A Code of Conduct is a difficult document to write. In theory, it sets out your responsibilities as members in good standing, and what we, as a community, expect of each other.

In practice, it’s easy for a Code of Conduct to be so generic it is of little use, and for there to be next-to-no consequences for violating it. So we’re taking a different approach, with a few specific aims in mind:

We expect this document to evolve, with your help, and we’re excited to figure out together what real accountability might look like in yoga teaching.

This sounds obvious, but it's also the most enforceable clause to have in a Code of Conduct. We expect AYC members to teach in accordance with all appropriate legislation in your jurisdiction when teaching yoga. We’re not going to police your practice, but if your behaviour towards your students and colleagues violates civil or criminal law, we will recommend and support legal action. Unethical behaviour of a legal nature could result in expulsion from AYC.

Secondly, to be a member in good standing, we expect you to teach in accordance with the following values, which reflect the core values of AYC as an organization.

Lastly, to be an effective and ethical yoga teacher, we believe it is vital to have considered your own personal code of conduct. You might reflect on Patanjali’s yamas and niyamas, on the five Buddhist Precepts for right living, on the lay Jain code, or on any other philosophical sources. We would like you to describe that code of conduct in your own words.

Additionally, this school has established a specific code of conduct that must be upheld:

Grounded Kids Code of Conduct
Effective date: August 27, 2026
Applies to: Grounded Kids teachers and staff, teacher trainees and certified Grounded Kids teachers, and the students and families who attend our classes and clubs.
1. Purpose
Grounded Kids works with children, most often on school campuses and in community spaces where we are guests. This code sets out what we expect of the adults who teach and represent Grounded Kids, and what we ask of the students and families who join us. It exists so that everyone in the room knows what safe, respectful participation looks like.
Anyone who teaches for Grounded Kids, trains with us, or attends our programs is agreeing to follow this code.
2. Commitments we all share
Treat every person in the space with respect, regardless of age, ability, background, or experience level.
Keep the space physically and emotionally safe. No hitting, shoving, mocking, name calling, threats, or intimidation.
Speak to and about others in a way you would be comfortable having repeated.
Take care of the space and the equipment we borrow or share.
Say something when something feels wrong. Concerns raised in good faith are always welcome.
3. For teachers, staff, and trainees
Safety and supervision
Complete and keep current any background check, training, and clearance required by Grounded Kids or by the school or facility where you teach.
Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to receive students. Never leave students unsupervised.
Follow the emergency, sign-in, sign-out, and visitor procedures of the site where you are teaching. Their rules apply to you while you are on their property.
Know where the nearest school or facility staff member is, and know how to reach them.
Report any injury, accident, or near miss to Grounded Kids and to the site the same day it happens.
Boundaries with children
Stay in public view. Avoid being alone with a single child behind a closed door or out of sight of other adults.
Keep physical contact appropriate, brief, and instructional. Ask before you touch a student, explain what you are going to do, and accept no as a complete answer.
Never use physical contact as discipline, and never use physical activity as punishment.
Do not communicate privately with a student through personal phone, text, email, social media, gaming platforms, or direct message. All communication with students goes through their parent or caregiver, or through official school channels.
Do not give gifts, money, or rides to a student outside the program without the parent's knowledge and consent.
Do not photograph or video students except with the permission required by Grounded Kids and by the site, and never on a personal account.
Professional conduct
Teach within your training. Do not diagnose, treat, or give medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, and do not offer opinions on a child's body, weight, or eating.
Do not push religious, political, or personal beliefs on students or families.
Do not use alcohol, cannabis, or non prescribed drugs before or during a class, and do not arrive impaired. Do not smoke or vape on a school or facility property.
Dress in a way that is comfortable to move in and appropriate for a children's setting.
Keep student information confidential. What you learn about a child, a family, or a school stays within Grounded Kids and the people who need to know.
Disclose any conflict of interest, including teaching or promoting a competing program at a site you reached through Grounded Kids.
Representing Grounded Kids
Use the Grounded Kids name, logo, and materials only as your agreement with Grounded Kids allows, and only while that agreement is current.
Do not share, resell, or republish Grounded Kids training materials, curriculum, or class plans.
Speak about Grounded Kids honestly. Do not claim credentials, hours, or certifications you have not earned.
On social media and in public, represent Grounded Kids in a way that reflects the standards in this code.
Mandatory reporting
Anyone teaching for Grounded Kids in Georgia who works with children is a mandated reporter under state law. If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, you must report it to the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. Reporting is your personal legal obligation and cannot be delegated to a supervisor. Tell Grounded Kids as well, but never wait on us to make the report.
4. For students
We keep these simple and say them out loud in class.
Kind words, kind hands, kind feet.
Your mat and your body are yours. Nobody else's mat or body is yours to touch without asking.
You can always pass on a pose or an activity.
Listen when someone else is speaking.
Take care of the hoops, mats, and props. Put them back where they belong.
Stay with the group. Ask your teacher before you leave the room.
If something happens that upsets you or does not feel right, tell your teacher or another grown up you trust.
5. For parents and caregivers
Drop off and pick up on time, and follow the sign in and sign out procedure at your site. Let us know in advance if someone else is picking up your child.
Tell us anything we need to know to keep your child safe and comfortable, including allergies, medical needs, and physical limitations.
Keep your child home when they are sick.
Bring concerns to us directly. We would much rather hear from you early than have you wait.
Speak respectfully to teachers, staff, school personnel, and other families. Abusive or threatening behavior toward anyone in our programs is grounds for removal from the program.
Follow the payment, cancellation, and attendance terms of the program you enrolled in.
6. Raising a concern
If something concerns you, tell us. You can raise it with your teacher, or bring it directly to Grounded Kids at amy@groundedkids.com or (678) 362-9990.
We will listen, take it seriously, and tell you what we plan to do about it. No one will be retaliated against for raising a concern in good faith.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first. If you suspect abuse or neglect, report it to the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services.
7. When this code is not followed
How we respond depends on what happened. Depending on the situation, we may have a conversation, put expectations in writing, remove a teacher from a site, end a teaching or training agreement, withdraw the right to use the Grounded Kids name, remove a student or family from a program, or report the matter to the school, the facility, or the authorities.
Conduct that puts a child at risk will end a person's involvement with Grounded Kids immediately.
Grounded Kids Yoga. Based in Atlanta, GA.
groundedkids.com | amy@groundedkids.com | (678) 362-9990