Early Head Start

Family Handbook

Family Handbook v4-11.9.15

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Provider: _______________________

Address: _______________________ _______________________ Phone: ________________________

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Ages of Children Served ...................................................................................... 9

After Hours Care Policy ..................................................................................... 10

Arrival/Departure Policy ................................................................................... 11

Sign in and out Procedures ........................................................................ 11

Attendance Policy ............................................................................................. 12

Child Abuse and Neglect Policy ......................................................................... 13

Curriculum ........................................................................................................ 14

Daily Reports .................................................................................................... 15

Developmental Screening Policies and Procedures ........................................... 16

Disability Services ............................................................................................. 17

Discipline Policy ................................................................................................ 18

Dress Code Policy .............................................................................................. 19

Emergency Procedures...................................................................................... 20

Enrollment Policies and Procedures .................................................................. 22

Immunization Schedule for 2016 ................................................................. 23

Child Wellness Exam Policy ......................................................................... 25

Handbook Acknowledgement Receipt .............................................................. 43

Health Education .............................................................................................. 26

Home Visit/Parent Teacher Conference Policy .................................................. 27

Medication Administration Policy ..................................................................... 28

Mental Health Services ..................................................................................... 29

Nutrition Policy ................................................................................................. 30

Open Door Policy .............................................................................................. 31

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Parent and Family Services ............................................................................... 32

Parent Involvement .......................................................................................... 34

Payment Policy ................................................................................................. 35

Schedule of Operation ...................................................................................... 36

Sick Child (Illness) Policy ................................................................................... 37

Sleeping and Napping Routines ......................................................................... 39

Substitute Policy ............................................................................................... 40

Supervision of Children ..................................................................................... 41

Transition ......................................................................................................... 42

Withdrawal/Dis-enrolling a child ...................................................................... 43

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Dear Family, On behalf of the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Palm Beach County, I welcome you and your child to our Early Head Start Family! Parental Engagement is very important in a child’s overall growth and development. Without your involvement, your children will only receive a fraction of what they need and deserve to grow strong in body, mind and spirit. Parental engagement comes in many forms, such as: volunteering in the classroom, reading to your children, helping them with school projects, and positively encouraging them every day. This type of engagement will dramatically help with the overall growth of your children, and will help reinforce what they receive from Early Head Start: quality education, continuous encouragement, unconditional commitment, understanding, and love. I invite and encourage your participation in the classroom, Parent Committees and Policy Council as much as possible. Please make every effort to join your child in the Early Head Start experience. The Early Head Start experience will be new for most of you. However, I assure you that it will be most rewarding. Your child will have the joy of learning and playing with other children and you will have an opportunity to meet other parents who have the same fears, hopes, and dreams you have for raising your child in a healthy, happy and safe environment. Your children deserve the very best that we have to offer and the very best that you have to give. Their success in life is directly dependent upon your warm smile, your gentle embrace, your loving heart and your total involvement. While your children are enrolled in the Early Head Start programs, I encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities and experiences offered to parents and family members. The more you receive, the more you can give to your children. Again, I welcome you and your family to Early Head Start! Sincerely, Erin Gallagher, Director Early Head Start Partnership Program Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County

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Policy Statement This handbook contains all the policies and procedures of the ELC Early Head Start Program. Please read this handbook carefully and sign the ‘Acknowledgement Receipt’, which states that you have read and understand the policies and procedures of the program, and that you agree to abide by them.

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Early Head Start pledges to: Care for every child entrusted to us with love, understanding, and respect. Commit to providing quality, comprehensive services in accordance with

proven Early Head Start philosophy, goals and objectives. Protect and promote each child’s physical and emotional well-being, mental

capability and social competency. Reach out to each child and family, attempting to enhance their quality of life

by recognizing their unique strengths, needs and interests. Respect parents as the primary and most important educator of their child and

endeavor to support strong families as the ideal environment for raising children.

Support families in their effort toward economic self-sufficiency. Conserve and protect the property and resources of Early Head Start entrusted

to our care and under our stewardship. Accept the responsibility of our role within the community as an important

influence in the lives of young children. Accept the responsibility of involving the community of Palm Beach County in

all aspects of nurturing its future leaders. Maintain professional standards, safeguard confidentiality and always

performing with intelligence, commitment and enthusiasm.

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Vision Statement Every child in Palm Beach County is ready to succeed in school and life.

Mission Statement Building community-wide commitment for comprehensive, high-quality early learning environments that benefit the children and families of Palm Beach County.

Early Head Start: A Comprehensive Child Development Program The Early Head Start program provides a safe, nurturing, responsive, caring environment for infants and toddlers from birth to 3 years old. The Early Head Start (EHS) program is for low-income infants, toddlers, and their families. EHS programs enhance children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development; they support parents' efforts to fulfill their parental roles, and help parents move toward self-sufficiency. Our mission is simple: To enhance the development of very young children, and To promote healthy family functioning.

There are two Early Head Start Child Care options: 1) Center-Based 2) Family Child Care Homes (FCCH).

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Ages of Children Served The Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County-Early Head Start Providers will serve children ages 6 weeks to age 3.

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After Hour Care Policy Early Head Start services are provided for a period of minimum (10) hours per day. Please see your Provider for further clarification regarding their policies.

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Arrival/Departure Policy Children must be signed in upon arrival and signed out at departure each day of attendance. Children will only be released to their parent/guardian and to persons sixteen (16) years of age or older. These individuals must be authorized in writing by the parent/guardian on the Family Information form in the section entitled ‘Authorization for Child Release’. These persons must provide their identification card to the Provider. Children will not be released to anyone transporting children without an appropriate car seat or to persons who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Provider must be notified in writing by updating the ‘EHS Information Update Form’ to give permission for anyone else to pick up the child. If either parent/guardian is restricted by a court order to have access to a child, a copy of the court order must be provided to the Provider and be kept on file at the facility. It may take some time for your child to adjust to a new environment and to develop a trusting relationship with the Provider. Talk to your child and reassure him/her that you will be returning to pick them up. Talk with your Provider about any strategies that can help to ease the transition. • Sign In and Out Procedures

Upon arrival and at departure you must sign your child in and out. Please sign with your full name each time. Make sure that you are signing on the line for the correct date, and that you are writing the arrival and departure time. It is the parent’s/ guardian’s responsibility to inform all authorized persons that will drop off or pick up the child that they must follow the proper sign in and out procedures.

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Attendance Policy All families are encouraged to maintain regular attendance in Early Head Start activities. Early Head Start staff will support families in identifying barriers to regular attendance and will initiate support as appropriate. If families are not able or willing to participate, another child will be given the opportunity to attend the program.

Children must arrive on time each morning to receive the maximum benefit of the daily activities. If there is a time when your child will arrive late you must notify the Provider in advance. If your child is excessively late and/or absent, the Family Advocate and/or Provider will contact you to determine the reason and discuss measures to ensure that your child arrives on time.

One planned absence of up to two calendar weeks is acceptable as part of the Early Head Start program. All other extended absences must be approved by Early Head Start. Families who do not reestablish regular attendance within three calendar weeks will be withdrawn from the program. If unexcused absences total ten (10) days, or a pattern of unexcused absence persists and there is no effort by the parent/guardian to correct the situation, the child’s status is reviewed by the Family and Community Services Manager and/or the Early Head Start Director for determination on withdrawal from the program.

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Child Abuse and Neglect Policy The Provider and the Early Head Start program staff have the responsibility for the prevention, identification and reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect, and are required by Law to report any known or suspected cases to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE. Records of reported cases of suspected child abuse or neglect will be kept confidential.

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Curriculum A Curriculum is a written plan that includes: The goals for children’s development and learning. The experiences through which they will achieve these goals. What staff and parents/guardians do to help children achieve these goals. The materials needed to support the implementation of the curriculum.

Our Early Head Start program uses the Creative Curriculum. The program’s Child Development and educational approach includes: The development of secure relationships through continuity of care. Trust and emotional security so that each child can explore the

environment according to his/her developmental level. Opportunities for each child to explore a variety of sensory and motor

experiences with support and stimulation from the Providers and family members.

Support social and emotional development by encouraging the development of self-awareness, autonomy and self-expression.

Support communication skills by providing daily opportunities for each child to interact with others and to express him/herself freely.

Support physical development by supporting physical and gross motor skills such as crawling, walking, climbing, pushing, pulling and grasping

Create opportunities for fine motor development that encourages the control and coordination of small, specialized motions, using the eyes, hands, mouth and feet.

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Daily Reports A Daily Report will be completed by the Provider to inform the parent/guardian of their child’s routines, activities, and interactions on a daily basis. Parents/ guardians are expected to complete the first part of the Daily Report each morning at the time of arrival to inform the Provider of the child’s activity or any medication dispensed before the child’s arrival that morning.

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Developmental Screening Policies and Procedures As stated in the Early Head Start Performance Standards 45 CFR part 1304.20 (b)(1), within 45 days of the child’s entry to the program he/she must receive age appropriate screening to identify concerns regarding a child’s developmental, sensory (visual and auditory), behavioral, motor, language, social, cognitive, perceptual, and emotional skills. The developmental screening tools used are the ‘Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ3-SE) Infant/Toddler’. Consent Forms must be signed by the parent/guardian for all screenings. The Provider discusses the results of the screening with the parent/guardian of the child on a Home Visit or Parent/Teacher Conference. The Provider then uses the results to individualize a child development plan for the child. If there is a concern with a child’s development, the child will receive further evaluation. After the initial screening period, each child receives ongoing screening and assessments using the ‘Ages and Stages Questionnaires’ (ASQ). When a child is scheduled for an ASQ, the Provider will give the parent/guardian a blank questionnaire to complete at home. The Provider will fill in a due date on the questionnaire cover sheet for the parent/guardian to have it completed by that date. The parent/guardian will be advised to complete the entire questionnaire with the exception of the score sheet. When completed, the parent/guardian must turn the questionnaire in to the Provider. The Provider will score the ASQ and will discuss the results with the parent/guardian on a home visit or Parent/Teacher conference. If there is a concern with a child’s development, the child will be referred to Home Safe for additional services.

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Disability Services Children with disabilities and their families receive the full range of Early Head Start developmental services. In addition, the Provider as well as Early Head Start staff work closely with community agencies to provide services to meet the special needs of these children. A child can often learn more readily in a group with other children than in a separate group with disabilities. Disability Service is committed to serving children with disabilities, who make up at least 10% of the population served by the Early Head Start Program. Children with disabilities receive a full range of services in addition to special education and related services. The provision of these services is consistent with the philosophy of Early Head Start. It is the belief of the disability services that the parent/guardian is the Primary Educator and influencer of their child. With this responsibility, it is important that parents/guardians are involved in every aspect of their child’s education. As a continuous part of the parent/ involvement process, parents/guardians are encouraged to: Participate in and learn about the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or

Individual Education Plan (IEP) for Early Head Start Children. Participate in and learn about the transition process. Become aware of and access local community resources that serve the

disabled. Become better and stronger advocates for their children.

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Discipline Policy Children will be redirected in a constructive manner. Positive methods of discipline, such as redirecting children from negative situations to other activities, and timely interventions to avoid conflicts, help children to make better choices. Children shall not be subject to discipline that is severe, humiliating or frightening. Discipline shall not be associated with food, rest or toileting. Corporal punishment, which is defined as the use of physical force as a discipline measure and includes spanking, slapping, pulling hair or any other form of physical punishment is PROHIBITED.

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Dress Code Policy Children must be dressed in comfortable, washable clothing that is appropriate for indoor and outdoor play. It is encouraged that all of the child’s items are labeled with the child’s name. Children will wear close toes shoes or non-skid shoes. Sturdy sneakers are acceptable and also promote better health and safety. Jewelry is encouraged to be kept at home. The Provider will NOT BE RESPONSIBLE for any lost jewelry. For safety reasons, please do not send your child to school with beads in their hair. Children should be dressed in clothing that encourages their independence. Examples are: Shoes with Velcro fasteners Pants with elastic waist

Please send two sets of clothing to be kept in your child’s cubby in case of bathroom or eating accidents. Please include underwear and socks.

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Emergency Procedures The Emergency Evacuation Plan will be reviewed with the parent/guardian and posted in the facility. The Emergency Evacuation Plan includes a diagram of safe exit routes by which the Provider and children may exit in the event of an emergency requiring evacuation. In the event of evacuation or relocation, the Provider will take the sign in and out sheets to compare and account for all children in attendance. The Provider will immediately call all parents/guardians to inform them of the evacuation and where they are currently located so that the children can be picked up. Please be aware that you may be asked to pick up your child early depending on the emergency. Following an emergency situation, the Provider will follow up with the parent/guardian to keep them informed of the situation as well as to notify them of the date that the facility will reopen. • Policy on Fire Drills Fire Drills will be conducted monthly using the Emergency Evacuation Plan. They will be conducted at various times of the day when children are in care. A Fire Drill Log documenting the date, number of children in attendance and the time taken to evacuate the premises will be maintained and kept on file. • Emergency Plan for Response to Inclement Weather In the event of inclement weather, children in care will be kept in an area of the facility that is away from any windows or doorways that lead outdoors. If the group is on a field trip, once the Provider is made aware of the warning for inclement weather, the Provider and children will return immediately to the facility. Inclement weather includes, but is not limited to: observable lightning, thunder, thunder storms, hurricanes, hail and tornadoes. Children will be immediately removed from outdoor play areas during rainfall, whenever lightning is visible or thunder is heard. In the case of a major storm or disaster, the Provider will follow the decision of the Palm Beach County School District in regards to the facility being closed.

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• Power/Utility Outage Procedure In case of a power or utility outage (water, electricity) at the facility that lasts for more than two hours, parents/guardians will be notified to come and pick up their child within one hour of receiving the notification.

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Enrollment Policy and Procedures • Health Examination and Immunization Records Before your child’s first day of attendance, a copy of your child’s Health Examination Certificate and Immunization Records signed by the doctor and with an expiration date must be provided to the Provider to be kept in the child’s file. The Health Examination Certificate shall attest that the child is in good health and/or that any known medical condition or health problem is under treatment. Immunization records must be kept current. The Provider and the Health Team will notify the child’s parent/guardian one month prior to the expiration date on the Immunization Record that the child is due for immunizations. It will be your responsibility to make sure that your child’s Immunization Record is up to date and on file at the site. We will not allow a Provider to care for a child whose Immunization Records and health examinations are not up to date. If the requirements are not met on the appropriate timelines, the child must be excluded from participation until proper documentation is provided. As necessary, the Family Advocate and/or the Health Team can assist the family in gathering required documentation, finding health care providers, and/or scheduling appointments.

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• Immunization Schedule for 2016

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• Child Wellness Exam Policy All children entering the Early Head Start Program are required to meet the Florida minimum standards for Child Wellness Exams. Child Wellness exams must have documented proof. The Health Liaison is responsible for monitoring compliance with ORS433.235-433.280 regarding Physical and School Exclusions. Child Wellness Exams are also due with the State of Florida early periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment (EPSDT) schedule at the following months of age: 2 months 4 months 6 months 9 months 12 months 15 months 18 months 24 months 30 months 36 months Then due every year.

This policy complies with Head Start Performance Standard 45 CFR Section 1304.20

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Health Education Health Education is incorporated into the lessons in the classroom. Your child will learn about the importance of preventive health measures, safety practices, and will be introduced to the role of Community Health Providers. Each procedure will be explained to the child prior to health Provider implementing each lesson.

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Home Visit /Parent Teacher Conference Policy The Provider will conduct at least two (2) Home Visits and two (2) Parent/Teacher Conferences per year. Home Visits and Parent/Teacher Conferences will be scheduled at times that are mutually convenient for the parent/guardian and the Provider. Home Visits and Parent/Teacher Conferences are conducted to enhance the knowledge and understanding of both the Provider and the parent/guardian of the educational and developmental progress and activities of your child. Home Visits and Parent/Teacher Conferences will allow you more time to share your observations of your child, ask questions, discuss your expectations, set shared goals, and express any concerns. They are also opportunities to identify ways to improve the child’s learning, both at home and in child care. Home Visits are valuable in building respectful relationships with parents/guardians and provide many advantages to both the parents/guardians and the children. They are opportunities for: Making connections between the home and the child care setting. Learning more about parent/guardian and child interactions. Developing positive relationships between the parent/guardian and the

Provider. Identifying learning opportunities in the home environment. Identifying techniques that can be generalized to other children in the

family. Focusing individual attention on family strengths, interests and goals.

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Medication Administration Policy Prescription medication brought to the Facility must be in the original container with the name of the physician and child and shall be dispensed according to written direction on the prescription label. A ‘Medication Authorization Form’ must be completed by the child’s physician and must be turned in to the Provider in order for medication to be administered. When filling a prescription that is to be administered both at home and at the Provider facility, it is important to inform the pharmacist that the prescription needs to be filled in two containers. Non-Prescription medication will be dispensed at the facility with a doctor’s note. The Provider will document on a ‘Medication Log’ the name of the child, the date and time medication was dispensed, and the method and amount of dosage dispensed. Children’s medication which has expired or is no longer being administered will be returned to the parent.

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Mental Health Services Early Head Start recognizes the importance of providing mental health and psychological services to children of low income families to encourage their emotional and social development. We collaborate with other agencies to connect families to services. Prevention, identification/referral and treatment. Prevention: In this phase of the program, children, families and staff will

learn and practice skills to help them remain happy. Specific goals focus on improving self-concept and building positive relationships among children, peers and staff.

Identification and Referral: This phase of the program focuses on early detection of problems of children, families and staff. Services to children and families will include: identification of possible problems through observation, screening, assessment and referrals.

Treatment: In this phase of intervention, depending on the individual needs, a plan is developed collaboratively with the program’s licensed mental health consultant, program personnel and the family for direct treatment of service. Other available community resources can be accessed, if need be, to provide treatment services.

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Nutrition Policy The Provider will serve breakfast, lunch and snacks that meet the daily nutritional needs of children based on the USDA standards and guidelines and the Early Head Start Program Performance Standards. Menus will be dated and posted weekly. A written Nutrition Plan will be completed if your child has any food allergies or special diets with documentation from their physician within two weeks of enrollment. The plan will be created and signed by the parent/guardian and Provider/Health Team. The plan shall include any dietary restrictions and food allergies. Appropriate food substitutions will be made for dietary restrictions and food allergies. Dietary restrictions and food allergies will also be posted confidentially with a cover sheet labeled ‘FOOD ALLERGIES AND DIETARY RESTRICTIONS’ in an appropriate food prep and/or dining area for the Provider and Substitute to see. Infants will be individually fed on demand. Infant formula, breast milk or other beverage shall be prepared, individually labeled, capped and provided by the parent/guardian daily. The Provider will refrigerate and handle the formula, breast milk or other beverage in a sanitary manner. Cereal must not be mixed with formula in infant bottle unless directed by a physician. The parent/guardian will have to provide the Provider with written authorization from the doctor to be kept on file. No mechanical devices will be used for feeding infants and bottles must never be propped.

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Open Door Policy During the normal hours of operation, the parent/guardian has access in person and by telephone to the facility.

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Parent and Family Services The Family & Community Team offers parents/guardians support for growth, so that they can identify their own strengths, needs and interests, and find their own solutions. The objective of Family Partnerships is to support parents/guardians as they identify and meet their own goals, nurture the development of their children in the context of their family and culture, and advocate for communities that are supportive of children and families of all cultures. The building of trusting, and collaborative relationships between parents/guardians and staff allows them to share with, and to learn from one another. The Team serves as a link between you, your family, the program, and the community. The Family Advocate will assist your family in identifying and securing services, training, and other resources that will help in reaching your goals and aspirations. We must work collaboratively together to build a successful partnership. Their commitments: To ensure that a partnership is established with families that is built on

trust, and that it is supportive and responsive to their needs. To ensure that all families are given the opportunity to participate in

program activities. To ensure that all parents/guardians are involved in program decision

making through participation as a parent/guardian committee member, advisory committee member and/or Policy Council member.

To adhere to the Federal Program Performance Standards for the operation of Early Head Start programs.

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Your commitment (parent/guardian): To keep us informed of all changes in address, and telephone numbers

(home/cell phone/work). This will enable us to stay in contact with you in case of emergencies, accidents, or illness of your child.

To notify us when your child will be absent from school every day due to illness or any other reason. Note: The Family Advocate will call or visit you if there is no contact after three (3) consecutive absences to ensure that all is well with your child and family.

To contact our office if you will be keeping your child out of school due to a concern or incident that occurred at the center.

To get your child to and from school on time each school day. To become involved in your child’s education, Parent Committee Meetings,

programs activities and volunteering.

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Parent Involvement Parents/guardians are an important part of the Early Head Start operations and the decision making process through Policy Council, Parent Committee, Program Planning, etc. There are several ways in which you, as a parent/guardian, can begin to engage in the Early Head Start Program. Parents/guardians are encouraged to engage with staff in the decision

making process about the nature and operation of the program. Parents/guardians can be engaged by participating in the facility as a

volunteer. Parents/guardians are encouraged to engage with other parents/guardians

through the Policy Council and Parent Committees. Parents/guardians can participate on Advisory Committees.

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Payment Policy All child care tuition is paid by the Early Head Start. You must be determined eligible for the program.

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Schedule of Operation / EHS Calendar Minimum for Primary Services include a year round program (minimum of 48 weeks) providing early learning services at least 10 hours per day, 5 days per week (Monday-Friday). Providers will give you at least one month notice of their vacation. Please see Policy on Emergency Closings. Providers will be closed every year on the following holiday: Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day New Year’s Day Memorial Day

Your EHS Provider will give you a calendar of their specific closure days as part of your welcome packet.

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Sick Child (Illness) Policy In order to ensure the safety and health of our children and staff, and remain in compliance with regulations set forth by State of Florida Child Care Division, children or adults who have any of the following conditions will be excluded from the classroom until either the condition subsides, or we receive communication from that individual’s Medical Provider stating that they are no longer contagious. The Provider will give the family written communication regarding the illness and criteria for returning to school at the child’s pickup. An oral temperature over 101º or 100º if taken under the arm. Deep repeated coughing, difficulty breathing, or untreated wheezing (call

or see your doctor). Unexplained rash. Vomiting (more than one time in last 24 hours). Diarrhea (runny, watery or bloody stools). Complaints of a stiff neck and headache with one or more of the above

symptoms (call or see your doctor). Thick green drainage from the nose along with fever or tiredness. Yellow discharge from the eyes. Unusual yellow coloring to the skin or eyes (call or see your doctor). Cuts or openings on the skin that are pus-filled or oozing (bring a note from

doctor and keep sores covered). Head lice. Contagious illness. If you know or suspect your child has a contagious

disease, please call your child's teacher (see your doctor to confirm the disease and receive medication/s if needed).

Parents/guardians who feel their child is too ill to participate in normal daily activities should be advised by staff to keep her/him home an extra day to ensure a full recovery. If a chronic health condition limits participation in outdoor activities, a plan will be developed in partnership with that child’s health care Provider.

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If staff are unsure about a child’s condition, or if a child is brought in to the classroom and staff suspect he/she is ill, staff should first discuss the issue with the parent/guardian. If the parent/guardian and Provider are not in agreement about the need for exclusion from the classroom, the Provider will contact the Early Head Start Office. • When Caring for a Sick Child Isolate the child from the other children using as much classroom/office

space allowable, but also in a way that is nurturing to the child. When needed, provide the child with a resting mat to lie on while they are

waiting. Be sure to sanitize the rest mat and toys after each use. Take the child's temperature (use under arm method) when any of the

following signs are present: nausea, vomiting, flushed cheeks, warm to the touch on the back of your hand, diarrhea, excessive coughing, and/or fatigue.

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Sleeping and Napping Routines Staff will use appropriate (and acceptable) suggestions from the parent/guardian to assist children in resting. Infants and toddlers will sleep on their own schedules in cribs, not playpens. No blankets, pillows or comfort items can be used in cribs. Toddlers may have light blankets, pillows and comfort items.

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Substitute Policy In the absence of the Provider, an authorized substitute, who must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and have appropriate credentials, is available as a temporary replacement for the Provider. The authorized substitute will have completed a ‘Fundamentals of Child Care Training’ course or a ‘Family Child Care Rules and Regulations’ course and shall hold current certification in First Aid and CPR. Each one of these individuals have also had local, state, and federal background screens. The Providers will provide you with a list of their authorized substitute(s).

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Supervision of Children At all times, the Provider or authorized Substitute is responsible for the supervision of the children in care and capable of responding to the emergencies and needs of the children. During the hours of operation, children will have adult supervision, which means watching and directing children’s activities both indoors and outdoors, and responding to each child’s needs.

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Transition Change can be difficult on very young children; starting a new program or going to child care for the first time is a significant change in a child’s life. The Provider encourages, whenever possible, that your child have a smooth transition into our program. We encourage that, before your child’s start date, you bring them to visit our program and their new friends at least one time. You may also want to consider spending some time in the classroom the morning of your child’s first day in care to help them get used to the program. Your child will begin his/her transition process out of the program when he/she is 2 years and 6 months old. At that time, your Family Advocate will begin the transition planning process with you.

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Withdrawal or Dis-enrolling a Child Failure to comply with the eligibility rules of Early Head Start can result in program withdrawal. A parent/guardian may withdraw their child with at least a two (2) week written notice to the Provider and the Early Head Start Program.

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Acknowledgement of Receipt of Family Handbook This statement attests that I have received a copy of the Early Head Start Family Handbook. I have read and I understand the policies and procedures of the Early Head Start Family Hand book and I agree to abide by them. I, ________________________, parent/guardian of _______________________ Print Parent’s/guardian’s Name Print Child’s Name

acknowledge the receipt of the Family Handbook. I also understand that if an emergency situation occurs with my child, emergency services will be contacted. If emergency services are needed, your child will be transported to the nearest Hospital, and the emergency contacts listed will be contacted. _______________________________ ___________________ Parent/guardian Signature Date