EmmetsburgStatewideVoluntary

4YearOldPreschool
Program Policies and Procedures

Emmetsburg Community School

4 year old Preschool
602 Call Street
Emmetsburg, IA 50536

Emmetsburg Catholic School

Little Irish Preschool
1903 South Broadway
Emmetsburg, IA 50536

August2015

PreschoolPoliciesandProcedures

TableofContents
I.

II.

III.

IV.

V.

VI.

WelcometoEmmetsburgStatewideVoluntary4yearoldPreschool(Page4)
Mission,Philosophy,andGoalsforChildrenandFamilies(Page4)
Enrollment(Page5)
EqualEducationalOpportunity
Eligibility
Hours
GeneralInformation
Inclusion
AChildsDay(Page6)
Whoworksinthepreschool
DailyActivities
CurriculumandAssessment
ChildGuidanceandDiscipline
Wateractivities
Snacks/Foods
OutsidePlayandLearning
Clothing
ToiletLearning
ObjectsFromHome
ClassroomPets
Birthdays

CommunicationwithFamilies(Page13)
OpenDoorPolicy
ArrivalandDepartureofChildren
TransportationandFieldTrips
EthicsandConfidentiality
ChildrensRecords
PreschoolAdvisoryCommittee
GrievancePolicy
FamilyInvolvement(Page16)
HomeVisits
FamilyTeacherConferences
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FamilyNight
OtherOpportunities
Transitions

HealthandSafety(Page18)
HealthandImmunizationCertificates
HealthandSafetyRecords
GeneralGuidelines
IllnessPolicy
ExclusionofSickChildren
ReportingCommunicableDiseases
MedicationPoliciesandProcedures
CleaningandSanitation
HandWashingPractices
FirstAidKit
FireSafety
MedicalEmergenciesandNotificationofAccidentsorIncidents
InclementWeather
ProtectionfromHazardsandEnvironmentalHealth
SmokefreeFacility
ChildProtectionPolicies
SubstanceAbuse
Volunteers

VII.

VIII. Staff(Page25)
GeneralInformation
HealthAssessment
FirstAid/CPRcertification
Orientation
Staffingpatternsandschedule
Staffdevelopmentactivities
EvaluationandProfessionalGrowthPlan

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EmmetsburgStatewideVoluntary4YearOldPreschool
ProgramPoliciesandProcedures

I. WELCOMETOEMMETSBURGSTATEWIDEVOLUNTARY4YEAROLD
PRESCHOOLQPPS10.1

EmmetsburgSchoolswereawardedtheStatewideVoluntaryPreschoolProgramGrantin2010asaresult
ofthePreschoolAdvisoryCommitteesdedicatedwork.Theprogramsgoalistoprovideahighquality
preschoolprogrammeetingeachchildsneeds,includingchildrenwithdisabilitiesandthosefroma
diversebackground.Thepreschoolprovidesarichlearningenvironmentthatencourageschildrens
naturalcuriosityandsupportsthemtotakerisksthatleadtonewskilldevelopment.Itisasettingwhere
childrenfeelsafe,respected,andcaredfor.Thisisanopportunityforallfouryearoldchildrentotake
partinplanned,activelearningexperiencestobuildtheirreadinessskills.Thepreschoolprogramhas
adoptedandmeetstheIowaQualityPreschoolProgramStandards,administeredbytheIowaDepartment
ofEducation.TheIowaEarlyLearningStandardsareusedtoguideexpectationsforthechildrenand
instructionalpractices.

II. MISSION,PHILOSOPHY,ANDGOALSQPPS10.1

Mission:
ThemissionofEmmetsburgStatewideVoluntary4YearOldPreschool,apartnershipofschoolstaff,
parents,andcommunity,istopreparestudentstobelifelonglearnerswhocanbecomesuccessful,
productivefuturecitizens.Thiswillbeaccomplishedbyrecognizingthevalueofeachindividualand
promotingacademicandpersonalgrowthinachallengingandcaringenvironment.

PreschoolPhilosophyofEducation:
Webelieve:

Studentlearningisthemostimportantelementofoursociety.
Studentslearnbestinasafeandcaringenvironment.
Innovativelearningactivitiesandvariousteachingstrategiesenhancelearning.
Respectfordiversitydevelopstolerancewithintheschoolandoursociety.
Effectivelearningproduceslifelongskills.
Leadersneverlosesightofbestpractice.
Teachingtheimportanceofcitizenshipbenefitstheschoolandthecommunity.
Productivedisciplineincorporatescontrol,consistency,andcare.
Memorableandenjoyableactivitiesfosterlearning.
School,homeandcommunitycooperationfacilitatesandreinforceslearning.

GoalsforChildren:
Childrenwillshowcompetencyinsocial/emotional,physical,cognitive,andlanguagedevelopment
skills.
Childrenwillbeenthusiasticandcuriouslearners.

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Childrenwillbesafeandhealthy.

GoalsforFamilies:
Familieswillfeelwelcomeintheclassroomandschool.
Familieswillworkwiththeschoolinameaningfulpartnershiptohelptheirchildrenbebetter
preparedtolearntoreadandwrite.
Familieswilladvocatefortheirchildren.

III.
ENROLLMENT

EqualEducationalOpportunity
ItisthepolicyoftheEmmetsburgStatewideVoluntary4YearOldPreschoolnottodiscriminateinits
educationprogramsoreducationalactivitiesonthebasisofsexualorientation,race,religion,color,
nationalorigin,maritalstatusordisability.Studentsareeducatedinprograms,whichfosterknowledge
of,andrespectandappreciationfor,thehistoricalandcontemporarycontributionsofdiversecultural
groups,aswellasmenandwomen,tosociety.Studentswhofeeltheyhavebeendiscriminatedagainst
areencouragedtoreportittotheschooldistrictAffirmativeActionCoordinator,JohnJoynt,andhecan
bereachedat7128523201.InquiriesmayalsobedirectedinwritingtotheDirectoroftheregionVII
OfficeofCivilRights,USDepartmentofEducation,310W.WisconsinAve.,Ste.800,Milwaukee,Wi,
532032292,(414)2911111,ortheIowaDepartmentofEducation,GrimesStateOfficeBuilding,Des
Moines,IA503190146,(515)2815294.Proceduresandlevelsareoutlinedindistrictpolicyfor
resolvingcomplaintsandareavailableuponrequestfromthesuperintentent'soffice.

Eligibility
ChildrenmustbefouryearsofagepriortoSeptember15thofthecurrentschoolyear.
Preregistrationwillbegininthespringoftheyear.Registrationmaterialsareavailablefromthe
elementarysecretary.Finalregistrationwilloccurinthefall.

Hours
Classesmeetforsevenhourseachday,fourdaysperweek.ChildrenattendonTuesday,Wednesday,
ThursdayandFriday.StudentsdonotattendonMondays.Thisallowsforparentmeetingsandhome
visits,planningtimefortheteachingstaff,andcollaborationwithcommunityagencies.Thepreschool
followstheEmmetsburgCommunitySchoolcalendar.

Studentswillattendschoolfrom8:003:05TuesdayFriday.Pleasehaveyourchildatschoolbetween
7:45and8:00.

GeneralInformation

QPPS5.110.4

Withinsixweeksafterachildbeginstheprogram,healthrecordsthatdocumentthedatesofserviceshall
besubmittedthatshowthechildiscurrentforroutinescreeningtestsandimmunizationsaccordingtothe
schedulerecommendedandpublishedbytheAmericanAcademyofPediatrics.

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Themaximumclasssizeis20childrenineachclassroombasedonsquarefootageofthecurrentlocation.
Ateachingstaffchildratioofatleast1:10willbemaintainedatalltimestoencourageadultchild
interactionsandpromoteactivityamongchildren.Theelementaryprincipalwillmaintainacurrentlistof
availablesubstitutesforboththeteacherandteacherassistant.Shouldoneoftheteachingstaffneedto
temporarilyleavetheroom,theteacherwillcalltheelementaryofficeandtheprincipalwillarrangefor
coverageoftheclassroomtomaintainthestaffchildratio.QPPS10.4

Inclusion
Thepreschoolprogramprovideseducationforallchildren,includingthosewithdisabilitiesandunique
learningneeds.Modificationsaremadeintheenvironmentandstaffingpatternsinordertoinclude
childrenwithspecialneeds.Staffisawareoftheidentifiedneedsofindividualchildrenandistrainedto
followthroughonspecificinterventionplans.Itisourbeliefthatinclusioninourprogramwillenrichthe
experienceforteachers,students,otherchildrenandtheirfamilies.Thepreschoolfacilitiesmeetthe
AmericanswithDisabilitiesActaccessibilityrequirements.QPPS9.10

IV.
ACHILDSDAY

WhoWorksInThePreschoolQPPS10.2
ProgramAdministrator TheEmmetsburgCommunitySchoolelementaryprincipalisdesignatedasthe
programadministratorsupervisingthepreschoolprogram.Theelementaryprincipalmeetsall
qualificationsdescribedintheIowaQualityPreschoolProgramStandards.
TeacherAfulltimeteacherlicensedbytheIowaBoardofEducationalExaminersandholdinganearly
childhoodendorsementisassignedtothepreschoolclassroom.QPPS6.3
TeacherAssistant
Afulltimeteacherassistantintheclassroomcarriesoutactivitiesunderthesupervisionoftheteacher.
Theteacherassistantwillhavespecializedtraininginearlychildhoodeducation.QPPS6.4
SchoolNurse
Thepreschoolwillhavetheassistanceoftheschoolnurseorapublichealthnurse.Thecurrentnurseis
employedfulltime,isanRN,andisrecertifiedeverythreeyears.Shemaintainsstudenthealthrecords
andattendstothehealthneedsofthestudentswhiletheyareatschool.Sheisavailableforparent
consultationwhennecessary. QPPS10.10
SupportStaff
PrairieLakesAEA8supportstaffprovidesresourcesandassistancetotheteacherandclassroomupon
requesttohelpallchildrenbesuccessfulinthepreschoolsetting.Suchstaffmayinclude:earlychildhood
consultant,speechandlanguagepathologist,socialworker,occupationaltherapist,physicaltherapistor
others.

DailyActivities
Aconsistentdailyscheduleisplannedtoofferabalanceoflearningactivities.Learningisbothformal
andinformal.Playisplannedforeveryday.Listeningisbalancedwithtalking,groupactivitieswith
solitarytime,indoorswithoutdoors,quietplaywithnoisyplay.Yourchildwillhavetheopportunityfor
thefollowingtypesofactivitieseveryday:

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Largeandsmallgroupactivities
Selfdirectedplay
Snack
Storytime
Outdooractivities(weatherpermitting)
Interestareasincluding:computers,art,science,writing,gamesandtoys,literacy,blocks,
dramaticplay,discoveryandmusicandmovement

Lessonplansforeachweekarepostedintheclassroomshowinghowtheseactivitiesareincorporatedinto
thedailyschedule.Noteswillbesenthometofamiliesinchildrensbackpacksandelectronically,if
parentsdesire.

CurriculumQPPS2.12.3
Curriculumisaframeworkforlearningopportunitiesandexperiences.Itisaprocessbywhichlearners
obtainknowledgeandunderstanding,whiledevelopinglifeskills.Itiscontinuallyrevisedandevaluated
tomakelearningfunandexciting.

Itisthepolicyofthispreschoolprogramthatthecurriculumcontentandinstructionalmaterialsutilized
reflecttheculturalandracialdiversitypresentintheUnitedStatesandthevarietyofcareers,roles,and
lifestylesopentowomenaswellasmeninoursociety.Oneoftheobjectivesofthetotalcurriculumand
teachingstrategiesistoreducestereotypingandtoeliminatebiasonthebasisofsex,race,ethnicorigin,
religion,andphysicaldisability.Thecurriculumshouldfosterrespectandappreciationforthecultural
diversityfoundinourcountryandanawarenessoftherights,duties,andresponsibilitiesofeach
individualasamemberofamulticulturalnonsexistsociety.
QPPS1.7

ThepreschoolprogramusesTheCreativeCurriculum,aresearchandevidencebasedcomprehensive
curriculumdesignedforfouryearolds.Itaddressesallareasofearlylearning:languageandliteracy,
math,science,physicalskills,andsocialskills.Itprovideschildrenanopportunitytolearninavarietyof
waysthroughplay,problemsolving,movement,art,music,drawingandwriting,listening,and
storytelling.Suggestionsformodificationsandadaptationsareanintegralpartofthecurriculum.

QPPS2.1,2.2

ChildAssessment
Guidingprinciples:

QPPS4.1,4.2

Itisthepreschoolprogramsbeliefthatassessmentofyoungchildrenshouldbepurposeful,
developmentallyappropriate,andtakeplaceinthenaturalsettingbyfamiliaradults.Theresultswillbe
usedforplanningexperiencesforthechildrenandtoguideinstruction.Assessmentwillneverbeusedto
labelchildrenortoincludeorexcludethemfromaprogram.Afamilyscultureandachildsexperiences
outsidetheschoolsettingarerecognizedasbeinganimportantpieceofthechildsgrowthand
development.Allresultswillbekeptconfidential,placedineachchildsfile,andstoredinasecure
cabinet.

Childrenareassessedinthefollowingways:

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GoldAssessmentPreschoolProgressReportismodifiedtoalignwiththeIowaEarlyLearning
Standards.Itrecordsstudentprogressinalldevelopmentalareasatthebeginning,middleand
endoftheyear.
Observationaldataprovidesanongoinganecdotalrecordofeachchildsprogressduringdaily
activities.
EarlyLiteracyIndividualGrowthandDevelopmentIndicators(IGDIs)maybegivenatthe
beginning,middle,andendoftheyeartomonitorthegrowthofearlyliteracyskills.
Childportfoliosareorganizedbytheteachingstaffandincludetheassessments,observational
data,andchildworksamplescollectedonanongoingbasis.
Familiesareaskedtocontributeinformationabouttheirchildsprogress.Youngchildrenoften
showdifferentskillsindifferentsettings.Workingtogether,theteachingstaffandfamiliescan
gatheracompletepictureofachildsgrowthanddevelopment.

Theinformationfromtheaboveisusedinthefollowingways:
Toprovideinformationaboutchildrensneeds,interests,andabilitiesinordertoplan
developmentallyappropriateexperiencesforthem
Toprovideinformationtoparentsabouttheirchildrensdevelopmentalmilestones
Toindicatepossibleareasthatrequiresadditionalassessment.

QPPS7.3,7.5
AssessmentinformationwillbesharedformallywithfamiliesduringParentTeacherConferencesinthe
fallandspring.Thepreschoolteacherwillcommunicateregularlyregardingchildrensactivitiesand
developmentalmilestones.Informalconferencesarealwayswelcomeandcanberequestedatanytime.

If,throughobservationorinformationontheGoldAssessmentPreschoolProgressReport,orIGDIs,the
teacherfeelsthatthereisapossibleissuerelatedtoadevelopmentaldelayorotherspecialneed,she/he
willcommunicatethistothefamilyduringaconference,sharingdocumentationoftheconcern.
SuggestionsfornextstepsmayincludearequesttoPrairieLakesAreaEducationAgencyforsupportand
additionalideasormoreformalizedtesting,withtheknowledgeandconsentoftheparents.Thepreschool
teacherwouldassistinarrangingfordevelopmentalscreeningandreferralfordiagnosticassessmentwhen
indicated.
QPPS7.4
Ifachildisdeterminedtoneedspecialaccommodations,thoseaccommodationsareincludedinthe
materials,environment,andlessonplansforthatchild.Examplesincludesignlanguageandvisualsfor
childrenwithhearingimpairmentsorlanguagedelaysandbehaviorplansforchildrenwhosebehavior
doesnotrespondtothetypicalstrategiesusedbyteachingstaffintheclassroom.

ProgramAssessment
EmmetsburgStatewidevoluntaryPreschoolimplementstheIowaQualityPreschoolProgramStandards.
Wewillreceiveaverificationvisitthe201213schoolyeartoconfirmwearemeetingthesestandards.
Administrators,families,staff,andotherroutinelyparticipatingadultswillbeinvolvedannuallyina
programevaluationthatmeasuresprogresstowardtheprogram'sgoalsandobjectives.Theannual
evaluationprocessincludesgatheringevidenceonallareasofprogramfunctioning,includingpoliciesand
procedures,programquality,children'sprogressandlearning,familyinvolvementandsatisfaction,and
communityawarenessandsatisfaction.Areportoftheannualevaluationfindingsissharedwithfamilies,
staff,andappropriateadvisoryandgovernanceboards.Theprogramusesthisinformationtoplan

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professionaldevelopmentandprogramqualityimprovementactivitiesaswellastoimproveoperations
andpolicies.

SupervisionPolicyQPPS9.2
Beforechildrenarriveatschool,thepreschoolteacherwillcompletethefollowingdailysafetychecklist
indoorandoutdoor:
Allsafetyplugsandelectricoutletsarecovered,heat/AC,watertemperature,andtoilets,etc.in
workingorder.
Allcleaningsupplies/poisonsoutofchildrenreachandstoredproperly.
Classroomandmaterialscheckedforcleanliness/brokenparts,etc.includingplayground.
Suppliescheckedfirstaidkit,latexgloves,soap,papertowels,etc.
Dailymonitoringofenvironmentspills,sand,etc.Otherseriousproblemsreportedtohead
custodian.
Uponarrival,eachchildisobservedbytheteacherforsignsofillnessorinjurythatcouldaffect
thechildsabilitytoparticipateinthedailyactivities.

Nochildwillbeleftunsupervisedwhileattendingpreschool.Staffwillsuperviseprimarilybysight.
Supervisionforshortintervalsbysoundispermissibleaslongasteacherscheckeverytwotothree
minutesonchildrenwhoareoutofsight(e.g.thosewhocanusethetoiletindependently,whoareinthe
libraryarea,etc.)

ChildGuidanceandDiscipline

(QPPS1.11)

Teachingstaffwillequitablyusepositiveguidance,redirection,planningaheadtopreventproblems.
Theywillencourageappropriatebehaviorthroughtheuseofconsistentclearrules,andinvolvingchildren
inproblemsolvingtofosterthechildsownabilitytobecomeselfdisciplined.Wherethechild
understandswords,disciplinewillbeexplainedtothechildbeforeandatthetimeofanydisciplinary
action.Teachingstaffwillencouragechildrentorespectotherpeople,tobefair,respect,propertyand
learntoberesponsiblefortheiractions.Teachingstaffwillusedisciplinethatisconsistent,clear,and
understandabletothechild.Theywillhelpchildrenlearntopersistwhenfrustrated,playcooperatively
withotherchildren,uselanguagetocommunicateneeds,andlearnturntaking.

ChallengingBehavior (QPPS1.2,1.8,1.9,1.10)
Theteachingstaffinthepreschoolishighlytrained,responsive,respectful,andpurposeful.Theteachers
anticipateandtakestepstopreventpotentialchallengingbehaviors.Theyevaluateandchangetheir
responsesbasedonindividualneeds.Whenchildrenhavechallengingbehaviorsteacherspromote
prosocialbehaviorby:
interactinginarespectfulmannerwithallchildren.
modelingturntakingandsharingaswellascaringbehaviors
helpingchildrennegotiatetheirinteractionswithoneanotherandwithsharedmaterials.
engagingchildreninthecareoftheirclassroomandensuringthateachchildhasanopportunity
tocontributetothegroup.
encouragingchildrentolistentooneanotherandhelpingthemtoprovidecomfortwhenothers
aresadordistressed

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Teachingstaffwillguidechildrentodevelopselfcontrolandorderlyconductinrelationshiptopeersand
adults.Childrenwillbetaughtsocial,communication,andemotionalregulationskills.Ifachilddisplays
persistent,serious,andchallengingbehavior,theteachingstaff,parents,andAEAsupportstaffwillwork
asateamtodevelopandimplementanindividualizedplanthatsupportsthechildsinclusionandsuccess.

Aggressivephysicalbehaviortowardstafforchildrenisunacceptable.Teachingstaffwillintervene
immediatelywhenachildbecomephysicallyaggressivetoprotectallofthechildrenandencouragemore
acceptablebehavior.

PermissibleMethodsofDiscipline:
Foractsofaggressionandfighting(biting,scratching,hitting)staffwillsetappropriateexpectationsfor
childrenandguidetheminsolvingproblems.Thispositiveguidancewillbetheusualtechniquefor
managingchildrenwithchallengingbehaviorsratherthanpunishingthemforhavingproblemstheyhave
notyetlearnedtosolve.Inaddition,staffmay:(1)Separatethechildreninvolved(2)Immediately
comforttheindividualwhowasinjured(3)Careforanyinjurysufferedbythevictiminvolvedinthe
incident.(4)Notifyparentsorlegalguardiansofchildreninvolvedintheincident(5)Reviewthe
adequacyoftheteachingstaffsupervision,appropriatenessofprogramactivities,andadministrative
correctiveactionifthereisarecurrence.

ProhibitedPractices
Theprogramdoesnot,andwillnot,employanyofthefollowingdisciplinaryprocedures:
1. harshorabusivetoneofvoicewiththechildrennormakethreatsorderogatoryremarks.
2. physicalpunishment,includingspanking,hitting,shaking,orgrabbing.
3. anypunishmentthatwouldhumiliate,frighten,orsubjectachildtoneglect.
4. withholdnorthreatentowithholdfoodasaformofdiscipline.

Wateractivities

QPPS5.9,9.15

Wehaveawatertableintheclassroomforchildrentostandandplaywiththeirhandsinthewater.
Duringwaterplaychildrenareinvolvedinactiveexperienceswithscienceandmathconcepts.Children
withsoresontheirhandsarenotallowedtoparticipatewithothersinthewatertabletoensurethatno
infectiousdiseasesarespread.Childrenarenotallowedtodrinkthewaterduringwaterplayactivities.
Whentheactivityperiodiscomplete,thewatertableisdrainedandrefilledwithfreshwaterbeforeanew
groupofchildrencomestoparticipate.Outdoorwaterplayislimitedtotubsandbucketsorcontainersas
wellasthewatertable.Wedonotparticipateinswimmingpoolactivities.Staffsupervisesallchildren
bysightandsoundinallareaswithaccesstowaterintubs,buckets,andwatertables.

Snacks/FoodsandNutrition(QPPS5.125.21)
Attitudesaboutfooddevelopearlyinlife.Thefoodchildreneataffectstheirwellbeing,theirphysical
growth,theirabilitytolearn,andtheiroverallbehavior.Wehaveanopportunitytohelpchildrenlearn
aboutfoods,toenjoyavarietyoffoodsfromtheirowncultureandothers,andtohelpthembeginto
appreciatethattheirbodiesneedtobestrong,flexible,andhealthy.Eatingmoderately,eatingavarietyof
foods,andeatinginarelaxedatmospherearehealthyhabitsforyoungchildrentoform.

Childrenwillreceiveasnackduringeachsession.Twofoodgroupswillberepresentedateachsnack
timeasoutlinedinUSDAguidelines.Awrittensnackmenuispostedintheclassroomandavailableto
families.Allmenusarekeptonfileforreviewbyaprogramconsultant.Thepreschoolservesawide

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varietyofnutritionalsnacks,andencourageschildrentoexpandtheirtastesbyatleasttryingaportionof
thefoodoffered.

Allfoodisprepared,served,andstoredinaccordancewiththeU.S.DepartmentofAgricultureChildand
AdultCareFoodProgram(CACFP)guidelines.Clean,sanitarydrinkingwaterismadeavailableto
childrenthroughouttheday.Staffdiscardsanyfoodswithexpireddates.Foodsthatarehotterthan110
degreesFahrenheitarekeptoutofchildrensreach.Foodsrequiringrefrigerationwillbekeptcolduntil
served.

Foreachchildwithspecialhealthcareneeds,foodallergies,orspecialnutritionneeds,thechildshealth
careprovidershouldprovidetheprograminindividualizedcareplanpreparedinconsultationwithfamily
membersandspecialistinvolvedinthechildscare.Childrenwithfoodallergiesshallbeprotectedfrom
contactwiththeproblemfood.Withfamilyconsent,theprogrampostsinformationaboutthechilds
allergiesinthefoodpreparationareaandinareasofthefacilitythechildusestoserveasavisual
remindertoalladultswhointeractwiththechildduringtheday.Programstaffwillkeepadailyrecord
documentingthetypeandquantityoffoodachildconsumeswhenanychildwithadisabilityhasspecial
feedingneedsandprovideparentswiththatinformation.

Highriskfoods,ofteninvolvedinchokingincidents,willnotbeserved.Forchildrenyoungerthanfour
years,theseincludehotdogs,wholeorslicedintoroundswholegrapesnutspopcornrawpeasandhard
pretzelsspoonfulsofpeanutbutterorchunksofrawcarrotsormeatlargerthancanbeswallowedwhole.

Theschooldistrictdoesnotusefoodsorbeveragesasrewardsforacademicperformanceorgood
behavior,andwillnotwithholdfoodorbeveragesasapunishment,norwillteachingstaffeverthreatento
withholdfoodasaformofdiscipline.

OutsidePlayandLearning

QPPS5.5,5.69.59.7

Wehavedailyopportunitiesforoutdoorplayastheweatherpermitsandprovidedtheweatherairquality
andenvironmentalsafetyconditionsdonotposeathreat.Thisallowschildrentheopportunitytodevelop
theirlargemuscleskills,getexercise,andbeactive.Sometimeswespendlongergettingbundledupthan
wespendoutside.WeusetheChildCareWeatherWatchguidelinesproducedbyHealthyChildCare
IowatodetermineiftheWindChillFactororHeatIndexissafeforoutdoorplay.

Incaseswhenwecannotgooutside(duetoweatherconditions)childrenaregiventheopportunitytouse
indoorequipmentforsimilaractivitiesinsideandaresupervisedatthesamelevelasoutdoorequipment.

Inordertomakesurethatyourchildcanplaycomfortablyoutsideitisimportanttodresshimaccording
totheweather.Whenitiscoldoutsideheneedsawarmcoat,boots,mittensorglovesandahat(labeled
withyourchildsname).Forthewarmerdaysdressingyourchildlightlyisjustasimportant.Forthose
inbetweendaysdressingyourchildinlayersisapracticalidea.

Thereareareasontheplaygroundforchildrentobeintheshadeandstillbeactive.Weencourageyouto
bringahatorotherclothingforyourchildtowearasanotherprotectionfromthesun.Sunscreenor
sunblockwithUVBandUVAprotectionofSPF15orhigherwillbeappliedtoyourchildsexposedskin
whennecessary(onlywithyourwrittenparentalpermissiontodoso).Wewillalsouseaninsect

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repellentcontainingDEET(onlywithyourwrittenpermission)nomorethanonceadaytoprotectyour
childfrominsectbiteswhenthepublichealthauthoritiesrecommenditsuse.

ProgramstaffwillcompletetheNationalProgramforPlaygroundSafetysSuggestedGeneral
MaintenanceChecklistonaregularbasis.

Clothing
Yourchildwillbelearningthroughcreative,activeplaythatcansometimesbemessy.Yourchildshould
wearcomfortable,washableclothingaswellasrubbersoledandclosedtoeshoestoschool.Whilewe
encouragetheuseofpaintsmocksorshirtsduringartprojects,wecantguaranteethatspillsorstainswill
notoccur.Clothingshouldbefreeofwords,graphics,orpicturesthatareprofane,immoral,illegal,or
disruptiveinnature.Allfamiliesareaskedtoprovideanextrasetofclothingfortheirchildincaseofan
accidentormessyplay.Pleaseclearlylabeltheclothingwithyourchildsnametoreducethe
possibilityofmistakes.

ToiletLearning

(QPPS5.7)

Toiletlearningisanimportanttimeinachildsdevelopment.Forchildrenwhoareunabletousethe
toiletconsistently,thefollowingproceduresareinplace:
1. Diaperingwillonlybedoneinthedesignateddiaperarea.Foodhandlingwillnotbepermittedin
thisdiaperingarea.
2. StaffwillfollowalldiaperingguidelinessetforthintheIowaQualityPreschoolProgramsStandards:
Standard5,Criteria7:
Clothdiapersandclothingthataresoiledbyurineorfecesareimmediatelyplacedinaplasticbag
(withoutrinsingoravoidablehandling)andsenthomethatdayforlaundering.
Staffcheckchildrenforsignsthatdiapersorpullupsarewetorcontainfecesatleastevery2
hours.Diapersarechangedwhenwetorsoiled.
Staffchangechildrensdiapersorsoiledunderwearinthedesignatedchangingareasandnot
elsewhereinthefacility.
Atalltimes,caregivershaveahandonthechildifbeingchangedonanelevatedsurface.
Surfacesusedforchangingandonwhichchangingmaterialsareplacedarenotusedforother
purposes,includingtemporaryplacementofotherobjects,andespeciallynotforanyobject
involvedwithfoodorfeeding.
Containersthatholdsoileddiapersanddiaperingmaterialshavealidthatopensandclosestightly
usingahandsfreedevice(e.g.,astepcan).Containersarekeptclosedandareinaccessibleto
children.Thecontainerwillbeclearlylabeledtoshowitsintendeduse.
DiaperingandGlovingposterswillbepostedinthechangingareashowingproceduresthrough
theuseofvisualsandwords.Theseproceduresareusedbytheprogramadministratortoevaluate
teachingstaffthatchangediapers.

3. Pottychairswillnotbeusedduetotheriskofspreadinginfectiousdiarrhea.

4. Allfamiliesareaskedtoprovideanextrasetofclothingfortheirchildincaseofanaccidentor
messyplay.Pleaseclearlylabeltheclothingwithyourchildsnametoreducethepossibilityof
mistakes.

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ObjectsFromHome
Becausethepreschoolprogramprovidesampletoysandlearningmaterialsforyourchild,weaskthatyou
limittoysbroughtfromhome.Ifyourchildbringsanattachmentitemfromhome,weaskthatitis
smallenoughtofitinsidehis/herbackpackorcubby.Pleasedonotallowchildrentobringgum,candy,
money,ortoygunstoschool.Theprogramcannotberesponsibleforlostorbrokentoysbroughtfrom
home.

WeaponPolicy
Nostudentshallcarry,haveinhisorherpossession,store,keep,leave,placeorputintothepossessionof
anotherstudentanyrealweaponoralookalikeweapononanyschoolpremises,inanyschoolvehicleor
anyvehicleusedbytheschoolorforschoolpurposes,inanyschoolbuildingorotherbuildingsor
premisesusedforschoolfunctions,whetherornotanypersonisendangeredbysuchactions."Lookalike
weapon"meansanyitemthatresemblesorappearstobeaweapon.Azerotolerancepolicyondangerous
weapons(realortoy)isineffecti.e.,gun,squirtguns,waterriflesorpistols,slingshots,toyguns,toy
grenadesandothersimilaritemsknives,etc.Violationmayresultinastudentsuspension/expulsion.

ClassroomAnimalsandPets

(QPPS5.26)

Ifyou,asaparentorlegalguardian,wanttobringyourfamilypettosharewithyourchildsclassroom
youarewelcome.However,allanimalsmustremainoutsidetheschoolbuildingsduringthevisit.The
preschoolteacherensuresthattheanimaldoesnotcreateanunsafeorunsanitarycondition.Theanimal
wouldappeartobeingoodhealthandhavedocumentationfromaveterinarianorananimalshelterto
showthattheanimalisfullyimmunized(iftheanimalshouldbesoprotected)andsuitableforcontact
withchildren.Theteacherwouldensurestaffandchildrenpracticegoodhygieneandhandwashingwhen
comingintocontactwiththeanimalandaftercomingintocontactwiththeanimal.Teachingstaff
superviseallinteractionsbetweenchildrenandanimalsandinstructchildrenonsafebehaviorwhenin
closeproximitytoanimals.

Anychildrenallergictothepetwillnotbeexposedtotheanimal.Reptilesarenotallowedbecauseofthe
riskforsalmonella.Theclassroomteacherisresponsibleforcheckingrequirementshavebeenmet.

Birthdays

QPPS5.13

Birthdaysareanimportantandsignificanteventinthelifeofachild.Theyaffordtheopportunityfor
childrentobegivenspecialrecognition.Accordingly,studentswhowishtobringtreatsfortheclasson
theirbirthdaymaydoso.Foodthatcomesfromhomeforsharingamongthechildrenmustbeeither
wholefruitsorcommerciallypreparedpackagedfoodsinfactorysealedcontainers.Theteacherwill
providefamiliesalistoffoodsmeetingtheUSDAsChildandAdultCareFoodProgramguidelines.
Thosewhohavesummerbirthdaysarewelcometochooseaschooldaytocelebratewiththeirclass.
Invitationstopartiesoutsideofschoolthatdonotincludetheentireclasswillnotbedistributedatschool.

V.

COMMUNICATIONWITHFAMILIES(QPPS1.1,7.5)

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Theprogramwillpromotecommunicationbetweenfamiliesandstaffbyusingwrittennotesaswellas
informalconversationsoremail.Familiesareencouragedtosendwrittennoteswithimportant
informationsoallthestaffwhoworkwiththechildcansharetheparentscommunication.Teachingstaff
willwritenotesforfamiliesnolessthanweekly.Staffwillusethesenotestoinformfamiliesaboutthe
childsexperiences,accomplishments,behavior,andotherissuesthataffectthechildsdevelopmentand
wellbeing.Parentsareencouragedtomaintainregular,ongoing,twowaycommunicationwiththe
teachingstaffinamannerthatbestmeetstheirneedsemail,inperson,notes,orphonecalls.

OpenDoorPolicy
Parentsandlegalguardiansarealwayswelcometovisitthepreschoolclassroom.Asasafetyfeature,all
parentsandvisitorswillcheckinattheelementaryschooloffice.Visitorsareaskedtopleaseuse
discretionwithregardtobringingbabiesandtoddlerstoschoolasyoungchildrenmaydisruptclass
sessions.Photoidentificationwillberequiredforanyunknownvisitortotheclassroom.

ArrivalandDepartureofChildren(QPPS10.11)
Allmotorvehicletransportationprovidedbyparents,legalguardiansorothersdesignatedbyparentsor
legalguardianswillincludetheuseofageappropriate,andsizeappropriateseatrestraints.

WhenbringingyourchildtoschoolatWestElementary,weaskthatyouparkontheeastsideofthe
schoolandturnoffyourenginebeforeenteringtheschool.AttheCatholicSchoolpleaseparkinthe
parkinglot.Pleaseholdyourchildshandasyouenterthebuildingtodecreasethepossibilityofan
accident.Parentsorlegalguardiansmustaccompanychildrentotheclassroomatthebeginningofthe
preschoolsessionandleavetheirchildinthecareofoneoftheteachingstaff.Nochildwillbepermitted
toleavethebuildingwithoutanadult.

Otherthanparentsorlegalguardian,onlypersonswithpriorwrittenauthorization(ParentConsentForm)
willbeallowedtopickupachildfromtheschool.Anyonewhoisunfamiliartoteachingstaff,including
authorizedindividuals,willbeaskedtopresentphotoidentificationbeforeachildisreleasedtothem.

Intheinterestofstudentssafety,parents/guardians/authorizedindividualsarerequestedtoreportdirectly
totheofficewhenpickinguptheirchildearlyratherthangoingtothechildsclassroom.Likewise,when
astudentreturnstothebuildingfollowinganabsenceduringtheschoolday,theadultshouldstopinthe
officeandsignthechildin.Whenpickingupyourchildfromtheschool,pleasecomeearlyenoughto
enjoywatchingwhatyourchildisdoingduringthattimeoftheday.StudentsatWestElementarywillbe
pickedupontheeastsideoftheschoolattheendofbothpreschoolsessions.Teacherswillwalkchildren
outtoparents/guardians/authorizedindividuals.

Whenallchildrenhavearrivedthepreschoolteacherwillrecordattendancefortheday.Throughoutthe
dayeachtimechildrentransitionfromonelocationtoanother,i.e.classroomtooutdoor,theteacherwill
beresponsibleforcountingthenumberofchildrenwheneverleavingoneareaandwhenarrivingat
anothertoconfirmthesafewhereaboutsofeverychildatalltimes.

Transportation
TheEmmetsburgStatewideVoluntary4YearOldPreschoolProgramwillprovideschoolbusesonlyfor
preschoolchildrenwhohavespecialneedsfortransportation.Thefacilitywilluseaplanbasedona
functionalassessmentofthechildsneedsrelatedtotransportationthatisfilledoutbythechilds

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physician.Thisplanwilladdressspecialequipment,staffingandcareinthevehicleduringtransport.
AnyaccommodationsindicatedinthechildsIndividualizedEducationalProgramwillbeimplementedas
described.

FieldTrips
Animportantlearningopportunitycantakeplaceintheformofafieldtripthatisrelevantandreinforces
whathasbeentaughtintheclassroom.TheEmmetsburgCommunityschoolbusesmaybeusedforthese
fieldtrips.Parentswillbeinformedofeachfieldtripthroughanewsletterandsignspostedinthe
classroomwellinadvance.Aparentorlegalguardianmustsignaninformedconsentformfortripsfor
eachchild.Adultfamilymembersareaskedtovolunteertogoonthesetripstoprovideincreased
supervisionandadult/childratios.Anoticepostingthedates,timeofdeparture,timeofreturn,andthe
destinationlocationwillbepostedprominentlyatleast48hoursbeforethefieldtrip.Eachchildwillbe
assignedtoanadultforeverypartofthetrip.Beforeeverytrip,theteachingstaffwillinstructchildren
andalladultsusingthebusaboutthe10footdangerzonearoundthevehiclewherethedrivercannotsee.

Duringthefieldtrip,afirstaidkit,emergencycontactinformation,andemergencytransport
authorizationinformationforthechildreninthegroupwillbetakenonalltrips.Childrenwillbecounted
every15minuteswhileonafieldtrip.Childrenmayonlyuseapublicrestroomiftheyareaccompanied
byastaffmember.Childrenwillneverbeleftaloneinavehicleorunsupervisedbyanadult.

Attendance
StudentswhoareenrolledforclassesintheEmmetsburgStatewideVoluntary4YearOldPreschoolare
expectedtobeinschoolforthefullsessionandareexpectedtobepunctualintheirarrivalanddeparture.
Studentsarenotexpectedtobeabsentanymorethanisnecessaryforhealthreasonsorappointments.
Irregularattendanceinterfereswiththeprogressofyourchildandothersasteachersfindthemselves
takingclasstimetorepeatinformationandmakeadjustmentsforthosestudentswhohavebeenabsent.
Pleasecalltheschoolofficewiththereasonforanabsencenolaterthan8:30A.M..Forsafetyssake,ifa
studentisabsentwithoutnotification,theschoolsecretary/teachingstaffwillattempttocontactthefamily
toverifythechildsabsencefromschool.

EthicsandConfidentiality
Stafffollowsanimportantcodeofethicstoguidetheirinvolvementwithchildrenandfamilies.Itis
essentialtoprotecttheconfidentialityofallinformationconcerningchildrenandtheirfamilies.
Maintainingaprofessionalattitudeincludesbeingresponsivetotheneedsofchildrenandtheirfamilies
whilebalancingtheneedforconfidentiality.Childrenarepeoplewhodeserverespect.Onewaywe
demonstratethisrespectistorefrainfromtalkingaboutthechildrenintheirpresenceunlessthechildis
partoftheconversationandtorefrainfromlabelingachildnegativelyorpositively.Noinformation
aboutanyparticularchildshallbesharedwithanotherchildsparent.Wecontinuallystrivetomodel
suchqualitiesaspatience,tolerance,cooperation,acceptance,understandingofothers,andenthusiasmfor
childrenaswellasforotheradults.

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AllteachingstaffwillreceivetrainingonethicsandconfidentialityontheNationalAssociationforthe
EducationofYoungChildrensCodeofEthicalConductaspartoftheirorientation.Eachstaffperson
willsignaStatementofCommitmenttodocumenttheirwillingnesstoholdclosethevaluesandmoral
obligationsofthefieldofearlychildhoodeducation.

ChildrensRecords
Studentrecordscontainingpersonallyidentifiableinformation,exceptfordirectoryinformation,are
confidential.Onlypersons,includingemployees,whohavealegitimateeducationalinterest,areallowed
toaccessastudent'srecordswithouttheparent'spermission.Parentsmayaccess,requestamendmentsto,
andcopytheirchild'srecordsduringregularofficehours.Parentsmayalsofileacomplaintwiththe
UnitedStatesDepartmentofEducationiftheyfeeltheirrightsregardingtheirchild'srecordshavebeen
violated.Foracompletecopyoftheschooldistrict'spolicyonstudentrecordsortheprocedureforfiling
acomplaint,contacttheboardsecretary.

Parentsorguardianswillbeaskedtosignareleaseofinformationformshouldtheyortheschoolrequest
informationbesharedwithanotheragency,statingtowhomtheinformationistobereleased,thereason
orpurposeforthereleaseofinformation,whenitexpires,andwaystheparentscanwithdrawpermission
iftheychoosetodoso.

PreschoolAdvisoryCommitteeQPPS7.2
TheEmmetsburgCommunityPreschoolhasapreschooladvisorycommitteecomposedofparents,school
staff,andothercommunitymembersinterestedinthepreschoolprogram.Thisgroupmeets
semiannuallytoprovidefeedbackonservicesthatmeetchildrenandfamilyneeds.Theyalsoserveasa
soundingboardfornewideasandservices.Pleaseletthepreschoolteacherknowifyouareinterestedin
beingpartofthePreschoolAdvisoryCommittee.

GrievancePolicy

QPPS7.6

Openandhonestcommunicationbetweenfamiliesandthepreschoolprogramisanessentialcomponent
ofahighqualityearlychildhoodprogram.Wewantyoutobeconfidentthatyourchildisbeingwell
caredforandishavingaqualityexperience.Ifthereiseveratimeyouhaveaconcernregardingyour
child,wewanttoencourageyoutoaddressyourconcerntoyourchildsteacher.Ifadditionalhelpis
needed,eitherpartymayaskfortheassistancefromtheElementaryPrincipals,Mr.JoeCarteratWest
ElementaryandJeanHyslopatEmmetsburgCatholicSchool.Ifyouhaveaconcernregardingsome
aspectoftheprogramorpolicy,pleasecontacttheEmmetsburgCommunitySchoolElementaryPrincipal,
whoistheprogramadministratorforthepreschool.

Aspartofourprogramassessment,inthespringofeachyear,wealsoprovideyouwithafamily
questionnairetoevaluateourprogram.Thisinformationhelpsustoassesshowtheprogramismeeting
theneedsoffamiliesandchildren,aswellastoidentifystrengthsandweaknesses.

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VI.

FAMILYINVOLVEMENT

QPPS7.1,7.2

EmmetsburgStatewideVoluntary4YearOldPreschoolProgramencouragesfamiliestobeveryinvolved
intheirchildseducationbyobservingtheirchildrenduringthedaywhenpossibleandmeetingwithstaff.
Familymembersarewelcometovisitatanytimeduringclasssessions.

Teachersandadministratorsuseavarietyofformalandinformalwaystobecomeacquaintedwithand
learnfromfamiliesabouttheirfamilystructureandtheirpreferredmeansofchildrearingpracticesand
communicationandinformationabouttheirsocioeconomic,linguistic,racial,religious,andcultural
backgroundsastheywishtoshare.Familiesaresurveyedinenrollmentpaperworkandthroughother
questionnairesduringtheyearregardingtheirfamily,beliefs,andpreferences.Homevisitsareconducted
duringthefirstsemesteroftheschoolyear.Programstaffcommunicatewithfamiliesonatleastaweekly
basisregardingchildren'sactivitiesanddevelopmentalmilestones,sharedcaregivingissues,andother
informationthataffectsthewellbeingoftheirchildren.Familyteacherconferencesareheldinboththe
fallandspringsemesters,aswellaswheneitherpartyrequests.AtleastoneFamilyNightisheldduring
theyear.

EmmetsburgStatewideVoluntary4YearOldPreschoolvaluesthetimespenttalkingandinteractingwith
familiesanddevelopingstrong,reciprocalrelationships.Astheteacherlearnsfromthefamilies
expertiseregardingtheirchildsinterests,approachestolearning,anddevelopmentalneeds,goalsfor
yourchildsgrowthanddevelopmentcanbeincorporatedintoongoingclassroomplanning.Familiesare
encouragedtoshareanyconcerns,preferencesorquestionswiththepreschoolteacheroradministrationat
anytime.

Althoughinpersondailycontactcannotbereplaced,preschoolstaffalsorelyonnoteshome,emails,
phonecalls,newsletters,andbulletinboardsasalternativesmeanstoestablishandmaintainopen,
twowaycommunication.

EmmetsburgStatewideVoluntary4YearOldPreschoolinvitesyoutobecomeinvolvedinoneorallof
thefollowingways,andwelcomesotherideasaswell.

1. Supportyourchildsdailytransitiontoschoolbysharinginformationaboutyourchildsinterests
andabilities.Keepingtheteacherinformedofchangesandeventsthatmightaffectyourchild
allowstheteachertobemoreresponsivetoyourchildsneeds.
2. Attendfamilymeetings.
3. Returnallforms,questionnairesandsoonpromptly.
4. AttendFamily/TeacherconferencesintheFallandSpringsemesters.
5. Taketimetoreadthefamilybulletinboard.
6. Checkyourchildsbackpackeachday.
7. Participateinfieldtripactivities.
8. Sharesomeofyourtalentsinyourchildsclassthroughactivitiessuchas:readingorstorytelling,
cooking,art,music,sewing,crafts,hobbies,yourprofession,orartifactsfromtripsyouhave
taken.
9. Shareanyofyourfamiliesculturaltraditions,celebrations,orcustoms.
10. Helppreparesnackandenjoyitwithyourchild.
11. Readallthematerialsenthomewithyourchild.
12. Cometoplay.

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13. Helpwithspecialevents.Helpingtakesmanydifferentformssuchaspreparationofmaterialsat
home,makingtelephonecalls,preparingorpostingflyers,recruitingothervolunteers,collecting
donationsorprizes,runerrands,photography,setupbeforetheevent,orcleanafterwards.
14. ServeonthePreschoolAdvisoryCommittee.

ItisthepolicyoftheEmmetsburgStatewideVoluntary4YearOldsPreschoolProgramnotto
discriminateonthebasisofrace,nationalorigin,creed,age,maritalstatus,orphysicaldisabilityinits
educationprograms,activities,oremploymentpoliciesasrequiredbyTitleVIorVIIIofthe1964Civil
RightsAct,TitleIXofthe1972EducationAmendments,andtheFederalRehabilitationActof1973.

Theprogramwill,totheextentpossible,providefullopportunitiesformeaningfulparticipationofthe
familieswithchildrenwithlimitedEnglishproficiency,familieswithchildrenwithdisabilities,including
providinginformationandschoolreportsinanunderstandableanduniformformatand,including
alternativeformatsonrequest,and,totheextentpossible,inalanguagefamiliesunderstand.

Theprogrambelievesthatfamiliesshouldbesupportedinmakingdecisionsaboutservicesthattheir
childrenmayneed.Theteachingstaffwillprovideinformationtofamiliesaboutavailablecommunity
resourcesandassistasrequestedinhelpingthefamilymakeconnections.

HomeVisits
Onehomevisitwillbemadeduringthefirstsemesterofschool.Thisisanopportunityforthepreschool
teachertogettoknowyou,yourchild,andyourfamilyandforyoutobegintocreateapartnership
betweenhomeandschoolinordertobestmeetyourchildsneeds.Thisisagreattimeforyoutoshare
whatmakesyourfamilyunique,howyouprefertocommunicatewiththeteacher,andshareyour
knowledgeaboutyourchildsinterests,approachestolearning,anddevelopmentalneeds.Youcanhelp
theteacherunderstandwhatyourgoalsareforyourchildandwhetheryouhaveanyconcernsyoudlike
addressed.Parentsareencouragedtosharethesepreferences,concerns,andquestionsatanytimewith
eithertheclassroomteacheroradministrator.

FamilyTeacherConferences
Thepreschoolprogramwillhaveformalfamilyteacherconferencesatthesametimeastheelementary
schoolfallandspring.Theteacherwillsendhomeasheetbeforetheconferenceaskingyoutoconsider
whatnewskillsyouseeyourchilddevelopingathomeorinthecommunity,tothinkaboutwhatyoud
likemoreinformationabouttheclassroom,andwhetheryouhavenewordifferentgoalsforyourchild.
Duringtheconferencetheteacherwillshareresultsofclassroomassessmentsandsamplesofyourchilds
work.Togetheryoucanmakeaplantocontinuetoencourageyourchildsgrowthanddevelopment.

FamilyNight
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Familynightisanopportunityforyouandyourfamilytocometoschooltoparticipateinfunaswellas
educationalactivities.Theteachingstaffwillselectatopicfortheeveningandthenightwillbeplanned
tomeettheneedsofthechildrenandfamiliesintheclassroom.

Transitions

QPPS7.9,7.10

Homeschoolconnectionsarecrucialtothetransitiontokindergartenoranyotherprogram,suchas
specialeducation.Thechildsfamilyprovidestheconsistencyandcontinuitynecessaryforayoungchild
tobesuccessful.Makingachangefromoneprogramtoanothercansometimesbedifficultforayoung
childwhetherthetransitioniswithinthesamebuildingorinanotherlocation.Teachingstaffwillpartner
withthefamilytomakethetransitionassmoothaspossiblebyconnectingfamilymemberswiththenext
programsstaff.Preschoolstaffwillprovideinformationaboutenrollmentpoliciesandprocedures,
programoptions,andarrangeforaclassroomvisitwheneverpossible.

VII.

HEALTHANDSAFETY

EmmetsburgStatewideVoluntary4YearOldPreschoolProgramiscommittedtopromotingwellnessand
tosafeguardthehealthandsafetyofchildrenandadultswhoparticipateinourprogram.Inorderto
provideasafeandsecureenvironmentforeverychildandadult,wefollowguidelinesrequiredbythe
QualityPreschoolProgramStandards,regulatoryagenciesandpediatricauthoritiesinthefield.

HealthandImmunizationCertificatesQPPS5.1
Withinsixweeksafterachildbeginstheprogram,healthrecordsthatdocumentthedatesofserviceshall
besubmittedthatshowthechildiscurrentforroutinescreeningtestsandimmunizationsaccordingtothe
schedulerecommendedandpublishedbytheAmericanAcademyofPediatrics.

Whenachildisoverdueforanyroutinehealthservices,parents,legalguardians,orbothprovideevidence
ofanappointmentforthoseservicesbeforethechildsentryintotheprogramandasaconditionof
remainingenrolledintheprogram,exceptforimmunizationforwhichparentsareusingreligious
exemption.

HealthandSafetyRecords
Healthandsafetyinformationcollectedfromfamilieswillbemaintainedonfileforeachchildinthe
schoolnursesoffice.Filesarekeptcurrentbyupdatingasneeded,butatleastquarterly.Thecontentof
thefileisconfidential,butisimmediatelyavailabletoadministratorsorteachingstaffwhohaveconsent
fromaparentorlegalguardianforaccesstorecordsthechildsparentorlegalguardianandregulatory
authorities,uponrequest.QPPS10.10

ChildHealthandSafetyRecordswillinclude:QPPS5.1
1. Currentinformationaboutanyhealthinsurancecoveragerequiredfortreatmentinan
emergency
2. Resultsofhealthexamination,showinguptodateimmunizationsandscreeningtestswithan
indicationofnormalorabnormalresultsandanyfollowuprequiredforabnormalresults
3. Currentemergencycontactinformationforeachchild,thatiskeptuptodatebyaspecified
methodduringtheyear

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4.

Namesofindividualsauthorizedbythefamilytohaveaccesstohealthinformationaboutthe
child
Instructionsforanyofthechildsspecialhealthneedssuchasallergiesorchronicillness(e.g.,
asthma,hearingorvisionimpairments,feedingneeds,neuromuscularconditions,urinaryor
otherongoinghealthproblems,seizures,diabetes)
Individualemergencycareplansforchildrenwithknownmedicalordevelopmentalproblems
orotherconditionsthatmightrequirespecialcareinanemergency(allergy,asthma,seizures,
orthopedicorsensoryproblems,andotherchronicconditionsconditionsthatrequireregular
medicationortechnologysupportandQPPS10.14
Supportingevidenceforcasesinwhichachildisunderimmunizedbecauseofamedical
condition(documentedbyalicensedhealthprofessional)orthefamilysbeliefs.Staff
implementsaplantoexcludethechildpromptlyifavaccinepreventablediseasetowhich
childrenaresusceptibleoccursintheprogram.

5.

6.

7.

GeneralHealthandSafetyGuidelines

Allstaffmustbealerttothehealthofeachchild,knownallergies,orspecialmedical
conditions.
Underthesupervisionofthepreschoolteacher,allstuffmustbealerttothewhereaboutsof
allchildren.Systemsareinplaceforaccountingforchildrenatregularintervals,especially
duringperiodsoftransition.
Allstaffaretofollowproperproceduresforhandwashing,usingdisinfectant,andfollowing
universalprecautionstopreventinfections.
Allstaffarefamiliarwithevacuationroutesandprocedures.
AllteachingstaffcompletesOccupationalExposuretoBloodbornePathogensannually.
Atleastonestaffmemberwhohasacertificateofsatisfactorycompletionofpediatric
firstaidtraining,includingmanagingablockedairwayandprovidingrescuebreathingfor
infantsandchildren,isalwayspresentwitheachgroupofchildren.Whenachildinthe
grouphasaspecialhealthconditionthatmightrequireCPR,onestaffpersonwhohas
successfullycompletedtraininginCPRispresentintheprogramatalltimes.QPPS5.2

IllnessPolicyandExclusionofSickChildren

QPPS5.3

Forthehealthandsafetyofallthechildren,itismandatorythatsickchildrennotbebroughttoschool.If
yourchildhasanyofthefollowingsymptomsduringthenight,heorshewillnotbeadmittedthe
followingmorningforthesafetyoftheotherchildren.
fevergreaterthan100degreesF
vomiting
diarrhea
pinkeyeswithdrainage
coughwithcongestionandexcessivenasaldischarge

Thecentersestablishedpolicyforanillchildsreturn:
Feverfreefor24hours
Chickenpox:oneweekafteronset(orwhenlesionsarecrusted)
Strep:24hoursafterinitialmedication
Vomiting/Diarrhea:24hoursafterlastepisode
Conjunctivitis:24hoursafterinitialmedicationorwhenwithoutdrainage

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Uponarrivalatschool,eachchildisobservedbyteachingstaffforsignsofillnessorinjurythatcould
affectthechildsabilitytoparticipatecomfortablyinthedailyactivities.Childrenwillbeexcludedwhen
achildisnotabletoparticipatecomfortablyiftheillnessrequiresmorecarethanstaffareabletoprovide
withoutcompromisingtheneedsoftheotherchildreninthegrouporifkeepingthechildatschoolposes
anincreasedrisktothechildortootherchildrenoradultswithwhomthechildwillcomeincontact.

Whenachilddevelopssignsofanillnessduringtheirdayatpreschool,parents,legalguardians,orother
personauthorizedbytheparentwillbenotifiedimmediatelytopickupthechild.Forthisreason,please
besurethatwehavecurrent,accuratephonenumbersforyou,yourauthorizedemergencycontactperson
andyourchildspediatrician.Inthemeantime,wewillprovidethechildaplacetorestuntiltheparent,
legalguardianordesignatedpersonarrivesunderthesupervisionofsomeonefamiliarwiththechild.If
thechildissuspectedofhavingacontagiousdisease,thenuntilsheorhecanbepickedup,thechildis
locatedwherenewindividualswillnotbeexposed.

ReportingCommunicableDiseases
QPPS5.4
Staffandteachersprovideinformationtofamiliesverballyandinwritingaboutanyunusuallevelortype
ofcommunicablediseasetowhichtheirchildwasexposed,signsandsymptomsofthedisease,modeof
transmission,periodofcommunicability,andcontrolmeasuresthatarebeingimplementedattheprogram
andthatthefamiliesshouldimplementathome.Theprogramhasdocumentationthatithascooperative
arrangementswithlocalhealthauthoritiesandhas,atleastannually,madecontactwiththoseauthorities
tokeepcurrentonrelevanthealthinformationandtoarrangeforobtainingadvicewhenoutbreaksof
communicablediseaseoccur.

MedicationPoliciesandProceduresQPPS5.10
Policy:Theschoolwilladministermedicationtochildrenwithwrittenapprovaloftheparentandan
orderfromahealthproviderforaspecificchild.Becauseadministrationofmedicationintheschoolisa
safetyhazard,medicationadministrationwillbelimitedtosituationswhereanagreementtogive
medicineoutsidepreschoolhourscannotbemade.Wheneverpossible,thefirstdoseofmedication
shouldbegivenathometoseeifthechildhasanytypeofreaction.

Procedure:Theschoolnursecoordinatesand/oradministersmedicationduringschoolhoursonlyifthe
parentorlegalguardianhasprovidedwrittenconsentandthemedicationisavailableinanoriginal
labeledprescriptionormanufacturerscontainerthatischildresistant.Anyotherpersonwhowould
administermedicationhasspecifictrainingandawrittenperformanceevaluation,updatedannuallybya
healthprofessionalonthepracticeofthefiverightpracticesofmedicationadministration:(1)verifying
thattherightchildreceivesthe(2)rightmedication(3)intherightdose(4)attherighttime(5)bythe
rightmethodwithdocumentationofeachrighteachtimethemedicationisgiven.Medicationerrorswill
becontrolledbycheckingandrecordingthesefiverightpracticeseachtimemedicationisgiven.Should
amedicationerroroccur,theRegionalPoisonControlCenterandthechildsparentswillbecontacted
immediately.Theincidentwillbedocumentedinthechildsrecordattheschool.

Forprescriptionmedications,parentsorlegalguardianswillprovidetheschoolwiththemedicationinthe
original,childresistantcontainerthatislabeledbyapharmacistwiththechildsname,thenameand
strengthofthemedicationthedatetheprescriptionwasfilledthenameofthehealthcareproviderwho

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wrotetheprescriptionthemedicationsexpirationdateandadministration,storage,anddisposal
instructions.

Foroverthecountermedications,parentsorlegalguardianswillprovidethemedicationina
childresistantcontainer.Themedicationwillbelabeledwiththechildsfirstandlastnamesspecific,
legibleinstructionsforadministrationandstoragesuppliedbythemanufacturerandthenameofthe
healthcareproviderwhorecommendedthemedicationforthechild.

Instructionsforthedose,time,methodtobeused,anddurationofadministrationwillbeprovidedtothe
teachingstaffinwriting(byasignednoteoraprescriptionlabel)ordictatedoverthetelephonebya
physicianorotherpersonlegallyauthorizedtoprescribemedication.Thisrequirementappliesbothto
prescriptionandoverthecountermedications.

Medicationswillbekeptatthetemperaturerecommendedforthattypeofmedication,inasturdy,
childresistantcontainerthatislockedandpreventsspillage.

Medicationwillnotbeusedbeyondthedateofexpirationonthecontainerorbeyondanyexpirationof
theinstructionsprovidedbythephysicianorotherpersonlegallypermittedtoprescribemedication.
Instructionswhichstatethatthemedicationmaybeusedwheneverneededwillberenewedbythe
physicianatleastannually.

Amedicationlogwillbemaintainedbytheschoolstafftorecordtheinstructionsforgivingthe
medication,consentobtainedfromtheparentorlegalguardian,amount,thetimeofadministration,and
thepersonwhoadministeredeachdoseofmedication.Spills,reactions,andrefusaltotakemedication
willbenotedonthislog.

CleaningandSanitizationQPPS9.11
Thefacilitywillbemaintainedinacleanandsanitarycondition.Whenaspilloccurs,theareawillbe
madeinaccessibletochildrenandtheareawillbecleanedimmediately.

Toysthathavebeenplacedinachildsmouthorthatareotherwisecontaminatedbybodysecretionor
excretionwillberemovedimmediatelyanddisinfectedaftertheyarecleanedwithsoapandwater.This
alsoappliestoothersurfacesintheclassroom.Toysandsurfaceswillbedisinfectedusinganontoxic
solutionofonetablespoonhouseholdbleachtoonequartoftapwatermadefreshdaily.Todisinfect,the
surfaceswillbesprayeduntilglossy.Thebleachsolutionwillbeleftonforatleast2minutesbeforeitis
wipedoffwithacleanpapertowel,oritmaybeallowedtoairdry.Machinewashableclothtoysthathave
beenplacedinachildsmouthorthatareotherwisecontaminatedbybodysecretionorexcretionmustbe
launderedbeforeanotherchildsuse.Toysthatcannotbecleanedandsanitizedwillnotbeused.

QPPS5.24

Staffwillbetrainedincleaningtechniques,properuseofprotectivebarrierssuchasgloves,proper
handlinganddisposalofcontaminatedmaterials,andinformationrequiredbytheUSOccupationalSafety
andHealthAdministrationabouttheuseofanychemicalagents.

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RoutinecleaningwillbesupervisedbythepreschoolteacherandwillfollowtheCleaningandSanitation
FrequencyTableinSectionIII,page47oftheQPPSmanual.Achecklistwillbecompletedasindicated
inthetable.

Facilitycleaningrequiringpotentiallyhazardouschemicalswillbescheduledwhenchildrenarenot
presenttominimizeexposureofthechildren.Allcleaningproductswillbeusedasdirectedbythe
manufacturerslabel.Nontoxicsubstanceswillbeusedwheneverpossible.

HandWashingPracticesQPPS5.8
Frequenthandwashingiskeytopreventthespreadofinfectiousdiseases.Teachersteachchildrenhow
towashtheirhandseffectively.Postersofchildrenusingproperhandwashingproceduresareplacedby
eachsink.Theprogramfollowsthesepracticesregardinghandwashing:
Staffmembersandthosechildrenwhoaredevelopmentallyabletolearnpersonalhygieneare
taughthandwashingproceduresandareperiodicallymonitored.
Handwashingisrequiredbyallstaff,volunteers,andchildrenwhenhandwashingreducesthe
riskoftransmissionofinfectiousdiseasestothemselvesandtoothers.
Staffassistschildrenwithhandwashingasneededtosuccessfullycompletethetask.

Childrenandadultswashtheirhands:
uponarrivalfortheday
afterdiaperingorusingthetoilet(useofwetwipesisacceptableforinfants)
afterhandlingbodyfluids(e.g.,blowingorwipinganose,coughingonahand,oranytouchingof
mucus,bloodorvomit)
beforemealsandsnacks,preparingorservingfood,orhandlinganyrawfoodthatrequires
cooking(e.g.,meat,eggs,poultry)
afterplayinginwaterthatthatissharedbytwoormorepeople
afterhandlingpetsandotheranimalsoranymaterialssuchassand,dirt,orsurfacesthatmightbe
contaminatedbycontactwithanimalsand

Adultsalsowashtheirhands
beforeandafterfeedingachild
beforeandafteradministeringmedication
afterassistingachildwithtoiletingand
afterhandlinggarbageorcleaning.

Properhandwashingproceduresarefollowedbyadultsandchildrenandinclude
usingliquidsoapandrunningwater
rubbinghandsvigorouslyforatleast10seconds,includingbackofhands,wrists,between
fingers,underandaroundanyjewelry,andunderfingernailsrinsingwelldryinghandswitha
papertowel,oradryerandavoidingtouchingthefaucetwithjustwashedhands(e.g.,byusinga
papertoweltoturnoffwater).

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Exceptwhenhandlingbloodorbodyfluidsthatmightcontainblood(whenwearingglovesisrequired),
wearingglovesisanoptionalsupplement,butnotasubstitute,forhandwashinginanysituationlisted
above.
Staffmustweargloveswhencontaminationwithbloodmayoccur.
Staffdoesnotusehandwashingsinksforbathingchildrenorremovingsmearedfecalmaterial.
Insituationswheresinksusedforbothfoodpreparationandotherpurposes,staffcleanandsanitizethe
sinksbeforeusingthemtopreparefood.

FirstAidKitQPPS9.13
Afirstaidkitislocatedinthepreschoolclassroomnexttothedoor.Itisinaccessibletochildren,but
readilyavailableforadultuse.ItisfullyequippedaccordingtoguidancefromHealthyChildCareIowa.
FollowingeachuseoftheFirstAidkit,thecontentswillbeinspectedandmissingoruseditemsreplaced
immediately.TheFirstAidkitwillbeinspectedmonthly.Thefirstaidkitistakentotheoutdoorplay
areasaswellasonfieldtripsandoutingsawayfromthesite.

FireSafetyQPPS9.14
Afireextinguisherisinstalledinthepreschoolclassroomwithatagindicatingitsannualservicedate.
Thefirealarmsystemisservicedannually.Smokedetectors,firealarms,andcarbonmonoxidedetectors
aretestedmonthly.Awrittenlogoftestingdatesandbatterychangesismaintainedandavailableupon
request.Firedrillsareconductedmonthlyandrecordedonalog.

MedicalEmergenciesandNotificationofAccidentsorIncidentsQPPS10.13
TheEmmetsburgStatewideVoluntary4YearOldPreschoolclassroomshaveinplaceaSafety
ProceduresBookletthatdescribesthefollowingsituationsandprocedurestofollow:
Emergencyphonenumbers
Fireprocedures
UtilityFailures(electricpowerfailure,waterlinebreak,gaslinebreak)
Severeweather
Bombthreats
PhysicalThreats/ArmedIntruder
Evacuations
CrisisInterventionPlan,CrisisInterventionSteps,andMediaProcedures
AccidentalInjuryorIllnessproceduresforlifethreateningandnonlifethreateningsituations
Schoolcrisisteammembersandachecklisttouse
ListofCPR/FirstAidexperiencedpersonsineachbuilding

Thisbookletwillbepostedbythetelephoneandincludedinthefirstaidkit.Thebookletwillbe
reviewedbyeachstaffmemberatthebeginningofeachschoolyearandwhenchangesaremadetoit.

Intheeventthatyourchildreceivesaminor,nonlifethreateninginjuryduringtheirtimeatpreschool,the
teacherwillassessthesituationandapplyfirstaidasneeded.Minorcutsandscrapeswillbetreatedwith
soapandwaterandbumpswillbetreatedbyapplyingicetotheinjuredarea.Anyincidentorinjurieswill
bedocumentedonanInjuryandIllnessformandacopywillbegiventotheparentwithin24hoursof
theincident.

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Allstaffwillhaveimmediateaccesstoadevicethatallowsthemtosummonhelpinanemergency.The
telephonenumbersoftheFireDepartment,PoliceDepartment,Hospital,andPoisonControlwillbe
postedbyeachphonewithanoutsideline.Emergencycontactinformationforeachchildandstaff
memberwillbekeptreadilyavailable.Thelistofemergencytelephonenumbersandcopiesof
emergencycontactinformationandauthorizationforemergencytransportwillbetakenalonganytime
childrenleavethefacilityinthecareoffacilitystaff.

Emergencyphonenumberswillbeupdatedatleastquarterly.Emergencyphonenumberswillbeverified
bycallingthenumberstomakesurearesponsive,designatedpersonisavailable.

InclementWeather

IntheeventthattheEmmetsburgCommunitySchoolsandEmmetsburgCatholicSchoolmustbeclosed
duetobadweather,wewillnotifyschoolpatronsbyradio:KEMPLP94.1KDWDY100.1KLGA92.7
KICD107.7orKUOO103.9.

ProtectionFromHazardsandEnvironmentalHealthQPPS9.16
Programstaffprotectschildrenandadultsfromhazards,includingelectricalshock,burns,orscalding,
slipping,tripping,orfalling.Floorcoveringsaresecuredtokeepstaffandchildrenfromtripping.

Thepreschoolclassroombuildinghasbeentestedforlead,radon,radiation,asbestos,fiberglass,andother
hazardsthatcouldimpactchildrenshealthwithdocumentationonfile.Custodialstaffmaintainsthe
buildingsheating,cooling,andventilationsystemsincompliancewithnationalstandardsforfacilityuse
bychildren.

Theprogrammaintainsfacilitiessotheyarefreefromharmfulanimals,insectpests,andpoisonous
plants.Pesticidesandherbicides,ifused,areappliedaccordingtothemanufacturersinstructionswhen
childrenarenotatthefacilityandinamannerthatpreventsskincontact,inhalation,andotherexposureto
children.TheprogramusesthetechniquesknownasIntegratedPestManagement(IPM)sothattheleast
hazardousmeansareusedtocontrolpestsandunwantedvegetation.

SmokeFreeFacility

QPPS9.19

IncompliancewiththeIowaSmokefreeAirActof2008,EmmetsburgStatewideVoluntary4YearOld
PreschoolProgrambuildingsandgroundsaresmokefree.ANoSmokingsignmeetingthelaws
requirementsispostedattheentrancetothepreschoolclassroombuildingtoinformpeoplethattheyare
enteringanonsmokingplace.Nosmokingisallowedontheschoolgroundsorwithinsightofany
children.

ChildProtectionPolicies

QPPS10.8,10.16

Thehealthandwellbeingofeverychildinourcareisoftheutmostimportanceandtheprotectionof
childrenisourresponsibility.Anapplicantorvolunteerfortemporaryorpermanentemploymentwiththe
preschoolprograminvolvesdirectinteractionwithortheopportunitytointeractandassociatewith
childrenmustexecuteandsubmitanaffidavitofclearancefromanyandallcrimesagainstachildor

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families.Inadditionnopersonwithasubstantiatedreportofchildabuseorneglectwillcomeincontact
withchildrenintheprogramorhaveresponsibilityforchildren.

Theprogramhaswrittenschoolboardpolicyforreportingchildabuseandneglectaswellasprocedures
inplacethatcomplywithapplicablefederal,state,andlocallaws.Thepolicyincludesrequirementsfor
stafftoreportallsuspectedincidentsofchildabuse,neglect,orbothbyfamilies,staff,volunteers,or
otherstotheappropriatelocalagencies.Staffwhoreportsuspicionsofchildabuseorneglectwherethey
workareimmunefromdischarge,retaliation,orotherdisciplinaryactionforthatreasonaloneunlessitis
proventhatthereportismalicious.AllteachingstaffcompleteMandatoryReporter:Childand
DependentAdultAbuseatleasteveryfiveyearsandwithinsixmonthsofemployment.

Theprogramdoesnottolerateemployeesphysically,orsexuallyabusingorharassingstudents.Students
whoarephysicallyorsexuallyabusedorharassedbyanemployeeshouldnotifytheirparents,legal
guardians,teacher,principal,oranotheremployee.TheIowaDepartmentofEducationhasestablisheda
twostepprocedureforinvestigatingallegationsofphysicalorsexualabuseofstudentsbyemployees.
Thatprocedurerequirestheprogramtodesignateanindependentinvestigatortolookintotheallegations.
AtWestElementarytheschoolnursehasbeendesignatedastheinvestigatorandmaybereachedat
7128524485.ThealternateinvestigatoristhePaloAltoCountyAttorneyandmaybereachedat
7128523267.AtEmmetsburgCatholicSchoolDanRyanhasbeendesignatedastheinvestigatorand
maybereachedat7122337589.

SubstanceAbuse
PersonsundertheinfluenceofdrugsoralcoholwillnotbepermittedonthepremisesoftheEmmetsburg
StatewideVoluntary4YearOldPreschoolProgram.Atnotimewillchildrenbereleasedtoaperson
undertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.

Volunteers

QPPS10.15,10.17

Parents,friends,grandparents,andotheradultsareencouragedtotakeanactivepartintheeducational
processofthechildren.Pleasecontacttheteacher,principal,orofficesecretaryifyouwouldliketobea
schoolvolunteer.Wehaveavolunteerjobdescriptionthatdefinestheroleandresponsibilitiesofa
volunteer.Forsafetyssake,ifavolunteerwillbeworkingwithchildren,he/shewillbeexpectedto
executeandsubmitanaffidavitofclearancefromanyandallcrimesagainstachildorfamilies.In
additionnopersonwithasubstantiatedreportofchildabuseorneglectwillcomeincontactwithchildren
intheprogramorhaveresponsibilityforchildren.Ifavolunteerworksmorethan40hourspermonth
withchildren,he/shewillalsoneedtoprovideacurrenthealthassessment,notmorethanoneyearold.

VIII.StaffQPPS10.15
GeneralInformation
TheEmmetsburgCommunitySchooldistricthaswrittenpersonnelpoliciesthatdefinetherolesand
responsibilities,qualifications,andspecializedtrainingrequiredofstaffandvolunteerpositions.The
policiesoutlinenondiscriminatoryhiringproceduresandpoliciesforstaffevaluation.Policiesdetailjob
descriptionsforeachposition,includingreportingrelationshipssalaryscaleswithincrementsbasedon
professionalqualification,lengthofemployment,andperformanceevaluationbenefitsandresignation,

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termination,andgrievanceprocedures.Personnelpoliciesprovideforincentivesbasedonparticipationin
professionaldevelopmentopportunities.Thepoliciesareprovidedtoeachemployeeuponhiring.

Hiringproceduresincludecompletionofthefollowingchecks:criminalrecordcheck,freefromhistoryof
substantiatedchildabuseorneglectcheck,educationcredentials,verificationofage,completionofhigh
schoolorGED,personalreferencesandacurrenthealthassessment.

HealthAssessment
Thepreschoolprogrammaintainscurrenthealthinformationfromdocumentedhealthassessmentsforall
paidpreschoolstaffandforallvolunteerswhoworkmorethan40hourspermonthandhavecontactwith
children.Acurrenthealthassessment(notmorethanoneyearold)isreceivedbytheprogrambeforean
employeestartsworkorbeforeavolunteerhascontactwithchildren.Thehealthassessmentisupdated
everytwoyears.Documentedhealthassessmentsinclude:
Capacitiesandlimitationsthatmayaffectjobperformance
DocumentationbyalicensedhealthprofessionalofTBskintestingusingtheMantouxmethod
andshowingtheemployeetobefreefromactiveTBdisease.ForthosewhohaveapositiveTB
skintestandwhodevelopapersistentcoughorunexpectedfever,immediateassessmentbya
licensedphysicianisrequired.ForthosewhohaveincreasedriskofTBaccordingtotheCenters
forDiseaseControl(CDC),documentationisrequiredannuallybyalicensedhealthprofessional
showingthattheemployeeisfreefromactiveTBdisease.

Confidentialpersonnelfiles,includingapplicationswithrecordofexperience,transcriptsofeducation,
healthassessmentrecords,documentationofongoingprofessionaldevelopment,andresultsof
performanceevaluation,arekeptinalockedfilingcabinetintheelementaryprincipalsoffice.

OrientationQPPS6.2
Employeesmustknowtheirroleandduties.Newpreschoolteachingstaffwillberequiredtoparticipate
inaninitialorientationprogramthatintroducesthemtofundamentalaspectsoftheprogramoperation
including:
Programphilosophy,mission,andgoals
Expectationsforethicalconduct
Individualneedsofchildrentheywillbeteachingorcaringfor
Acceptedguidanceandclassroommanagementtechniques
Dailyactivitiesandroutinesoftheprogram
Programcurriculum
Childabuseandreportingprocedures
Programpoliciesandprocedures
IowaQualityPreschoolProgramStandardsandCriteria
Regulatoryrequirements.
Followuptrainingexpandsontheinitialorientations.SeeStaffOrientationChecklist.

Theemployeesimmediatesupervisorshouldprovidethenewemployeewithareviewoftheemployees
responsibilitiesandduties.Thesuperintendentwillexplainpayrollprocedures,employeebenefit
programsandaccompanyingformstotheemployee.Regularemployeesineligiblefortheschool
districtsgrouphealthplanwillbegiveninformationregardingwheretheycanobtainhealthcareor
healthcareinsurance.

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Staffingpatternsandschedule
Thepreschoolprogramisincompliancewithstaffregulationsandcertificationrequirements.Our
programfollowsrequirementsforstaffingforIowasQualityPreschoolProgramStandardsof
maintaininganadult/childratioofatleast1:10atalltimes.Theprogramadministratorwillmaintainlists
ofcurrentsubstitutesforboththepreschoolteacherandthepreschoolteachingassistantincaseof
absence.Ifoneoftheteachingstaffneedstotemporarilyleavetheclassroom,thepersonwillcallthe
elementaryofficetoarrangeforcoverageinordertomaintaintheadult/childratio.

Staffisprovidedspaceandtimeawayfromchildrenduringtheday.Shouldstaffworkdirectlywith
childrenformorethanfourhours,staffisprovidedbreaksofatleast15minutesineachfourhourperiod.
Inaddition,staffmayrequesttemporaryreliefwhentheyareunabletoperformtheirduties.

StaffdevelopmentactivitiesQPPS6.6,10.15
Personnelpoliciesprovideforincentivesbasedonparticipationinprofessionaldevelopment
opportunities.Allteachingstaffcontinuouslystrengthenstheirleadershipskillsandrelationshipswith
othersandworktoimprovetheconditionsofchildrenandfamilieswithintheirprograms,thelocal
community,andbeyond.Teachingstaffareencouragedtoparticipateininformalandformalwaysin
local,state,orregionalpublicawarenessactivities.Theymayjoinanearlychildhoodgroupor
organization,attendmeetings,orshareinformationwithothersbothatandoutsidetheprogram.

TeachingstaffwillbeinformedofprofessionaldevelopmentactivitiesprovidedbyChildCareResource
andReferral,thelocalEmpowermentareas,andtheareaeducationagency.Staffisexpectedtoattendall
stafftrainingsandmeetingsthroughouttheyear.Trainingswillfocusonearlychildhoodtopicsrelevant
totheprogramandcommunity.

EvaluationandProfessionalGrowthPlanQPPS6.5,6.6
Allstaffareevaluatedatleastannuallybyanappropriatesupervisor.Staffalsoevaluateandimprove
theirownperformancebasedonongoingreflectionsandfeedbackfromsupervisors,peers,andfamilies.
Fromthis,theydevelopanannualindividualizedprofessionaldevelopmentplanwiththeirsupervisorand
useittoinformtheircontinuousprofessionaldevelopment.

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