See back-to-school consumer rights

The State Procon of Rio de Janeiro launched, this Monday (2), a booklet to answer the main questions about the rights of Brazilian consumers in relation to teaching contracts.

According to the body’s president, Cássio Coelho, the material brings clarifications to help when renewing the contract with schools, kindergartens, universities and other providers of educational services.

The most frequently asked questions about the list of school supplies, enrollment, rights of defaulting students, among others, were selected for the booklet.

“It is essential for consumers to be aware of their rights and, if they notice that they are not being respected, contact the state Procon”, says Coelho, in a note.

The complete guide can be accessed here.

Check out some tips from the Procon-RJ booklet

School supplies

1. The school can only ask students for adequate materials and in the amount necessary to carry out the activities provided for in their pedagogical plan.
2. It is forbidden to request material for collective use, such as hygiene and cleaning products and printer inks
3. Branding of school supplies is not allowed
4. The educational institution may offer those responsible for purchasing school supplies at the school itself. It is possible, in this case, to charge a material fee, but it must be informed in advance and accompanied by the list. The school cannot force this purchase at its establishment; the exception is the sale of handouts and own materials

Default and readjustment

1. The school cannot rescind (broken) the school contract due to default during the school year
2. The annuity adjustment can only be applied once a year, at the time of contract renewal

Disabled student

1. The institution cannot deny enrollment to students with disabilities or charge additional fees. The student will be entitled to specialized monitoring and support, with accessibility resources

Learn how to save on school supplies

• School supplies represent one of the most important expenses at the beginning of the year, a time when IPVA and IPTU payments also weigh heavily on your pocket.
• Here are some expert tips for finding the best prices and avoiding waste

Where to buy

• Research prices on the internet before shopping for school supplies
• Also consider the supermarket stationery department
• Evaluate expenses with travel and shipping (for internet purchases)
• Avoid buying items from street vendors to ensure product safety

Buy in group

• Gather other parents to buy items in bulk and get bigger discounts

Characters

• Materials with characters such as princesses and famous superheroes are more expensive
• The cost increases because the manufacturer had to spend to license these products
• The high price, in these cases, has nothing to do with the quality of the material used.

Take advantage of used material

• See if it is possible to reuse the textbooks of other students who advanced in the grade
• Repurpose crayons and other items that are still in good usable condition

Safety

• Read labels to ensure children’s safety
• Imported items deserve attention and must have information in Portuguese
• Do not buy products without a security seal, even if they are cheaper

^{Sources: Procon-SP and FGV-Ibre}