Terms of Use – Phonics Playground

Effective Date: September 28, 2025

Owner/Provider: Education by Shala Books Inc.

1. About Phonics Playground

Phonics Playground is an interactive phonics learning platform provided by Education by Shala Books Inc. designed to help emergent and transitional readers build confident reading skills through scaffolded activities.

2. Account System

Creating an account allows you to access Phonics Playground learning zones, save progress, and manage your subscription. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and all activities that occur under your account.

3. Acceptable Use

You agree to use Phonics Playground appropriately. You must not:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Share account credentials with others
• Attempt to disrupt or compromise system security
• Use the services for commercial purposes without authorization
• Engage in harassment, abuse, or harmful behavior
• Create false or misleading accounts

4. Educational Purpose

Phonics Playground is designed for educational use. The tools are intended to:

• Support teaching and learning activities
• Assist with educational planning and resource creation
• Provide age-appropriate educational assistance

The services do not replace professional educational judgment, institutional policies, or curriculum requirements.

5. Account Management

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account information
• All activities that occur under your account
• Keeping your account information current and accurate
• Notifying us of unauthorized use of your account

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms.

6. Subscriptions and Payments

Phonics Playground offers various subscription plans and one-time purchases:

• Free Access: Basic access to select content with a free account
• Subscription Plans: Premium access to additional learning zones, features, and content
• One-Time Purchases: Individual eBook collections, PDF downloads, and assessment materials available through our shop

By subscribing or making a purchase, you agree to pay all applicable fees and authorize us to charge your payment method. All fees are non-refundable except as required by law or as explicitly stated in our refund policy.

7. Billing and Automatic Renewal

For subscription services:

• Subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless canceled
• You will be charged at the then-current subscription rate
• You must cancel before the renewal date to avoid being charged for the next period
• We will provide notice of any price changes in advance

You are responsible for keeping your payment information current and accurate.

8. Refunds and Cancellations

Subscriptions:

• You may cancel your subscription at any time
• Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period
• No refunds for partial months or unused time
• Access continues through the end of the paid period

One-Time Purchases:

• Digital products (eBooks, PDFs) are non-refundable once downloaded
• Refund requests for technical issues must be submitted within 7 days of purchase
• We reserve the right to issue refunds on a case-by-case basis

9. Pricing Changes

We reserve the right to modify our pricing at any time. For subscriptions:

• Price changes will not affect your current billing period
• We will notify you of price changes at least 30 days in advance
• Continued use after the price change constitutes acceptance of the new price
• You may cancel before the new price takes effect if you do not accept the change

10. Data and Privacy

Your use of Phonics Playground is governed by our Privacy Policy. Additional privacy terms may apply for specific zones. By using the services, you consent to the collection and use of information as described in the applicable privacy policies.

11. Intellectual Property

• Phonics Playground: The hub platform, design, and technology are owned by Education by Shala Books Inc.
• User Content: You retain ownership of content you create using our platform
• Limited License: You grant us a limited license to host, store, and process your content solely to provide the services
• Zone-Specific IP: Additional intellectual property terms may apply within individual zones

12. Third-Party Services

Phonics Playground may integrate with or link to third-party services including:

• Authentication providers (Supabase)
• External educational platforms
• AI services and tools

Your use of third-party services is governed by their respective terms and privacy policies.

13. Service Availability

We strive to provide reliable service but do not guarantee uninterrupted availability. We may:

• Perform maintenance that temporarily affects service
• Update or modify hub features
• Add new learning zones or discontinue existing ones
• Implement security measures that may affect access

14. Disclaimers

Phonics Playground is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We specifically disclaim:

• Warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
• Guarantees about the accuracy of AI-generated content
• Responsibility for educational outcomes or decisions based on tool use
• Liability for third-party service interruptions

15. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Education by Shala Books Inc. shall not be liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Loss of data, profits, or educational opportunities
• Damages arising from third-party services
• Issues arising from user-generated content

16. Children and Student Privacy

Phonics Playground takes student privacy seriously:

• Adult supervision may be required for student accounts
• Schools and educators must comply with applicable privacy laws (COPPA, FERPA, etc.)
• Parents and schools have rights regarding student data

17. Termination

Either party may terminate these terms:

• By You: Stop using the services and delete your account
• By Us: For violation of terms, with or without notice as legally permitted
• Effect: Termination ends your right to use Phonics Playground

18. Updates to Terms

We may update these terms to reflect:

• Changes in our services or features
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• New learning zone additions or modifications

Material changes will be communicated through the hub interface or by email to registered users.

19. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These terms are governed by the laws of British Columbia, Canada. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of British Columbia.

20. Contact Information

Education by Shala Books Inc.
Email: [email protected]

For questions about these terms, please contact us at the email address provided above.

21. Severability

If any part of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.