Policies
FINANCIAL POLICIES
MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN
All programs that run for more than one month and are over $500 are eligible for a monthly payment plan. All payment plans require 25% of tuition be paid by the first class. The number of payments is dependent on the number of months the program runs and payments must be completed by the next to the last month of class. All payments are due on the weekend of class in cash, money order, or certified bank check. If you miss class, payments need to be postmarked no later than the Tuesday following the weekend of class, unless prior arrangements have been made. For payments due in months that the class does not meet, payments are due by the 15th of the month
FEES: Administrative fee $50 / Bounced check fee $35 / Late monthly payment fee $25
REFUND POLICY
You may terminate this agreement at any time. If you terminate within 5 days, you will receive a full refund provided that classes have not commenced. If you subsequently terminate this agreement prior to the commencement of the program you will receive a full refund minus the $50 administration fee. If H&E cancels a program you will receive a full refund.
Thereafter:
You must notify Heaven & Earth in writing that you are withdrawing from the program. If you notify H&E at or after the first class of any program you will receive the following refunds less any fees due or discounts offered. Date withdrawn will be determined by the postmarked date of written notification. Payment plan fee is prorated if you withdraw.
Less than 25% of a program you will receive a 75% refund minus any fees
Less than 50% of a program you will receive a 50% refund minus any fees
Less than 75% of a program you will receive a 25% refund minus any fees
Any time at or after 75% no refund
ABSENCES
Students who miss more than 20% of a module you must either make arrangements with the mentor to make up missed work or retake missed classes. Students who have completed at least 80% of a module are allowed to retake the missed
class/es, one time, for no charge. This must be done the next time the class is offered. Students must be in good financial standing to retake a class.
BAREFOOT MIDWIFERY POLICIES
ADMISSIONS
H&E has an open admissions policy and accepts new students on a first come basis. Classes are limited to 10 students. Barefoot Midwifery applicants need to submit a registration form with a $150 deposit (see refund policy) and a resume
relevant to all past and present birth experience. This should include all education (including workshops), present occupation, and how many if any births attended and in what year you attended them. If you are an apprentice – a recommendation
letter from your preceptor is required to be admitted to Level 2 without doing Level 1. Admissions deadline is 6 weeks prior to a module. Late registration is dependent on space availability.
PRE-REQUISITES – Level 1:
You must have a passion for serving women and one of the following to be admitted:
1. Doula training or are enrolled or are planning to enroll in a training prior to the first class at H & E
2. Taken previous Birth Assistant training (Example: MMAs)
3. Are in or have had an apprenticeship
4. Have a minimum of 2 years of college including some medical or women’s studies
5. Significant experience in birth or women’s health care
6. High School equivalency with 2 years of documented independent study with women or birth
PRE-REQUISITES – Level 2:
1. Have completed or are enrolled in Level 1
2. Have completed an equivalent program to Level 1 elsewhere
3. Have been an apprentice for at least 1 year attending a minimum of 10 births
4. Are a midwife
ACADEMIC COMPONENT
Students learn midwifery through an interactive, experiential, critical thinking model developing both traditional and biomedical skills focusing on birth as a normal process. This rigorous program offers small class sizes and the ability to learn how to provide high quality health care by combining the knowledge of evidence based medicine, modern medical skills, scientific research and traditional midwifery approaches to care for the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of the woman and her family.Students learn midwifery through an interactive, experiential, critical thinking model developing both traditional and biomedical skills focusing on birth as a normal process. This rigorous program offers small class sizes and the ability to learn how to provide high quality health care by combining the knowledge of evidence based medicine, modern medical skills, scientific research and traditional midwifery approaches to care for the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of the woman and her family.
CLINICAL COMPONENT
H&E offers limited clinical exposure. Students will need to do an apprenticeship either during or after the program before applying to become a CPM. Apprenticeships are the student’s responsibility. H&E has an excellent reputation with the New England Midwives and assists students, whenever, possible in this endeavor. No clinics or apprenticeships are directly affliated with Heaven and Earth Midwifery Programs and therefore Heaven & Earth is not liable for any student’s actions while in any clinical trainings or apprenticeships.
1. Students gain hands-on live & model experience in class developing medical skills
2. Students connect with a local midwife or practitioner who does births and shadow her for
in office care during their first year.
3. We encourage and assist students in acquiring an apprenticeship by the end of their first year.
BIRTHS
If a student misses a class because s/he is attending a birth it will not be counted against attendance requirements if they bring in proof of attendance either from their preceptor, mother, or hospital. The student should talk with the instructor to make up work missed and write a 1 page paper on something they learned at that birth relevant to the topic being discussed in class that day. Students are allowed to make up any classes missed for a birth for no charge as long as the class is taken in the next cycle it runs.
LEGALITIES
Direct Entry Midwives (non-nursing, apprenticeship model) are governed by the individual state or province in which one practices. Laws and regulations vary from state to state. Students interested in becoming a Direct Entry Midwife should check with the local midwifery organization of the state/s they wish to practice in to learn about the laws which will affect them.
MODULES
TO PASS A MODULE
1. 80% attendance
2. 70% overall grade
3. Minimum of 70% on final exam grade
4. Have met all financial obligations
Should you fail a module you will be required to repeat the module at your expense and you will be put on Academic Probation
GRADUATION & CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
- Pass all practicals
- Complete all modules with a cumulative of 80%
- Have at least 80% attendance
- Receive a recommendation from the faculty
- Have met all financial obligations
- Have a current adult & infant CPR & neonatal resuscitation certificate
GENERAL POLICIES:
ACADEMIC PROBATION
Academic probation is a tool to identify students who need academic assistance. Students who do not have a cumulative grade of 70 for any module will be put on probation and will be required to retake the module at their expense. If a student is on academic probation and they fail a second module they will be dismissed from the program.
ATTENDANCE
Students are required to attend all classes. If a student will not be able to attend class or knowingly will be late s/he should call 978-534-1319 and inform the instructor. If attendance falls below 80% students will receive non-passing grade unless special arrangements have been made with the instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to make up all missed work.
AUDITING
Students who wish to take classes without being responsible for assigned work may audit. Audited courses are not graded and therefore are not eligible for a certificate. Auditing students who attend 80% of classes may request a transcript.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Students who receive a Certificate of Completion are entitled to transcripts, references and referrals.
CHANGES
Heaven & Earth reserves the right to cancel, make changes to courses, modules, schedules, instructors, policies or fees subject to state and federal law. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Heaven &Earth does not accept liability for typographical errors.
CHANGE IN STATUS
If a student has a change in name, address, phone number or e-mail, it is the responsibility of the student to notify Heaven & Earth in writing as soon as possible.
CHILDREN
Quiet, non-mobile babies are allowed in class. Mobile babies and young children are NOT allowed in class unless previous arrangements have been made. We recommend that if you have an older infant or young child that you feel you need to bring, that you have someone else accompany you to care for the child elsewhere. Nursing babies may be brought in for lunch or at break.
CLINICAL
In order to apply to become a Certified Professional Midwife students are required to do a minimum of a one year preceptorship with a practitioner that does births. A minimum of ten births must be done in the home. It is the responsibility of the student to acquire a preceptorship/apprenticeship. H&E assist the student with names, referrals and references only.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
Prohibited conduct:
1) Violation of published regulations or policies
2) Intentional or reckless acts that cause physical harm or offensive contact
3) Willful harassment, abuse, intimidation of any person
4) Any act that directly or indirectly affects the health, welfare or safety of others
5) Intentional or substantial interference with freedom of speech
6) Intentional behavior that results in a false report, warning, or threat of fire, explosion, or emergency
7) Intentional or reckless interference with normal sponsored activities
Intentional or reckless destruction or damage to the property of others
9) Theft of property
10) Unauthorized distribution, use or possession of any controlled substance, including alcohol or illegal drugs.
11) All forms of academic dishonesty
12) An act which jeopardizes the interests of the Heaven & Earth community, even when such acts are committed off site
13) Monopolizing a class discussion
14) Breach of confidentiality
DRESS CODE/BEHAVIOR
As a student/apprentice you represent present and future midwives. Students are entering a medical profession and should dress and act appropriately in the classroom and in the community. Students and faculty should be appropriately dressed at all times. Dress should be clean, and reflect professionalism; no cleavage, shorts, skirts above the knees, skin tight clothing or provocative clothes are allowed in the classroom or clinic areas. Profanity and hurtful, abusive, or discriminatory language is forbidden. Students who are in clinic should respect the sensibility, customs and mores of the local community and clinic sites. Many preceptorships/apprenticeships forbid jeans.
E-MAILs
Students who send information by e-mail are responsible for making sure we received it. H&E will send you a return e-mail stating we received any e-mail related to policy.
EXAMS
Students must have a minimum of 70 on any exam or quiz to pass. Students who have less than 70 may retake an exam/quiz. Retake of final exams will be penalized 5 points.
GRADES VALUES
A= 94-100/ 4.00; A- = 90-93/3.75
B+ = 87-89/3.50; B = 84-86/3.00; B- = 80-83/2.75;
C+= 77-79/ 2.50; C= 74-76/ 2.00; C- = 70-73/1.7
GRADE REPORTS: are issued at the end of each module.
GRIEVANCE
All students have the right to have any complaints heard in an appropriate forum as quickly as possible. A student is first directed to the party with whom the complaint is held. If no resolution is achieved in this manner, the student should next direct her grievance to the Director. If necessary, a Grievance Committee is convened. The Committee will consist of a faculty, student and administrator or midwife who are not involved in the grievance. Consensus by the Committee defines the outcome.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
We make every effort to run class. We recommend you plan to stay overnight in the area if the forecast calls for bad weather. If bad weather is predicted for the weekend you should call 978-534-1319 before leaving home; there will be a message on our answering machine by 7:00 am stating if the class has been canceled. If there is a travel advisory or an ice storm– class is usually canceled. If class is being held and a student feels uncomfortable driving in the weather condition they should stay home. H&E believes a student’s safety comes first. Students are allowed to make up any classes missed for bad weather for no charge as long as the class is taken in the next cycle that it is run. If H&E calls off a class, they will reschedule a make-up class. Classes missed for bad weather are not counted against attendance policy; however, students are required to make up all work.
INCOMPLETE
An incomplete will be given when a student is not able to complete all requirements by the end of the program/module. A student must request in writing an incomplete prior to the end of the program/module. This document must list why the student is requesting an incomplete and how the student plans to complete the program/module including a deadline for completion. Incompletes must be completed within three months.
lATE PAYMENTS
If you miss class, payments need to be postmarked no later than the Tuesday following the weekend class is held, unless prior arrangements have been made. There is a $25 fee for late payments.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Request for a leave of absence may be granted for medical, personal, financial, or academic reasons
Emergency leaves for a short period may be granted in case of serious illness or death in the family. Students who take an emergency leave may make up these classes at no cost as long as they have paid for the program and retake the classes within one year. Time missed will be counted as part of the class attendance requirements. Students are required to give advanced written notice. Maximum time granted for a leave of absence is one module. If a student has taken part of a module and then request a leave of absence, other than for an emergency leave, will be required to retake the whole module. Students may retake the missed module for no cost as long as they have already paid for the module and retake it the next cycle it runs. Students who do not return to the program within one year will be required to retake the whole program with no discount. Students who take a leave of absence follow the same refund policy as when they entered the program initially. Students may request an extension in extenuating circumstances.
Students who return after a leave of absence will be required to meet any new requirements for graduation.
MAKE UP CLASSES
Students who miss a class and have less than a 20% absenteeism may retake the class for free if they take it in the next cycle it runs. Students who miss more than 80% of class may make up classes for a $100 day. Students who fail a module must pay to re-take a module.
PETS
Pets are not allowed in class or on the property.
Heaven & Earth affirms the right of each person to observe significant religious holy days. Students need to inform their instructor of such circumstances prior to the date of absence and request the time off in writing. Students are responsible for the material covered; exams given on religious holidays may be rescheduled. Religious absences do not count against attendance requirements.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Heaven & Earth does not tolerate any form of sexual harassment. Such harassment presents a serious threat to the well being of the party being harassed and is considered unacceptable behavior. Sexual harassment can be defined as unwanted sexual behavior such as physical contact, verbal comments, or suggestions that adversely affect the learning/work environment of the individual. Heaven & Earth believes sexual harassment is an abuse of power and authority, not simply inappropriate sexual attention.
SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT
In accordance with state law and good health practices, smoking is not permitted in the building.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
TARDINESS
Students are expected to attend class on time. Students who are more than 15 minutes late three times are marked absent.
TRANSCRIPTS/REFERENCES
A request for a transcript/reference needs to be done in writing. Allow at least three weeks for your request to be processed. Include your name, address date of graduation/attendance and who you would like it sent to. Transcripts are issued only for completed modules/programs. Transcripts/references are honored once a student’s financial obligations are met. Transcripts are not sent via e-mail. You are allowed one free official transcript of each year you attended Heaven & Earth. There is a $10 fee for each additional transcript, paid in a money order or certified bank check.