2017-2018

Family Handbook

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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

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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

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Somechildrenwillbeattendingpreschoolattheirneighborhoodschool,buteveniftheyaren’t,weurgeyoutogetinvolvedinyourchild’sschool.Meettheprincipal,attendParent/Teacher(PTA/PTO)meetingsandgettoknowthekindergartenteachersbeforeyourchildfinishespreschool.Youwillbeshowingyourchildthateducationisimportantwhileshowingyourprincipalthatyoucare!Weareexcitedtohaveyouandyourchildasapartoftheprogramandlookforwardtoagreatyear!Sincerely,OpportunitiesHeadStartStaff

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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• ProfessionalboundariesbetweenstaffandfamiliesenrolledinOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesEarly/HeadStartprogramsmustbemaintainedatalltimes.Staffwillrespectthedifferencesbetweenprofessionalrelationshipsandfriendships,andstrictlyadheretotheformer.

• InHeadStartfamiliesandstaffareencouragedtosharetheircustoms(contributionofsongs,storiesandtraditions)whenrelevanttotheclassroomcurriculum.Holidaycelebrationsmustbeappropriateandmeaningfulforallchildren.Ourholidaycelebrationswillbesupportiveandrespectfulofallfamiliesandwillincludeeducationalactivitiesthatcombinefunwithlearningforchildren.

• Wedonothaveend-of-yeargraduationceremonies;instead,ofgraduationceremoniescenterscanrecognizethechildrenandfamilieswithacelebrationandorpicnicattheendoftheprogramyearinJuneorJuly.

Familiesarenotallowedtobringfoodintotheclassroomtocelebratebirthdaysorspecialcelebrations,asmanyofthesefoodsbroughttoschooldonotcomplywithUSDAdirections.(UnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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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.

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• Parentswillbenotifiedinwritingifachildatthecenterhasbeensenthomewithacommunicabledisease.

• Ifyourchildisexcludedfromschool,childrenmustbefeverandsymptomfreeforaminimumof24hourswithouttakinganymedicine(TylenolandMotrin)beforereturningtoschool.

• Iftheparentcanprovidethecenterwithanofficialnotefromtheirphysicianstatingthatthechildisnotcontagious,thenthechildwillbeallowedtoreturn,aslongastheyarefeverfreewithnofeverreducingmedication.

• Ifyouarenotifiedthatyourchildhaslice,treatmentneedstobedoneandparentsshouldattempttoremovenitsandlivelicefromthehair.Thechildwillneedtoreporttotheofficeandberecheckedbeforereturningtotheclassroom.Childrenmustberetreated7daysafterthefirsttreatment.Apamphletonthelicepreventionandtreatmentwillbeprovidedtotheparentofthechild.

• Parentsshouldbeawareofthecommondiseasesandroutinelychecktheirchildforsignsandsymptomsofillness.

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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.

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▪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.

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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.

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6. ParentsmaynotdepositParentCenterCommitteefundmoneyintoapersonalbankaccount.AllmoneymustbegiventoOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCounties.

7. AllfundraisersmustbeapprovedinadvancebytheOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesDirectorofDevelopment.Pleaseusethe“RequestforApprovalofOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnetCountiesFundraiser”form.

8. ParentCenterCommitteesmaynotholdrafflesofanykind.9. WhenrequestinganycenterfundsfromOpportunitiesforWilliamsonandBurnet

Counties,allcheckrequestswillbeprocessedwithin2ormoreweeks,dependingonthedeadlinegivenbytheParentCenterCommittee.Pleaseincludethedateyouneedthecheckwhenyousubmittherequest.

10. RequestsforchecksmadebynoononaTuesdaywillbereadyby4p.m.thefollowingFriday,iftherequestspecificallystatesthatthecheckisneededbythatFriday.

11. AfinancialsummaryandcashbalancewillbeprovidedtoeachParentCenterCommitteeonamonthlybasis.TheParentCommitteewillreviewthesummaryandletthefinancedepartmentknowimmediatelyifanythingseemstobeincorrect.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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