Program OrientationProgram Orientation2014-20152014-2015

AGENDA AGENDA

WELCOME/INTRODUCTIONWELCOME/INTRODUCTION

Dear parents I welcome you to the Head Start/State preschool program as the MOST VALUABLE MEMBERS of our teaching team(cheering Fatherhood Involvement PSA )

TRANSITION INTO THE TRANSITION INTO THE HEAD STARTHEAD START

•The changes that children face when entering HS are very difficult for them•We need to help them to adjust to the new environment by talking about the importance of learning and attending school•Some come from being single child in the family•Never exposed to new experiences outside of their homes•Youngest child in the family

HELPING CHILDREN COPE WITH HELPING CHILDREN COPE WITH SCHOOL TRANSITIONSSCHOOL TRANSITIONS

Make a list of your child's concernsMake a list of your child's concerns Create a folder with your pictures, Create a folder with your pictures,

and child can see at any timeand child can see at any time Make a badge with parents’ picturesMake a badge with parents’ pictures Let him/her bring a security item; e.g. Let him/her bring a security item; e.g.

stuffed animal, toystuffed animal, toy

TRANSITIONS…Cont..TRANSITIONS…Cont..

  To help ease separation and To help ease separation and build trustbuild trust

Allow yourself extra time to stay Allow yourself extra time to stay in the classroom as neededin the classroom as needed

Do not leave without saying Do not leave without saying “good-bye“good-bye” to your child. ” to your child. Assure him/her that you will Assure him/her that you will returnreturn

PARENT’S HANDBOOK PARENT’S HANDBOOK Attendance Attendance Birthday RecognitionBirthday Recognition Clothing Clothing Emergency InformationEmergency Information End of the Year Activity End of the Year Activity Picture and videos/Field tripsPicture and videos/Field trips Health Guidelines-Exclusion/MedicationHealth Guidelines-Exclusion/Medication AssessmentsAssessments Home Visits and Parent ConferencesHome Visits and Parent Conferences Mandated Child Abuse ReportMandated Child Abuse Report NutritionNutrition Parent MeetingsParent Meetings Volunteer Time/Activity LogVolunteer Time/Activity Log Walking/Pedestrian SafetyWalking/Pedestrian Safety

ATTENDANCE (pg 7)ATTENDANCE (pg 7)

•Regular and punctual attendance, support a child’s success in the program.•Children are expected to attend the program in accordance with the center’s scheduled days and hours. (Other arrangements may be made for children with disabilities.)•In case of a family emergency, a child may be absent with prior arrangements with the staff.•Regular attendance is crucial to the program’s funding.

ATTENDANCE Cont.. (pg 7)ATTENDANCE Cont.. (pg 7)

Just a mathematical view of Just a mathematical view of attendance scenario attendance scenario

We have 90 classes, if ONLY 1 We have 90 classes, if ONLY 1 child is absent for each class we child is absent for each class we have 90 children have 90 children

90 x 1= 90 daily90 x 1= 90 daily 90 x 5 = 450 weekly90 x 5 = 450 weekly 450 x 4 = 1800 monthly450 x 4 = 1800 monthly

CHILD ABSENTEEISM CHILD ABSENTEEISM POLICY POLICY (pg 7)(pg 7)

We ask that you call each day your We ask that you call each day your child is absent.child is absent.

Prior arrangements must be made Prior arrangements must be made with the CDS if a child needs to be with the CDS if a child needs to be absent longer than (3)absent longer than (3)

CDS will notify teachers, FSA, and CDS will notify teachers, FSA, and Family Service Coordinator. Family Service Coordinator.

In circumstances where chronic In circumstances where chronic absenteeism persists the child’s slot absenteeism persists the child’s slot must be considered an enrollment must be considered an enrollment vacancy. vacancy.

EXCUSED EXCUSED (pg 7)(pg 7)

Acceptable reasons for your child’s Acceptable reasons for your child’s absence are: Illness, Family absence are: Illness, Family Emergency, or a Medical/Dental Emergency, or a Medical/Dental appointment for the child. Absences appointment for the child. Absences can also be excused if it is can also be excused if it is “in the “in the best interest of the child”.best interest of the child”.

““In the best interest of the In the best interest of the child” includes:child” includes:

Transportation: ONLY when there is Transportation: ONLY when there is absolutely no adult available to bring or absolutely no adult available to bring or pick-up the child, or if parent(s) deem it pick-up the child, or if parent(s) deem it is unsafe to bring the childis unsafe to bring the child

Emergency closure of site or home due Emergency closure of site or home due to health and safety issueto health and safety issue

Family functionsFamily functions Court OrderCourt Order **Any other reason other than what is listed Any other reason other than what is listed

above must be discussed with the CDS to above must be discussed with the CDS to determine if the reason is “excused” or determine if the reason is “excused” or “unexcused”“unexcused”

ARRIVAL/PICK-UP ARRIVAL/PICK-UP PROCEDURES PROCEDURES (pg 8)(pg 8)

Parents/Guardians must sign their child in Parents/Guardians must sign their child in and out every day and record the exact time. and out every day and record the exact time.

Children should arrive, and be picked up on Children should arrive, and be picked up on time by a person 18 years or oldertime by a person 18 years or older. .

The person must be listed on the emergency The person must be listed on the emergency card and have a valid photo ID available for card and have a valid photo ID available for identification.identification.

Any changes to the names on the emergency Any changes to the names on the emergency card must be made in person – phone calls card must be made in person – phone calls will not be accepted.will not be accepted.

If the adult has not arrived at the end of the If the adult has not arrived at the end of the child’s program hours, and no one can be child’s program hours, and no one can be reached at the emergency numbers, the local reached at the emergency numbers, the local police department will be contacted.police department will be contacted.

ARRIVAL/PICK-UP PROCEDURES… ARRIVAL/PICK-UP PROCEDURES…

Cont…Cont…(pgs 8)(pgs 8) Please note: If the assigned

caregivers are unable to pick up the child, they can not give permission for someone else to sign-out the child.

Chronic lateness, poor attendance, or excessive absences may result in a child being dropped from the program.

The Family Services Associate is available to assist families in order to avoid this outcome..

BIRTHDAY RECOGNITION BIRTHDAY RECOGNITION (pg 8)(pg 8)

Each child’s birthday is Each child’s birthday is recognized and celebrated recognized and celebrated individually. (i.e. songs, birthday individually. (i.e. songs, birthday crown, button, card).crown, button, card).

Parents are included in the Parents are included in the planning.planning.

According to our nutrition According to our nutrition guidelines, cakes and other guidelines, cakes and other sweets are not permittedsweets are not permitted

CLOTHINGCLOTHING (pg 8) (pg 8)

Dress your child according to Dress your child according to the weather.the weather.   

Clothes that allow him/her to Clothes that allow him/her to feel free to work with water, feel free to work with water, sand, paint, etc. sand, paint, etc.

Comfortable closed shoes (i.e. Comfortable closed shoes (i.e. rubber shoes, sneakers, tennis rubber shoes, sneakers, tennis shoes). shoes).   

CLOTHING CLOTHING cont…cont… (pg 8) (pg 8)

ALL CHILDREN IN THE PROGRAM WILL NEED:ALL CHILDREN IN THE PROGRAM WILL NEED:

A full set of weather-appropriate clothesA full set of weather-appropriate clothes (shirts, (shirts, pants/shorts, socks, underwear) to be kept at the pants/shorts, socks, underwear) to be kept at the sitesite

Crib-size Blanket & fitted sheet Crib-size Blanket & fitted sheet (Full Day Program (Full Day Program only)only)

Soft, stuffed toy for rest time if needed Soft, stuffed toy for rest time if needed (Full Day (Full Day Program only)Program only)

NOTENOTE: No shoes with raised heels; No shoes with : No shoes with raised heels; No shoes with slippery solesslippery soles

Please remember to write your child’s name on Please remember to write your child’s name on all articles of clothing and personal belongings.all articles of clothing and personal belongings.

REST TIMEREST TIME (pg 9) (pg 9)

Full day onlyFull day only The program includes nap time The program includes nap time

dailydaily Children rest on cots with sheets Children rest on cots with sheets

and blankets (as required by and blankets (as required by licensing & H Deparment)licensing & H Deparment)

EMERGENCY EMERGENCY INFORMATION (pg 9) INFORMATION (pg 9)

Sites are equipped with food, water, Sites are equipped with food, water, and emergency supplies, such as and emergency supplies, such as flashlights, blankets, radios, first aid flashlights, blankets, radios, first aid kits, etc.kits, etc.

Each site has an emergency action Each site has an emergency action plan (please see posted plan). plan (please see posted plan).

Children will have opportunities to Children will have opportunities to learn what to do in emergency learn what to do in emergency situations, such as using the situations, such as using the telephone to seek.telephone to seek.

EMERGENCY EMERGENCY INFORMATION Cont..(pg 9)INFORMATION Cont..(pg 9)

Parents are required to notify the staff Parents are required to notify the staff (FSA/Teachers) of any changes in their (FSA/Teachers) of any changes in their emergency information, within (5) five emergency information, within (5) five calendar days of the change.calendar days of the change.

If there are any changes in who has If there are any changes in who has permission to pick your child up from permission to pick your child up from school you must come into the center and school you must come into the center and fill out the emergency card in person. We fill out the emergency card in person. We will not accept phone calls for changes in will not accept phone calls for changes in emergency pick up.emergency pick up.

HOLIDAYS HOLIDAYS (pg 9)(pg 9)

Holidays are observed in ways that Holidays are observed in ways that are respectful to our families. are respectful to our families.

No particular set of beliefs is No particular set of beliefs is promoted, but children experience promoted, but children experience different customs and cultural different customs and cultural traditions. traditions.

There will be no fundraising for the There will be no fundraising for the purpose of purchasing giftspurpose of purchasing gifts

END OF THE YEAR ACTIVITY END OF THE YEAR ACTIVITY (pg 9) (pg 9)

… … The end of the year activity is not a The end of the year activity is not a “graduation”. “graduation”.

Traditional graduation exercises Traditional graduation exercises are not permitted.are not permitted. Teachers and Teachers and parents will plan transition activities parents will plan transition activities one month before the end of the one month before the end of the school year.school year.

Children must be in attendance for Children must be in attendance for the entire scheduled day. the entire scheduled day.

END OF THE YEAR ACTIVITY… END OF THE YEAR ACTIVITY… Cont…Cont… (pg 9) (pg 9)

… … Please send your child in regular Please send your child in regular

comfortable every day school comfortable every day school clothes. clothes.

Reminder: The Agency Policy Reminder: The Agency Policy does not allow any outside food does not allow any outside food in the classroom during in the classroom during operating hoursoperating hours..

PICTURES AND VIDEO (pg 10)PICTURES AND VIDEO (pg 10)

A release form must be A release form must be completed and signed by all completed and signed by all program parents before picture program parents before picture taking or videotaping is allowed taking or videotaping is allowed to take place during special to take place during special activities (e.g. End of the Year activities (e.g. End of the Year Celebration).Celebration).

FIELD TRIPS (pg 10)FIELD TRIPS (pg 10)

Community walking fieldtrips are part of the Community walking fieldtrips are part of the curriculum curriculum

Parents will be notified in advance. Parents will be notified in advance. Each child will be assigned to a specific staff Each child will be assigned to a specific staff

member for the duration of the field trip. member for the duration of the field trip. Head counts will be conducted before, during, Head counts will be conducted before, during,

and after each field trip. and after each field trip. Parents are encouraged to take part in these Parents are encouraged to take part in these

learning experiences with their child. Parents learning experiences with their child. Parents must have a valid TB test clearance on file must have a valid TB test clearance on file before you can volunteer in the program or on before you can volunteer in the program or on fieldtripsfieldtrips

HEALTH GUIDELINES HEALTH GUIDELINES (pgs 10)(pgs 10)

All children enrolled in the program, All children enrolled in the program, MUST have:MUST have:

Physical & Dental Exam up-to-datePhysical & Dental Exam up-to-date Immunization Record updatedImmunization Record updated Children will not be able to start the Children will not be able to start the

program without proof of proper program without proof of proper immunizations as required by de stateimmunizations as required by de state

T.B. Test or Chest X-Ray ResultsT.B. Test or Chest X-Ray Results Reminder: Submit these requirements Reminder: Submit these requirements

ASAP ASAP

EXCLUSION INFORMATIONEXCLUSION INFORMATION (pg 11) (pg 11)

Keep your child at home if he/she has:Keep your child at home if he/she has: A temperature of 100 degrees or higher. A temperature of 100 degrees or higher. Eye discharge or pink eye.Eye discharge or pink eye. Rash with fever.Rash with fever. Sore throat with fever and swollen glands or Sore throat with fever and swollen glands or

mouth sores.mouth sores. Diarrhea or vomiting.Diarrhea or vomiting. Head liceHead lice Severe coughing.Severe coughing.

MEDICATION (pg 11)MEDICATION (pg 11)

Non-Medical Staff received training by a Non-Medical Staff received training by a licensed nurse on how to administer licensed nurse on how to administer medication to your child according to the medication to your child according to the physician’s instructions. physician’s instructions.

The medication container must be clearly The medication container must be clearly labeled with the following information: labeled with the following information:

Child’s full nameChild’s full name Physician’s namePhysician’s name Name of medicationName of medication Dosage, frequency, and form of dosageDosage, frequency, and form of dosage Date of expiration of prescriptionDate of expiration of prescription

ASSESSMENTS (pg 12)ASSESSMENTS (pg 12)

Children are assessed within 60 days of Children are assessed within 60 days of enrollment to ensure their progress in the enrollment to ensure their progress in the domains, physical, cognitive, and social-domains, physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development: emotional development:

We use the Desired Results We use the Desired Results Developmental Profile, to assess the Developmental Profile, to assess the development of childrendevelopment of children

Parent input is a necessary component of Parent input is a necessary component of this assessment. this assessment.

The assessment is also used to plan and The assessment is also used to plan and conduct age and developmentally conduct age and developmentally appropriate activities for the children. appropriate activities for the children.

HOME VISITS & PARENT HOME VISITS & PARENT

CONFERENCE CONFERENCE (pg 12 & 14) (pg 12 & 14) A minimum of two home visits & two A minimum of two home visits & two

parent conferences, are conducted parent conferences, are conducted each year. each year.

These visits and conferences These visits and conferences provide a special time for parents provide a special time for parents and teachers to share information and teachers to share information regarding the child’s progress. regarding the child’s progress.

This is a time when parents and This is a time when parents and teachers plan together for the child’s teachers plan together for the child’s goals. goals.

Teachers will arrange a home visit Teachers will arrange a home visit and conferences schedule in order to and conferences schedule in order to meet Agency’s meet Agency’s TIMELINETIMELINE

MANDATED CHILD ABUSE MANDATED CHILD ABUSE

REPORTING REPORTING (pg 13) (pg 13) In accordance with child abuse reporting laws of the State of California (Penal Code sections 11165-11174.5), all professionals working with children are obligated to report suspected child abuse. This includes teachers, consultants, supervisors, family service associates, etc. Therefore, each individual Foundation staff member or volunteer is a mandated reporter. Failure to report is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, and/or up to $1,000 fine (Penal Code 11172[e]). Failure to report may also result in civil liability for damages, especially if the child-victim or another child is further victimized because of the failure to report (Landeros vs. Flood [1976] 17c.3d 399

NUTRITIONNUTRITION (pg 13) (pg 13)

Meals are served in a family style Meals are served in a family style setting. setting.

Based on food program Based on food program guidelines, Head Start children guidelines, Head Start children may only eat food provided by the may only eat food provided by the agency. No food shall be removed agency. No food shall be removed from the site, as this could create from the site, as this could create health issues. No food shall be health issues. No food shall be brought to the site from home or brought to the site from home or store.store.

NUTRITION… Cont…NUTRITION… Cont… (pg 13) (pg 13)

Food is never used as punishment or Food is never used as punishment or reward. reward.

Language development occurs during meal Language development occurs during meal time through conversations about the food time through conversations about the food been servedbeen served

If your child is allergic to any foods, an If your child is allergic to any foods, an Allergy Statement form must be completed Allergy Statement form must be completed by the child’s physician and returned to the by the child’s physician and returned to the child’s teacherchild’s teacher

Substitute foods will be arranged for Substitute foods will be arranged for children with allergieschildren with allergies

  Parent Meeting Parent Meeting (pg 14) (pg 14)

Parents are a vital part of our program!Parents are a vital part of our program! Monthly Parent Meetings are held to meet Monthly Parent Meetings are held to meet

these requirementsthese requirements Parent meetings provide various Parent meetings provide various

opportunities for parent education and opportunities for parent education and involvement involvement

These meetings also provide information These meetings also provide information about site and agency activities. about site and agency activities.

SiblingsSiblings: Due to licensing capacity in our : Due to licensing capacity in our classrooms we encourage all parents to classrooms we encourage all parents to make arrangements for sibling care prior to make arrangements for sibling care prior to attending parent meetings.attending parent meetings.

VOLUNTEER TIME VOLUNTEER TIME (pg 15) (pg 15) As a non-profit agency, we are As a non-profit agency, we are

required to raise at least 20% of our required to raise at least 20% of our total program budget through in-kind total program budget through in-kind contributionscontributions

Therefore, we encourage all Therefore, we encourage all parents to volunteer regularly parents to volunteer regularly every month.every month.

Parents activities log Parents activities log Activity Log for month one.docx

Volunteers must have a current TB Volunteers must have a current TB test clearancetest clearance

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR PARENTS TO PARTICIPATEPARENTS TO PARTICIPATE

(pg 16)(pg 16)

Parent WorkshopsParent Workshops F.R.E.E. Library + School to Home F.R.E.E. Library + School to Home

ConnectionConnection Transitional ActivitiesTransitional Activities Leap Frog “Ready Set Leap” ProgramLeap Frog “Ready Set Leap” Program Parent meetingsParent meetings PC meetingsPC meetings Program Planning Committee Program Planning Committee (Show fathers Inv PP)(Show fathers Inv PP)

Walking/Pedestrian Safety Walking/Pedestrian Safety (pg 18) (pg 18)

Safety tips for walkers: Review pg 18

AnnouncementsAnnouncements

*Sign and return the last page of the parent

handbookThank you