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Disciplinary Procedure SOP

1. Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to outline the progressive discipline process  to address employee performance or conduct that does not meet organizational standards. Progressive discipline is intended to correct issues, support improvement, and maintain a safe, professional, and compliant workplace.

This SOP is not a contract of employment. All employees are employed at will, meaning employment may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, at the discretion of Young Innovators Academies.

2. Scope

This procedure applies to all employees, including full-time, part-time, substitutes, and support staff.

3. Guiding Principles

  • Discipline is corrective, not punitive

  • Expectations must be clearly communicated

  • Documentation protects children, staff, and the organization

  • Safety violations are handled immediately

4. Progressive Discipline Steps

Step 1: Verbal Warning

A verbal warning is issued when an employee’s performance, conduct, or attendance does not meet Young Innovators Academies standards or when a policy or procedure is violated.

Process:

  • The Director meets with the employee to explain the concern

  • Expectations and required improvements are clearly outlined

  • Support or coaching strategies may be discussed

  • Consequences of continued non-compliance are communicated

Documentation:

  • All verbal warnings are documented

  • Documentation is signed by both the employee and the Director

Escalation Rule:

  • After three (3) verbal warnings, a written warning will be issued

Step 2: Written Warning

A written warning is issued when:

  • Multiple verbal warnings have not resulted in improvement, or

  • A serious policy violation occurs

Process:

  • The Director meets with the employee to review the written warning

  • The issue, expectations, and next steps are clearly outlined

  • The employee is informed that further violations may result in suspension or termination

Documentation:

  • Written warnings are documented and signed by both the employee and Director

  • An employee may receive only one (1) written warning within a six (6) month period

Immediate Written Warning:
Written warnings may be issued immediately for serious violations, including but not limited to:

  • Refusal to follow lawful instructions

  • Any violation that endangers the safety or integrity of a child or staff member

Step 3: Termination

Termination may occur when:

  • An employee has received both verbal and written warnings and performance has not improved, or

  • The severity of the violation warrants immediate termination

5. Immediate Termination

Young Innovators Academies reserves the right to bypass progressive discipline and terminate employment immediately for serious misconduct, including but not limited to:

  • Any form of child abuse as defined under Florida law

  • Harassment of any kind

  • Theft

  • Possession of a weapon on school grounds or in a vehicle on school property

  • Violation of any policy stating that termination may result from non-compliance

This list is not exhaustive. Disciplinary action up to and including termination may be taken at the discretion of the Director based on the nature and severity of the violation.

6. Administrative Discretion

Administration retains the right to determine the appropriate level of discipline based on:

  • Severity of the offense

  • Risk to children, staff, or the organization

  • Past disciplinary history

  • Licensing and regulatory requirements