The Shield Institute Special Education Preschool Program

THE SHIELD INSTITUTE SPECIAL EDUCATION PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

PARENTS’ HANDBOOK

BRONX PRESCHOOL FLUSHING PRESCHOOL 1800 ANDREWS AVENUE 144-61 ROOSEVELT AVENUE BRONX, NEW YORK 10453 FLUSHING, NEW YORK 11354 (718) 299-7600 (718) 939-8700

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page I. Welcome Letter…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2 II. Mission Statement …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 III. Overview of the Preschool Program ……………………………………………………………………….. 5 Cognitive Development …………………………………………………………………………………… 6 Language Development ………………………………………………………………………………….. 6 Physical Development …………………………………………………………...... 6 Social Development ……………………………………………………………………………………… 6 Emotional Development ……………………………………………………………………………….. 6 Daily Schedule and Routines ……………………………………………………………………….. 6 Classroom Environment ……………………………………………………………………………………… 7 IEP (Individualized Education Program) …………………………………………………………… 7 Quarterly Progress Reports…………………………………………………………………………………… 7 Parent/Guardian Involvement …………………………………………………………………………… 7 IV. Important Information…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9 Arrival/Dismissal ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 9 Emergencies (Contact Information) ………………………………………………………………… 9 Attendance/Absences ……………………………………………………………………………………. 9 Illnesses …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9 Accidents or Injuries ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 11 Administration of Medication ……………………………………………………………………….. 11 Closing for Inclement Weather ………………………………………………………………………… 11 Clothing and Belongings …………………………………………………………………………………….. 11 Toilet Training …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12 Safety ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12 Class Trips ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12 Birthdays/Holiday Celebrations …………………………………………………………………….. 12 V. FERPA Policy and Student Records .……………………………………………………………………….. 12 VI. Code of Conduct ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13 Children’s Rights & Responsibilities …………………………………………………………………. 13 Parent’s Responsibilities ………………………………………………………………………………….. 14 Bullying Policy ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 15 Positive Behavior Support/Response to Intervention (RTI) ………………………………. 15 VII. Calendar…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15 VIII. Attachments……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 16 Attachment 1 (Calendar) ………………………………………………………………………………….. 17 Attachment 2 (Key Staff - Bronx)………………………………………………………………………. 18

The Shield Institute

Bronx Preschool Flushing Preschool 1800 Andrews Avenue 144-61 Roosevelt Avenue Bronx, New York 10453 Flushing, New York 11354 (718) 299-7600 (718) 939-8700

Dear Parents:

Welcome to The Shield Institute. We have been providing services to children for over 90 years in a warm, safe, nurturing environment. It is our goal to provide an atmosphere which stimulates a child’s creative, emotional, social, academic and physical growth, and to provide opportunities for families to be involved in activities that will benefit the entire family.

We invite you to parent conferences during the school year and we have an open door policy. We encourage our parents to visit. Simply call us and we will set up a date and time for your visit .

We have prepared this booklet for you. It includes important information about our program. Please read this booklet and keep it in a safe place so you can refer to it as needed.

There are a number of documents required in order to complete the enrollment process. In order to ensure that we meet health and safety regulations we ask that you complete these documents within the required time frame, if you do not it could jeopardize your child’s ability to participate in our program

We believe that communication is essential to ensure positive ongoing interactions between you and The Shield. Every attempt will be made to address issues and concerns that you bring to our attention within the scope and function of our program.

There are various avenues for communication with our program. They may include:

 Student Notebook  Newsletters  Meetings  Conferences  Reports  Phone calls*

*Please keep in mind that unless it is an emergency we prefer not to interrupt instructional time when children are actively engaged in learning.

Page Two

Parents may request a meeting to discuss their child’s progress at any time when there are concerns. In the event that there is an issue that has not been resolved by utilizing the above communication methods, you may request a formal meeting with the classroom teacher and the Educational Supervisor. If further resolution is required after meeting with the classroom teacher and the supervisor a formal meeting with the principal should be requested.

Please be sure that you have reviewed the Parent Handbook and understand the content.

We look forward to developing a partnership with you as your child journeys through our program. With your support and participation we can succeed.

Sincerely,

The Principal

Please sign below indicating that you have received and read this Program Welcome letter.

Signature Date

SCHOOL COPY (Please return to your child’s teacher)

Shield Institute

Mission Statement

To work in partnership with families and communities to enable

children and adults with developmental disabilities to

lead meaningful lives.

The Shield Institute Preschool Mission:

To build a community of learners in a warm, nurturing,

supportive and safe environment while addressing

individual student potential.

OVERVIEW OF THE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

This handbook has been prepared as a reference for parents and guardians who have children enrolled in The Shield Institute Preschool Program. It has been designed to help you understand our philosophy about special education, our policies and procedures, and to provide you with other useful information.

The Shield Institute believes that all children can learn and need to be provided with a nurturing, safe, risk- free environment where they will be encouraged to reach their fullest potential. The focus in our preschool program is on building a community of learners who are encouraged through active participation and exploration, to develop skills and abilities that promote their academic, emotional, social, and physical growth. The Shield Institute has a longstanding set of expectations for conduct on school property and at school functions. The expectations are based on the principles of civility, mutual respect, citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty and integrity.

The Shield Institute Preschool Program provides services to children three to five years of age in self- contained and integrated classroom settings. Each classroom is staffed with a full time certified special education teacher and one or two full time certified assistant teachers. Related services are provided by licensed New York State therapists as mandated by each student’s IEP.

We are a team composed of parents/guardians, the children and our staff members. As a team we can determine and fulfill the needs of our children. Together we can provide strong role models for our children. Through communication we can have mutual learning and the opportunity to work together toward providing what is best for each child.

We focus on the five developmental domains; cognition, language development (receptive and expressive), fine motor, gross motor and social emotional skill development. We use a developmental learning model which means that the readiness to learn and the level at which a child learns may vary not only between children, but within a child from one learning area to another. Learning areas are all connected with each other and most often go from the simple to the more complex. The curriculum includes: social, emotional, cognitive, physical and language development; literacy; writing; computer skills; multi-cultural awareness; movement and exercise; health and safety; science and exploration; mathematical concepts; cooking; dramatic play; expressive art; music and rhythm.

The Shield Institute Preschool Program provides activities for children’s individual needs and for the needs of the group. Children learn cooperation, decision-making and problem solving. We help them develop a curiosity about the world they live in. We focus on developing self-direction and reinforce ethical values, including: respect, kindness, consideration, caring and responsibility.

At The Shield Institute Early Learning Center Preschool Program, learning means a lot of things including:

1. Seeing it as a process 2. Focusing on teamwork 3. Respecting our efforts

4. Being creative and resourceful 5. Becoming more independent 6. Believing that all children can learn

Our program focuses on five areas of child development: cognitive, language, physical, social and emotional. The five areas are often interrelated in activities.

Cognitive Development - Children are encouraged to develop auditory and visual perception skills, creativity, problem solving skills and pre academic skills, such as number concepts and reading readiness. These are provided through hands-on activities, games, discussions and in an environment that encourages and stimulates exploration and discovery. Our programs look at each child as a unique person and at her/his changing stages of development.

Language Development - We encourage children to communicate in a variety of ways. We use a highly visual environment to allow children to express themselves by pointing to pictures or using words. We provide a highly individualized approach to the positive development of receptive and expressive language and communication skills. Alternate communication devices, both high and low tech are used when appropriate.

Physical Development - Motor skills development is met through planned indoor and outdoor physical activities. The preschool day is a planned balance of energetic activities, quiet activities and rest.

Social Development - Children learn a great deal through interaction with other children. Each classroom encourages small and large group activities. The teacher helps each individual child to share her/his own interests as well as to begin to accept ideas and feelings of the group.

Emotional Development - Each child needs to develop a positive self –image and to relate with her/his peers and the adults in a multi-cultural setting. We help our children learn to trust, express their feelings, thoughts, problems and emotions and to respect others.

The Shield Institute Preschool Program recognizes that children learn through play and active and engaging learning activities. As adults we separate work from play. However, in special education curricula, WORK IS PLAY and active learning is key. Play (and active engagement) is a cognitive tool to be used for problem solving and exploration.

The environment in a preschool classroom is child centered, developmentally based, and encourages the children to explore through active learning.

DAILY SCHEDULE AND ROUTINES

Classrooms post a daily schedule of what children do from arrival time to dismissal time. Activities and time allotted to an activity vary according to the age group of the children, their particular needs and interests and the specific teacher in charge. Program activities generally include: arts and crafts, writing and reading readiness, number concepts and mathematics, science and sensory exploration, music and rhythm, health and safety, dramatic play and activities encouraging understanding and respect for people. Nutritious meals are served following this schedule: breakfast – 8:30 – 9:00 a.m.; lunch – 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Breakfast and lunch are provided by the N.Y.C. Department of Education. There is no charge for breakfast. Lunch fees (should they be required) are based on family income. Lunch forms are sent home on an annual basis.

CLASSROOM ENVIRNOMENT

The areas in each room are designed to promote and enhance language development and social skills.

Classroom areas/centers may include some or all of the following:

 Symbolic Play Area = Dramatic Play, dress up materials, dolls  Construction area = Blocks of various shapes and sizes  Alphabet Center = Letter recognition, pre-reading skills  Science Center = Exploratory experiences  Technology = Computer  Sensory Area = Water, sand and rice activities  Group Meeting Area = Current events, music  Art Center = Painting, gluing  Writing Center = Drawing, coloring  Reading Center = Books, magazines

Centers/areas are stocked with a rich variety of materials, which are well organized.

IEP (Individualized Education Program)

Your child’s IEP determines the services that he/she receives in this school. It is the result of collaboration between parents, evaluators, school staff and the Committee on Preschool Special Education. It is important that you review your child’s IEP, as it contains important information regarding his/her services. He/she may be receiving Occupational, Physical, Speech and/or Counseling services in addition to the education services in the classroom.

QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORTS

Quarterly reports will be sent home with your child three or four times per year (depending on 10 or 12 month status). After an annual IEP meeting the teachers/therapists will send home a summary progress report to indicate more specifically how your child is progressing towards learning and meeting their educational and therapeutic goals. Your involvement in your child’s educational program is important to us at the Shield Institute. We encourage you to call your child’s teacher, social worker or principal to clarify any information.

PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT

Meetings between parents/guardians and staff are expected and encouraged. We look forward to your active involvement and support of the program. You should check your child’s book bag and/or notebook on a daily basis and respond to any notes or letters. Communication and cooperation between preschool and home help to establish a warm and nurturing environment and further our efforts to provide an enriched experience for your child. Parent-teacher conferences may be scheduled during the year at the request of either the parent or the teacher. They are conducted on an individual basis to discuss your child’s progress and to discuss issues of mutual interest or concern. Parents/guardians are always welcome to visit their child’s classroom. Please notify the classroom teacher at least three (3) days in advance when you wish to visit. This prevents any

7 conflicts in scheduling or disruption to the overall routine. Please be aware that the staff involved in your child’s daily instruction are not available to speak with you during hours of instruction; they are available after 2:15 p.m.

The Shield Institute hosts different types of family events each year to encourage involvement with your child’s education program. These events are noted on the calendar and reminder notices are sent home. Events include Open House Preschool Night, preschool wide workshops on a variety of relevant topics, support groups and individual parent/teacher conferences.

The Shield Institute promotes a nurturing learning environment that treats children, families and staff members with dignity and respect. We serve as models for our children through positive social interactions. If differences occur, our goal is to resolve them in a harmonious manner.

 Parents/guardians must sign children in and out of the building. In an effort to ensure the safety of your children, a picture I.D. is required.

 We expect parents to work in collaboration with teachers, staff members and other parents.

 Should a conflict arise we encourage you to request a meeting with school administration.

 The use of foul or abusive language, abusive actions in the presence of children, with staff and/or other parents is not acceptable and will be addressed accordingly.

 Anyone who does not adhere to this policy will be given a choice to immediately control himself/herself or to immediately leave the building by school administration.

 If the behavior continues and the individual refuses to leave the building when asked to do so, a call to 911 may be made and the individual will be escorted from the premises by the police

Prior to returning to our program, the individual will meet with school administration in order to determine how to proceed. IMPORTANT INFORMATION

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL

As per the NYC Department of Education, all students who attend The Shield Institute are provided with bussing through the NYC Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT). The Shield Institute does not hire the bus company or the drivers. The OPT is responsible for all bussing decisions. We encourage you to report any concerns you may have about your child’s transportation to us so we can help you resolve it as soon as possible. If you wish to speak directly with OPT, the customer assistance number is 718-392-8855. We have formal arrival and dismissal procedures that include daily attendance. If you know your child will not be in preschool, we encourage you to call the preschool supervisor (see contact information and absence from preschool information below).

EMERGENCIES (Contact Information)

Emergencies can take many forms including late buses, delayed openings, or early dismissals due to weather, sudden illness, fever and injuries. Each of these situations requires that the school get in touch

8 with you or someone you have authorized on your emergency contact list. Parents/guardians are responsible for all arrangements regarding a child’s arrival/or dismissal from the program. The bus company may only discharge your child to approved escorts/contacts. The following guidelines should help you prepare in case of an emergency.

1. All escorts/emergency contacts must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

2. All escorts/emergency contacts must be willing to pick up/receive children on an as needed basis. Administrators and classroom teaching staff have the right to check whether a listed escort/emergency contact is willing to be an escort/emergency contact.

3. If an emergency contact person listed is found to be unwilling to pick up your child, The Shield Institute will require that the parent/guardian supply the name, address and WORKING phone number of another individual.

4. Parents/guardians must notify The Shield Institute of any changes to the escort list and/or emergency phone number list. We must always have at least TWO WORKING EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS and TWO EMERGENCY ESCORTS.

5. An individual whose name does not appear on the escort/emergency contact list will not be allowed to pick up your child unless a prior arrangement has been made in writing by the parent /guardian. In addition, the approved escort/emergency contact may be asked to show appropriate picture identification (driver license, college I.D., etc.).

It is important for parents/guardians to plan ahead and to have a backup plan for their child’s timely pick up. In the event of unforeseen circumstances (dangerous weather conditions, no heat or air conditioning, etc.), The Shield Institute may need to close early and would therefore require that parents/guardians be prepared to receive their child earlier than the scheduled time. The school must be notified of any changes in your emergency contact information.

ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES

Your child’s attendance at school is important to his/her success. If your child is going to be absent please call the school. State your child’s name and the name of your child’s teacher and the reason for your child’s absence. A doctor’s note is required for an absence of three (3) days or more or upon return after having a contagious disease. The doctor’s note must state the day the child can return to preschool. If there is a long term absence due to illness or family emergency, the preschool district needs to be informed in order to protect enrollment and save the class placement. Medical clearance is necessary for your child’s return to preschool after an illness or injury.

If you do not contact us and your child is absent for five (5) consecutive days with an unexcused absence the district will be notified and your child may be discharged.

ILLNESS

Should your child become ill during the day, the nurse or the child’s teacher will call the parent/guardian or the emergency contact person to come to pick up your child. Please be advised that the nurse is available from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.

A child must not be brought to preschool when he or she is sick. If your child arrives at school and is sick, we may need to call home to have him/her picked up. It is imperative that we have working home and/or 9 cell numbers where you can be reached. Emergency contacts must be updated in case you are not able to be contacted. The following are guidelines about when you should keep your child home:

1. FEVER – Temperatures of 100 degrees or higher is an indication of illness. Children who have a fever during the night or upon wakening should not be sent to school. This is especially important for children who have a known seizure disorder. All children should be fever free at least one day before being sent back to school.

2. ASTHMA – Flare up during the night; child should stay home and be watched carefully.

3. COMMON COLD – Children who have a combination of the following symptoms; runny nose, watery eyes, thick nasal discharge, deep cough accompanied with or without a fever are to be kept home until the severity of the symptoms subside, so your child can get better and not spread it to others.

4. DIARRHEA AND VOMITING – Children should not come to school with either of these symptoms. The child should be seen by their physician if either of these symptoms persists.

5. CONJUNCTIVITIS (PINK EYE) – Whites of the eyes are red, eye lids are red and irritated, and sometimes the lids and lashes are crusted. This is a common contagious condition that requires treatment with medication. Children are not to return to school until the eyes are once again clear.

6. IMPETIGO – Sores, some with crusts or scabs, usually on face, around the nose and mouth. This is a contagious condition. The child should be seen by a physician for treatment. No school until lesions are gone.

7. RASHES – Children with a suspicious rash will need to stay home and be seen by the physician. They will need a note of medical clearance to return to school.

8. LISTLESSNESS/IRRITABILITY – Children should be observed for further symptoms such as fever. Often these are the first signs of impending illness.

9. DRAINAGE FROM EARS – Consult immediately with your child’s physician, do not send your child to school.

10. HOSPITALIZATION – Children who have been hospitalized for ANY reason, need a note of medical clearance to return to school. Children, who have had accidents requiring sutures or cast, need medical clearance to return to school. Children who are sent to school without proper medical documentation will be returned home until they have it.

11. HEAD LICE – Children that have live head lice should NOT come to school, and are NOT permitted to return to school until they are treated and lice free.

Sending your child to school ill will not only expose his/her classmates to illness but prolongs the illness for your child.

ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES

It is school policy to inform parents of injuries that occur in school. School administration maintains a written record of scrapes, bumps, bruises and other injuries. The school nurse treats children with minor

10 injuries. The nurse notifies parents when their child has been seen.

If your child has a fever or is injured and possibly requires outside medical intervention, beyond first aid, then an Incident Report is completed by the school. The nurse or a school administrator notifies parents of the injury.

It is very important that parents also inform classroom staff when their child has an accident or injury at home. Please take the time to write a note or call us. Anytime a child comes to school with any unexplained injury the child will be taken to see the school nurse for treatment and the family will be contacted. As you know, we are required to insure the safety and well being of all children and, at times, may be required to enlist the support of other agencies if children are at risk.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION

The school nurse is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The nurse is the only staff member authorized to administer medication at any time. All special medical alerts and/or concerns about medication and allergies should be addressed to the school nurse.

As per NYC Department of Health Guidelines, medication can only be given to children if we have the original prescription and bottle.

If it is necessary for your child to receive medication during the time he/she is in program, either on a daily basis or for an acute illness, we must have your signed consent. There are several medical forms included with your enrollment packet which must be completed and returned to the office. If it is necessary for your child to receive medication at any time after admission, these forms must be completed at that time. Forms are available in either the nurse’s office or main office. No medication can be given without signed consent.

Students are NOT permitted, under any circumstances, to bring in medication of any kind.

CLOSING FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER

If the New York City Department of Education closes due to inclement weather, the Shield Institute is closed as well. Parents can call the school for updated information or go to our website at www.shield.org.

CLOTHING AND BELONGINGS

To be comfortable and able to participate fully in the various class activities your child should be dressed appropriately, including shoes. Dress her/him casually and according to the season; keeping in mind that there is outdoor play activity and indoor play activities which include working with paint, water, sand, etc. While we make every attempt to keep the children and their clothes clean, we also encourage learning through exploratory play, which can be messy. An extra complete set of washable clothing, including underwear, socks, shirt, pants/skirt, sneakers and sweater should be brought to the preschool program in a marked plastic or cloth bag. To assist us in teaching dressing and toileting skills we also recommend clothing that is easy to put on and take off; elastic waist pants and simple fasteners (large buttons, etc.) 11

These will be kept in the child’s cubby for use as needed. LABEL ALL PERSONAL ITEMS; it helps to prevent loss. Although we will do our best to ensure that your personal items are safeguarded, The Shield is not responsible for items brought to the preschool program.

Should your child require a change of clothing during the day, his/her soiled or wet clothes will be sent home to be cleaned. Please remember to send a replacement set immediately.

Keep in mind that sneakers or other rubber-soled shoes are safest for running, climbing, etc. Please do not send your child in shoes that may endanger him/her during active play, such as sandals, clogs, dress shoes or flip flops. If this occurs your child WILL NOT be able to play on the play porch/play roof or in the gym.

TOILET TRAINING

Due to the nature of our young children, successful toilet training relies on communication between home and school. Our staff will work closely with you to reinforce this important self-help skill. We suggest that you speak to your child’s teacher or social worker about your efforts. If your child is not toilet trained, it is essential that you send diapers (and a container of wipes) in with your child as the Shield Institute does not supply diapers or wipes. We recommend that you send in a package at a time, but if this is not possible, please send in diapers each week or each day. You will be notified by your child’s teacher when you need to replenish the supply in school.

SAFETY

Fire and safety drills are conducted on a routine basis. The preschool has an Evacuation Plan on file. In the event of an emergency, and if we need to vacate the preschool building, you will be apprised of your child’s location as soon as possible. Your attention to insuring we have up to date emergency contact information for you is essential to your child’s well being. We will send out formal requests for this information at least three times per year but urge you to let us know anytime you have a change in contact information.

CLASS TRIPS

Class field trips are a part of your child’s educational experience. Teachers will notify you in advance about scheduled trips. You will be informed regarding departure and return times. Parents are welcome to accompany their child on a class trip and volunteers are appreciated. Permission slips must be signed before your child will be permitted to participate in a class trip.

BIRTHDAYS/HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

We welcome the celebration of birthdays and holidays in the classroom. Parents must notify the staff one week prior to the celebration. Store bought items with a list of ingredients on the packaging is required.

FERPA POLICY AND STUDENT RECORDS

The Shield Institute respects the privacy of its children and students and the confidentiality of their education records and as such adheres to the guidelines outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

We maintain a file on each child enrolled at the Shield Institute. This file contains all the information reviewed with you at your preschool district meeting. Your child’s file is confidential and only certain 12 people are able to access it for educational or administrative purposes. This includes your child’s current teaching and therapeutic team, administrators and clerical staff. Generally, preschools must have written permission from the parent/guardian in order to release any information from a student's educational record.

You have the right to contact us to review your child’s file at anytime. Parents/Guardians may request that the student’s educational records be amended if you believe those records to be inaccurate. You should clearly identify the part of the record you want changed and specify why it is inaccurate. This request must be made to your preschool district chairperson. If the preschool district decides not to amend the record as requested, you may request a fair hearing from the NYCDOE. The Shield Institute staff can assist you with contact information should you need to contact the district office.

Code of Conduct

The Shield Institute expects all children to conduct themselves in an appropriate and civil manner, with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other children, Shield personnel, any person on school property and for the care of school facilities and equipment.

Children’s Rights and Responsibilities

A. Children’s Rights

The Shield Institute is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all children under state and federal law and Shield Institute policy. In addition, to promote a safe, healthy, orderly and supportive school environment, all Shield Institute children have the right to:

1. Participate in Shield Institute activities on an equal basis and not be subjected to discrimination based on their actual or perceived race, color, weight, other physical characteristics, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, gender, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, political affiliation, sex or age, by school employees or children on school property, at a school function, or on a school bus.

2. Present their version of the relevant events to school personnel authorized to impose a disciplinary consequence.

3. Access school policies, regulations and rules and, when necessary, receive an explanation of those rules from school personnel.

4. Proceed in a safe, supportive and orderly school atmosphere without the fear of threat to their well-being.

B. Children’s Responsibilities

All Shield Institute children have the responsibility to:

1. Promote a safe, supportive and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning.

2. Show respect and be nice to other persons and children.

3. Tell a responsible adult if one hears that another child is going to cause harm to himself/herself, others or cause damage to property.

4. Be familiar with and abide by all The Shield Institute policies, rules and regulations dealing with child conduct.

5. Attend school every day unless legally excused and be in class on time and prepared to learn.

6. Work to the best of their ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward the highest level of achievement possible.

7. Work to develop ways to manage their anger.

8. Seek help in solving problems.

9. Follow the rules of their classroom.

10. Report bullying and/or other types of concerning behavior to an appropriate authority figure.

11. Cooperate with teachers, administrators and other school personnel in the investigation of Code of Conduct violations.

Parents Responsibility

All parents are expected to:

1. Recognize that the education of their child(ren) is a joint responsibility of the parents and the school community and collaborate with The Shield Institute to optimize their child(ren)’s educational opportunities.

2. Send their child(ren) to school ready to participate and learn.

3. Ensure their child(ren) attend school regularly and on time.

4. Ensure absences are excused.

5. Help their child(ren) understand that in a democratic society appropriate rules are required to maintain a safe, supportive and orderly environment.

6. Know classroom rules and help their child(ren) understand them so that their child(ren) can help.

7. Convey to their child(ren) a supportive attitude toward education and The Shield Institute.

8. Build positive, constructive relationships with teachers, other parents and their child(ren)’s friends.

9. Help their child(ren) deal effectively with peer pressure.

10. Inform school officials of changes in the home situation that may affect a child’s conduct or performance.

11. Provide a place for study and ensure homework assignments are completed

12. Provide updated telephone numbers for home, work and emergency contacts.

13. Bring any concerns of bullying or harassment to the attention of the appropriate school official as per the Dignity for All Students Act.

Bullying Policy

The Shield Institute believes that all children have a right to a safe and healthy school environment one that promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance. The Shield Institute’s programs will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any children. A child shall not intimidate, harass, or bully another child through words or actions. Such behavior includes direct physical contact, such as hitting, kicking, shoving or taking personal belongings; verbal assaults, such as teasing, name-calling or making threats; social isolation via intimidation, extortion or manipulation; or cyber bullying. The Shield Institute prohibits any retaliatory behaviors toward any children or staff that has reported bullying behavior.

Positive Behavior Support/Response to Intervention (RTI)

The Shield Institute is committed to the practice of Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) believing that all children can benefit from well implemented, evidence based practices for improving children behavior. We provide a set of universal expectations for behavior that are positively stated for all children in our school programs. These expectations generally promote core values such as respect, responsibility and safety. Emphasis is placed on prevention of problem behaviors, development of pro-social skills and the use of data based problem solving for addressing existing behaviors.

If you would like a copy of the full version of the Code of Conduct please request one from the school principal.

CALENDAR

Our preschool programs operate 12 months a year. We will send home calendars, one for the summer months of July and August (if your child has been approved by the preschool district to attend the 12 month preschool year) and a separate one for September to June. The calendar will indicate all holidays; staff conference or training days, etc. when the preschool program will be closed or a planned early dismissal. Please keep this calendar handy for your reference and planning. Any changes to the calendar will be communicated in writing.

ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT 1

CALENDAR

ATTACHMENT 2

KEY STAFF (FLUSHING)

Dru Collins, Principal (718) 939-8700 ext. 1339

Jessica Lally, Assistant Principal (718) 939-8700 ext. 1336

Lester Samson, Educational/Curriculum Coordinator (718) 939-8700 ext. 1227

Anne Vacker, Speech Supervisor (718) 939-8700 ext. 1111

Edith Goody, OT/PT Supervisor (718) 939-8700 ext. 1114

David Amsterdam, Psychologist (718) 939-8700 ext. 1372

Ernest Manich, Social Worker (718)299-7600

Yoonhee Lee, Intake Coordinator (718) 939-8700 ext. 1141

Main Office (718) 939-8700