MASON CITY

EARLY CHILDHOOD

PROGRAMS

 

 

 

 

Revised: 2005-06

EARLY CHILDHOOD

 PHILOSOPHY

 

We believe that all children, parents, and staff will learn and grow in a positive learning environment.  We believe in the unique value and potential of children and their families.  We honor the diversity of beliefs, values, customs, and cultures in our local community and the world around us.  We believe preschool children are ready to experience the diversity of others.  We respect and support their families in achieving the goals they desire for themselves and their children.

 

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

 

The Mason City Early Childhood Center is supported by the Mason City Community School District and Head Start.  It serves children 3 to 5 years of age, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 9:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  It is designed to provide positive early learning experiences while fostering independent functioning and age appropriate development.  A structured and nurturing environment provides opportunities for successful learning.  Daily experiences address the following areas:  cognitive, communication, social, emotional, behavioral, health, nutrition, safety, self-help, large and fine motor development as well as pre-academic readiness.  While kindergarten readiness skills are important, they will only be promoted in the context of what children are interested in and mature enough to grasp.  The program provides for flexibility to meet the individual needs of each child and family.

 

 

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

 

·        We will demonstrate our respect and concern for children and families, colleagues, and others with whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, and cultures.

 

·        We will demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential  of each child and acknowledge that the development of choice-making skills, a sense of self, and personal autonomy are critical to promoting life-long learning.

 

·        We will oppose any discrimination because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age or marital status in all aspects of personnel action and service delivery.

 

·        We will actively involve the families in their child's education and growth.

 

·        We will protect the privacy and confidentiality of information regarding children and families, colleagues, and students.

 

 

STUDENTS NEED TO BRING ONLY THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS

(Please mark materials and clothing with permanent marker)

 

·        Extra set of clothing

·        Diapers, training pants, and wipes if needed

·        School bag

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

 

In your child's best interest, it is the parent's responsibility to insure regular attendance.  Instructional time lost is never fully regained.  Every effort should be made toward prompt arrival and regular attendance.  It is the responsibility of the parent to send a healthy child to school.  Check for signs of illness.  Call the school if your child will be absent for any reason.

 

The following procedure will be followed:

      1.   If the parent has not notified the school of an absence, the teacher will attempt to contact the parent.

      2.   If the parent has no phone, two alternate phone numbers must be provided to the school.  The teacher will attempt to contact one of those persons who will then be requested to check on your child.  Either that person or the parent must then call the school.

      3.   After approximately three missed days, if the parent has not been able to be contacted, a home visit may be made to discuss educational concerns related to absences.

 

 

DAILY SCHEDULE

 

Although each teacher arranges the day to best meet the needs of his/her group of children, a typical day will include the following types of activities:

 

                        Arrival                                                                                      Lunch

                        Breakfast                                                                                  Quiet Time

                        Brush Teeth                                                                              Individual Work Time

                        Large/Small Group Activities

                        Center Time (child selects activities)

                        Story Time

                        Large Motor Skill Development

                        Outdoor Activities

                        Music

 

 

CLOTHING

 

Please dress your child in comfortable play clothing that have front closure zippers, snaps, or buttons.  Their clothes should be chosen so the child and staff need not  worry about getting dirty.  Shoes need to be comfortable so each child can easily run and climb safely.  Sandals and other open shoes are not appropriate for the playground.  Also, please remember to dress your child appropriately for the weather (i.e. snowpants, boots, hat and mittens in winter, light jacket in spring).  Children will be expected to go outside every day if possible.  A doctor's order is needed to keep the child inside.  All children will stay inside if the wind chill or temperature is below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

 

PROCEDURES

 

PROGRAM SERVICES:  Each Head Start child will receive developmental screening which includes a vision screening, speech/language screening and hearing screening.  Students that qualify for special education services may receive speech/language therapy, physical/occupational therapy, adaptive physical education or special programs and services by Mason City and Area Education Agency 267.  The AEA audiologist will screen hearing periodically throughout the school year. Vision, weight and height are monitored periodically throughout the school year.

PICK UP/DROP OFF PROCEDURES:  All parents will be asked to complete a pick up/drop off permission form.  Forms will be reviewed at all conferences and home visits.  Any changes to the pick up form must be done in writing - the parent can come in to complete a new form or send a note to the center.  The Head Start bus staff will be given a copy of the form.  Children riding ECSE and Head Start buses must give two days notice for any busing changes.

 

Anyone picking up a child at the center or accepting a child from the bus MUST be listed on the pick up form and provide a picture identification if asked.  Staff is required to ask for picture identification if they do not know the person picking up the child.

 

A parent may telephone the teacher to have someone else pick up their child, but that person must be listed on the pick up/drop off form.  In an emergency, a parent may phone in and request that someone not listed be allowed to pick up the child.  They must follow up with a written change to the form as soon as possible.  Determining emergencies and allowing phone calls are at the teacher's discretion and they reserve the right to refuse the request.

 

Staff must release a child to either biological parent, unless there is a copy of the custody order or court document on file at school.  If there is no court document available or if there is any doubt that the child should leave with the other parent, the following precaution steps may be taken:  Call the parent/guardian that the child lives with and/or the legal custodian or call the police department.

 

RESPONSIBLE ADULT:  A child will not be left with anyone other than a responsible adult.  A responsible adult is defined as a parent/legal guardian or individual of at least 14 years of age.  To leave your child with anyone else requires written release from the parent or legal guardian indicating the responsible person knows what to do in emergencies, knows who to contact, and how to get help.

 

WHEN YOU PICK UP OR DROP OFF YOUR CHILD: When you bring your child to school, you are required to  walk them in to the classroom and sign them in.  This helps to assure the safe arrival of your child.  Please do not arrive before the usual starting time; the teachers need time to prepare for the day. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children until school starting time.  When you pick your child up, please remember to sign them out. Head Start children are to be picked up by 1:45 p.m. and ECSE children by 2:00 p.m.

 

HEALTH:  All children must have a physical examination, dental examination, and current immunizations before starting school. 

 

ILLNESS:  All children are expected to go outside.  A doctor's order is needed to keep the child inside.  If your child is unable to do so, please keep him/her home until well enough to go outside.  Please refer to the health, illness and attendance procedures concerning communicable diseases. (See Guidelines on Page 6.)

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY:  There is staff certified in first aid, CPR, medication administration, and in using health precautions.

 

HEAD LICE:

1.   Teachers do "head" checks at least once a month starting the first week of school.

2.   If a child is found to be infected, the parent will be notified to come and take the child home with instructions for treatment.

3.   The child may return to school after a thorough shampooing treatment and must also be lice and nit free.

4.   Teachers will check the child’s head as well as all children in the classroom daily until they go one full week with no new infestations and then monthly head checks will resume as usual.

5.   So good communication is maintained, notes will be sent home to all families.

GUIDANCE: 

·        Guidance is to be given in a positive and constructive manner.

·        Physical discipline methods, such as spanking, slapping, shaking or any other form of rough physical contact or coercion are prohibited.

·        Food may not be withheld as a punishment.

·        No punishment shall be used for progress or lack of progress in toilet training of a child.  Words that shame, blame, ridicule or threaten a child may not be used. Derogatory remarks about a child or the families must be avoided.

·        Children may not be isolated in a room without adult supervision.

·        Nothing in these procedures will preclude the use of professionally prescribed interventions for individual children.  The intervention plan shall be discussed at IEP meetings and recorded.  Data will be collected that provides documentation whether a child is making progress with the interventions utilized.

 

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT:  Staff are required, by law, to report all cases of suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Human Services.  All reports are confidential.

 

MEDICATION:  Parents must supply all medication.  The medication will then be administered by authorized* school personnel under the following conditions and procedures:

 

    1.     All prescription medication MUST be accompanied by PARENT signature on a dated statement requesting and authorizing school personnel to administer the medicine in accord with the prescription, and with the original labeled container.

    2.     All medication MUST BE prescribed by a licensed medical or osteopathic physician or dentist.

    3.     All medication accepted by school personnel for administration during school hours shall be accompanied with a prescription which states specifically the time and amount of the dosage, and in the original labeled container.

    4.     The amount of medication stored on school premises shall not exceed one month's supply of dosage to be dispensed during school hours.

    5.     All medication for each child to be administered by school personnel shall be maintained in the original medication container which must have the name of the child, name of medication, name of doctor, and the time and amount of dosage.  Child-proof bottles are preferred.

    6.     All medication shall be stored in a locked cabinet or desk drawer and effective controls shall be maintained by school personnel to guard against inappropriate use by the student, other students, or staff.  Access to the medication shall be under the authority of the school nurse or authorized school personnel.

    7.     All medication may be administered by either the school nurse or other authorized* school personnel.

    8.     A record of daily administration of medication must be maintained.  This record will include:  student's name, medication name, dosage, month, day, time medication given and initials of person giving the medication.  When medication is not given due to student absence, this will be noted on his/her record and the reason medication was not given is written on the back of the Medication Record Sheet.

    9.     At vacation time, end of school year, or the end of a medication regiment, all remaining medication shall be returned to each student's parents.

  10.     Parents are expected to bring their child's medication to school.  Medication containers should not be transported to and from school by the student.  If the parent is unable to bring medication to school, medication containers should be carried by child's bus driver or bus aide directly to or from teacher or teacher's paraprofessional.

  11.     A method of informing parents as to the medication's effect on educational programming should be initiated by the person administering medication and his/her teacher.

  12.     The person administering medication will notify parents prior to needing a medication refill.

  13.     Any medication not properly labeled will not be given to a student.

  14.     Over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications (e.g., aspirin, Tylenol, cough medicine) will not be given without dated physician's signed order and a parent signature.

  15.     All appropriate forms: Statement of physician's directions and parental consent for school administration of medication and medication record sheet, must be kept in each child's school records.

 

*Authorization is obtained by passing a DE approved medication course and obtaining a certificate.

 

IMMUNIZATIONS:  This is a sample of the immunization card to be filled out for your child.  The shots needed for your child to enter ECSE/Head Start are as stated in the “Requirements for Day Care” box plus the Hepatitis B shot as stated in the “Requirements for School Entry” box.

 

Immunization Changes effective July 1, 2003 in regards to Varicella (chickenpox):

 

FAMILIES’ ROLE

 

Families are actively encouraged to be involved with the education and growth of their child by helping define the needs of their child and providing feedback on their child's progress after enrollment.  Home visits and conferences are scheduled throughout the school year to discuss your child's progress and other areas of concern and interest.  Families can be involved in a variety of ways such as volunteering in the classroom, attending parent meetings, helping plan special activities, repairing toys, preparing materials, or  being involved in parent groups.  Family involvement is an important and vital part of the program.

 

 

STUDENT HEALTH, ILLNESS, AND ATTENDANCE POLICY

 

For students to optimally participate in their early childhood program, your child needs to be at their highest level of wellness.  Students also need to be protected from communicable illness while attending school.  Teachers and support personnel will attempt to detect early signs of illness.  When a student appears ill, they will be monitored for fever, appetite, stools, and observed for further signs of illness.  Upon any signs of illness, the parent/guardian will be notified concerning the illness; the need for medical care; and the need to remove the student temporarily from the school.  By adhering to this procedure, we can help protect or reduce the risk of communicable illnesses for all the children.

 

 

GUIDELINES WHEN CHILDREN ARE SICK

 

If your child was ill the previous evening or has a fever, please keep them home.  They will recuperate much faster if they can rest at home.  If your child becomes sick at school, we will call you or a designated alternate immediately to pick him/her up.  The following conditions should be given serious consideration.  Any child with these conditions should not be sent to school, and will be sent home if they occur at school:

 

1.      Fever: any child with a fever equal to 100 degrees orally.  The student should be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school.

2.      Vomiting: any student who vomits (more than infant "spitting up").  The student should not vomit for 24 hours before returning to school.

3.      Diarrhea: any student who has liquid, loose, frequent, stools which are not related to medication or a food reaction.  The child should be diarrhea free for 24 hours before returning to school.

4.      Yeast Infections and Thrush: any student with yeast infection of the diapered area or yeast infection of the mouth (thrush).

5.      Cold Symptoms: professional discretion will be used to evaluate any student with nasal discharge or cough. Medical care is recommended for a student complaining of a sore throat.

6.      Pink Eye, Conjunctivitis: any student with redness, burning, watering, or discharge about the eyes.  Medical care is recommended, and the child must be on antibiotic eye drops at least 24 hours before returning to school.

7.      Worms: any student with pin worms or tapeworms in stools. Medical care is recommended.  Child will need physician's note to reenter school.

8.        Skin Rash: any student with multiple lesion rash accompanied by fever; any student with a skin rash or lesions typical of a communicable illness (scabies, chicken pox, measles, impetigo, ringworm, scarlatina).  See attached chart.

9.      Communicable Illness: any student with a communicable illness (see attached chart).  If your child becomes ill with a communicable disease on a day when school is not in session, please inform the teacher so other classmates may be observed for similar symptoms.  Parent letters will be used as needed throughout the school year.  For the student to reenter school, a physician note is requested stating that the child has undergone medical treatment.

10.  If an antibiotic is prescribed, it is recommended that your child be on the antibiotic 24 hours before returning to school or unless a written note is obtained by your health care provider stating that your child may return to school.

 

Any student who appears ill or complains of not feeling well while at school will be evaluated for symptoms by the teacher, or the school nurse whenever possible.  The teacher and/or nurse will determine if a child should remain at school.  The parent or the "emergency designated person" will be notified that your child needs to leave school due to illness.  Please respond to this request promptly to ensure minimal exposure of other students.

 

VOLUNTEERING IN THE CLASSROOM

 

All parents are encouraged to volunteer time in the classroom.  We also welcome grandparents, aunts, uncles, family friends, and other community members who are interested in working with preschool age children.  All volunteers must be 14 years of age or older.  Come visit the center, meet the teachers and the children.  Spend a few minutes or several hours.

 

We want you to enjoy your day and have fun with the children.  You may feel unsure of yourself in this new role and wonder what will be expected of you.  The teachers will guide you and you will learn many things about these children and children in general.  Listen as the teachers work with the children and notice the ways they have learned to guide them.  Please ask questions about things you want to know, or do not understand.  How to do it:

 

·        Dress comfortably in something you aren't worried about soiling.  Wear comfortable shoes that will allow you to participate in free activity.

·        Pay attention to what is happening in the room or on the playground.  This will help prevent accidents and conflicts.

·        You need not feel that you must be constantly moving to be useful.  Talking or listening to children is very important.

·        Encourage children to be independent.  Allow time for them to do for themselves.

·        Try to get to know the rules when you first enter the classroom.  Every classroom should have a few rules posted.

·        Explain the rules to children so they understand that there is a reason behind them.  For example, say, "We use our inside voices at school so we don't disturb others around us."

·        Recognize and bring attention to positive behavior of a child.  For example, say, "I like the way John is sitting quietly."

·        Use positive statements, not negative ones.  Say "We walk in the room," not "Don't run."

·        If you aren't sure of something, just ask!

·        Although you may guide or correct the children, all matters of discipline should be left to the teachers.

·        Speak to the children in a quiet voice.

·        Remember what is done or said in the classroom is confidential.

 

 

NUTRITION 

 

While at school, your child will receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch that will supply 2/3 of their daily nutritional requirements.  Mealtime is a valuable part of your  child's program experience.  The goal is to develop good habits and attitudes by providing a variety of food experiences.

 

 

 The following procedures will help staff and parents meet the goal:

    1.     All adults are to set good examples for the children by their attitude, actions, and acceptance of food during mealtime by being good role models.

    2.     Children, staff and volunteers eat together, sharing the same menus (any other food or drink is not allowed unless required while under a doctor's care).

3.          Family style meal service is used to help children learn self-help and socializing skills. Each child serves their own food and pours their own drink as it is passed around the table.  Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own spills and clearing their dishes when done eating.

4.          If there are enough adults available, at least one adult will be seated at each table during the meal.  Children and adults are expected to take a small amount of each food served.  Children and adults are encouraged, but not forced to taste all food.  Children are encouraged to taste all foods before taking seconds.  They are not forced to clean their plates.

    5.     Adults should model good table manners and remind the children to do the same.

    6.     Our center has no such word as DESSERT.  All foods on the menu are to be passed and served at the beginning of the meal and may be eaten in any order.

    7.     Food will not be used as a reward or punishment.

    8.     Interesting table conversation about the child's total experiences (not limited to food) will be encouraged.

    9.     Mealtime should be 20-30 minutes in length.

  10.     Teachers will establish their own rules for leaving the table appropriately and cleaning up.  Volunteers will be informed about appropriate mealtime expectations.

 All meals served to children under the Child and Adult Care Food Program are served free regardless of race, color, sex, age, disability, or national origin. There is to be no discrimination in admissions policy, meal service, or the use of facilities. Any complaints of discrimination should be submitted in writing to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250. Thank you for your cooperation.

EATING WITH YOUR CHILD:  If you are volunteering for the day or only eating a meal with your child, please let the teacher know by 8:30 a.m. of that day.

 

SPECIAL DIETS:  Special diets needed by children will be provided after the staff receive a doctor's order and guidance on what is to be provided the child.

 

NUTRITION ACTIVITIES: Nutrition activities will be offered to broaden your child's food.  Exploring new foods, cooking activities and tasting ethnic food are examples.  Parents are encouraged to share special nutrition activities with the children.  Please contact the teacher for more information.

 

You will be asked to fill out an Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals.  You will not be required to pay for any meals your child eats while enrolled in the early childhood program.  The form enables us to be reimbursed by the Child and Adult Care Food Program for the meals served your child.

   

NUTRITION ASSESSMENT:  You will fill out a nutrition assessment for your child.  If you have completed one through the WIC program, we will use that.  If not, we will contact you to answer a few questions about your child's eating habits.     

 

FOOD DONATIONS:  Due to Head Start regulations and Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements, foods prepared or canned at an individual's home cannot be accepted or used.

 

We will not serve candy, cakes, pies, chips, pop or Kool-aid because these are not acceptable by USDA nutrition standards.  Please do not send these foods with your child.  Alternative ideas are napkins and children’s stickers.

 

 

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

 

Parent involvement is a vital part of our program.  You are the child's first and most important teacher, and we recognize this. The center receives many hours of volunteer service which is required for funding.  We offer many exciting ways for you to become actively involved and welcome you as part of the team.  How to record your volunteer time:

 

All services or materials donated to the program are called "in-kind."  Volunteer hours and donations are recorded on a blue "in-kind" sheet which is kept at the center.  Any time you spend providing services to our program can be recorded as "in-kind."  This includes, but is not limited to, time spent helping in the program, at parent meetings, or on the policy council.

 

Communicate with the teachers and other staff.  Read newsletters and notes that are sent home with your child.  These contain information on:

 

      - classroom activities                                               - facts about community agencies and resources

      - health and nutrition information                              - information about parent activities and meetings

 

 

PARENT MEETINGS: Meetings and workshops are held at the center each month.  The functions of these meetings are to:

 

·        provide an opportunity for training sessions

·        provide an opportunity for socialization

·        provide an opportunity for parents to talk as a group and discuss concerns or problems

·        suggest procedures and policies

·        assist in planning classroom activities

 

Some time is allowed each month for presentations and parents are encouraged to help decide what topics will be presented and help make arrangements. 

 

 

      POLICY COUNCIL:  Policy Council is the governing body of the Head Start Program. It is comprised of a parent representative from each program and a community representative from each county.  Specific functions under the jurisdiction of policy council include:

 

·        serving as a link between Head Start, the business sector, and the community

·        having the opportunity to initiate suggestions and ideas for program improvement

·        advising in the establishment and regulation of general policies and procedures

·        providing input into Head Start personnel policies and criteria for hiring/firing staff

·        making decisions regarding budgeting

·        assisting in communicating with possible volunteer sources and mobilizing these to meet identified needs

·        conducting self-evaluation of the program and

·        having the opportunity to attend further training sessions.

 

 

FAMILY SERVICES

 

We recognize the family as the cornerstone of a child's life.  For this reason, staff persons are available to serve the entire family.  Outreach workers are available at each of the Community Action offices. Program Facilitators are employed to answer questions, help with family problems, and link families to agencies that will help meet their needs.  A Program Facilitator will visit your home at least once during the year to get to know your family and complete a family assessment.  We will assist you in finding available community resources to meet your needs.  We also advocate for needs services in the community.  As needs arise, feel free to call staff to ask questions or just to talk things through.