Gretchen’s House Child Care Centers Dress and Grooming Code Updated 2018

All Gretchen’s House staff (including substitutes) are Unacceptable Clothing & Grooming* expected to maintain professional standards of dress and ▪ Cutoff shorts grooming. There is no prescribed uniform. Specific items of clothing may be appropriate or inappropriate ▪ Torn, faded, frayed, or worn clothing depending on a variety of elements…someone wearing ▪ Clothing with graphics, slogans or logos, with the jeans and a casual shirt can look more professional than exceptions of: another person wearing old, ill-fitting khakis and a • Gretchen’s House logos** button-down shirt. • Other logos one square inch or smaller Most important to all of us is that children have good ▪ Shoes with uncovered toes, unsecured heels, or other teachers, but a presentable appearance is visible unsafe design (high heels, platforms, stacked soles, reinforcement that we are professionals. The following etc.) lists are intended to help define the standard of what is ▪ Sweatshirts, except when worn over a shirt with a considered professional appearance at Gretchen’s House visible collar for all staff. ▪ Shorts or skirts shorter than described above Dress and Grooming Code Basics ▪ Pajama pants or “scrubs,” slippers, or exercise Clothing must look professional. It may be casual in clothing varying degrees and must allow staff to participate fully ▪ Spandex or leggings that are see-through or reveal with children in a variety of activities. This is somewhat undergarments (leggings must be covered by a long dependent on age group of children and planned shirt) activities. ▪ High platform shoes, rubber or plastic flip-flops Clothing must fit appropriately. No oversized shirts or ▪ Hooded shirts or jackets, except when worn pants; no form-fitting apparel. outdoors as outerwear ▪ Pants worn below the waist, elasticized at the ankle, Clothing must be clean and in good condition. or touching the floor Clothing must cover cleavage, midriff, and underwear ▪ Hats worn indoors when standing, sitting, bending or moving. ▪ Visible body piercings, with the exception of small ear or nose piercings Acceptable Clothing* ▪ Visible tattoos with offensive images or wording ▪ Clean, non-faded, unadorned pants, including slacks and blue jeans ▪ Spiked jewelry or wallet chains ▪ Tops which completely cover underwear, midriff, and ▪ Excessively long fingernails cleavage ▪ Other fashion items or trends at the Director and/or ▪ Shorts having hems even with or below the bottom of Executive Director’s discretion. fingers when standing normally

▪ Leggings, only when worn with a long top that meets

the length requirements for shorts (above) Footwear which fits as needed to allow full, safe participation in all work activities; toes must be enclosed and heels must be secured. This helps to prevent broken toes and falls.

Directors may make case-by-case exceptions. The President and Executive Director have final authority.

** GH logo clothing may be purchased at cost through payroll deduction via our staff website catalog.