5.5.12 K-12 Role of the HLN Guest Policy

POLICY TYPE: 5.0 Educational Program Policies \ 5.5 Roles and Responsibilities
EFFECTIVE DATE: 2026-09-17	LAST REVISED:
THIS POLICY APPLIES TO: Contractors – Individuals engaged to provide services under a contract with SelfDesign Learning Foundation Support Providers – Individuals engaged under a contract or agreement with SelfDesign Learning Foundation to provide services for a specific learner Families – Learners and parents(s)/guardian(s) of learners participating in SelfDesign Learning Foundation’s programs Volunteers – Individuals providing goods/services under the terms of an agreement with SelfDesign Learning Foundation Board Members – Members of the Board of Directors for SelfDesign Learning Foundation and the Foundation for SelfDesign (FSD)

Policy Statement

SelfDesign Learning Foundation (SDLF) is committed to valuing the contributions of individuals with specialized knowledge, lived experience, and subject matter expertise who support enriched learning opportunities for K–12 learners.

Guests or Partners participating in HomeLearners Network (HLN) programming are expected to contribute in ways that align with HLN program expectations, learner safety, and SelfDesign Learning Community standards. Guests or Partners who are certified educators and have met HLN orientation requirements may plan and facilitate HLN activities independently.

Guests or Partners who are not certified educators must plan and facilitate HLN activities with oversight and support from an HLN Guide. An HLN Guide must be present during facilitation of activities.

Definitions

HLN Guide: The facilitator of an HLN activity. Guides are certified educators and contractors of SDLF. Guides are responsible for the design, educational integrity, facilitation, and oversight of live, online, virtual learning experiences.

Guest: An individual with specialized knowledge or experience in a specific subject area who may support, facilitate, or co-facilitate an HLN activity. Guests may or may not be certified educators.

Partners: Organizations that collaborate with HLN to offer programming, resources, or facilitated experiences. Partners may be certified educators or non-certified educators and participate under the guidance and oversight of an HLN Guide.

Live Online Activity: A scheduled, synchronous virtual learning experience delivered as part of HLN programming.

Policy

SelfDesign Learning Foundation (SDLF) will value the contributions of individuals with specialized knowledge, lived experience, and subject matter expertise who support enriched learning opportunities for K–12 learners.

Guests or Partners who are not certified educators must plan and facilitate HLN activities under the oversight and support of an HLN Guide. An HLN Guide must be present during facilitation of activities.

Protocol

Guests or Partners without certification will:

Provide subject matter expertise through the design and/or delivery of HLN activities.
Participate in planning with an HLN Guide to align on activity goals, structure, learner needs, and expectations.
Deliver educational content in a manner that is engaging, respectful, and developmentally appropriate for the intended age group.
Adhere to HLN program expectations, including maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.
Work alongside and under the educational oversight of the assigned HLN Guide, who remains responsible for learner supervision, educational compliance, and overall activity facilitation.
Follow the guidance and direction of the assigned HLN Guide with respect to activity pacing, learner engagement, and group management.
Communicate openly regarding any needs, adjustments, or concerns before, during, and after the activity.

Guests or Partners with certification will:

Provide subject matter expertise through the design and/or delivery of HLN activities.
Plan and deliver activities in alignment with HLN program expectations, learner needs, and intended learning outcomes.
Maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment that reflects HLN values and SDLF educational standards.
Assume responsibility for educational delivery, learner engagement, and facilitation for activities they lead.
Ensure activities are developmentally appropriate and responsive to the needs of participating learners.
Communicate openly with HLN staff regarding activity planning, scheduling, learner needs, and any concerns that may arise.
Participate in required onboarding, orientation, and ongoing communications to maintain alignment with HLN and SDLF expectations.

Policy Statement

Definitions

Policy

Protocol

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