The Learning Community Early Head Start 1181 W. Scottwood Ave. Flint, Michigan 48507 (810) 591-7236
HANDBOOK
Welcome to the Learning Community
Class Time: 8:45am-3:00pm Monday-Thursday Coordinator: Malinda Baker Phone: 810-591-7208
Teacher & Assistant: ______Phone: ______Please be sure to call the classroom before your child’s class starts if he/she is going to be absent.
Early Head Start Office (810) 591-7236
Remember that parents, family members or friends are always welcome to volunteer in your child’s classroom! Whether you can volunteer for a few minutes or all day……...
YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!!!!!!
Our Promise to You: Confidentiality
Our relationship with your family begins with a promise that all information that you provide to The Learning Community staff during your family’s enrollment and participation in our programs is protected by confidentiality. No information that you share with us, either verbally or in writing, is shared with any other persons or agencies without your written consent (Exception: Please see policy regarding child abuse and neglect reporting). All children and family records are kept in locked filing drawers and on our computerized data tracking system which is password protected. Only Early Head Start/Head Start /GSRP staff such as your child’s teachers, your Family /Community Support Coordinator and other authorized office personnel has access to your records. Other authorized personnel may include GCCARD Central Office staff (Head Start only), state licensing officials, or program evaluation officials. We also ensure that all students placed here through college or high school internships, review and sign our Confidentiality Policy. Beginning with this promise of confidentiality, we hope to build a partnership with you and your family. We hope that you will grow to trust The Learning Community staff that you work with and know that we will offer respectful assistance when needed and, at the same time, guard your privacy.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Program Director Kristi Myatt 591-7223
0-3 Child Development Coordinator Kathy Rhodes 591-7220
0-3 Family and Community Support Coordinator Malinda Baker 591-7208
0-3 Nutritionist/Special Needs Coordinator Patrice Moesta R.D. 591-7218
Teresa Anderson 591-7212 Early Head Start Home Visitors Beth Butcher 591-7230 Ryanne Kross 591-7204 Roshanda Womack 591-7263
EHS Health and Family Support Coordinator Cheryl Gerrish R.N. 591-7242
Early Head Start Office Debbie Davenport 591-7236
EHS Behavioral Health Services Roshanda Womack 591-7263
Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools Administration Building 591-3700
Like us on Facebook Bendle/Carman-Ainsworth Early Head Start
EARLY CHILDHOOD PHILOSOPHY
The Carman-Ainsworth Early Childhood Program is committed to a philosophy of recognizing individual differences in children. Our philosophy supports an early childhood program that recognizes each child as a whole person whose growth occurs in specific developmental stages that are sequential and continuous.
Children enter school at many different stages of physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. In order to effectively meet the individual needs of your child, a developmentally appropriate, activity based curriculum has been planned. This includes a qualified and nurturing staff, developmentally appropriate materials, and a warm, stimulating, positive environment with adequate space.
An open and cooperative relationship between home and school is essential. We believe that parents and teachers together provide learning experiences and models, which build positive attitudes, promote children’s potential and enhance school success.
HOW CHILDREN LEARN
We believe that:
Children learn best when class size is kept small.
Children learn best when they have opportunities to work individually and in small groups and large group.
Children learn at a rate that is unique to them.
Children learn by building on past experiences.
Children learn through their play.
Children learn through all their senses.
Children are active learners; they manipulate and experiment with a variety of materials and situations.
Children learn by exploring, observing, imitating, and practicing.
Children learn through repeated experiences.
Children learn best when they feel a sense of achievement and self worth.
Children learn best when they feel physically and emotionally safe and secure.
Children learn best when they have opportunities to engage in all aspects of the learning process; exploration, acquisition, and practice.
Children learn best when they are engaged in self-initiated activities and experiences.
DAILY SCHEDULES
It is important that your child arrives to class on time each day. If your child arrives late, he/she will miss out on learning activities and not receive the full benefit of the program. In addition, please help your child feel secure! Arrive on time to pick your child up from class. You may have a good reason for “late pick-up” but to little children – “late pick up” mostly means, “why am I being left behind when all the other children are going home?”
Early Head Start Center children attend classes Monday – Thursday 8:45am -3:00pm beginning in late September thru early June. Weekly home visits for 1.5 hours and twice monthly socialization playgroups will be done early June thru late September.
Early Head Start Home Based families will have weekly home visits for 1.5 hours per visit and will participate in 2 monthly socializations.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance at school, home visits and socializations is important for your child and a requirement for our programs. As Federal and State programs, we are required to record a reason every time your child is absent or a home visit is missed. If it is necessary for your child to be absent or for you to miss a home visit please notify the office/home visitor as soon as possible to explain the reason. We are required to document absences in order to comply with regulations, so if we do not hear from you, you may receive a phone call, a note or a home visit asking about your child’s absences. Your child’s absence will be excused because of illness or extreme family emergency. Children go outside each day when weather allows. Children coming to school will be expected to go outside with their class. If your child is too sick to go outside, please keep him/her home from school.
Your child is learning how important you feel school success is for him or her.
Start your child off right and make sure he/she attends school every day! HOME VISITS and PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES and HOME ACTIVITIES
Parent – Teacher communication is very important to us. This is a time to discuss your child’s progress in our program and any family concerns or needs that you may have. We value these home visits and conferences and appreciate your time to help us provide the best experience for your child.
Early Head Start Center families should plan on the following visits:
15 Home visits during the year
Early Head Start Home Based families should plan on the following visits:
Families will receive home visits every week for 1.5 hours
Throughout the school year you will be receiving Home Activities packets to enjoy with your child. In each packet you will find some information for parents and caregivers and lots of activities you can do with your child. If there is an activity you do not want to do, choose another activity or substitute one of your own. Just be sure that you and your child are having a good time! Attached to your home activities will be a survey sheet – we need your input!
Reading with your child is a very important part of our program, in the center and at home. Some months, a Home Activity packet will include a book for your child to keep with some suggested activities to go with that book. You may notice activities for two different books. That is because some of our younger children in Early Head Start may receive a different book from your preschool-aged child. Remember – the book you receive is your child’s to keep. Enjoy!
We hope you find these activities and books to be informative and enjoyable. Your child will love special attention from you! If you have any questions or suggestions concerning the Home Activities, please call 591-7207.
Have fun!
FOOD and NUTRITION
BREAKFAST/LUNCH/SNACKS: A nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack are served, family style, in our classrooms each day for children 12 months and over. Menus are posted and parents are welcome to make menu suggestions.
For children less than 12 months, formula and baby food is provided during the Early Head Start hours (8:45am-3:00pm Monday-Thursday). If you choose to bring your own formula and baby food it must be labeled with your child’s name and date when you arrive at the center.
*Due to Nutrition Guidelines - teachers are not able to accept treats or food of any type from parents to give to the classroom. If you want to do something to celebrate your child’s birthday, please discuss it with your child’s teacher before the event.
TRY THESE CONVERSATION STARTERS AT MEAL TIME
What is your favorite food, and why do you like it? What do we use to chew our food? What shapes do you see on your plate? Where do fruits and vegetables come from? Who cleans up when we’re through eating at home?
EARLY HEAD START HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Each child must have his/her immunizations up-to-date and have a current physical on file to begin the center. Due to State and Federal guidelines, physical and immunizations must be kept CURRENT to remain in the center.
IMMUNIZATIONS PHYSICALS DENTAL Immunizations must be updated Physicals are required at the following times: as they become due and copies Dental screenings are required at each physical. Dental of the shot record given to the exam is required at 3 years old. Mott Children’s Dental Newborn, 2 mo, 4 mo, 6 mo, 9 mo, 12 mo, 15 mo, office. program provides screening on site 2 times a year for 0- 18 mo, 24 mo, 30 and 36 months. 3 year olds. You can also go to a private dentist.
MEDICATION POLICY and SPECIAL NEEDS / EMERGENCY PLANS
We can NOT give the initial (first) dose of any medication; this must be given at home. Before any medication can be given at school there must be an Authorization to Administer Medication form completed and signed by the doctor and also signed by the parent. This applies to all prescription medication and over the counter medication. A copy of the District’s Medication Policy is available in the office or on the district web page at www.carman.k12.mi.us
Children with Asthma must have an Asthma Action Plan filled out and signed by the parent and the doctor. This plan must be completed each year.
Children with special needs must have a Special Needs Plan filled out and signed by the parent and the doctor. This plan must be completed each year.
If it is necessary for your child to be absent, please notify your child’s classroom the day of the absence to explain the reason and when you expect the child to return to school. We are required to document absences in order to comply with federal regulations, so if we do not hear from you, you may receive a home visit, a phone call or a note asking about your child’s absences.
Your child is important to us and we want to help you keep your child in school and healthy! If you have any questions about health issues, please feel free to call our nurses.
Cheryl Gerrish, R.N. at 591-7242
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Families face many challenging circumstances and we can help. We have a Mental Health Specialist available on staff. For assistance please talk to your child’s teacher, coordinator or home visitor.
YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE KEPT HOME IF HE/SHE HAS:
Illness with a fever (child must be fever free for 24 hours) Symptoms of severe illness such as: Not acting like their usual self Uncontrolled coughing I don’t Irritability or crying for no known reason Difficulty breathing, wheezing feel so Diarrhea or watery, less formed, more frequent stools Blood in the stools good !!! Vomiting Persistent abdominal pain Mouth sores Eye infections with discharge Rash of undetermined reason (NOTE: a rash needs to be diagnosed by a doctor before the child can return to class). An illness that prevents the child from participating comfortably in the program’s activities. An illness that makes the child have a greater need for care than the caregivers can manage without compromise to the care of other children in the group.
If we are aware that your child has been exposed at school to a communicable disease, the classroom staff will send home a note and an information sheet from the Genesee County Health Department that tells you about the disease your child was exposed to and the signs and symptoms to watch for. There is also a phone number to the Health Department to call if you have any questions about the disease.
Children must stay home with any communicable disease and need a note from a doctor before they return to class.
Children who have had head lice can return to class when they are lice and nit free and checked by a staff member.
Children who have been diagnosed with ringworm or scabies can return after receiving 24 hours of treatment and a note from the doctor. Ringworm must be covered while the child is in class.
If your child is absent from school due to illness, please do not bring him/her to an evening activity that day.
PARENT TRANSPORT INFORMATION
PLEASE HELP US KEEP CHILDREN SAFE
Drive SLOW through the neighborhood & parking lot NEVER LEAVE NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN
ALONE Follow the ONE WAY signs in the parking lot IN THE CAR
HOLD YOUR CHILD’S HAND IN THE
PARKING LOT
DO NOT park in HANDICAP SIGN YOUR CHILD parking spots without a permit IN and OUT each day!
THANK YOU for being SAFE and RESPONSIBLE
EHS TRANSPORTATION
T L C ● EHS will gladly help to facilitate transportation to Early Head Start activities.
● Many public transportation options are available to families. If you need information or assistance making transportation arrangements to use MTA bus lines, Your Ride, or local taxi companies please discuss this with your Home Visitor or Family Support Coordinator.
● If further assistance is needed the Learning Community mini bus can be dispatched. Arrangements must be made in advance with your Home Visitor or Family Support Coordinator according to the established TLC Mini Bus Contract and Rules.
BUILDING SAFETY
Surveillance cameras are used throughout the building both inside and out.
For your child’s safety, only the main entrance is used for entry. If you exit the building through another door, DO NOT hold doors open for others to gain entry - even if you know them.
You must walk your child to his/her classroom, let the teacher know your child is here and sign your child in and out each day. Inform others who may transport your child to do the same.
Your child’s classroom will not be open until the designated start time. Never leave your child unattended, you can play in the gym or read one of our children’s books at the benches with your child while waiting for class to start.
Please make sure that your child’s emergency card is up-to-date at all times. This is how we contact you in the event of an emergency. Children will not be released to anyone whose name is not on the card. Anyone picking up your child must have a picture I.D. with them.
Emergency drills (fire, tornado and lockdown) are practiced with staff and children throughout the school year.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING / RELOCATION INFORMATION Please do not call the school concerning closings. The information will be announced by the following stations as soon as it is available. WHEN CARMAN-AINSWORTH SCHOOLS ARE CANCELLED, Early Head Start PROGRAMS ARE CANCELLED.
Radio AM Stations – WFDF 910, WTAC 600, WFLT 1420 Radio FM Stations – WDZZ 92.7, WWCK 105, WCRZ 108 Television Stations – WEYI 25, WJRT 12, WNEM 5
You can also sign up to receive text alerts at the district website www.carman.k12.mi.us
In the event of an emergency that would cause The Learning Community to relocate, we would walk the children to the Central Church of the Nazarene NEW GYM which is located directly in front of our building.
Central Church of the Nazarene –Gym/Youth Center 1261 W. Bristol Road Flint, Michigan PEDESTRIAN SAFETY GUIDELINES
When walking with your children please observe and teach your children about the following safety tips for walkers:
1. Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, always walk facing traffic so you can observe on-coming traffic. 2. Wear brightly colored clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night to ensure that you are seen by others. 3. When crossing the street or walking in a parking lot:
•Cross only at corners or marked crosswalks. •Stop, look left, right, then left again, and listen before crossing. •If there are parked cars where you are crossing, make sure that no driver is pulling out. •Make eye contact with drivers. Never assume that drivers have seen you. •Never allow small children to cross alone. Young children do not yet have the cognitive skills necessary to make good judgments about when it is safe to cross.
Preschool children are quick and often unaware of danger. Always hold your child’s hand to ensure that they do not run into dangerous situations. Always model and teach safe pedestrian rules and supervise your children at all times to ensure their safety.
CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT LAWS
The child passenger safety law in the state of Michigan requires that all children up to age 8 or 4’9” must be properly buckled in an appropriate child safety seat / booster seat while riding in a motor vehicle. The law also states that children under 4 years old must ride in the back seat in a child safety seat. Failure to follow the law may result in a ticket or a fine.
HOWEVER- The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for BEST PRACTICE:
The safest place for any child, age 12 and under, is the back seat. Infants up to 2 years of age should ride in a rear facing child safety seat. Children up to 4 feet 9 inches MUST ride in a booster seat
DRESSING FOR SCHOOL
Play Time Now when outside we do swarm, Make my clothes old, soft and warm. Soft old pants and an old hooded sweater, Makes running around so much better. Comfy old sneakers, not my best pretties, So I can go play in the dirty old gritties! All my clothes will be easier to claim, If in each thing, you please put my name. School is here!! Time to laugh, jump and run. Please won’t you dress me so I can have fun!?
Michigan childcare licensing regulations require “daily outdoor play unless prevented by inclement weather conditions.” Children will be going outside each day when weather conditions allow (we do not go out when the wind chill is below 10 degrees). Please provide your child with appropriate, labeled clothing. If your child is too ill to go outside, he/she should NOT be attending the center.
Play clothes! We believe in hands on, active learning and play. Children run, climb, ride bikes, paint and play outside everyday…their clothes might look “dirty” after a busy day at school. Washable play clothes are best!
Footwear! Children need to wear rubber soled shoes such as sneakers, to keep safe in the classroom, gym and outside. Boots are needed for rainy and snowy days.
Weather Dressing! Children go outside almost everyday. Hats, mittens, boots and warm coats are necessary. If you need these items, please notify your teacher, or other staff.
Classrooms are set up in LEARNING CENTERS:
Art ~ easel painting, table painting, scissors, markers, pencils, glue, collage materials…
Language ~ books, music, fingerplays, acting out stories, planning & recall, conversations…
Computer ~ using a mouse and other computer skills with programs for young children…
Science ~ magnets, exploring nature using real materials, senses, growing plants, experiments…
Blocks/Construction ~ blocks of all sizes and shapes, building materials, trucks, stacking toys…
Water/Sensory Materials ~ playdough, wet and dry materials for active discovery play
Manipulatives ~ simple to more difficult table toys, lacing, pegboards, measuring, counting, patterns
Dramatic Play/House ~ pretend hospital, restaurant, grocery store, house, dress-up, role play…
Your child’s CLASSROOM SCHEDULE will be age appropriate and look similar to the following:
Arrival/Greeting: hanging up coats, book bags/singing hello songs/developing friendships
Snack (AM) / Lunch (PM): family style – children pass food, pour their own milk, talk
Planning: children choose what center they’ll begin their play in – this supports decision making and goal setting
Worktime: children actively learn concepts as they explore and discover centers while learning appropriate social skills, problem solving
Clean-up: children and adults do this together, building responsibility for materials
Recall: talking about what you just did, supports learning, language growth and goal setting
Gym: large muscle activities, climbing, riding toys, balance and movement skills
Small Group: teacher directed activity about self, colors, senses, science, letters, numbers, etc.
Large Group: all children gather together for stories, songs, fingerplays, and discussions
Lunch (AM) / Snack (PM): family style
Outside: playground activities promoting large muscle growth, problem solving
Parent & Guardians are always welcome to visit or volunteer in the classroom!!!!
No parent or volunteer will, at any time, be placed in a position of direct responsibility for the supervision of any children participating in any of the Learning Community early childhood programs.
EARLY HEAD START GROUP SOCIALIZATIONS HELPING INFANTS, TODDLERS and PRESCHOOLERS Understand limits and boundaries Group Socializations are an important part of the Early Head Start program and are designed specifically for Early Head Start home-based parents and their Learning about limits and boundaries is a part of daily life at The Learning children. All EHS families are encouraged to participate in the group Community. Children develop awareness of others and responsibility for their socializations which are offered at least twice each month with their Home actions over time. Utilizing positive, gentle guidance techniques and modeling, Visitor/Teacher. the teaching staff help children begin to feel empathy for others and gain self-
Early Head Start Group Socializations are usually held at The Learning control. To meet a variety of developmental needs, staff relies on room Community and they afford EHS parents a wonderful opportunity to learn about arrangement, balanced and stimulating programming, and easy access to a child development, relax and play with their children in a safe stimulating variety of materials and equipment, and age appropriate adult intervention to support children in being successful in a group setting. environment. Early Head Start Socializations also give children the opportunity to interact with other children as they learn to participate in a group setting. Staff strives to: . Keep children safe in their play with others . Keep children safe from hurting others . Help children learn limits and boundaries within their world.
Children are encouraged to make appropriate personal choices, which is the beginning of their sense of personal responsibility.
Regular communication between parents and staff is always encouraged. Parents will be contacted if their child’s behavior is causing concern. Parents concerns are welcomed and will be addressed by the teaching staff, coordinator or relevant others.
DISCIPLINE POLICY DISMISSAL FROM THE LEARNING COMMUNITY Discipline is not punishment. The Learning Community staff uses positive methods of discipline, or limit setting, which encourages self- Our positive method of discipline, or limit setting approach is successful in control, self-direction, self-esteem and cooperation. handling aggressive or disruptive behaviors in the majority of children. Every To do this, the following guidelines will be utilized: effort will be made to modify inappropriate behavior by following positive
Consistent limits will be set, appropriate to preschooler’s development. guidance techniques in the classroom. Staff will also maintain regular We will redirect inappropriate play and learning activities. communication and encourage involvement of parents when concerns develop. We will tell children what to do rather than what not to do. Unfortunately, these strategies are not effective with some children. If this is the case, it may ultimately result in dismissal from the preschool program. We will give children a choice whenever possible. We will set rules for safety and health reasons only. Please remember that all children are entitled to a pleasant and harmonious We will strive to be fair in all situations. environment at preschool. The program cannot serve children who display We will help facilitate and encourage children to resolve conflicts for chronically disruptive behavior. Chronically disruptive behavior is defined as themselves. verbal or physical activity which may include but is not limited to behavior that: We will step in and take control of any situation where other children or requires constant attention from the staff; inflicts physical or emotional harm on adults are being hurt, when children are hurting themselves, or when other children; abuses the staff; ignores or disobeys the rules which guide property is being destroyed. behavior during preschool time. If a child cannot adjust to the program setting
Physical punishment is not used as a form of discipline in our and behave appropriately, most of the time, the last resort will be dismissal. program. We always encourage good, positive self-image. Physical punishment does not encourage a good self-concept.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
The Michigan Child Protection Law, 1975, PA 238, is an act that requires the reporting of child abuse and neglect “to safeguard and enhance the welfare of children and preserve family life” and “to provide for the protection of children who are abused or neglected.”
All staff at The Learning Community are mandated by law to report any suspected child abuse and neglect. If suspicion of child abuse or neglect is reported by staff at The Learning Community or by someone outside of our programs, children may be interviewed and children’s records may be viewed by DHS employees or local law enforcement officers without prior consent from parents. The number for the Department of Human Services (DHS) Children’s Protective Services in Genesee County is (810)760-2222.
EMPLOYEE RECORDS CHECK
The Learning Community requires that each employee has a clearance from the Department of Human Services stating that he/she is not on the Child Abuse and Neglect registry and in accordance with State law, a criminal history records check before he/she is allowed to work with children.
DRUG FREE AND SMOKE FREE SCHOOLS
THE USE OF ILLICIT DRUGS, ALCOHOL and TABACCO IS HARMFUL!! According to the Drug-Free Act of 1989: No illicit drugs or alcohol are allowed on school grounds. The use of illicit drugs and alcohol as part of school activities is prohibited. Persons violating this act will face expulsion or referral for prosecution.
In accordance with Carman-Ainsworth Board Policy (KGC) the use of tobacco products, including those inhaled, chewed or placed a person’s mouth, is prohibited on ALL school property owned or otherwise controlled by the district. Legal reference: M.C.L. 750.473
BUILDING INSPECTION NOTEBOOK
In accordance with the Child Care Organizations Act, 1973 Public Act 116, The Learning Community maintains a licensing notebook which includes all licensing inspections reports, special investigation reports and all related corrective action plans. This notebook is available for parent review during regular business hours. For past information visit the state licensing website at WWW.michigan.gov/michildcare
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION The Carman-Ainsworth Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, height, weight, religion, or marital status in any of its programs, activities or employment. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to: Human Resources, G-3475 West Court Street, Flint, Michigan, 48532, Phone (810) 591-8241. Inquiries regarding Section 504 policy should be directed to: Support Services, 1300 North Linden Rd., Flint, Michigan, 48532, Phone (810) 591-6251.
PARENT GOVERNANCE
0-3 Head Start operates with a “shared decision making” model. This means that parents, community members and school staff work together to make decisions about our program. We do this through various committees and councils.
Parent Committee: Usually held the second Tuesday of each month.
Every parent is encouraged to participate in Parent Committee meetings. These are casual “have a cup of coffee” times (Coffee Talk) when staff and parents talk about the program and plan events and activities. EHS does this after their socializations and we hold 0-5 Head Start Parent Committee meetings at Coffee Talk. Parent input is what has made Head Start so effective. We need your input to continue to be an effective program.
Policy Council: Meetings are usually held the fourth Thursday of the month.
This group acts like the Parent Board of Education. They review budgets, sit in on staff interviews, approve policies and help us do the annual program evaluation. Members are elected/nominated from the Parent Committee annually.
Health/Special Needs Advisory: Parents meet with Early Head Start Staff and other local health professionals to help in planning, operating, and evaluating the program’s health and special needs policies. This group meets quarterly.
WE NEED YOU!!! With your involvement you will help make your child’s Early Head Start experience the BEST it can be