The fine print, minus the fine.
Clear expectations make for relaxed sessions. Here's how we keep students safe, and everything from the HopeCoders info sheet.
>Child safety & coach screening
Every coach passes a fingerprint-based criminal background check and a drug test before working with any student, and completes California's mandated-reporter training on recognizing and reporting child abuse.
Sessions take place in public spaces (libraries, community centers, cafes), at your home by arrangement, or online over Zoom. A parent or guardian is always welcome to sit in.
If we ever have a concern about a student's safety, California law requires us to report it, and we will.
>Coach qualifications
Every coach is an experienced programmer with professional software experience, a degree in computer science or a related field, industry certifications, or current computer science studies. Ask us about your student's coach and we'll share their education, teaching experience and work history.
>Cancellations & rescheduling
Please give at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule a session. With notice, we'll find a new time at no charge.
>No-shows
If a student does not show up for a scheduled session without notice, 50% of the session fee is charged.
>Late arrivals
If a student arrives 15 or more minutes late, the session still ends at its scheduled time and the full session fee applies.
>Package refunds
Unused sessions from a 4- or 8-session package are refundable with 48 hours notice. Refunds are calculated at the single-session rate for sessions already used, minus a $10 administrative fee.
>Payment terms
Invoices are sent within 7 days of each session (or at the start of a package). Payment is due within 7 days of the invoice date.
>Student conduct
Sessions happen in shared public spaces, so we ask students to be respectful of the venue, its staff, and other visitors. Repeated disruptive behavior may end a session early; the session fee still applies.
>Photos & media consent
No photos or recordings of students are ever taken or shared without written parental consent. If you'd like your student's project featured (e.g. on @HopeCoders), we'll always ask first, in writing.
>Your family's information
We use what you share with us only to teach, schedule and stay in touch with you. We never sell it. The details are in our privacy policy.
Questions about any of these? Just ask.