Child Care Partnership Handbook

Welcome to Early Head Start Child Care Center!

Welcome to Bright Beginnings Early Head Start Child Care Center! We are excited to have your family join our community. Our center is home to seven child care rooms, licensed to care for children ages 0-5.

Our mission at our Early Head Start Child Care Center is to provide a positive and enriching experience for young children while fostering a love for life-long learning. We are committed to building a strong partnership with you, starting from day one, to ensure your child’s growth and development. . Our focus is on nurturing your child, supporting their developmental milestones, and cultivating meaningful relationships.

If you have any questions or if there is anything we can do to make your Early Head Start Child Care Partnership experience better, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help and look forward to a wonderful partnership with you!

Sincerely,
Kimber Barry
Early Head Start Specialist

Bianca Alvarez
Principal/Director

Our school community will provide positive experiences for young children and families while creating an enthusiasm for life-long learning.

CORE BELIEFS
We believe that young children learn best….

1. through developmentally-appropriate practices based on what is known about how children learn through observation of the needs and interests of individual children and families,
2. when activities and experiences integrate components from all developmental domains,
3. in a safe, nurturing environment,
4. through hands-on activities in a multi-sensory environment, which values play in the learning process,
5. when a supportive and positive partnership exists between family, school and community, and
6. when all team members work collaboratively to meet the needs of the whole child.

At Bright Beginnings Early Head Start Child Care we are committed to maintaining consistency and high standards in our programs. To ensure the best experience for your child, we will adhere to the Bright Beginnings Student Handbook where applicable, as well as the policies and procedures set forth by the USD 443 School District.

Learning, Laughing, Caring, Sharing
as we grow together
BRIGHT BEGINNINGS STAFF

Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Center is committed to providing a breastfeeding friendly environment for our enrolled children and staff.

Breastfeeding mothers shall be provided a place to breastfeed or express their milk. Breastfeeding mothers, including employees, shall be provided a private and sanitary place (other than a bathroom) to breastfeed their babies or express milk. This area has an electric outlet, comfortable chair, and nearby access to running water. Mothers are also welcome to breastfeed in front of others if they wish.

A refrigerator will be made available for storage of expressed breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers and employees may store their expressed breast milk in a center refrigerator either located in the lounge or in their child’s classroom. Mothers should provide their own containers, clearly labeled with name and date.

Sensitivity will be shown to breastfeeding mothers and their babies. The center is committed to providing ongoing support to breastfeeding mothers, including providing an opportunity to breastfeed their baby in the morning and evening, and holding off giving a bottle, if possible, when mom is due to arrive. Infant formula and solid foods will not be provided unless requested by the mother. Babies will be held closely when feeding.

Daycare staff shall be trained in handling breast milk. All center staff will be trained in the proper storage and handling of breast milk, as well as ways to support breastfeeding mothers. The center will follow human milk storage guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to avoid waste and prevent food borne illness.

Breastfeeding employees shall be provided flexible breaks to accommodate breastfeeding or milk expression. Breastfeeding employees shall be provided a flexible schedule for breastfeeding or pumping to provide breast milk for their children. The time allowed would not exceed the normal time allowed to other employees for lunch and breaks. For time above and beyond normal lunch and breaks, sick/annual leave may be used, or the employee can come in earlier or leave later to make up the time.

Breastfeeding promotion information will be displayed. The center will provide information on breastfeeding, including the names of area resources should questions or problems arise. In addition, positive promotion of breastfeeding will be on display in the center.

Objective: Keeping the environment safe and protecting the well-being of the children.

Infant (0-12 months) Procedure:

• Redirect children’s behavior - redirection provides children with an acceptable alternative to the unacceptable behavior they are engaged in. Use praise and encouragement of good behavior.
• Change the environment – this can involve moving a child to a new location, moving objects out of the way. By observing children carefully, you will be able to determine what additions or changes that need to be made to support positive guidance.

Toddler/Preschool (12-60 months) Procedure:

• Redirect children’s behavior - redirection provides children with an acceptable alternative to the unacceptable behavior they are engaged in.
• Offer two acceptable choices – make sure that both choices are acceptable to you and reasonable for the child.
• Change the environment – this can involve moving a child to a new location, moving objects out of the way. By observing children carefully, you will be able to determine what additions or changes that need to be made to support positive guidance.
• Be specific – Encourage children by explaining exactly what they are doing and why it is appropriate.

Biting and Hitting Procedure:

• Before age 3, biting is somewhat common. It is important to understand that biting and hitting in early childhood are often developmental behaviors. Head Start believes that all behavior is a form of communication, and children may be expressing their needs or feelings through biting or hitting.
• Biting and hitting are not allowed, and staff are trained to intervene immediately, calmly, and firmly, focusing on teaching appropriate behaviors and supporting the emotional needs of all children involved.
• Staff will help prevent biting and hitting incidents by creating a positive and supportive classroom environment, teaching children how to resolve conflicts peacefully, and addressing the underlying needs of children who are struggling with these behaviors.
• When a child repeatedly bites we will: identify stressors and do our best to catch the bite before it happens. We will firmly say, “Stop. Ouch! No bite! Biting hurts.” and help the child by giving them words to use instead “You wanted _____. Say ______.” (You wanted the block. Say My turn please.) We will also teach the child to put up a STOP hand, help them play with a different toy, or move away from the situation.
• If a child bites: Personnel will immediately separate the children and provide first aid to the bitten child. Parents of both children will be notified, and an incident report will be filled out for both children.

Misbehavior:
Student misbehavior will be addressed by staff in a caring, positive, respectful, supportive and age-appropriate manner. Corporal punishment (spanking, striking or other forms of physical punishment), name calling, sarcasm, the use of threats, and the use of food, outdoor time or physical activity as a reward or punishment are not allowed at our school or at any of our preschool activities by anyone, including staff, substitutes, parents, older siblings, community volunteers, etc. Classrooms have a “safe place” which is a comfortable place for children to go to when they are sad, angry, frustrated, happy, etc. It allows them to learn to self-regulate and separate out of the group to calm down. It is not considered a “time-out”.

Parents are encouraged to read Dodge City Public School USD 443’s Elementary School Handbook for additional information about our district’s guidelines for student behavior.

In the event that a child exhibits persistent and serious challenging behaviors, BBECC staff will explore all possible steps and document all steps taken to address such problems, and facilitate the child’s safe participation in the program. At minimum, steps will include engaging a mental health consultant, considering the appropriateness of providing services and support under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and consulting with the child’s parents and teacher(s).

If after BBECC has explored all possible steps and documented all steps taken, in consultation with the parents, teacher(s), the agency responsible for implementing IDEA (Individual with Disabilities Education Act), if applicable, and the mental health consultant, it is determined that the child’s continued enrollment presents a continued serious safety threat to the child or other enrolled children and Bright Beginnings is not the most appropriate placement for the child, then our program will work with such entities to directly facilitate the transition of the child to a more appropriate placement.

The procedure complies with Head Start Program Performance Standard 45 CFR 1302.17.

Children are never left alone with volunteers. Regular volunteers, working in our school with children for more than ten days, must be screened for appropriate communicable diseases and pass a background check.

This complies with Head Start Program Performance Standard 45 CFR 1302.94 (a)(b).

In our program children may need to transition to new rooms in order to comply with our license and ratio requirements. Our goal is to give you at least a one week notice when your child will be transitioning to a new classroom. Other transitions children go through include:

• 6 months: Infants will start eating purees in the classroom. Parents will sign an agreement.
• 10 months: Infants will start using a sippy cup.
• 12 months and walking: Children move into a toddler room and eat solid food and if they are walking they will switch to a cot.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case of investigation, including: performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and a review of the clinical history. (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Willinget et al 1991)

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants be placed to sleep on their backs, in their own crib, with nothing in the crib other than a fitted sheet covering a tightly fitting mattress.

In order to follow this recommendation, this facility has implemented the following Safe Sleep Policy:

Mandatory Safe Sleep Practices (Infants 0-12 months):

Procedure:

1. All child care staff will receive training on the Safe Sleep Policy and SIDS risk reduction.
2. Infants are placed on their backs to sleep. If an infant rolls onto their side or tummy, they will be left to find their own natural sleep position. Unless an infant has a sleep position waiver signed by their physician specifying otherwise, infants shall be placed in a supine (back) position for sleeping to reduce the risk of sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A notice will be posted near the infants’ crib for those infants
3. The infant’s head shall remain uncovered during sleep.
4. Adults will monitor the room temperature to check if it is too hot or too cold.
5. Infants will not be left unsupervised while sleeping. Infants are continually monitored visually and audibly when sleeping.
6. No smoking policy to ensure infants and children are not subjected to second hand smoke.
7. Infants will be provided appropriate “tummy time” when awake.
8. Caregivers will visually check on infants every 15 minutes while the infant is sleeping.
9. No additional items; such as pillows, blankets or toys will be allowed in the infant’s crib.
10. We use safety-approved cribs and portable cribs with a firm mattress and a clean fitted sheet.
11. Pacifiers are allowed if parent-approved; no pacifier clips or attachments.
12. Infants will sleep in a sleep sack at nap time. We will not swaddle any infant.
13. When children are napping and during rest periods, each room shall be lighted to allow freedom of movement and to ensure staff members are able to observe the breathing of each child.
14. We will transfer any infant who falls asleep while being fed or during play to a safe sleeping environment.

NOTE: All parents/guardians of infants cared for in this facility will receive a written copy of this facility’s Infant Safe Sleep Policy and SIDS risk reduction information before enrollment.

Mandatory Safe Sleep Practices (Toddlers 12-36 months):

Procedure:

1. All child care staff will receive training on the Safe Sleep Policy and SIDS risk reduction.
2. Children will transition to cots or mats once developmentally appropriate. This is when a child turns 12 months and is walking.
3. Resting area is individual and cots or mats are spaced 2 feet apart or separated by a barrier.
4. Blankets are permitted and stored with the child’s cot. They are washed weekly, or more often if soiled.
5. Children are supervised at all times while resting.
6. Staff help children settle, but never force a child to sleep: quiet activities are offered for non-sleepers.
7. When children are napping and during rest periods, each room shall be lighted to allow freedom of movement and to ensure staff members are able to observe the breathing of each child.

This procedure complies with Head Start Program Performance Standard 1302.46, 1302.47.4.B, 1302.47.5.ii.

Policy: Children will be given a nap/rest time each day in full-day classrooms
This policy relates to Head Start Performance Standards (45 CFR §1302.31(e)).

Procedure:

1. Prior to Rest Time children will participate in the restroom break.
2. Rest Time will consist of dim lighting and soft music.
3. The room must be light enough to see the rise and fall of the chest.
4. Adults may incorporate relaxation strategies, such as helping children learn to take some deep slow breaths.
5. A Rest Time period is required for all classrooms that operate more than 6 hours per day.
6. Rest Time should be at least 1 hour, but no longer than 1 hour each day.
7. Children will continue to be supervised by two adults even at Rest Time.
8. Teaching staff in our program will provide alternative quiet learning activities for children who do not need or want to rest or nap during Rest Time.

Illnesses and Injury
We ask for your cooperation to help assure that the children have a happy and healthy Bright Beginnings experience. It is important to make sure that your child is feeling well when he/she leaves for school.

Children cannot cope well with group situations when they do not feel well. Also, if a child is not feeling well, they could spread the illness to other children and staff.

If your child becomes ill while at school, you will be notified. Your child will be kept in a quiet place until arrangements have been made to get your child home. Every attempt will be made to contact the parent. If staff is unable to contact the parent, the emergency contact person listed on the Emergency Release form will be contacted. Arrangements will be made with parents or emergency contact persons to have the child picked up from the center.

In order to ensure the health and safety of our children and staff, children who have any of the following conditions will be excluded from the classroom until the child feels better, the condition subsides, or we receive a note from the child’s doctor stating that the child is no longer contagious.

Conditions are not limited to this list.

• Difficulty breathing or untreated wheezing
• Severe congestion
• Diarrhea (more than once)
• Discharge from the eyes
• Untreated lice (Once treatment with adequate medicated shampoo has begun, the child may return the following school day.)
• Missing four consecutive days of school due to an illness, will require a doctor’s note upon return with the absent dates identified
• A rash
• An oral temperature over 100 degrees
• Vomiting

This procedure complies with Head Start Program Performance Standard 45 CFR 1302.47(b)(7)(iii).

Your child is not ready to return if he/she has:

1. Had a fever or diarrhea or vomited in the last 24 hours. Your child should be fever-, diarrhea- and vomit-free for 24 hours before returning to school.
2. Had a communicable disease and is still considered contagious. Parents may be asked to provide a statement from a physician stating that the child is no longer contagious.

It is very important to keep your child’s Emergency Contacts/Release form up-to-date. All parents are required to complete and sign an Emergency Contacts/Release form. In case of an emergency, staff will attempt to contact the parents immediately. If a parent cannot be reached, BBECC will call the other emergency numbers listed on the form. If the emergency situation requires the attention of a physician, we will call paramedics to take your child to the local hospital’s emergency room. If a parent or guardian is unable to be contacted, an administrator will escort the child to the hospital in the ambulance, until a parent or guardian arrives.

Any child who has an injury at the center will receive appropriate first aid for their injury. The parent will be notified the day of the incident,either immediately by use of the district communication system, telephone call, or when the child is picked up at the center., or dropped off at home by the bus.

Parents and other visitors are welcome and encouraged to make arrangements to visit school and to become informed about the education program. USD 443 has policies against weapons, drugs and no tolerance of gang activities. Visitors are asked to be aware of all these policies before entering the buildings.

Please make appointments for all visits or conferences, preferably at least one day in advance.

For the safety of our students and staff, all parents and visitors are asked to enter Building A (Child Care) through the North Door which is open from 7 am-8 am and 3 pm-5 pm. Exterior doors should never be propped open.

BBECC staff is required by Kansas State law to report suspected cases of Child emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and neglect to the Kansas Department for Children and Families. All Bright Beginnings staff are mandated reporters. We realize that parenting is not an easy job and sometimes parents need resources from the community to assist them. Please remember that we are here to listen and support our families in their time of need, as we work together to keep our children safe and well-cared for.

All information about your child and family is kept confidential. Parents/guardians are the only ones who can authorize release of information about their family and shall sign an Authorization for Mutual Exchange of Information form before any information will be released.

This complies with Head Start Program Performance Standard 45 CFR 1303.24

We prioritize safety and peace of mind. To ensure the highest level of security, we have security cameras throughout the premises. These cameras are strictly for administrative use, allowing our staff to monitor the environment and ensure the well-being of all children.

Parents may park in the northwest parking lot in the area designated for Child Care, in the parking lot closer to the Bright Beginnings Entrance, or in Memorial Stadium Parking lot.

“School administrators and staff are not responsible for valuables that students bring to school. It is recommended that students leave all valuables at home. This includes electronic devices, games, trading cards, toys from home, etc. If special circumstances make it necessary for a student to bring substantial cash or other important possessions to school, registering them and leaving them at the office can safeguard these items.” The following items are not allowed at school: bicycles, electronic devices, laser penlights, rollerblades, scooters, skate shoes, and skateboards.

In the event that a child or parent would like to bring something from home, it must first be discussed with the teacher before bringing it to class. Personal items need to be marked with the child’s name.

BBECC is not responsible for the loss or damage of personal items brought to school. Remember to label your child’s clothing with their name.

(BOE Policy GCR-R)

“If poor weather conditions make it necessary to close school, the decision to do so will be made by the Superintendent of Schools. Notification regarding school closing will be sent to local radio and television stations.

*Emergency Weather Procedures During the School Day

If the weather seems to be developing into a possible emergency weather situation, please follow these steps:

1. Listen to KOLS-K 95-FM, Q 97-FMKGNO 1370-AM, KJIL 99.1-FM radio, local television stations and Channel 21 for possible school cancellations. Information will also be sent out using USD 443’s Talking Points.
2. If school is canceled, students will be dismissed to parents before or at emergency dismissal time.
3. Parents will be responsible for their children getting home. If parents cannot pick up their children, they will need to provide a means for them to get home and notify the school.
4. Businesses employing a large number of parents of school-age children will be notified of the cancellation. Those parents will be expected to pick up their children before or at the emergency dismissal time. If this is not possible, parents will need to provide a means for them to get home and notify the school.
5. Parents are encouraged to notify other parents who do not have telephones of the cancellation.”

Our general policy is that we use outdoor play as a regular part of our daily activity schedule. Therefore, children and staff go outdoors whenever the weather permits. Staff will determine if the conditions are safe or not before taking the children out. Determination is made using a combination of weather reports, temperatures, environmental alerts, etc.

KAR 28040128(a)(1) Each applicant and each licensee shall develop and implement a written emergency plan to provide for the safety of children and staff members in emergencies.

Emergency: Fire

• Procedure
  • Evacuate according to the fire drill map and go to the parking lot in the assigned area.
  • Parents will be notified via the district’s communication system or Phone call.
  • Relocation site: 1800 1st Ave or 2100 1st Ave
• Staff Responsible
  • As appropriate, contacting 911 or other emergency response entities; assisting the children, including children with special needs, to move to a designated shelter-in-place area and to a designated off-premises relocation site; and ensuring that emergency supplies are readily available.
  • Staff will grab a bag containing first aid supplies and contact information. Infant staff will grab a bag for babies that includes water bottles, formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes.
  • If needed a staff member will re enter the building with approval from emergency personnel to retrieve any needed equipment or materials.

Emergency: Lost Child

• Procedure
  • Contact EHS Specialist, the parent, 911, and the office.
  • Parents will be notified via the district’s communication system or Phone call.
• Staff Responsible
  • As appropriate, contacting 911 or other emergency response entities; assisting the children, including children with special needs, to move to a designated shelter-in-place area and to a designated off-premises relocation site; and ensuring that emergency supplies are readily available.
  • Staff will grab a bag containing first aid supplies and contact information. Infant staff will grab a bag for babies that includes water bottles, formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes.
  • If needed a staff member will re enter the building with approval from emergency personnel to retrieve any needed equipment or materials.

Emergency: Weather Related

• Procedure
  • Tornado
    • Take children to the designated tornado shelter.
    • Parents will be notified via the district’s communication system or Phone call.
  • Flood
    • Shelter in place or go to 2100 1st Ave.
    • Parents will be notified via the district’s communication system or Phone call.
  • Heavy Snow/Blizzard
    • Shelter in place
    • Parents will be notified via the district’s communication system or Phone call.
• Staff Responsible
  • As appropriate, contacting 911 or other emergency response entities; assisting the children, including children with special needs, to move to a designated shelter-in-place area and to a designated off-premises relocation site; and ensuring that emergency supplies are readily available.
  • Staff will grab a bag containing first aid supplies and contact information. Infant staff will grab a bag for babies that includes water bottles, formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes.
  • If needed a staff member will re enter the building with approval from emergency personnel to retrieve any needed equipment or materials.

Emergency: Hold

• Procedure
  • Close and lock the classroom door. Continue business as usual.
  • Parents will be notified via the district’s communication system or Phone call.
• Staff Responsible
  • As appropriate, contacting 911 or other emergency response entities; assisting the children, including children with special needs, to move to a designated shelter-in-place area and to a designated off-premises relocation site; and ensuring that emergency supplies are readily available.
  • Staff will grab a bag containing first aid supplies and contact information. Infant staff will grab a bag for babies that includes water bottles, formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes.
  • If needed a staff member will re enter the building with approval from emergency personnel to retrieve any needed equipment or materials.

Emergency: Lockdown or Intruder or Terrorism

• Procedure
  • Lock the door, turn off the lights, stay out of sight. Prepare to evade or defend.
  • Contact 911.
  • Parents will be notified via the district’s communication system or Phone call.
• Staff Responsible
  • As appropriate, contacting 911 or other emergency response entities; assisting the children, including children with special needs, to move to a designated shelter-in-place area and to a designated off-premises relocation site; and ensuring that emergency supplies are readily available.
  • Staff will grab a bag containing first aid supplies and contact information. Infant staff will grab a bag for babies that includes water bottles, formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes.
  • If needed a staff member will re enter the building with approval from emergency personnel to retrieve any needed equipment or materials.

Emergency: Secure

• Procedure
  • Close and lock building doors. Continue business as usual.
  • Parents will be notified via the district’s communication system or Phone call.
• Staff Responsible
  • As appropriate, contacting 911 or other emergency response entities; assisting the children, including children with special needs, to move to a designated shelter-in-place area and to a designated off-premises relocation site; and ensuring that emergency supplies are readily available.
  • Staff will grab a bag containing first aid supplies and contact information. Infant staff will grab a bag for babies that includes water bottles, formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes.
  • If needed a staff member will re enter the building with approval from emergency personnel to retrieve any needed equipment or materials.

Emergency: Evacuation

• Procedure
  • Lead students to evacuation location. Account for students. Notify if there are any missing, extra, or injured people.
  • Parents will be notified via the district’s communication system or Phone call.
  • Relocation site: 1800 1st Ave or 2100 1st Ave
• Staff Responsible
  • As appropriate, contacting 911 or other emergency response entities; assisting the children, including children with special needs, to move to a designated shelter-in-place area and to a designated off-premises relocation site; and ensuring that emergency supplies are readily available.
  • Staff will grab a bag containing first aid supplies and contact information. Infant staff will grab a bag for babies that includes water bottles, formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes.
  • If needed a staff member will re enter the building with approval from emergency personnel to retrieve any needed equipment or materials.

Emergency: Utility Failure

• Procedure
  • Contact utility companies: electric, gas, water
  • Contact 911
  • Relocation site: 1800 1st Ave or 2100 1st Ave
  • Parents will be notified via the district’s communication system or Phone call.
• Staff Responsible
  • As appropriate, contacting 911 or other emergency response entities; assisting the children, including children with special needs, to move to a designated shelter-in-place area and to a designated off-premises relocation site; and ensuring that emergency supplies are readily available.
  • Staff will grab a bag containing first aid supplies and contact information. Infant staff will grab a bag for babies that includes water bottles, formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes.
  • If needed a staff member will re enter the building with approval from emergency personnel to retrieve any needed equipment or materials.

Emergency: Allergic Reaction or Serious Injury

• Procedure
  • Contact 911 and EHS Nurse
  • Parents will be notified via the district’s communication system or Phone call.
• Staff Responsible
  • As appropriate, contacting 911 or other emergency response entities; assisting the children, including children with special needs, to move to a designated shelter-in-place area and to a designated off-premises relocation site; and ensuring that emergency supplies are readily available.
  • Staff will grab a bag containing first aid supplies and contact information. Infant staff will grab a bag for babies that includes water bottles, formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes.
  • If needed a staff member will re enter the building with approval from emergency personnel to retrieve any needed equipment or materials.

Emergency: Unscheduled closing

• Procedure
  • Parents will be notified via the district’s communication system or Phone call.
  • Parents will pick children up at the daycare.
• Staff Responsible
  • As appropriate, contacting 911 or other emergency response entities; assisting the children, including children with special needs, to move to a designated shelter-in-place area and to a designated off-premises relocation site; and ensuring that emergency supplies are readily available.
  • Staff will grab a bag containing first aid supplies and contact information. Infant staff will grab a bag for babies that includes water bottles, formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes.
  • If needed a staff member will re enter the building with approval from emergency personnel to retrieve any needed equipment or materials.

Emergency: First Aid Kit Locations

• Procedure
  • First Aid Kits are located in a red bag in each classroom. There is an emergency bag near the staff break room hanging on the wall.
• Staff Responsible
  • As appropriate, contacting 911 or other emergency response entities; assisting the children, including children with special needs, to move to a designated shelter-in-place area and to a designated off-premises relocation site; and ensuring that emergency supplies are readily available.
  • Staff will grab a bag containing first aid supplies and contact information. Infant staff will grab a bag for babies that includes water bottles, formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes.
  • If needed a staff member will re enter the building with approval from emergency personnel to retrieve any needed equipment or materials.

Bright Beginnings Child Care program is based on the philosophy that children learn through play and their learning is best supported by a strong home-school partnership. Therefore, children are given the opportunity to experience a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities daily, allowing them to explore and develop new skills, while also learning to express their feelings and work with others.

Teachers use many different resources to plan activities for children in the classroom, helping students to observe, plan, problem solve, experiment, discover, and simply, have fun. Often, teachers, paraprofessionals and parents will have a chance to visit with each other about the student’s home or school experiences at arrival or dismissal time. Newsletters, monthly calendars, phone calls, home visits, and use of district communication platforms are other ways the education staff and parents stay connected to help provide rich learning experiences for the children.

Parents provide their children with a crucial link, when they help their child continue their learning outside the school classroom and into one of the most natural and comfortable classrooms for children: their home. Familiar materials in the home and the family’s daily routines can be used to support and reinforce lessons.

Monthly Activity Calendars are sent home with practical engaging activities for our families to participate. These calendars require a simple check mark when activities are complete along with a check mark each day that the child was read to. Signing and returning these activities calendars at the end of each month allows us to generate necessary documentation of parent participation.

Bright Beginnings Child Care will utilize the Creative Curriculum. Staff will monitor student progress towards goals in the developmental domain areas of Social-Emotional, Physical Development, Cognitive, and Language. Curriculum checkpoints will be given in the Fall, Winter, and Spring, and Summer. Along with these checkpoints we will be monitoring age appropriate developmental milestones through our quarterly outcomes.

These assessments will inform individual student instruction needs and instructional staff support and professional development.

Several developmental screenings are conducted within the first 45 days of a child’s attendance at Bright Beginnings, and as children age. The screening tools used by BBECC include the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ 3) and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social Emotional screener (ASQ-SE 2). Screenings are completed by a parent and help to identify the child’s current level of development across several areas.

If warranted through screening and additional relevant information, and with direct guidance from a mental health or child development professional and the parent’s consent, children eligible for services under IDEA (Individual with Disabilities Education Act) receive a full range of services.

Staff members work closely with community agencies to identify and provide services to these families to meet the needs of the child enrolled.

Enrolling children eligible for services under IDEA into the program has proven to be an enriching experience for regular education children, as well as the children with diagnosed disabilities. Overall, this helps all children learn to accept and respect the individual differences of people. This acceptance is necessary to the social development of all children.

Policy Council, with the governing board, shares a responsibility for overseeing the delivery of high-quality services to children and families. Policy Council members receive training and meet monthly to actively participate in a decision-making process for the Bright Beginnings program.

As parents, you have a right and responsibility to participate in your child’s care and education. We encourage you to visit your child’s classroom, observe, participate and/or share your ideas. Parents have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience by volunteering in the classroom. Parents will work with the classroom teacher to identify the help needed to assist all children in the classroom. Parents are not required to volunteer as a condition of enrollment for their child(ren); however, parents are encouraged to volunteer, whenever it is possible for them to do so. Ask your child’s teacher and/or family advocate about other activities you can do, if you are unable to participate in the classroom.

The Family and Community Specialist and family advocates work closely with community and state agencies to advocate for the needs of Bright Beginnings children and their families.

A community resources booklet is provided to all families, listing agencies and a brief description of the services they provide. These pamphlets are also available on the Early Head Start and BBECC information walls.

Parents may contact their family advocate or the Family and Community Specialist for additional information about local social services.

Opportunities are provided in collaboration with Genesis Family Health to acquire required health documentation.

Parents will first be notified of health requirements 30 days before their due date. All heath requirement documentation must be in by March 31st to ensure continued program participation.

If health information is not received within one week of the due date, a second contact will be made by the family advocate to remind the parent of the requirement.

After two weeks, if the proper documentation has not been completed, a meeting with the Family Community Specialist, Program Nurse, and Family Advocate will be called with the Leadership Team to determine why the health requirement was not completed. The purpose of the meeting will be to determine obstacles that the family may have, and to provide assistance when needed, to overcome barriers that may be preventing completion.

Family Advocates will follow up with the family to help with barriers to acquire necessary documentation. If the parent does not comply with the provided opportunities, the parent may be required to provide necessary documentation before the child will be allowed to return to school.

If a child fails a hearing or vision screening, a referral is sent home by the program nurse, and on a follow-up appointment is required, parents must provide documentation of the follow-up visit.

This process will be supervised in monthly Leadership Team Meetings.

Good nutrition is the cornerstone of a child’s health. While at Bright Beginnings, children receive a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack. If a child requires special foods for documented medical or religious reasons, parents will complete a meal modification form.

Meals are served family style. Food activities are incorporated into the curriculum to help children to share and learn skills such as pouring and passing food. This also provides the children with the opportunity to serve themselves.

Meal time at Bright Beginnings is a positive experience where learning and socialization go hand in hand. Parents are welcome to join in at meal times and be a part of this experience. A one day notice of adults eating is required and adults are responsible for payments to the USD 443 Nutrition Department. Bright Beginnings also offers parents training in the selection and preparation of healthy foods, menu planning, and budgeting.

Bright Beginnings works closely with the WIC Program (Supplemental Food Program for Women Infants and Children). Families who meet the income guidelines for Bright Beginnings and who have children prenatal to five years old are eligible for WIC. Ask your Family Advocate for more information about enrolling in WIC.

Due to Head Start and federal health standards, we do not allow outside food to be brought to the classroom.

Parents are welcomed to join the classroom on special occasions, but we do not encourage “treats” (food or nonfood items) at school. If nonfood, age- appropriate items are brought to school to share with the class, those items will be sent home with the students, but not passed out during the school day.

Policy: A plan is implemented to accommodate and ensure the safety of children who have food allergies and other dietary restrictions.

Procedures:

1. The parent will need to complete a school-provided Meal Modification Form to take to their medical doctor for completion, specifically stating the food allergy or other dietary restrictions.
2. A copy of the Meal Modification Form is given to food services and to the classroom teacher. The Nutrition Department will make substitutions based on nutrition guidelines.
3. Individual child food allergies will be posted prominently in classrooms, where staff can view wherever food is served.
4. The nurse will contact staff working with students with food allergies, notifying them of signs of an allergic reaction and emergency protocol in the event of a severe allergic food reaction. Staff will immediately call 911 and seek the help of the nurse, following emergency safety protocol.

This procedure complies with Head Start Program Performance Standard 45 CFR 1302.47(b)(7)(vi).

Please refer to the Bright Beginnings Student Parent Handbook, Bright Beginnings Policies and Procedures, and District Policies at usd443.org.

Revised 5/25

Read and initial each statement:
____To qualify for EHS/STRIDE (SOS) child care, the parent must be in school or work. Child care will be provided only during the time the parent is in school or at work. You may only use this childcare while you, the parent, are in school (and/or) work. If unemployed or out of school for 3 months, the child will be dropped from our program.
____You will be responsible for payment with your EBT Card from DCF for the hours and times agreed upon on the Child Care Certificate which shall coincide with your school/work schedules.
____You will be available for monthly center visits with your Family Service Worker.
____You must provide an updated copy of your child’s health documents as needed, it is an EHS requirement. Failure to comply may result in exclusion from the program up to 2 weeks, until documents are provided.
____You are encouraged to attend the EHS Socializations which are held the second Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
____Twice a year, the Parent and Lead Teacher will meet together to review the child’s goals. Upon request, others will attend.
____You must follow all the rules and contracts of the child care classrooms.
____You must notify the child care room by 7:50 a.m. EACH time your child will be late or not attending. A count for meals MUST be in by 8:00 a.m. for the day.
____If you do not take your child to child care for more than 10 days (not counting holidays) for any reason, within a one year time frame, you will be considered for dismissal from the child care portion of the program and placed on a waiting list.
____If your child is ill or feeling poorly, and needs one-on-one care, he/she is not to be left at the daycare. If the child becomes ill while at the daycare, you will be called to pick up your child. Make sure that the child care staff has a phone number that you can be reached at EVERY day.
____In the event that the child care center needs to close for any reason, you are responsible for finding substitute care. You will be responsible for payment of this care. Staff will try to give you as much notice as possible, but our lives don’t always give us notice. You will want to come up with one or two back-up plans as soon as possible.
____Communication with the child care staff is your responsibility. If you have questions or concerns you need to talk to the Lead Teacher. When an honest effort has been made and you are unable to resolve the issue, you may bring it to the Child Care Facilitator’s attention. She will assist you in communicating through the issue.
____If you are no longer in school and/or work or if your schedule changes, you must notify the Child Care Facilitator immediately. The hours on the contract MUST match your hours of school/work. If your schedule changes every week, you need to give a copy of your schedule to the child care staff as soon as you receive it.
___ We will be able to serve your child through the age of three. You will be given the option of applying for Bright Beginnings Preschool to attend a Head Start Classroom if your child turns 3 before August 31st of the next school year.
____Frequent late pick-ups may result in a child’s termination.
____Our building has security cameras strictly for administrative use to monitor the environment and ensure the well-being of all children.
I have read and understood all of the above conditions. I understand that if I do not follow these agreements I can lose my child care.

Parent Signature _____________________________________________    Date ______________________________________

EHS Child Care Facilitator ____________________________________________

Parent Signature_______________________________________________