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PodsCool, Inc. ("PodsCool," "we," "us") runs a marketplace that connects independent educators ("Teachers") with families ("Parents" / guardians). These terms apply to everyone who uses PodsCool.
1. What PodsCool is — and isn't
In plain English: We're the marketplace that connects you — like an app store for learning pods. We're not the school, and we're not anyone's boss.
- PodsCool is a technology marketplace connecting independent Teachers with Parents. We are not a school, school district, childcare provider, or employer.
- We do not employ, supervise, or direct Teachers, and we do not monitor or control the pods (physical or digital learning environments).
- Parents are solely responsible for evaluating and choosing their child's Teacher. Teachers are solely responsible for the safety, quality, and delivery of their instruction.
2. How money works (the part both sides rely on)
In plain English: All tuition runs through PodsCool. Pods are billed at month-end, parents pay by the 7th, and teachers are paid on the 10th. If a parent doesn't pay, the teacher isn't paid and the student is unenrolled.
- Platform fee: PodsCool charges a 15% take-rate on all tuition processed through the platform; the Teacher keeps the remaining 85%.
- On-platform only: all payments run through PodsCool (Stripe). Taking direct, off-platform payments from families introduced through PodsCool is a material breach.
- Monthly timeline: pods are billed on the final day of each month; Parents have until the 7th to pay tuition due; PodsCool pays Teachers automatically on the 10th.
- No pay, no pay: if PodsCool does not receive a Parent's payment, the Teacher is not paid, the Parent is notified, and the student is unenrolled.
- Autopay & pro-ration: tuition is pro-rated and automated based on attendance — you only pay for the days enrolled. Autopay is recommended so a missed due date doesn't cost the seat.
- Chargebacks: a Parent is allowed one (1) chargeback before the account is suspended and placed under review. If you're unhappy, unenroll — don't charge back.
- ESA funds: if a Parent uses state Education Savings Account (ESA) funds, the Parent is solely responsible for confirming the services qualify under their state's rules. PodsCool is not responsible for funds rejected or audited by state regulatory bodies.
3. For Parents
In plain English: You pick the teacher and you pay on time. A dispute with a teacher is between you and them — not PodsCool.
- Choosing a Teacher: you evaluate, interview, and select your child's Teacher. Beyond the Verified badge, PodsCool does not guarantee teaching quality.
- Dispute release ("not our fight"): for any dispute with a Teacher regarding tuition, classroom behavior, safety, or academic performance, you release PodsCool, Inc. (and its officers, directors, and employees) from any and all claims, demands, and damages of every kind connected to such disputes.
- Payments: tuition is due by the 7th each month; one chargeback maximum; ESA eligibility is your responsibility (see Section 2).
4. For Teachers
In plain English: You're your own boss (an independent contractor) — you set your classes, prices, and schedule, and handle your own taxes. Keep payments on PodsCool and you're paid on the 10th.
- Independent contractor: you access PodsCool strictly as an Independent Contractor. Nothing here creates a partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship. You retain complete control over your teaching methods, curricula, schedules, and pricing.
- Your responsibilities: all local, state, and federal taxes, background-check fees, and your own business insurance. You are not eligible for any PodsCool employee benefits, workers' compensation, or unemployment insurance.
- Educational shield: you are solely responsible for the safety, quality, and delivery of your educational services and your learning environments.
- Payouts: must be processed natively through the PodsCool Stripe integration; bypassing the platform to take direct payments is a material breach and results in immediate account termination. Payout timeline is in Section 2.
- Indemnification: you agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless PodsCool, Inc. from any claims, lawsuits, liabilities, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from a dispute with a Parent, any physical injury during your instructional sessions, or your failure to comply with state education or ESA funding regulations.
5. Liability — applies to everyone
In plain English: If something goes wrong, PodsCool's total responsibility is capped at the fees you paid us in the last 3 months.
- To the maximum extent permitted by law, in no event shall PodsCool, Inc., its officers, or directors be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
- PodsCool's total cumulative liability to you (Parent or Teacher) for any claim shall not exceed the total platform fees you paid to — or that were collected by — PodsCool in the three (3) months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim.