opportunities family handbook 2017-18 english v 2 child’s healthy development. we have many...
TRANSCRIPT
1
TableofContents
HEADSTARTPHILOSPHYANDPRINCIPLES.................................................4
HEADSTARTCENTERS................................................................................5
ADMINISTRATION......................................................................................6
PROGRAMANDSCHEDULEOPTIONSANDRULES.....................................7
CLASSROOMINFORMATIONANDPROGRAMRULES...............................15
CLASSROOMGUIDELINESANDINFORMATION........................................17
DRESSINGYOURCHILDFORSCHOOL.......................................................19
HEALTHINFORMATION............................................................................20
OPERATIONALPOLICIES...........................................................................22
PARENTINVOLVEMENT...........................................................................27
EMOTIONALWELLNESS...........................................................................31
DISABILITYSERVICES................................................................................33
2
WelcomefromOpportunitiesforWilliamson&BurnetCountiesHeadStartStaff!
DearParents,WelcometoOpportunitiesforWilliamson&BurnetCountiesEarly/HeadStartProgram.Wearedelightedyouchosetoenrollyourchildinourprogramthisyear.Youmaynothavethoughtaboutpreschoolinthisway,butthisisyourchild’sfirststeptowardattendingcollege!Opportunitiesisacenterbased,full-dayprogram.Ourhoursofoperationare7:30-4:00andweareopenMondaythroughFriday.Wehaveanopendoorpolicyandwelcomeparentstovisit/volunteeratanytimeduringouroperationalhours.DuallyenrolledstudentsparticipatingwithlocalISDmayfollowISDoperationalhours.Weknowthatyou,theparents,arethemostimportantpeopleinyourchild’slifeandthekeytoyourchild’shealthydevelopment.Wehavemanyopportunitiesforyoutobeinvolvedintheprogrambutfirst,weaskyou,asyourchild’sfirstandbestteacher,todothreethingsinsupportofyourchild’slearninganddevelopment:
• Besurethatyourchildisinschoolandontimeforeverydaythathe/sheisscheduled
• Participateinhomevisitsandparent/teacherconferences
• Readtoyourchildeverynight.Ifyoudon’thaveaccesstochildren’sbooks,wewillhelpyouwiththat!
Throughouttheyear,youwillreceivenotificationofotheropportunitiestoparticipateintheprogram.Thesemayinclude:
• Volunteeringinyourchild’sclassroomorintheprogram
• AttendingexcitingandinformativeSchoolReadinessEvents
• ServingonthePolicyCounciltoprovideinputonprogramdesignanddelivery
• Participatinginworkshopsandclassesthatofferinformationoneverythingfrompreparingnutritiousmealsonabudgettoparentingtechniquesandstrategies
3
Somechildrenwillbeattendingpreschoolattheirneighborhoodschool,buteveniftheyaren’t,weurgeyoutogetinvolvedinyourchild’sschool.Meettheprincipal,attendParent/Teacher(PTA/PTO)meetingsandgettoknowthekindergartenteachersbeforeyourchildfinishespreschool.Youwillbeshowingyourchildthateducationisimportantwhileshowingyourprincipalthatyoucare!Weareexcitedtohaveyouandyourchildasapartoftheprogramandlookforwardtoagreatyear!Sincerely,OpportunitiesHeadStartStaff
4
HEADSTARTPHILOSPHYANDPRINCIPLES
THEHEADSTARTDIFFERENCEHeadStarthelpspreparechildrenforsuccessinschoolandinlife.Childrenreceiveapositiveintroductiontoeducation,playingwithothers,eatingavarietyoffoodsandpracticinghealthyhabits.HeadStartbuildsconfidenceinchildrenandtheirparents.Parentsbecomeinvolvedintheirchildren’seducation,discovertheirownstrengthsandcontinuetodeveloptotheirfullestpotential.Nopersonwillbeexcludedfromreceivinganyprogrambenefitonthebasisofreligion,color,nationalorigin,sex,ageordisability.OpportunitiesforWilliamson&BurnetCountiesiscommittedtoprinciplesofequalopportunity.ItisaHeadStartpolicytoprovidesuppliesneededtoensureanappropriatelearningenvironmentwithinthelimitsofourbudget.
OpportunitiesHeadStartVision:Toprovidetheappropriateknowledgeandskillstomoldproductive,activeandsuccessfulmembersofsociety.
OpportunitiesSchoolReadinessVisionStatementHeadStartchildrenandfamilieswillbeschoolandlifeready.
OpportunitiesHeadStartMissionTomaintainaprogramofparentinvolvement,tostrengthenfamilygrowthanddevelopment,providehealth,nutritionalandcommunityservicesandreinforcethenaturalnurturinginstinct.
OpportunitiesHeadStartSchoolReadinessMissionStatementWewillprovidetoolsneededforchildrenandfamiliestosucceedinschoolandlifethroughpartnershipswithcommunityandfamilies.HeadStartprovidescomprehensivechilddevelopmentservicestochildren,ages0to5,andtheirfamilies.Servicesprovidedincludeeducational/schoolreadinessservices,disabilityservices,familysupportservices,mentalhealthservice,healthservices,andnutritionalservices.
5
HEADSTARTCENTERS
BagdadHeadStart0-5351NorthBagdadRoadLeander,Texas78641(512)259-9010,(512)259-7810Director:JulieLichtner
MarbleFallsEarlyHeadStart700AvenueTMarbleFalls,Texas78654(830)693-2887Director:AlethaLaterza
BartlettHeadStart0-5620WestClarkStreetBartlett,Texas76511(254)527-4645Director:ConnieGonzalezBurnetHeadStart0-5803N.VanderveerStreetBurnet,Texas78611(512)756-4777Director:MaishaJackson
MarbleFallsHeadStart0-5901AvenueUMarbleFalls,Texas78654(830)693-2887Director:AlethaLaterzaMaryBaileyHeadStart601NorthCollegeStreetGeorgetown,Texas78626(512)863-5259Director:LisaLechow
FlorenceHeadStart203AdamsStreetFlorence,Texas76527(254)781-4805Director:MariaChavez
RawleighElliottHeadStart0-5103HollyStreetGeorgetown,Texas78626(512)864-9733Director:KateAdams
HarrisRossHeadStart0-5303FergusonStreetTaylor,Texas76574(512)365-1070Director:DeboraTrejoHighlandLakesHeadStart8200WestFM1431GraniteShoals,Texas78654(830)598-7667Director:DebbieFeistHuttoHeadStart80MagerLaneHutto,Texas78634(512)642-3144Director:VeronicaValles
RoundRockHeadStart0-51001EastMainStreetRoundRock,Texas78664(512)255-4536Director:AngelaGannerTHJohnsonHeadStart3100DuckLaneTaylor,Texas76574(512)352-2275ext.834Director:AdrianaBalderas
6
ADMINISTRATION
604HighTechDriveGeorgetown,TX78626
(512)763-1400Fax:(512)763-1411
ExecutiveDirector………………………………………............................................................................TBD
HeadStart0-5ProgramDirector……………………………………………………………CharleneBurgess,M.Ed
HeadStart0-5QualityImprovementManager……………………………………………..LynoreSamford,BS
HeadStart0-5EducationCoordinator.....................................................................DenaYantz,BS
HeadStart0-5EducationCoordinator.......................................................VeronicaHunt,BS,E.Ed
HeadStart0-5Disability/HealthServicesCoordinator....................................BeckyElam,BS,CSD
HeadStart0-5FamilyandCommunityEngagementCoordinator………………..TanyaGraham,LSW
HeadStart0-5EmotionalWellnessFacilitator..................................................JimEllis,MA,LPC-S
HeadStart0-5ERSEACoordinator.....................................................................ClaudiaBarnes,BS
HeadStart0-5NutritionCoordinator.................................................EmilyO’Neil,MPH,RDN,LDN
HeadStart0-5DataAnalyst…………………………………………………………………………….……KimMuñoz,BS
7
PROGRAMANDSCHEDULEOPTIONSANDRULESAttendanceExpectations
• Childrenareexpectedtomaintaina90%attendancerate.• Yourchildwillbelearningsomethingeveryday!• Wewillassistyourchildwithnecessaryskillstoexcelinkindergarten,collegeand
beyond• CalltheCenterDirectorbefore10a.m.,ifyourchildwillbeabsentforanyreason.• ParentsofchildrenenrolledinbothHeadStartandtheISDarerequiredtobringanote
whentheyreturnfromanabsence.• FamilyAdvocateswillattempttocontactyou,ifyourchildisabsentandwearenot
notified.• Ifyourchildmissestwo(2)consecutivedayswithoutaphonecall,ahomevisitwillbe
made.• Whenachild’sattendancefallsbelowtheexpectationof90%,theCenterDirector,
FamilyAdvocateandFamilyCommunityEngagementCoordinator,willworkwiththefamilyanddetermineifanattendanceplanisnecessary.
• ExtendedabsencesandvacationsmustbediscussedandapprovedbytheCenterDirector.
• Ifitisnecessarytowithdrawyourchild,pleasesendnotificationtoyourCenterDirectorassoonaspossible.
Achildwhoattendsclasswithsignsandsymptomsofillness,orachildwhobecomesillinclass,willbeisolatedassoonaspossibleandtheparent/guardianwillbenotifiedtopickupthechild.Signsandsymptomsofillnessinclude:
• Temperatureonthermometerreads100°Funderthearm• Productivecough• Vomiting• Diarrhea• Sorethroat• Presenceofrashordrainingskineruptions• Watery,reddenedeyeswithdischarge• Unusualbehavior
Ifyourchildrequiresmedicaltreatment/medicationtheymayreturntoschoolwhenhe/shehascompleted24hoursofaprescribedmedication,24hoursfeverfree,oraMedicalProfessionalindicatesitissafetoreturn.
8
ClassroomArrivalandDeparture
• Allclassroomdoorsarelockedbetweenthehoursof9:00and3:00p.m.unlessISDhasa
differentschedule.• Youmustnotifythecenterifyourchildwillbelate.• Excessivetardinesscanresultinyourchildnotbeingallowedtoattendthatday.• Ifarrivingat9:00,orlateryoumustfirstsignchildinattheofficebeforetakingthemto
class.• Ifyouarriveafter9:00duetoanappointment,carissue,oranotherproblempreventing
youfromgettingyourchildtoschoolontimeandyourchildhasnothadbreakfasthe/shewillbeofferedbreakfastintheofficebuttheparentmustaccompanythechildduringthisbreakfasttime.
• Attheendoftheday,allchildrenmustagainbesignedoutfromtheclassroom.• Ifpickingupyourchildbefore3:00youmustcheckinattheofficeand/orfollowyour
individualcentersprocedures.• Allchildrenmustbepickedupby4:00p.m.HeadStartclassroomsthatareonISD
campuseswillfollowISDschedules.
LatePickUp
• Pleasecalltheofficeifyouthinkyouwillbelatepickingupyourchild.• Certainunforeseenemergenciesareexcusable,butthestaffneedstobeinformedof
yoursituation,assoonaspossible.• Ifaparentarrivestopickuptheirchildafter4:00p.m.,theymustsignalatepickup
formthefirsttime.• Thesecondtime,theywillneedtogototheofficeandspeakwiththeCenterDirector.• ThethirdtimetherewillbeareferralmadetotheFamilyandCommunityEngagement
Coordinator,attheAdministrationOffice.• DayCareLicensingrequiresthatchildrenwhohavenotbeenpickedupby4:00(andthe
emergencycontactpersonslistedcannotbereached),ChildProtectiveServicesorthePoliceDepartmentmaybecalled.
9
ReleaseofChild
Inordertoensurethesafetyofyourchild,achildwillonlybereleasedfromthecenterorthebustothechild’sparentorguardianordesignatedpersonindicatedontheMedicalandEmergencyInformationCard.
• WECANNOTDOARELEASEOFCHILDOVERTHEPHONE.
• ApictureIDwillberequiredfromanyoneontheemergencycard.
• Courtdocumentsmustbeonfileifaparentisrestrictedfrompickingupachildbecauseofcustodyissues.
• Ifnolegaldocumentsareonfile,wewillconsiderbothparentsashavingrightsofaccesstothechild.
• Intheeventofthepersonwhoispickingupyourchildissuspectedofbeingundertheinfluence,theCenterDirectorwillcontactanotheradultontheemergencycontactlisttopickupthechildduetoconcernsforthechild’ssafety.IfaproblemarisestheHeadStartDirectorandPoliceDepartmentwillbenotifiedimmediately.
• Parentsmustgivepermissionforachildtobereleasedtoasiblingundertheageof18.
Pleaseremember,asofSeptember2009,allchildrenundertheageofeight(8)andshorterthan4feet9inchesmustbeinacarseatorboostertorideinavehicle.ChangeofInformationWheneverthereisachangeinaddress,phone,emergencycontact,healthprovider,healthcondition,work/schoolschedule,familysituationorotherpertinentinformation,weaskthatthisinformationbesubmitted,inwriting,assoonasthechangeoccurs.Itisessentialthatweareabletoreachyouoradesignatedadultatalltimes,incaseofanemergencysituation.Itisalsoimportantforustobeawareofanydramaticchangesortransitionsyourchildmaybeexperiencing.Thiswillenableustobesupportive,empathetic,andunderstandingofyourchild’sindividualneeds.ProgramPolicyChanges/NotificationsParentswillbenotifiedinwritingofanypolicychanges.Thiscanbedonebyletterssenthomewithyourchild,inthemonthlynewsletter,givenatparentmeetingsorbye-mail.Besuretocheckyourchild’sbackpackeachday.PoliciesandProceduresParentsarewelcometodiscussandreviewanyquestionsandconcernswiththecenterdirectorregardingOpportunitiesHeadStartPoliciesandProcedures.Acopycanbereviewedatyourlocalcenter.
10
SocialNetworkingIntheinterestofprotectingeveryone,especiallyourchildren,weaskyouNOTtopostphotos,videos,namesnorreferenceourEarly/HeadStartprogramonsocialmedia.SocialMediaincludes,butisNOTlimitedto,forumsandsocialnetworkingsites,suchasTwitter,Facebook,LinkedIn,YouTube,MySpace,Instagram,Snapchatoranyothers.NewslettersParentswillreceiveacenternewslettereachmonthduringtheschoolyear.Newsletterswilldescribeclassroomactivities,fieldtrips,parentingtips,HeadStartnews,homeactivitysuggestions,andagency/centerannouncementsandactivities.Pleasereadthisnewsletteraspartofyourparentresponsibilities.Thenewsletterwillalsolistjobopeningswhenavailable.DrugFree,SmokeFree,GangFreeandFirearmFree
Early/HeadStartcentersoperateahealthyenvironmentthatisfreefromalcohol,illicitdrugs,firearmsandsecondhandsmoke.Thisprogramtakesallnecessaryprecautionstokeepyourchildsafewhileinourcare.Noviolentactivity(verbalorphysical)organgrelatedactivitywillbetolerated.
AnimalsatSchool• Anyanimalpresentatthefacilitywillbeingoodhealth,shownoevidenceofcarrying
anydisease,andwillbeanappropriatecompanionforthechildrenintheclassroom.• Childrenwillbesupervisedatalltimeswhenhandlinganimals.• Staffwillwashhandsbefore&afterhandlinganimalsandwhenhandlinganimalwastes.
Childrenwillwashhandsafterhandlinganimals.• Parentswillbenotifiedinwritingofthepresenceofanimalsinthechildcarecenterand
classroomandwillnotifystaffofanyknownallergiestoanimals.• Thefollowinganimalswillnotbepermittedintheclassrooms:chickens,fish,pistachio
birds(parrotfamily),ferrets,lizards,iguanas,turtles,frogsandtoads,snakesandducks.Theclassroommayconsideranexceptionforreptilesif:(a)theanimaliskeptbehindaglasswallinatankorcontainerwhereachildcannottouchtheanimalortheinsideofthetank,and(b)thehealthdepartmentgrantsauthority.
• MoreinformationregardinganimalscanbefoundinourPolicyandProcedureManual.
TransportationOpportunitiesHeadStartdoesnotprovidetransportationtoandfromourcenters.
11
FieldTripsOpportunitiesHeadStartallowsHeadStartchildren(age4andup)toattendfieldtrips.Fieldtripscanoftenbevaluableactivitieswhentheyarelinkedtothecurriculum.Whenfieldtripsareprovided,theyshouldbedesignedandimplementedtoaddresseducationalandsocializationobjectivesforHeadStartchildren.FieldtripsmustbeapprovedbytheProgramDirector.FieldtripproceduresarelistedinthePolicyandProceduremanual.EmergencyClosingsIntheeventofanemergencyorsevereweather,allcenterswillfollowtheclosinginstructionsoftheirlocalschooldistrict.Whenbadweathercausesearlydismissalorcancellationofclasses,parentsareresponsibleforpickinguptheirchild.PLEASENOTE:IntheeventofasevereemergencyHeadStartCenterswillfollowevacuationinstructionsprovidedbytheLocalLawenforcementagencies.CrisisandEmergencyActionPlanIntheeventofacrisissituationsuchastornado,fire,earthquakeorcivildisturbance:Nochildwillbereleasedfromschoolunlessaparent/guardianordesignatedemergencycontactpersoncomesforhim/herandhasproperidentification.Allparents/guardianswhocomefortheirchildmustsignthemoutintheclassroomortemporaryreleasestation.TemporaryreleasestationsarelistedintheCenterDirectorsofficeandeachclassroom.Wearepreparedtocareforyourchildrenintimesofcriticalsituations.StaffhasbeentrainedinCPRandFirstAidandtheyareallawareoftheMajorandMinorMedicalEmergencyProcedures.StaffwillstaywiththechildrenatalltimesandwillseekassistancefromEMS/911,HospitalEmergencyDepartments,PoisonControlandLocalPolice.Pleasedonotcallthecenterforacitywideemergencyevent.Wemusthavephonelinesopenforemergencycalls.
• Followingacrisissituation,donotimmediatelydrivetothecenter.Streetsmustremainclearforemergencyvehicles.
• TurnonyourTV/Radiotoalocalstationforfurtherinstructionsanddirections.
• Staffwillcontacttheparentaslistedonthechild’semergencycontactinformationlocatedontheEmergencyInformationcard.IfnecessarystaffwillgowiththechildtotheEmergencyDepartmentandstayuntilaparentarrives.
• TheAdministrativeOfficeandDayCareLicensingwillbenotifiedbytheCenterDirectorandviaanincidentreportasnecessary.
• EachCenterhasanevacuationplananditwillbepostedinthecenter’smainofficeandwillbereviewedwithyouatOrientation.
12
ComplaintProceduresandConcerns
WhenEarly/HeadStartparentsoranyothermemberofthecommunityhasacomplaintabouttheprogram,theproceduresdescribedbelowwillbefollowed:
1. PuttheprobleminwritinganddiscusswithCenterDirector.
2. CenterDirectorwillprovidewrittenresponsewithinfiveworkingdays.
3. Ifnotresolved,presentcomplaintinwritingtoHeadStartDirector,at604HighTechDrive,Georgetown,Texas78626.
4. HeadStartDirectorhasfiveworkingdaystorespondinwriting.
5. Ifnotresolved,presentcomplaintinwritingtoExecutiveDirectorataboveaddress.
6. ExecutiveDirectorhasfiveworkingdaystorespondinwriting.
7. Ifnotresolved,presentcomplainttoPolicyCouncil,theyhavefivedaystorespondinwriting.
8. Ifnotresolved,presentcomplainttoBoardofDirectors,theyhavefiveworkingdaystorespondinwriting.
9. TheBoardofDirectorsisthefinalhearingbodywiththeprogramstructure.
DisciplineandGuidance
Disciplinemustbe:• Individualizedandconsistentforeachchild• Appropriatetothechild’slevelofunderstanding• Directedtowardteachingthechildacceptablebehaviorandself-control,notpunishing
unacceptablebehaviors.
Theremustbenoharsh,cruel,orunusualtreatmentofanychild.Thefollowingtypesofdisciplineandguidanceareprohibited:
1. Corporalpunishmentorthreatsofcorporalpunishment;2. Punishmentassociatedwithfood,naps,toilettraining,orprogramactivitywhethera
dangertoselforother3. Pinching,shaking,orbitingachild4. Hittingachildwithahandorinstrument5. Puttinganythinginoronachild’smouth6. Humiliating,ridiculing,rejecting,oryellingatachild7. Subjectingachildtoharsh,abusive,orprofanelanguage8. Placingachildinalockedordarkroom,bathroom,orclosetwiththedoorclosed9. Requiringachildtoremainsilentorinactiveforinappropriatelylongperiodsoftimefor
thechild’sage.
13
PROCEDURE:Acaregivermayusemethodsofdisciplineandguidancethatencourageself-esteem,self-control,andself-direction,andteachpositivebehaviorexpectations.Caregiversteachchildrenpositivebehaviorsandsocialskills;skillsthatencouragesself-esteem,self-control,andself-direction,whichincludeatleastthefollowing:(REPETITIVE?)
• Providingpredictablevisualschedulesandroutines.• Providingvisual,insideandoutside,ruleschartsstatingwhatgoodbehaviorsare
expectedofeachindividualintheclassroom.• Teachingchildrenwhatbehaviorsareexpectedofthemduringdifferentactivitiesand
routineswithintheclassroom.• Dailyremindingchildrenofpositivebehaviorexpectations.• Usingpraiseandacknowledgmentofgoodbehaviors.• Teachingchildrengoodmanners.• Teachingchildrenhowtoberespectfulofotherswhileassertivelyexpressingtheirown
needsandideas.• TeachchildrenhowtoappropriatelyASKforthingsorforhelp.• Redirectingchallengingbehaviorbytellingchildrenwhattheyshouldbedoing,instead
ofwhattheyshouldstopdoing.• Teachingchildrenemotionalrecognitions,inthemselvesandothers,andemotional
vocabulary.• Teachingchildrentorecognizewhentheyaregetting,angry,frustrated,oroverly
excited;stop;engageinself-calmingskills;andthenusingproblemsolvingorconflictresolutionskillstoresolvethesituation.
• Settingupasafetyzone(asafesupervisedarea)whereachildcangotocalmdownwhentheyareangry,frustrated,overlyexcited,orupset.Teachandcoachchildrenhowtoutilizethesafetyzonetocalmdownandthenreturntoclassroomactivitieswhentheyareready.
• Teachingchildrenproblemsolvingandconflictresolutionskills.• Coachingchildrenonusingproblemsolvingandconflictresolutionskills.• Usingbriefsupervisedseparationortimeoutfromthegroup,whenappropriateforthe
child’sageanddevelopment,whichislimitedtonomorethanoneminuteperyearofthechild’sageordevelopmentallevel.(appropriateforchildren3-5only)
Never,underanycircumstances,willadultsoftheHeadStartprogramscream,hit,threatenorinanyotherwayphysicallyorverballyabuseormisuseanychildintheircare.
14
DayCareLicensingAcopyofthelastDayCareLicensinginspectionispostedontheparentbulletinboard.Parentsareencouragedtoreviewthe“DayCareLicensingStandardsHandbook”whichislocatedintheparentareaandtheDirector’sOfficeandcanbefoundonlineathttps://www.dfps.state.tx.us.ThenumberforyourlocalRepresentativeislocatedontheemergencyphonenumberlistintheDirectorsofficeandineachclassroom.Thehotlinenumbershouldbeusedifthelicensingrepresentativecannotbereached.Thisnumberis1-800-252-5400.TheTexasDepartmentofFamilyandProtectiveserviceshasawebsitethathasadditionalinformationlistedpertainingtoChildCarelicensing.Thiswebsiteishttps://www.dfps.state.tx.usChildAbuseandNeglect,PreventingandReportingPolicyOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesmust,bylaw,reportanysuspectedcasesofsexualabuse,childabuse,orneglecttothecounty’sChildProtectiveServicesDepartment.Ifyoususpectyourchildisbeingabusedorneglectedwhileinourprogramoranywhereelse,youshouldimmediatelycontactTexasDepartmentofFamilyandProtectiveServicesattheirChildAbuseHotlineat1-800-252-5400orathttps://www.txabusehotline.org
AllstaffaretrainedannuallyonTexasDFPSChildCareMinimumStandardsandpreventionandrespondingtoabuseandneglectofchildren.OpportunitiesHeadStartprovidesstafftrainingregardingpossibleidentificationandwarningsignsofchildabuseandneglect.Parentsaregiveninformationregardingchildabuseandneglectatorientationandparentmeetings.
15
CLASSROOMINFORMATIONANDPROGRAMRULESTheHeadStartprogramisdesignedtomeeteachchild’sindividualneedsandtheeducationalprioritiesofthecommunity.Everychildisofferedavarietyoflearningexperiencesdesignedtofosterphysical,social,emotionalandcognitivegrowthandtodevelopanappreciationforethnicandculturaldiversity.Theyareencouragedtoexpresstheirfeelings,developgoodfeelingsaboutthemselvesandtogetalongwithotherchildrenandadults.
Classroomsizeconsistsofamaximumof17-20childrenperHeadStartclassroomand8childrenperEarlyHeadStartClassroom.
SampleDailyScheduleinHeadStartisasfollows:
7:30-8:00 Arrival,MeetandGreet8:15-9:00 Breakfast,Toothbrushing,Transitions9:00-9:15 Circletime/LargegroupMeeting9:15-10:15 CenterTime/SmallGroupInstructionTime10:15-10:45 CircleTime/LargeGroupMeeting10:45-11:30 OutsideTime11:30-12:00 Restroom/CognitiveTransitions12:00-12:30 Lunch12:30-1:00 Circletime/Literacy1:00-2:00 Resttime(Resttimeforthe3yr.oldsis11/2hr.)2:00-2:15 SnackTime2:15-3:15 CenterTime/SmallGroupTime3:15-3:45 OutsideTime/EducationalActivities3:45-4:00 ClosingCircleTime/ReflectionTime
SampleDailyScheduleatEarlyHeadStartisasfollows:
7:30-8:30 ChildDirectedActivities/Diaperchange/HealthCheck/withparentpresent8:30-9:00 Breakfast/BrushTeeth9:00-9:45 ChildDirectedActivities/SensoryActivities9:45-10:00 Potty/Diaperchange*10:00-10:45 OutsideTime/EducationalActivities10:45-11:00 StoryTime/Music&Movement11:00-11:15 Diapers/Potty*11:15-12:00 Lunch/BrushTeeth12:00-2:00 Nap2:00-3:15 Snack/Diaperchange/Potty*–Literacy–Music&Movement3:15-4:00 ChildDirectedActivities/Departure*Diaperswillbechangedasneeded**BabieswillnapandbefedondemandNochildwillbemadetonap,althoughresttimeisencouraged.
16
CurriculumOpportunitiesHeadStart(0-5years)implementstheCreativeCurriculumwhichconsistsofindividualized,well-plannedunitsthatpromotelanguage,literacy,math,science,creativearts,socialemotionaldevelopment,andphysicalhealth.Itpromotesgoodhealthandnutritionalhabits,personalsafetyhabitsandself-helpskills.WeuseadditionalcurriculasupportssuchasFrogStreet,OWL,SHINEandEnergyBalancetosupplementthechildren’slearningexperience.Eachclassroomconsistsofcenterswherechildrenlearnandplay.Someofthecentersarelistedhere:Construction,Pretend/Learn,Art/Creativity,Computer,Library/Listening,ABC,Writing,Sensory/Discovery,Math/Science,MusicandMovement.ScreeningsEarly/HeadStartisrequiredtoprovidedevelopmental,healthandeducationalscreeningstoallchildrenenrolledwithinourprogram.Early/HeadStartisrequiredtoreceiveparentalpermissionandinformparentspriortoscreenings.Screeningswilltakeplacewithin45calendardaysofthefirstdayofattendance.Childrenreceivescreeningsrelatingtospeech,language,developmentalskills,socialemotionaldevelopment,vision,hearing,heightandweight.Resultsofyourchild’sscreeningsarekeptconfidentialandprovidedtoyou.IfyourefuseconsentforHeadStarttocompleterequiredscreenings,arefusalformmustbesignedanditwillbeyourresponsibilitytoprovidethescreeningresultswithinthe45dayrequirement.OutcomesYourchild’sprogresswillbeassessedthroughouttheschoolyearusingthedevelopmentaldomainsoflearning.Teachersworkwithyourchildtocompletechecklists,ratingscalesandrecordobservations.Resultsfromtheseassessmentsaresharedwithyouthroughouttheyearandalsoareusedtoplaneducationalexperiencesbasedonchildren’sstrengths,needs,andinterests.HomeVisitsandParent-TeacherConferencesHeadStartchildrenandfamilieswillreceive2homevisitsand2parentteacherconferencesthroughouttheyear.EarlyHeadStartwillhavemonthlyparentconferences.Parentteacherconferences/homevisitshelptokeeptheparentsorguardiansinformedofthechild’sprogress,behavior,social,andphysicalneeds.Pleasebeconsiderateofstafftime.Ifhomevisitsneedtobecancelledorrescheduled,pleasecallthestaffmemberwithwhomthehomevisitisscheduled.
17
CLASSROOMGUIDELINESANDINFORMATION
• Smokingonschoolgroundsisnotallowed.
• OpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesprohibitsweaponsofanykindonschoolproperty,atschoolevents,theCentralOffice,orotherpropertywherethecarrying,bringing,using,orpossessionofaweaponcreatesinthedeterminationofOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiespersonnel,athreattothechildren,families,stafforothers.
• OpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesencourageshealthychildren’sfoodhabitsinthecurriculum.Eatingcandy,chewinggum,ordrinkingbeverages(otherthanmilkorwater)whenintheclassroomisnotallowed.
• Yourchildmaybringasecurityitem,suchasablanketorstuffedanimal,foruse,asnecessary.
• Labelallitemsbroughttoschool(hats,coats,mittens,extraclothing,blankets,etc.)
• Whenvolunteering,pleasepermittheteachingstafftotakecareofdisciplinematters,evenwhenitinvolvesyourchild.
• Obscenitiesorotherinappropriate/negativewordsorgesturesarenotallowedintheclassroom.
• Ifyoudriveyourchildtoschool,youmustbringthechildintotheclassroomandsignthemin.Childrenarenottocomeinalone.Pleaseadviseanyonebringingyourchildtotheclassroomofthispolicy.Pleaseparkindesignatedareas.Infantsmustberemovedfromcarriersuponarrivaltotheclassroom.Pleasedonotleavesiblingsunattendedinthecaratdropoffandpickup.
• Childrencannotbeacceptedintheclassroompriortoscheduledclassroomtimeandmustbepickeduppromptlyatthecompletionofclass.
• Pleasecompletethesign-inandsign-outsheets.
• Staffmemberswillspeakwithyouregardingyourownchild.Confidentialitydoesnotpermitstafforparentstotalkaboutotherchildrenorfamilies,toparents,communityvolunteers,orothers.
• OpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesdoesnotpermitteachingstafftogiveouttheirhomeorcellnumbers.Theyareavailableforphonecallsintheclassroombeforeorafterclass.Askthecenterdirectororclassroomteacherforthebesttimetocall.
• Parentsmaycallthecenterofficeduringclasstime,ifyouneedtorelayamessageaboutyourchildtotheteacher.
18
• ProfessionalboundariesbetweenstaffandfamiliesenrolledinOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesEarly/HeadStartprogramsmustbemaintainedatalltimes.Staffwillrespectthedifferencesbetweenprofessionalrelationshipsandfriendships,andstrictlyadheretotheformer.
• InHeadStartfamiliesandstaffareencouragedtosharetheircustoms(contributionofsongs,storiesandtraditions)whenrelevanttotheclassroomcurriculum.Holidaycelebrationsmustbeappropriateandmeaningfulforallchildren.Ourholidaycelebrationswillbesupportiveandrespectfulofallfamiliesandwillincludeeducationalactivitiesthatcombinefunwithlearningforchildren.
• Wedonothaveend-of-yeargraduationceremonies;instead,ofgraduationceremoniescenterscanrecognizethechildrenandfamilieswithacelebrationandorpicnicattheendoftheprogramyearinJuneorJuly.
Familiesarenotallowedtobringfoodintotheclassroomtocelebratebirthdaysorspecialcelebrations,asmanyofthesefoodsbroughttoschooldonotcomplywithUSDAdirections.(UnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture)
19
DRESSINGYOURCHILDFORSCHOOL
• Labelyourchild’sclothingandbackpack.ASharpieoraballpointpenwilleasilydothetrick.
• Dressfortheweather:InTexas,thatisoftenhardtopredict.Justkeepinmindthatwegooutsideeverydayunlessweatherissevereenoughtopreventus.
• Dressforwork,whichinachild’scaseisplay!
• Yourchildwillgetmessy,sodon’tdresstheminclothingyoudon’twanttogetruinedorstained.
• Makesureyourchildhasanextrasetofclothingatschool.
• Avoidbeltsorhardbuttonsthatmakeusingthebathroommoredifficultforyourchild.
• Dressinsafeshoes--Opentoes,openbacks,flip-flops,slipperysoles,cowboybootsandhighheeledshoesarenotsafeforschool.Fullyclosedshoes,likesneakersortennisshoesarebest.
• Don’tallowclothesthatmaybeasafetyrisklikethosewithhangingstringsorcordsthatcouldgetcaughtorcanmakethemmorelikelytotriporfall.
• Jewelrycangetlost.Ifitisvaluable,leaveitathome.
20
HEALTHINFORMATION
Yourchild’sstateofhealthimpactshis/hertotaldevelopmentandabilitytobenefitfromthetotalEarly/HeadStartexperience.Ourprogramgoalsaretoassurethateachchildisinoptimalhealth,thatpreventativehealthmeasuresaretaken,andthatfollow-uptreatmentandservicesareobtainedforanyhealthconditiondetected.PleaseinformyourCenterDirectorofanyallergiesorhealthconditionsthatwillhaveanimpactonyourchildatschool.
Early/HeadStartrequireseachchildtohaveacompletedphysicalexam,acurrentimmunizationrecord,TBscreeningQuestionnaire,resultsofbloodleadtest,hemoglobinscreening,anddentalexamswithpreventativecleaningandoraleducation.HeadStartwillprovidevisionandhearingscreenings,andmeasuretheirheightandweight,iftheyarenotnotedonthechild’srecentphysicalform.
Thefollowingarehealthexamsandrecordsthatparentsareresponsibleforobtaining.• StatementofHealth
AllchildrenmusthaveaStatementofHealthfromaMedicalProfessionalstatingtheycanattendachildcarecenterperlicensingrequirements.
• CompletePhysicalexamInaddition,allchildrenmusthaveacurrentexamonfileandremainuptodatethroughouttheyear
• AdditionalHealthScreenings-BloodleadtestwithresultsandLeadScreeningQuestionnaire-Hemoglobintestwithresults-TBskintestswithresultsortheTBscreeningquestionnaire
• UptodateimmunizationrecordAllchildrenmustbeuptodateonimmunizationsbeforebeingallowedtoattendschool.HeadStartfollowstheCenterforDiseaseControls(CDC)immunizationscheduleandrecommendations,aswellasTheTexasMinimumStateVaccineRequirementsforChild-Carefacilities.
Ifyouchoosenottohaveyourchildimmunized,foranyreason,youmustapplyforanexemptionfromtheDepartmentofStateHealthService.Wemusthavetheoriginalnotarizedcopyonfileforyourchildtostartschool.Ifanoutbreakofavaccinepreventablediseasehappensatyourcenter,yourchildwillbeexcludedfromschoolbythelocalhealthdepartment,untilfurthernotice.
• UptodateDentalExamEachchildmusthaveadentalexambeginningatage6monthsperformedbyadentist.Dentalexamsarevalidfor6months.
Ifadditionalservicesortreatmentareneeded,asaresultoftheabovescreenings,parentsshouldworkwithprovidersandEarly/HeadStarttoensurethatallnecessaryservicesarereceived.
21
MedicalHomeandMedicalInsuranceOneoftheHeadStartgoalsistomakesurethatallHeadStartchildrenhaveanongoingandaccessiblesourceofhealthcare.Therefore,allchildrenwillberequiredtohaveasourceofmedicalinsurance.TheFamilyAdvocatewillassistyouinapplyingforMedicaidorCHIPifneeded.ReferralsrequestingservicesforchildrenandtheirfamiliesmaycomefromHeadStartstaffand/orparents.HeadStartmustreceiveaReleaseofInformationAuthorizationfromparents/guardiansbeforesharinganyinformationwithanyoutsidecommunityagency.Anyinformationisconsideredconfidential.Staffwillfollow-upwithfamiliesregardingtheirsatisfactionwithreferrals. PreventativeExamsandScreeningsEverychildisrequiredtostaycurrentonwellchildanddentalexamsaccordingtotheEPSDTSchedule(EarlyPeriodicScreeningDiagnosticTreatment).Acourtesyreminderwillbesenthome,butpleaserememberthatyouareresponsibleforobtainingandprovidinghealthexamstoyourcenterdirector.Pleaserespondtoanywrittennoticesbyinformingstaffwhenappointmentshavebeenmade.PleasebringaHeadStartphysicalanddentalformtoyourappointmentsforyourproviderstocompleteandthenreturnthemtothecenter.FormsareavailableintheCenterDirectorsofficeoronlineatwww.opportunitiesforwbc.org,clickonservices.Intheeventthataphysical/dentalvisitisnotcomplete,aparentmustfilloutaLetterofIntentforhealthscreenings/treatment.HealthyHabits/HygieneHealthyHabitsareestablishedintheclassroomduringdailyroutines(handwashing,toothbrushing,etc.)andotherroutinesthathelpreducethespreadofillness.Accidents/Injuries/MedicalEmergenciesAllstaffmembersaretrainedinfirstaid.Minorinjuries(bumps,scrapes,bruises)willbereportedtoparentsbyourIncident-Illness-Behaviorform,whichwillbesenthomewithyourchild.
Shouldyourchildbeinvolvedinamedicalordentalemergency,ourstaffistrainedtofollowthestepsinouremergencyplanofaction.Adecisionwillbemadeiftheaccidentorillnessrequiresanambulancetotransportyourchildtoemergencymedicalcare,orifparentsorstaffisabletotransportthechild.Youwillbecontactedimmediately.Ifyoucannotbereached,wewillcallthenextpersondesignatedontheMedicalandEmergencyInformationCardthatyouhavecompleted.
22
OPERATIONALPOLICIES
SafeSleepOpportunitiesHeadStarthaspolicestopromotesafesleepforinfantsduringnaptime.ThesepoliciesareinplacetoreducetheriskofSuddenInfantDeathSyndrome(SIDS)orsuffocationthatcouldoccurwhenaninfantisinacriborasleep.Allstaff,substitutes,parents,andvolunteerswhoarepresentintheinfantclassroomshouldreceiveacopyofthesafesleeppolicy.Allstaff,substitutes,parentsandvolunteerswillfollowthesafesleeprecommendationsoftheAmericanAcademyofPediatrics(AAP)andtheConsumerProductSafetyCommission(CPSC)forinfantstoreducetheriskofSIDS:
• Infantsyoungerthan12monthsofageshallbeplacedfullyontheirbacksonafirmtight-fittingmattresscoveredbyatight-fittingsheetinasafetyapprovedcrib.
• Ifaninfantisabletorollbackandforthfromfronttoback,placetheinfantontheinfant’sbackforsleepandallowtheinfanttoassumeapreferredsleepposition.
• Ifahealthprofessionalhasdeterminedthatplacinganinfantontheirbackposesahealthrisk,oriftheinfantrequiresspecialaccommodationsduringsleep,anInfantSleepExceptionFrom2710mustbesignedbythechild’shealthcareprofessionalpriortomakingtheaccommodations.
• Infantsyoungerthan12monthsofageshouldnothaveanyiteminthecrib,including:o Softorloosebedding(suchasblankets,quilts,comforters,pillows)o Softtoys/animalsorsoftobjects(suchasclothdiapers,bibs)o Bumperpads,linersorsleeppositioningdevices
• Toys,includingmobilesandothertypesofplayequipmentthatisdesignedtobeattachedtoanypartofthecribshouldbekeptawayfromsleepinginfantsandoutofsafesleepenvironments.
• Infantsmustnothavetheirheads,faces,orcribscoveredatanytimebyitemssuchasblankets,linens,orclothing.
• Infantsshouldnotnaporsleepinacarsafetyseat,beanbagchair,bouncyseat,infantseat,swing,jumpingchair,playpen,orplayyard,highchair,futon,oranyothertypeoffurniture/equipmentthatisnotasafetyapprovedcrib.
• Ifaninfantarrivesorfallsasleepinadeviceotherthanacrib(listedabove),movetheinfanttoacribimmediately.
• Onlyoneinfantshouldbeplacedineachcrib.Infantsshouldhavetheirownassignedcrib.Cribsareforsleepingpurposesonlyandshouldneverbeusedaspunishmentorasubstitutionforsupervision.
• Caregivers/Teachersshouldensurethatthetemperatureintheroomiscomfortableforalightlyclothedadult.Ifaninfantneedsextrawarmth,usesleepclothingsuchassleepersorfootedpajamas.Removeallbibs,necklaces,andclothingwithtiesorhoodsbeforeplacingtheinfantontheirbackinthecrib.
23
• Infantsmustbedirectlyobservedbysightandsoundatalltimes,includingwhentheyaregoingtosleep,aresleeping,orareintheprocessofwakingup.
• Donotswaddleaninfantforsleeporrest.• Ourprogramissmoke-free.Smoking(includinge-cigarettesandanytypeofvaporizers)
isnotallowed.SEEMSODDPLACETOPUTTHIS???• Oncethechildstartswalking,theteacher/caregivershouldstarttheprocessof
transitioningthechildtoasleepingmat.Theparent/guardianshouldalwaysbeincludedintheprocessandrespecttoindividualculturesorfamilybeliefsshouldalwaysbeconsidered.
MedicalConditionsSomestudentsenrolledinourprogramrequirespecialattentionduetomedicalorphysicalconditionssuchas:
• asthma• diabetes• seizures• severeallergicreactions• foodallergies
Ifyourchildhasanylimitations,medications,orspecialconditionsatthetimeofenrollmentorthroughouttheyear,youmustprovidewrittendocumentationfromaphysician.ThiswillbedoneonaHeadStartHealthActionPlandependingonthemedicalcondition.TheHealthCoordinatorwillprovideindividualattentiontothosefamilieswithspecialhealthconcerns,andassurethatchildrenwithspecialhealthneedsaremonitoredcloselyonadailybasiswithintheprogram.Yourchild’sgeneralwellnesswillbenotedonaregularbasis.Wheneverthelimitationortreatmentisdiscontinued,parentsshouldagainprovidewrittendocumentationfromthechild’sphysicianstatingthelimitationshavebeenlifted.BreastfeedingWeencourageandsupportallnursingmothers,includingparentsofenrolledchildrenandourownstaff.Opportunitiessupportsmothersthatchoosetobreastfeedbyprovidingaquiet,comfortable,andprivateplacewithadultseating,wheremothersmaynurseandexpressmilk.Nutrition
• Foodallergies/substitutionsmustbedocumentedbyamedicalprofessionalorareligiousleader.Theseformsneedtobeturnedinpriortothefirstdayofschool.
• HeadStartparticipatesintheChildandAdultCareFoodProgram,childrenwillreceiveatleast2/3oftheirrecommendeddailynutritionalallowances.
• Childrenwillreceivebreakfast,lunchandasnack,whichisdesignedtohelpmeetchildren’sdailynutritionalneeds.
• Early/HeadStartservesallmealsandsnacksfamilystyle,whenpossible.• Snackandmealtimesareusedforlearninganddevelopmentofgoodhealthhabits.
24
• Mealsandsnacksincorporatesocialization,self-help,decisionmaking,andcommunicationskills.
• TheEarly/HeadStartfoodprogramadherestostrictrequirementsincludingthetypesoffoods,amountsserved,andpresentationstyle.
• Childrenwillremainoninfantandtoddlerfooduptotheageofone,unlessotherwiseindicatedbyamedicalprofessional.
• Children’snutritionalneedsarereviewedthreetimesperyear,specialdietaryneedsandfeedingproblemswillbegivenindividualattention.Wewillidentifyspecificnutritionalneedsofeachindividualchild.
• EachcenterisaNut-FreeandaNutButterFreeZone.Atnotimecanaparentorchildbringnutsornutbutter(peanutbutter),includingalmondmilk,tothecenter.
• BringingsnackstoanyHeadStartclassroomrequirespriorapproval.• Allfoodbroughtinmustbeprepackaged,intheoriginalcontainer,andunopened.• Suggestedfooditemsthatparentsmaybringaremuffins,freshfruits,vegetables,
raisins,snackcrackers,grahamcrackersandcheese.Talkwithyourdirectorformoresuggestions.
PerChildCareFoodProgram(CACFP)regulations,foodspurchasedwithHeadStartfundsarenotabletoleavethecenterwiththechildrenorstaff.
MedicationInformationIfpossible,everyeffortshouldbemadebyparentstoadministerprescribedmedicationtotheirchildbeforeorafterschoolhours.
• Firstdosagemustbegiventothestudentbytheparentathome,orifatschool,theparentadministersthefirstdosageandobservesthechildforthirtyminutes.
• Pleasenotifyusifyourchildisreceivinganytypeofmedicationathome,soweareawareandcanwatchforsideeffectsorallergicreactions.
• Prescribedmedicationsmustbeintheiroriginalcontainerwiththefullpharmacylabelattachedandwithintheexpirationdate.
• Whennecessary,prescribedmedicationscanbegivenatthecenter,withawrittenstatementfromthephysician,andmedicationrequestformfromtheparentwhichwillbevalidfor6monthsonly.
• Alogwillbekeptatthecenterofallmedicationsadministered.• Parentsareencouragedtoapplysunscreenand/orinsectrepellanttotheirchildpriorto
bringingthemtothecenter.SunscreenandInsectRepellantwillbeconsideredoverthecountermedicationsandwillnotbeappliedwithoutparent’swrittenpermissionandalllabelinstructionswillbefollowed.Parentsareresponsibleforsupplyingsunscreenand/orinsectrepellantthatmustbeappliedwhilethechildisincare.SunscreenmustbeSPF15orhigherandlabeledas“broadspectrum”sunscreen.Insectrepellantmaynotcontainmorethan30%DEET.OpportunitiesHeadStarthaswrittenproceduresfortheapplicationonsunscreenandinsectrepellant.
25
Parentsshouldmakeeveryattempttogivethesemedicationspriortothechildcomingtoschool.Allmedicationformsmaybepickedupinyourcenterdirector’soffice,theyarevalidforoneyear.Early/HeadStartwillmaintaindocumentationofwhenandwhoadministeredthemedicationtoyourchild.TheHealthCoordinatorornursewillregularlyreviewtheforms.Medicationswillonlybegivenafterallformshavebeenprovided.Pleasetaketheformswithyoutoyourdoctorvisit.OnlyHeadStartemployeestrainedinmedicationswillonlybeadministeredbystaffthathasbeentrainedinmedicationadministration. MorningHealthChecksTheoverallhealthofeachchildischeckedeachmorningwithparentandteacherpresent.Anybruises,rashes,blistersorotherabnormalsymptomsarenotedonthehealthcheckandbodyforms.Ifyourchildhasanaccidentwhileathome,pleasenotifyyourteacher.
*Parentsofinfantsandtoddlersindiapersorpottytrainingwillchangetheirchild’sdiaperuponarrivalatthecenter.Teachersaretobeavailabletoparentsandfollowthemorninghealthcheckprocedures.(Ifparentsorcaregiversareuncomfortablechangingtheirchild,staffcanchangechildwhileparentiswatching).
IllnessPleasedonotsendyourchildtoschooliftheyareill.Itisalsomandatorythatyounotifythecenterwhenyourchildisgoingtobeabsent.Ifachildbecomesillwhileinschool,ordoesnotappearwellenoughtoparticipateinusualactivities,youwillberequiredtopickthemupimmediately.Insomecircumstances,wemayrequestastatementfromaphysicianstatingthechildmayreturnandparticipateinactivities’beforethatchildcanreturntoschool.
Achildshouldbekepthomeandmaybesenthomeforanyofthefollowingreasons:• Temperatureonthermometerreads100degreesForhigherunderthearmand
complainsofnotfeelingwellorunabletoparticipatecomfortablyinprogramactivities.• Showssignsofcommunicabledisease,i.e.:flu,pinkeye,impetigo,strepthroat,chicken
pox,cold,orfever.• Vomitingordiarrheatwoormoretimesin24hours.• Open,oozingorbleedingsoresandorhasmouthsoreswithinabilitytocontrol
saliva.• Unusualorpainfulrashcombinedwithfever.• Othersignsofillnesssuchasextremetiredness,abnormalbreathingorbehavior
changes.
AnIncident-Illness-BehaviorReportwillbegiventoparentexplainingthereasonforexclusion.HeadStartfollowsthe“DiseasesRequiringExclusionfromChild-CareFacilitiesandSchools”providedbytheDepartmentofStateHealthServices.Thislistispostedineachdirector’soffice. CommunicableDiseasesDuringthecourseoftheyearitistobeexpectedthatyourchild,atonetimeoranother,willbeexposedtocommoncommunicablediseases.
26
• Parentswillbenotifiedinwritingifachildatthecenterhasbeensenthomewithacommunicabledisease.
• Ifyourchildisexcludedfromschool,childrenmustbefeverandsymptomfreeforaminimumof24hourswithouttakinganymedicine(TylenolandMotrin)beforereturningtoschool.
• Iftheparentcanprovidethecenterwithanofficialnotefromtheirphysicianstatingthatthechildisnotcontagious,thenthechildwillbeallowedtoreturn,aslongastheyarefeverfreewithnofeverreducingmedication.
• Ifyouarenotifiedthatyourchildhaslice,treatmentneedstobedoneandparentsshouldattempttoremovenitsandlivelicefromthehair.Thechildwillneedtoreporttotheofficeandberecheckedbeforereturningtotheclassroom.Childrenmustberetreated7daysafterthefirsttreatment.Apamphletonthelicepreventionandtreatmentwillbeprovidedtotheparentofthechild.
• Parentsshouldbeawareofthecommondiseasesandroutinelychecktheirchildforsignsandsymptomsofillness.
27
PARENTINVOLVEMENT
WELOVEPARENTS,ANDWENEEDYOURHELP!
YourinvolvementisessentialtothesuccessofallOpportunitiesEarly/HeadStartprogramssoweareaskingyouto:
Volunteering
• Early/HeadStartstafftrain,supportandsuperviseallparentvolunteers.
• Allvolunteersmustbe14yearsorolder.
• Parentvolunteersmaynotbringotherchildrenwiththemwhilevolunteeringduringschoolhours.
• AllvolunteersmustsubmitacriminalbackgroundcheckandcompleteaTBquestionnaireandcompleteallrequiredpaperwork.
• Allvisitorsmustfirstsigninattheofficeandreceiveavisitororvolunteerbadgetoensurethesafetyofourchildren.
• ParentCenterCommitteesmayraisefundsforthecenteraccordingtopolicyguidelines.
• ParentCenterCommitteefundswillbecontrolledandmanagedbytheFinanceDepartmentatCentraloffice.
“GIVEBACK”yourtime!Yourfamilycanbeinvolvedinavarietyofways:
▪VolunteeringforProjects:Useyourspecializedtalentstohelpenhanceservicesorparticipateinprojectswhereyoucanlearnnewskillsfromothervolunteersandtobecomerolemodelsforourchildren.
▪Classroomvolunteering:Stayforaslittleas15minutesorthewholeday.Youcanreadtochildren,helpwithanartproject,makecenterlabels,helpontheplayground,orshareasongorhobby,culturalactivity.Pleaseremembertofollowtheschool’sprocedureforsignin&badges.
▪Readaloudtoyourchildren:Thegoalisthatyoureadtoyourchildfivetimesaweekforfifteenminutesadayforatotalof5hourspermonth.YoucantrackyourhoursonReadingLogsthatwillbeprovidedtoyoueachmonth.
▪Parenttrainings:WeprovideavarietyoftrainingsthatsupportYOUastheparentandyourchild’sdevelopment.Classesinclude:HealthandWellness/Nutrition,Fatherhoodactivities,etc.
▪ParentCommitteeMeetings:Weprovidefamiliesanopportunitytohaveinputabouttheneedsandinterestsoffamilies.Weprovideopportunitiesforparentstomeetandgettoknoweachother.Youcanserveasanofficeronthecommittee.
28
▪SchoolReadinessEvents:Stayinformed,provideideasandinputonhowtomakeyourEarly/HeadStartprogrambetter.Buildabridgebetweenwhatishappeningintheclassroomandathome.
▪FatherandFatherFigureInvolvement:Beamalerolemodel;participateinallparentinvolvementactivities,likemonthlyParentCommitteeMeetings,homevisits,parent/teacherconferences,classfieldtrips,andpolicycouncil.
▪Otherwaystobeinvolved:Takehomeactivities-askyourchild’steacherformoreinformationonwhattheyneeddoneforclassroomactivities.
PolicyCouncil
• Theparent’svoiceinmajorprogramdecisions• Ismadeupofparentsandrepresentativesfromthecommunity• ElectedrepresentativesserveaoneyeartermfromOctobertoSeptember• Nomembersmayservemorethanfivetermsinalifetime• EmployeeormembersoftheirimmediatefamiliesmaynotserveonthePolicyCouncil
(exceptforparentsthatoccasionallysubstituteforregularstaff)• PolicyCouncilmeetingsareheldoncemonthly.• On-sitechildcareisprovided(mustberequestedinadvance).• Transportationisprovidedtothemeetings.• PolicyCouncilRepresentativesandAlternateswillbetrainedontheirdutiesand
responsibilities.• ResponsibilitiesincludebeingthelinkbetweenParentCommitteesandPolicyCouncil.• AssistingincommunicationbetweenPolicyCouncilandprogramparents,soparents
understandtheirrights,responsibilitiesandopportunitiesavailableinEarly/HeadStart• AssistingParentCommitteesinplanning,coordinatingandorganizingprogramactivities
forparents• Ensuringthatfundsaresetasideforparentprogramactivities• Assistinginrecruitingvolunteers• Helpingresolvecomplaintissues• PolicyCouncilChairpersonsitsontheBoardofDirectorsandtheFinanceCommittee.
ParentVolunteerAwards,RecognitionandAppreciationVolunteersaresincerelyappreciatedandwithoutyoutheEarly/HeadStartprogramcouldnotfullyoperate.Manycentersrecognizetheirparentsforallthehardworktheydo.Somewaysyourcentermightdothisisbyhonoring;ParentVolunteeroftheMonth,volunteerrecognitioncertificatetotheparentsorguardianswhovolunteeredthemosthours,fathers/fatherfigureswhovolunteerthemosthours.
29
InKindDonations• 20%ofEarly/HeadStartyearlyfundingmustcomefromparentandcommunity
volunteerhoursanddonations,whichiscalledin-kind.• Parentsarenotrequiredtobringmoneyorsuppliesduringtheyear.• Weencourageeachfamilyvolunteerto“GiveBack”aminimumof9hourspermonthto
helpusmeetourFederalmatch.ParentFundraisingParentsCenterCommitteescanraisefundsfortheirHeadStartCenter,followingpolicyguidelines.ThecompleteFundraisingPolicyislocatedintheagencyPolicyandProcedureManual.ParentCenterCommitteefundswillbecontrolledbyOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCounties.Allfundraisersmustfollowthesamerulesregardingallowableexpenditures,typesofactivities,documentationofmoneycollectedandhowmuchmoneywasspentonthefundraisingproject,timingofdepositsandcheckrequests.Thefollowingpoliciesandproceduresconcernmostofthemattersthataffectparentfundraisers.ThislistdoesnotincludeeverythingthatcouldcomeupwithOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCounties’ParentCenterCommitteeFundraisers,butisintendedtohelpParentCenterCommitteesunderstandtherelationshiptheyhavewithOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesandoperateinalegalmanner.AcompletelistoftheOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesfinancialpoliciesandprocedurescanbeobtainedfromtheOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesfinancedepartment.PleasedirectanyquestionsaboutParentCenterCommitteeFundraiserstotheOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesDirectorofFinance.
RulesforHeadStartParentCenterCommitteeFundraisers:1. ApurchaseordermustbesubmittedtotheProgramDirector,priortospendingany
money.Thepurchaseordermuststatethepurposeofthepurchase,thevendorandanestimateofthecost.
2. MoneycollectedbyParentCenterCommitteeincludingcashandchecksmustbeturnedintotheOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesfinancedepartment(oraOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountieslockbox)thesamedaythefundsarereceived.Moneywillnotbetakentoanyone’shome.
3. AllparentswhohandlemoneyatanyeventmustpassabackgroundcheckorderedbyOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCounties.
4. Adetailed,writtenreconciliationofthedepositmustbeincludedwiththemoneytobedeposited.Thereconciliationmustincludealistofallrevenuesreceivedandanyexpendituremadefromthemoneyreceived.Originalpurchasereceiptsmustbeincludedtodocumentanypurchases.
5. MoneyreceivedbytheParentCenterCommitteefundmaynotbeusedforpersonalpurchases.Anyexpenditureofcashreceivedshouldbesupportedbyapreviouslysubmittedpurchaseorder.
30
6. ParentsmaynotdepositParentCenterCommitteefundmoneyintoapersonalbankaccount.AllmoneymustbegiventoOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCounties.
7. AllfundraisersmustbeapprovedinadvancebytheOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesDirectorofDevelopment.Pleaseusethe“RequestforApprovalofOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesFundraiser”form.
8. ParentCenterCommitteesmaynotholdrafflesofanykind.9. WhenrequestinganycenterfundsfromOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnet
Counties,allcheckrequestswillbeprocessedwithin2ormoreweeks,dependingonthedeadlinegivenbytheParentCenterCommittee.Pleaseincludethedateyouneedthecheckwhenyousubmittherequest.
10. RequestsforchecksmadebynoononaTuesdaywillbereadyby4p.m.thefollowingFriday,iftherequestspecificallystatesthatthecheckisneededbythatFriday.
11. AfinancialsummaryandcashbalancewillbeprovidedtoeachParentCenterCommitteeonamonthlybasis.TheParentCommitteewillreviewthesummaryandletthefinancedepartmentknowimmediatelyifanythingseemstobeincorrect.
31
EMOTIONALWELLNESSEarly/HeadStartprovidesemotionalwellnessservicesforEarly/HeadStartchildrenandfamilies.
PromotingEmotionalWellnessOurLicensedProfessionalCounselororaCounselingInternregularlyvisitseachclassroom.Heorshewillregularlyconsultwithyourchild’steacheraboutanyemotionalorbehavioralconcerns.
Thecounselorisavailabletomeetwithparentstodiscussanyconcernsyouhaveaboutyourchild.Ifyouhaveconcernsaboutyourchild,suchas:
• Helpinghimorhercopewithtraumaticexperiences,suchasdivorce,death,orwitnessingviolence
• Helpinghimorhercopewithlifetransitions,suchasbirthofasibling,otherchangesinthefamilymakeup,movingtoanewhome,aparentgettinganewjob,etc.
• Helpingdecreasechallengingbehaviorsandincreasingpositivebehaviorsor• Ifyourchildhasasuddenchangeinhisorherbehaviororemotionalstate
Wecanhelpyou:• SetupameetingwiththeHeadStartCounselororCounselorInternor• Accessservicesfromcommunityproviders.Wehavevariouscommunitypartners,that
canprovidecounselingservices.• Accessothercommunityresources
Ifyouhaveconcernsaboutyourchild’semotionalwellnesstalkwithyourcenterdirectororfamilyadvocateoryourchild’steacherandtheywellhelpyouaccessservices.ChildSafetyandAggressiveBehaviorThesafetyofchildrenisalwaysourtoppriority.Sometimeswhenyoungchildrenareangrytheyengageinaggressivebehaviorthatcreatesadangertothemselvesorothers.Someexamplesofthesebehaviorsareheadbanging,hitting,biting,kicking,tacklingothers,throwinghardobjects,tippingoverfurniture,orotherformsofpropertydestruction.Wedoeverythingpossibletopreventthesesortsofbehaviorfromoccurring,includingteachingallchildrenappropriatewaystosolveproblemsandexpresstheirfeelingsappropriately,butepisodesofaggressivebehaviorwillsometimesoccur.
Inthesesituationswealwaysusetheleastrestrictiveformofinterventionthatwillsafelyresolvethesituation,beginningwithverbalintervention.Whenallotherformsofinterventionhavefailedtosafelyresolvetheissueorthethreatofinjuryisimminent,staffmayneedtoutilizeatherapeutichold.Thepurposeofatherapeuticholdisto1)keepthechildandotherssafe,and2)helpthechildcalmdown.Therapeuticholdsarenotusedaspunishment.Oncethechildiscalmenoughtobesafelyreleasedtheywillbereleased.
Theuseofatherapeuticholdwillbedocumentedandyouwillbegivenacopyofthedocumentation.
32
Ifhealthorsafetyrulessuchasbiting,spitting,orcausingpersonalinjurytoachildorteacherareviolated,thematterwillbereferredtotheHeadStartDirectorandchildmaybeimmediatelysenthomeandplacedonatransitionalserviceplanuntilameetingcanbeheldwiththeparentandateamwillbeformedtoaddressconcerns.Theparentwillbecontactedviatelephoneandameetingwillbescheduledatthecentertodevelopabehaviorplan.Everyeffortwillbemadetoworkwithyouandyourchildtoaddressanychallengingbehaviorsandprepareyourchildtobesuccessfuloncetheytransitiontopublicschool.ChronicChallengingBehavior/SuspensionExpulsionproceduresOpportunitiesHeadStartStaffmayusemethodsofdisciplineandguidancethatencourageself-esteem,self-control,self-direction,andteachpositivebehaviorexpectations.Opportunitieswillnotexpelorun-enrollachildfromOpportunitiesbecauseofachild’sbehavior.ConfidentialityEveryeffortismadetoensurethatanyemotional/behaviorconcernsremainconfidential.Wewillnotshareinformationaboutemotional/behavioralconcernswithanyoutsideagenciesorindividualswithoutyoursignedconsenttoreleaseinformation.PleasebeawarethatEarly/HeadStartstaffcannottalktootherfamilymembers(aunts,uncles,grandparents,etc.)aboutemotional/behavioralconcernswithoutyourwrittenconsent.Wecannottalktoyouaboutthebehaviorofanychildotherthanyourown.
33
DISABILITYSERVICESEarly/HeadStartmakesitpossibleforallchildrenwithspecialneedstobeidentifiedearlyintheprogramyear.Eachchildreceivesscreeningsintheareasofspeechandlanguage,hearingandvision,cognitivethinking,motorskillsandsocial/emotionaldevelopment.ReferralscanbemadewithparentconsenttothelocalEarlyChildhoodInterventionprogram,theSchoolDistrict,ChildFindandorprivatetherapy.TheDisabilityCoordinatorworkswithfamiliesandchildrenandprovidesinformationandresources.IfyourchildiseligibleforECIorISDservices,youwillparticipateindevelopinganIndividualFamilyServicePlan(IFSP)orIndividualEducationPlan(IEP)thatwillensureyourchild’sindividualneedswillbeaddressedandintegratedintoalldailyactivities.AccessibilityHeadStartwillensurethatallfacilitiesareincompliancewiththeAmericanswithDisabilityAct,includingaccessibilitytobuildingsandparkingareas.Eachcenterhasdesignatedaccessibleparkingspaces,whicharereservedforfamilieswithdisabledplacardsorlicenseplatesissuedbythestate.ItisaviolationofTexaslawforapersontoparkavehicleinanaccessibleparkingspacewithouttheappropriateplateorplacard,ortoparkacarinsuchawaythatitblocksaccesstoanaccessibleparkingspace,accessaisle,oranyareathatprovidesaccessforpeoplewithdisabilities,suchasaramporcurbcut.Peoplewhoparkinaccessibleparkingspacesaresubjecttofinesofupto$2,500.00and/orupto50hoursofcommunityservice,perTexasLaw.Pleaseusetheappropriatedesignatedparkingspacesintheparkinglotfordroppingoffandpickingupyourchild.
34
MYHANDBOOKIhavebeennotifiedbyOpportunitiesforWilliamson&BurnetCountiesEarly/HeadStartStaffthatIcanreviewacopyoftheFamilyHandbookonlineatwww.opportunitiesforwbc.org/head-start/orcanreceiveaprintedcopyfrommycenterdirector.Ihavehadanopportunitytoaskquestions.IalsoattendedtheParentOrientationandreceivedinformationonthefollowingareas:
• ClassSchedule• CenterRules• ParentResponsibilities• Volunteering• EducationServicesprovided• HealthandNutritionServicesprovided• MentalHealthServiceprovided• DisabilityServices• FamilyServices• Pedestriansafety/TransportationServices• PolicyCouncil/ParentGroup• HomeVisits/ParentConferences• ChildAbuseandNeglectReporting• SecondhandTobaccoSmokeandtheHealthofYourFamily• AttendancePolicies• DisciplineandGuidance• ComplaintProcedure• EmergencyPreparedness
☐ Ifyourequireacopyofthemanual,pleasecheckhere._____________________________________Center_____________________________________ __________________________ParentSignature Date_____________________________________Child’sName
PleasesignandremovethissheetandturnintotheCenterDirector