning: Communicate a clear explanation of the issue, provide coaching that outlines the corrective action needed, and remind the individual of the Behavior and Interaction Policy. This communication may include the parent/guardian if the individual is a minor. 

  3. Suspension or Removal from Duties: Temporarily or permanently remove the individual from duties, depending on severity.

7. Reporting and Accountability.

If an employee, volunteer, student or contractor experiences or witnesses harassment by someone involved with the DFD program, they are required to report the incident as soon as possible. Reports must be made to a DFD Director, who will promptly investigate and address the matter.

Down For Dance takes all reports seriously, and retaliation against any individual who makes a good faith report will not be tolerated.