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Teen Parent Connection Center

Parent Handbook

of Policies and Procedures

2017-2018

A 4-Star Texas Rising Star Provider

2905 Miori Lane Victoria, Texas 77901 Phone: 361-788-9653

Fax: 361-788-2894

Website: http://www.visd.net

Rebecca Orta, TPCC Onsite Director Michelle Yates, V.I.S.D. Early Childhood Coordinator, TPCC Director

This school district and its Career and Technology Education Program do not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, age or national origin in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by Title IX, Section 504 and Title VI. Este distrito escolar y su Programa Educacional de Carerra y Technologia no discriminan en base a sexo, disabilidad, raza, color, edad u origen nacional en sus programas educativos, actividades, o empleo como lo requiere el Titulo IX, Seccion 504 y Titulo.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Parent Boards

Mission Statement Parent Conferences

Our Goals Parent Education Classes & Individual Support

Enrollment Procedures Parent Participation

Admission Photographs and Publicity

Child Care Services (CCS) Physician Statement

Transportation Privacy Policy

Guidelines and Policies Release of Children Policy

Animals Rights

Arrival Safe Sleep Policy

Attendance Take-Home Backpacks

Child Abuse/Neglect Tardies

Classroom Transitions Texas Rising Star

Clothing Texting

Daily Schedule/Lesson Plans Tuition and Fees

Departure Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Discipline & Guidance Policy Statement Visitors

Drug-Free Policy Water Activities

Emergency Plan Weather Policy

Field Trips Withdrawal

Gang-Free Zone Handbook Receipt (Individual Time Contract)

Grades Appendix

Grievance Procedure Admissions Application (including physician’s statement)

Health, Safety & Exclusion Policy CCS Application

Immunizations Discipline and Guidance Policy

Injuries at the Center Emergency Card

Jewelry Emergency Plan

Kitchen Ethnicity & Race Questionnaire

Late Pick-Up LSPSP Intake Form

Licensing Board Lunch Application

Medication Parent Instructions

Meeting Room Photo Release

Non-Discrimination Statement Safe Infant Sleep in Child Care (infants up to 1 year)

Nutrition & Meal Service Take-Home Backpack Consent Form (optional)

Operating Days & Hours Transportation Application (optional)

Outdoor Play Tuition and Fees

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Victoria Independent School District’s Teen Parent Connection Center (TPCC). The VISD has established

the Teen Parent Connection Center to meet the needs of student parents who are working to achieve their high school diploma. All parenting students enrolled in Victoria schools are eligible to use the TPCC, if there is an opening based on caregiver to child ratios. The center provides a safe and educationally sound day care where all parents are part of a team in their child’s development. Children between the ages of 4 weeks and two years may enroll in the center with completed documentation. Our facility is equipped for the care of children up to the age of two. The day your child turns two will be his/her last day with our center due to our specialization of care and space limitations. Our staff will assist you in locating a licensed child care facility to take over his/her daily care, if requested. The VISD’s TPCC is licensed through the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (TDFPS). The center is required to follow the TDFPS Minimum Standards, a set of policies that regulate childcare facilities. These standards were developed in cooperation with day care providers, parents, lawyers, doctors, childcare professionals, and experts in fire, sanitation and safety. The center also adheres to the Child Care Services requirements (CCS), a program of Workforce Solutions of the Golden Crescent. The Teen Parent Connection Center’s Parent Handbook of Policies and Procedures is your guide to our program’s operations. It is the basis for a developmentally sound children’s day care and supports the academic efforts of the school-aged parent. As we visit with our partners, our parents, we look forward to suggestions and contributions you may want to offer. In the event our policy changes, all parents will be notified and required to sign a statement that they received a copy of the changes.

MISSION STATEMENT The V.I.S.D. Teen Parent Connection Center’s mission is to provide a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate program for the children in our care, thus enabling their parents the opportunity to attend school to achieve their high school diploma.

Our Goals

Work in partnership with our teen families for their child’s development and their own educational goals

Support respectful and honest communication between the parent, caregivers, and system staff

Deliver an individualized education program designed to build a strong foundation for the child’s early development

Facilitate the professional growth of each caregiver and director with appropriate trainings for a quality Center To accomplish our goals and assist our teen parents, we have specific procedures and expectations in place. Breaking the rules of the VISD’s TPCC may result in the following consequences:

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Teen Parent Connection Center Violations of Policy & Procedures

However, in unusual and severe circumstances, the TPCC and the VISD administration will decide upon an appropriate course of action, which may include notice of termination of enrollment.

1st Occurance

• Written Warning with signature of teen parent and their parent/guardian

2nd Occurance

• Conference with teen parent and their parent/guardian

3rd Occurance

• 3 day suspension or termination of TPCC childcare

the child will be dropped from child care immediately!

If the child is in the care of TPCC and the parent

is not in school.......

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ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES

Admission Children will be admitted to the Victoria ISD’s Teen Parent Connection Center by completing necessary enrollment forms, as listed below and paying the first week’s fees. Babies must be at least 4 weeks old and weigh at least 6 pounds with a physician’s note that the child is healthy enough to attend the center. The Teen Parent Connection Center directors will make final acceptance for enrollment based on the availability of space and the TPCC policy and procedures. There will be a 30 day Probationary Period. During this time, we will monitor attendance, discipline, and grades. We will also be monitoring compliance with TPCC policy and procedures. Failure in any area will result in your child care termination. Prior to the first day of daycare attendance, the following items must be brought to the center.

Admissions Application (including physician’s statement)

Birth Certificate

CCS Application (MUST BE COMPLETED IN FULL and verified by Workforce Solutions)

Discipline & Guidance Policy

Emergency Card

Ethnicity & Race Questionnaire

Handbook Receipt (Policy & Procedures) with Individual Time Contract (arrival/departure)

Immunization Record

LSPSP Intake Form (Life Skills Program for Student Parents)

Lunch Application

Parent Instructions

Parent/Baby Photo

Photo Release

Safe Infant Sleep in Child Care

Social Security Card for Child

Parent Identification (school id or driver’s license)

Teen Schedule

Take-Home Backpack Program Consent Form (optional)

Transportation Application (optional) It is the responsibility of parents to keep the center updated with information concerning changes in addresses, telephone numbers, custody arrangements, and emergency contact persons for the safety of your child.

Child Care Services (CCS) A completed enrollment packet, including the supporting documentation needed to obtain CCS funding, must be turned in prior to the first day the child will begin attending TPCC. If you do not qualify for CCS funding, you will not be denied childcare. However, you will be charged tuition as stated below.

Transportation Victoria Independent School District provides transportation to all qualified families enrolled in school that meet the requirements to receive transportation. Transportation provided by the VISD is a privilege not a requirement. Any student needing transportation will follow all rules as set forth by the TPCC and the Transportation Department. In addition, our transportation procedures follow the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services policies. Transportation is not provided for half-day students. To get activated on the bus system, you will need to request transportation 3 days prior to the start of transportation services. Buses are for teen parents and children only. If you do not need transportation, you must notify your driver or call the VISD Transportation Department at least a day in advance at 361-578-1538. However, the transportation office is available to answer the phone beginning at 5:30 am. and until 10 minutes prior to your pick-up time for emergency absences. Students who do not use transportation services 3 days in a row and/or fail to communicate with the transportation department for 3 days are automatically dropped from the route. Read and sign the transportation agreement for further rules. If you need transportation, please complete an application. For those students requesting transportation to and from their school campus, it is a requirement of the program that they are solely responsible for their child’s care at the center while waiting for transport to their home campus.

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GUIDELINES AND POLICIES

Animals Animals are not permitted at Teen Parent Connection Center.

Arrival Please read your daily communication log for information from caregivers and supply needs for your child. It is important the items be brought to the center each day since we do not have funding for diapers, wipes, formula, etc. Label items brought to the center with your child’s first name and last initial. If you fail to label your child’s belongings, it will be put in the TPCC bin for anyone’s use.

**YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STAY IF YOU FAIL TO BRING YOUR CHILD’S SUPPLIES.

Infant Room (0-12 months)

Toddler Room (12-24 months)

Bottles (Clean bottles/caps and cups labeled with child’s first name and last initial)

Formula/milk as instructed by parent/physician

NO BOTTLES after 12 months

Food (Labeled with child’s first name and last initial)

Ex. Cereal, formula, juice and baby food

See “Nutrition & Meal Service”

Change of clothes (Follow the VISD elementary dress code)

2 changes 2 changes Child must wear shoes daily.

Number of diapers/wipes For convenience, you can bring diapers/wipes for the week instead of bringing them daily. Please label with child’s first name and last initial.

6 per day (30 per week) 6 per day (30 per week)

Special Needs Powders/ointments as prescribed by your doctor must be labeled. Medicine must come with all original labels or prescriptions from your doctor and a medication log must be filled out by the parent.

As needed As needed

Personal comfort items- (Must be marked with the child’s first name and last initial)

Example: pacifiers Blankets for cuddling at nap time

As required by licensing, feeding instructions must be written on the Parent Instruction Sheet (signed and dated by the child’s parent and/or physician) and updated every 30 days until the child can eat table food (regular meals/snacks provided by VISD Food Services…see “Nutrition & Meal Service”).

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The TPCC Director will review the teen parent’s class schedule and determine appropriate arrival and departure times for your child at the Center. The schedule will be discussed and agreed upon with each teen parent and a written agreement will be signed. If a student parent is late, a note explaining the tardiness must be given to the director and if appropriate, it should be arranged prior to it happening. Read the tardy section below for more information on coming in late. Teen parents are responsible for bringing their child to the center and picking them up from the center at the end of the day. If the parent must have another pre-designated person drop off or pick up the child, please document that on the communication log or call the office to alert us. For the safety of our children, even when an approved person arrives at the Center to pick up a child and staff was not alerted, TPCC will call the parent to get verbal approval for the child’s release. This should not be a daily routine, unless pre-approved by a director. Only teen parents will be allowed in the classroom due to safety issues and Minimum Standards. Parents should always carry or hold a child’s hand while in the parking lot. All student parents and their children must enter the TPCC immediately upon arriving on campus. You may not leave campus once you have arrived unless you are being transported by a VISD bus to your home campus. All parents must follow the guidelines below: 1. As you enter the Center, swipe your card in the CCS machine, tear off the receipt showing you are “approved” and hand

it to a caregiver to enter the classroom. If you do not have your CCS card, go into the office to speak with the director. You will receive a written warning. If you do not have your card or the $22.00 tuition fee you will not have daycare services until you swipe the CCS card or provide payment (see Tuition and Fees below). It is important to treat this card as you would cash and be responsible for the daycare benefits provided to you.

2. Take off coats, blankets, hats, etc. and put them in children’s cubbies. 3. Parents are required to sign their child in daily on the Communication Log. This is crucial for several reasons – for

safety and liability purposes, accurate attendance, financial billing and state licensing requirements. 4. Communicate with the caregivers about your child both with the Communication Log and verbally. This information is

helpful in caring for your child during the day. Ex. Last feeding, how baby slept, etc. 5. Plan to spend about 10 minutes with your child before leaving (diapering, interacting, reading to them, etc.) 6. Infants: Feed your child in the morning. 7. Cell phones are not allowed to be out in the center. 8. For non-toilet trained children, ensure your child’s diaper is clean and dry, and note it on the daily log prior to leaving

for class. 9. No child may be left unattended in any area of the center. 10. Be sure to say “good-bye” to children versus sneaking away. If your child has a difficult time with you leaving, we will

provide you with a few tips to ease this transition for them. If your child does not have a difficult time when you leave, count yourself fortunate and enjoy your day at school!

Each child will have an informal health check done by a caregiver at the beginning of the day. Any concerns noted will be discussed before you leave.

Attendance Regular school attendance is essential for the teen parent to make the most of his/her education – to benefit from teacher-led activities, to build each day’s learning on that of the previous day, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional materials; therefore, the student should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. It is also important for children to attend the TPCC daily, except when ill.

1. A child may not attend the center if the parent is not in school, if the teen is assigned to the Juvenile Justice Center and/or if the teen is suspended from school.

2. Parents are expected to attend school every day and attendance will be checked regularly. If a child is in the care of the Teen Parent Connection Center, and the parent is not in attendance at school, the child will be dropped from child care immediately. The parent may re-apply in 30 calendar days and eligibility will be determined at that time.

3. The child may attend the Teen Parent Connection Center if the parent attends a scheduled school function or is involved in a school/work situation with appropriate documentation and notification. The signed documentation for the function must be provided to the director 24 hours prior to the function. Failure to do so will result in no

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child care for that day. NO EXCEPTIONS! The child must still be picked up from the center, as stated on your individual time contract.

4. If the student qualifies for CCS funds and loses those funds due to low attendance and/or not following the CCS guidelines, the student must pay full tuition immediately.

5. When your child has been absent from daycare for more than 30 days of the calendar school year, CCS services may be terminated. Per CCS guidelines, parents are not allowed to reapply for child care services for at least 30 days after services have been terminated due to excessive absences.

6. If a teen parent will not be attending school, they are responsible for calling the TPCC to report the absence in advance or that morning by 8:00 a.m. Any absences not reported to TPCC and swiped through the CCS machine within 5 days will require you, the parent, to pay our daily rate of $22.00.

7. If the student has an unexcused absence the consequences listed in the “Introduction” of this handbook will apply. Your home campus typically marks your absences excused if your child is sick, unless they are excessive.

8. If your child is absent 3 days in a row, without notifying the TPCC, and/or if your child misses 5 days without a medical justification, your slot may be terminated.

9. Whether the absence is for the teen parent or the child, the center must have documentation for the absence. When returning to school following an absence, a student must bring a note, signed by the parent/guardian that describes the reason for the absence and the date of the absence.

10. When a teen parent or child’s absence for personal illness is three or more consecutive days, the student shall present a statement from a physician or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s extended absence from school. If the student has established a questionable pattern of absences, the administrators will also require a physician or clinic statement of illness after a single day absence.

11. Appointments outside the school day are encouraged. A written statement from the parent or a medical excuse will be required if a student must leave school early or for a part of the day for an appointment.

12. There will be attendance incentive for our teen parents. When you have perfect attendance and no tardies for the week, you will get to choose a coupon from one of our community partners.

13. Each day a child attends TPCC, they will receive a letter. After spelling “Attendance Matters” they will receive a children’s book to begin their home library!

14. When you see a “Perfect Attendance” star hanging in the hallway outside the classroom, it signifies that all children are in attendance that day. It is a celebration when all children are present because this begins an important educational routine for future success.

Child Abuse and Neglect The VISD Teen Parent Connection Center employees will be required to have annual training on the abuse and neglect of children. During this training, methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of issues as well as prevention techniques regarding child abuse and neglect will be shared, including the warning signs that a child may be a victim of abuse and neglect. During Parent Orientation, strategies for coordination between the Center and appropriate organizations will be available so parents understand the actions they should take to obtain assistance and intervention. Don't be in the dark about child care! Before entrusting your child to a day care, check its state record. The official State of Texas website on daycares is http://www.txchildcaresearch.org . All staff is required by law to report suspected abuse of a child to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or to a law enforcement agency, depending on the urgency of the report. It is not the responsibility of the TPCC to investigate reports. The TPCC is required by law to abide by the procedures of Child Protective Services which may include an investigator to observe a child at the center. To report suspected child abuse or neglect call 1-800-252-5400 and the website is https://www.txabusehotline.org .

Classroom Transitions Infants will be transitioned from the Baby Bear classroom to the Tiger Tots classroom at about 12 months or once they are developmentally ready. Determination for the movement will be made by caregiver recommendations using child development guidelines as well as director and parent input. Children in the Tiger Tots classroom are bottle free, eat table food, and sleep on a cot. The parent will be notified prior to the move and we will try to allow the child to have transition time in the new classroom prior to the full move.

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Clothing Outer wear must be appropriate for the child and the weather, e.g., coats and hats for cold weather, sweaters for cool weather, and shorts for hot weather. Children must wear shoes. Closed-toed, rubber-soled shoes are the only acceptable style of shoes for the center. Many times the clothing of babies and toddlers become soiled during the day. Our center has washing facilities to clean your child’s clothing. During the time that the clothing is being laundered, your child’s additional set of clothing will be used. Should that set become soiled as well, the second set of clothing will be used. If your child leaves the center with any daycare items, such as clothing, bibs, blankets, they must be returned to the center the next day.

Daily Schedule/Lesson Plans TPCC is proud to provide Frog Street, designed around the latest scientific early brain development research. Frog Street Infant-toddler curriculum is designed to build strong foundations for little ones, ages 0-18 months. Each classroom has lesson plans and daily schedules posted for you to view.

Departure The TPCC Director will review the teen parent’s class schedule and determine appropriate arrival and departure times. The times will be discussed and agreed upon with each teen parent and a written agreement will be signed. Teen parents are responsible for bringing their child to the center and picking them up from the center at the end of the day. If the parent must have another pre-designated person drop off or pick up the child, please document that on the communication log or call the office to alert us. Your designated person must pick up your child by 4:45 to allow time for identification verification. For the safety of our children, even when an approved person arrives at the Center to pick up a child and staff was not alerted, TPCC will call the parent to get verbal approval for the child’s release. This should not be a daily routine, unless pre-approved by a director. Only teen parents will be allowed in the classroom due to safety issues and Minimum Standards. Parents should always carry or hold a child’s hand while in the parking lot. All parents should read and sign your child out daily on the Communication Logs. Please take the yellow copy home. The white copy will stay at the center for documentation. Verbal communication is also encouraged before you leave the classroom. This allows the parent and the center staff to communicate with each other regarding the child’s health, safety, and well-being. It also allows the parent and the staff to form a relationship with the child’s best interest being the common goal. Occasionally, additional notes/support materials may be attached to the clipboard or your child’s cubby.

Discipline & Guidance Policy Statement Discipline is helping children learn self-control. Discipline is setting limits and correcting behavior. Discipline is also encouraging children, guiding them, helping them feel good about themselves and teaching them how to think for themselves. The classroom environment is structured to avoid discipline problems. Within established limits, children can make choices of play activities. Caregivers provide ample play spaces and materials to discourage conflict and create an environment which supports independence and success. Children are encouraged to develop language skills to help them communicate their needs and feelings. Adults and other peers model language skills so children will learn to use language for problem solving. When conflict arises, caregivers encourage children to use language to solve their problems. If a child is having difficulty using language or being self-directed in an area of play, they will be redirected to another activity. In the event the child is unable to gain control; they will be asked to leave the activity and will be given personal space away from others. A child may choose to return to the activity when they can follow the guidelines for behavior. The VISD TPCC uses positive guidance methods as suggested by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to help children learn self-control without the loss of self-esteem. Corporal punishment, such as any form of controlling what a child eats, rest or toilet, is never appropriate and is never used at the Center. TPCC is committed to providing a safe, nurturing and caring environment for all. We speak to the children with respect and will never use any form of belittling, or improper language. Maintaining our goal of fostering a strong self-esteem, children will be encouraged and praised by their caregivers in positive ways. You will be asked to read and sign a statement that you have read and received a copy of this policy. We also ask that parents follow this philosophy when at our center.

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Biting: As a child care center, we provide the children in our care with a safe and healthy learning environment. It is possible, even in a classroom with much supervision, that one of the other children will bite your child. Please understand that most children younger than age 3 bite someone else at least once and that most children stop biting on their own. Biting is not always intentional, and it rarely causes serious injury to another person or poses any health risks. Because we care about your child, we will try our hardest to prevent this from happening and we will handle the situation appropriately if it does occur. Biting is a behavior that is within developmental norms for a child who has not yet developed expressive language. Toddlers have feelings that they cannot always express in words, and impulsive biting is quite often a replacement. Parents must also understand that some children do not adapt well to a highly stimulating environment and this may result in a biting incident. Biting can also be an indication of teething or the onset of illness. Most children outgrow this behavior as they develop these expressive language skills. Should a biting incident occur, please be assured that appropriate measures will be taken and parents will be informed. 1. The child who has been bitten will be given the most attention. Hugs and love will be used while the bitten area is cleansed. 2. The biter will be encouraged to show empathy to the child he/she has bitten, with the caregiver modeling how to offer kind words and an ice pack to the bitten child. 3. The caregiver will document the injury for the parent of the injured child on an incident report and to the parent of the biter on the daily communication log. Due to licensing standards, we are unable to release names of children involved in the biting incident. 4. If one of our children is continually having a problem controlling his/her urge to bite, the director of child care will make every effort to work with the parents and caregivers to give support to the situation.

Excessive Negative Behaviors of Children: A child experiencing excessive negative behavior will have a conference set with the parent and a plan will be developed that will include classroom, parent and team approaches to helping the child. A long-term plan will be included if the behavior is unable to be corrected or parents do not participate in helping their child resolve their behaviors. Excessive Negative Behaviors of Parents: Any parent who continually shows an uncooperative attitude will follow the consequences listed in the “Introduction” of this handbook.

Drug-Free Policy The TPCC is a drug-free workplace, as required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Tx State/OL No 2.17). Persons must not smoke in the presence of children. No tobacco products of any kind are allowed on the VISD’s property. Persons appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will not be allowed on the TPCC premises.

Emergency Plan Student safety is a primary concern to us at Teen Parent Connection Center. There is an emergency plan in place for bomb threats, fire, lock-down, shelter in place, tornado, and gas odors. See appendix

Field Trips It is rare that we will take your infant/toddler on a field trip. However, if the opportunity arises, you will be notified 48 hours in advance when your child’s class will be going on the field trip. Parents must sign a permission form. All children will wear matching name tags with their first name only and the center’s phone number. Children may be invited to special events located on our campus (walking distance) such as Region 3 or VISD’s Christmas events. These events are not considered field trips and although special permission is not required, you will be informed in advance.

Gang-Free Zone Certain criminal offenses, including those involving criminal activity, such as gang-related crimes, will be enhanced to the next highest category of offense if they are committed in a gang free zone. For purposes of the district, a gang-free zone includes a school bus and location in, on, or within 1000 feet of any district-owned or leased property or campus ground.

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Signs are posted in our center. If anyone is suspected of involvement in a gang or a violent act, it is reported immediately to local law enforcement.

Grades Teen parents utilizing services of TPCC are responsible for maintaining passing grades to retain daycare services. Grades will be checked during the progress reporting period and at the end of each grading period. If grades are below 70 during the progress reporting period, a conference with the On-Site Director will be held to discuss how the student will improve their grade(s) to a passing standard and what support they might need. At the end of each grading period, if the grades are below 70, a written write-up will follow (as stated on page 4 of this Handbook).

Grievance Procedure We value you and your child. TPCC staff will make every attempt to solve any problems you may have concerning our program. If a problem within the Center occurs, the parent should talk about it with the appropriate staff person. Concerns about children or a child’s caregiver should first be discussed with the caregiver. If this does not take care of the matter, it is then discussed with one or both directors. Concerns about policy matters should be discussed with the Early Childhood Coordinator/TPCC Director. To address concerns, administrative personnel will reference the TPCC policies and procedures, The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Minimum Standards, and the VISD policies and procedures. A formal complaint must be put in writing. To set up an appointment with your child’s Caregiver, the On-Site Director, or the Early Childhood Coordinator/TPCC Director; please call (361)788-9653.

Teen Parent Connection Center Staff:

Michelle Yates, Early Childhood Coordinator/TPCC Director Rebecca Orta, On-Site Director

Mary Lopez, Assistant/Caregiver Alisia Gutierrez, Baby Bears Caregiver

Sara Benitez, Baby Bears Caregiver Rosie Reyes, Tiger Tots Caregiver

Ofelia Kimbro, Tiger Tots Caregiver Juan Godinez, Transportation Driver

Health, Safety, & Exclusion Policy Each child will receive a daily health check as soon as possible in the morning. The health check will consist of:

Checking to see if there is any temperature Examining the child’s skin to see if there are any sores, rashes, or other skin conditions Checking the child’s throat, eyes, and ears for signs of infections.

If the child’s caregiver feels that the child is not healthy enough to stay at the center, the parent will be notified. Sick children should not be brought to the TPCC. There are times when it is necessary to ask a parent to take a child home and/or to a doctor. There are several reasons for not allowing a sick child to stay in the daycare. 1. A sick child will be more comfortable at home, away from other children. Many times, what a sick child needs most is

to be held and comforted by his/her mother/father or some other familiar person. This comforting can help to speed up the child’s recovery from illness.

2. There is not enough childcare staff to give special, isolated duty care to a sick child in the TPCC. The TPCC does not provide ill child care. If a child is sent home, the child may not return for 24 hours. After the initial 24 hour period the child must be symptom free for 12 hours or have a doctor’s note stating the child is not contagious.

3. Many common illnesses spread quickly from one child to another. 4. Some signs of illness may be the beginning of a more serious disease. Many of the serious diseases of childhood start

with the same signs as a “cold.”

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Every effort to prevent the spread of disease is made by the center staff. FREQUENT HANDWASHING is crucial (by children, parents, and caregivers). Great care is taken to disinfect diaper-changing areas in the infant and toddler rooms AFTER EACH CHANGE. The child who is sick or has other contagious conditions will be sent home with a parent or authorized person. The child who has a temperature during the night or upon awakening should not be in group care for 24 hours after the fever has reduced to a normal temperature to indicate the child is no longer contagious. Exclusions: The following Texas Department of Family & Protective Services guidelines will be used in determining whether a child will be sent home (excluded from child care) until symptoms are resolved.

1) The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in child-care center activities including outdoor play; 2) The illness results in a greater need for care than caregivers can provide without compromising the health, safety,

and supervision of the other children in care; 3) The child has one of the following, unless medical evaluation by a health-care professional indicates that you can

include the child in the child-care center’s activities: a) Armpit temperature of above 100 degrees and accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or

symptoms of illness; or b) Symptoms or signs of possible severe illness such as lethargy, abnormal breathing, uncontrolled diarrhea,

two or more vomiting episodes in 24 hours, rash with fever, mouth sores with drooling, behavior changes, or other signs that the child may be severely ill; or

4) A health-care professional has diagnosed the child with a communicable disease, and the child does not have medical documentation to indicate that the child is no longer contagious.

5) The child has red eyes, with discharge and crusting around the eyes. 6) There is the presence of pinpoint-sized (nits) that will not flick off the hair shaft and live lice.

Any child with one or more of these symptoms listed above will be isolated from the other children immediately. Parents will be contacted and asked to pick up their child within one hour of receiving our call. Failure to pick up your child in a timely manner may result in termination from the program. An Onset of Illness Report will be sent home with the child and can be used for a doctor’s statement documenting when the child is no longer contagious and may return to the Center. A child may return to the center:

a. 24 hours after their temperature has returned to normal without fever reducing medicines. b. 24 hours after an antibiotic has begun or after topical ointments have been applied. c. When the child has been free from diarrhea for 12 hours. d. When indicated by a note from a physician. e. When the child has been treated, and is free of lice.

Immunizations (shots) Current immunization records for each child must be obtained and maintained, and a copy must be submitted to the On-Site Director for our records, as required by Minimum Standards. Children must receive all required immunizations prior to admission. Failure to have current immunizations can suspend or terminate services. If your child is behind on immunizations for some reason, a statement signed by a physician or Health Department official, must be on file in the center. You can access specific immunization requirements on the Texas Department of Health internet website at www.tdh.state.tx.us/immunize or ask the on-site director, or your physician’s office. The Health Department does not require Hearing & vision screenings until school age. Currently, tuberculin testing is not required in Victoria County.

Injuries at the Center Children are by nature active, curious creatures. While every attempt is made to provide a safe environment, accidents or injuries may occur as children play and explore their environment. If children are involved in a situation that results in one child being hurt, the identity of the other child(ren) will not be given by the staff. Basic first aid is always administered followed by the caregiver completing an incident report. A copy of the report will be given to the parent and the original will be kept on file at the center for three months, as required by Minimum Standards. Administratively, we review the

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incident reports as they occur and on a monthly and annual basis for trends, needs and/or problems. We work very hard to make our program a safe environment and all our staff is very concerned when children have even a minor injury. Staff members are trained in basic first aid and can attend to minor scrapes and bruises. In case of critical illness or injury during Center hours, the school nurse, and the child’s parent will be contacted immediately. If a life-threatening condition occurs, the staff will call 911, contact the child’s parent and the child will be transported by ambulance service to the nearest emergency room. If you cannot be reached, names on the emergency list will be called first, followed by Children’s Protective Services and/or local law enforcement. Again, it is the teen parent’s responsibility to notify the Center of any changes in the names and/or phone numbers of those listed on the emergency contact list. CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITION: If a child has been diagnosed with a chronic health condition (asthma, allergies, etc.), the TPCC needs detailed information from the parents about the child’s health problem. Directions for administration of medication, diet, or physical restrictions for the child must be on record. Please keep us updated on new health information for the safety of your child.

Jewelry Jewelry worn by young children present choking hazards. It is the policy of the Teen Parent Connection Center that necklaces and bracelets may not be worn by children. As per district policy, earrings may not be worn by males. Kitchen The kitchen is not a common area, due to sanitation. If you have something that needs to go in the refrigerator or some reason to need the kitchen, please ask a staff member.

Late Pick-Up Please honor the closing time of the center. If you pick up your child at closing time, a quick departure respects the time of the staff. If a student parent is late, a note explaining the tardiness must be given to the director and if appropriate, it should be arranged prior to it happening. Unexcused late pick-ups will result in the consequences in the “Introduction” of this handbook. If you are staying at school later than your Handbook Receipt states, you will be required to bring a note from your teacher stating why you were at school later than your normal class schedule.

Licensing Board We display an informational board which includes our state license to operate, center staff, most current licensing visit, permit, etc. in the entry hallway or you can contact 361-572-8241 or 361-574-7416 (local licensing office). The web address is http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/ .

Medication The TPCC medicine policy is based on the guidelines for medication administration presented in the Minimum Standards and Guidance of TDFPS. Medication should be administered by the parents whenever possible. The Medication Log must be completed and signed by the parent before the staff can administer medication. It must also be renewed every 10 days for all prescription or non-prescription medication. Prescription Medication must be in the original container, clearly labeled with the child’s name, date prescribed, dosage, directions for dispensing and physician’s name. Staff will administer the prescription medications only as stated on labeled directions. Outdated medicines will not be administered. There will be no exceptions! Non-Prescription Medication will be administered per the written instructions on the medication. In some cases, a doctor’s authorization may be requested to administer non-prescription medication.

Note: If a medication’s label directs that the medicine be given twice daily, it needs to be given every 12 hours. Since no child is at the TPCC for 12 hours, staff will not administer this dosage. If a medication’s label directs that the medicine be

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given three times a day, it should still be given at home (morning, after school and evening). TPCC will only administer medicine prescribed 4 or more times a day or if a physician requests it during their hours in daycare.

Note: In the case of on-going medication (such as asthma medication) one statement from the physician will be kept on file for the school year.

Meeting Room The large room outside the On-Site Director’s office is our Meeting Room. Please feel free to use this area to fill out paperwork, make local calls, nurse your baby, read to your baby, or wait for your transportation. If you need to use the copy machine or fax machine, please let us know. Non-Discrimination Statement The TPCC follows Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-352), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (Public Law 94-135) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-112). This center is an equal opportunity program. No person, in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, belief, or religion be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination. If you believe you have been discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, age, sex, a disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation or religion, you may lodge a complaint against the management staff of this agency and/or write immediately to the Civil rights Department, Texas Department of Human Services, PO Box 149030, Austin Texas 78714-9030 (512)450-3530.

Nutrition & Meal Service The TPCC “provides” breakfast and lunch through the National School Lunch Program for the children enrolled in the day care. All requirements of the National School Lunch Program will be followed. Meals are provided per lunch application criteria. If a child does not qualify for free or reduced meals, the parent must bring ‘age appropriate, nutritional’ foods from home for their child or pay for the VISD meals. The VISD breakfast and lunch menu is posted in the entry hall.

Food and milk from the TPCC must be consumed at the center. It is not allowed to be taken “to go.” A physician must authorize the requirement of a special diet for a child. A physician’s statement must also be given to the on-site director to give a child a food previously forbidden. A food allergy authorization must be updated each year. Specific types of milk, formula or breast-milk need to be communicated with the teachers regularly and documented when changes occur. Unique milk requirements and formulas will be the responsibility of the family to provide. Parents must provide formula as prescribed by the child’s doctor. If a parent wishes a child to have whole milk before age 1, a note from the doctor is required. Breakfast Breakfast is served about 8:45 a.m. Parents arriving after their child’s class time for breakfast must provide a breakfast for their child outside of the structured class and prior to the child joining the class for the day. Lunch Lunch is served during designated lunch times only. Breastfeeding/Nursing Mothers The TPCC staff supports breast-feeding. Breastfeeding is allowed and encouraged with approaches that are respectful to all individuals in the center. There are rocking chairs in the TPCC Meeting Room for your convenience. Breastfeeding and support resources from the community are available upon request. Snacks The Center provides an afternoon snack daily. The snack menu will be posted for your viewing in your child’s classroom. Food of Minimal Nutritional Value Exemption Days In March 2004, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) issued the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy to promote a healthier environment in schools. Effective August 1, 2004, all Texas public schools participating in the federal child nutrition programs must comply with the nutrition policies. For the entire policy or for a complete listing of acceptable foods and any policy updates, visit: http://www.agr.state.tx.us/.

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An elementary school campus may not serve or provide access for students to FMNV and all other forms of candy at any time anywhere on school premises until: the end of the last scheduled class and on the three state-allowed, campus-designated exemption days which this year will be: Dec. 20, Feb. 14 and March 29. Such foods and beverages may not be sold or given

away to students on school premises by school staff, students or student groups, parents or parent groups, or any other person, company or organization.

Infant Feeding Infant feeding requires special instructions. A written care plan, signed by the parent monthly, is needed until the child is 12 months of age. Parents must provide labeled, infant bottles. The following are bottle guidelines: 1. Bottles must be plastic, have nipples and covers, per the TDFPS licensing standards. 2. All bottles and nipple covers must be labeled with a permanent marker and relabeled when the name wears off. The child’s first name and last initial are required. 3. All bottles are sanitized at the Center after use throughout the day. Bottles brought from home should always be cleaned and sanitized before bringing back to the daycare. 4. No medicine, vitamins or cereal can be mixed in a bottle.

Operating Days & Hours The hours of operation at TPCC are Monday – Friday from 7:45 AM – 5:00 PM on all days during which VISD classes are in session.

Outdoor Play All children need fresh air and exercise daily. As mandated by Minimum Standards, outdoor play will be part of the daily schedule. The center’s On-Site Director will determine if the weather is not suitable for the children to play outside. Please make sure that your child is always dressed appropriate for weather conditions (i.e. jacket, coat, hat that covers a child’s ears, gloves, etc.). If your child is well enough to attend the center, we expect that your child is well enough for outdoor play. Children with asthma or other conditions that may prohibit outside play must have a doctor’s note on file. Outdoor play schedules are modified in the event of ozone alert days, as well as heat advisory days. Parents are welcome to bring insect repellant and sunscreen to be applied by daycare staff, if they so choose. Please list your wishes on the daily report upon arriving along with instructions for application. Staff will only apply repellant/sunscreen if manufacturer instructions are appropriate to the age of the infant/toddler or with a doctor’s note.

Parent Boards We invite you to look at the information displayed on the parent boards in the entry hallway. Information included on the boards will be children’s pictures, upcoming events, holiday closings, menus, children’s product recalls, as well as a variety of other items. There are also brochures at the check-in window and in the TPCC Meeting Room.

Parent Conferences Parent/teacher conferences will take place twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring, and more if needed. If at any time, parents have questions or concerns about the care children are receiving, parents are welcome to talk with the TPCC caregivers and/or director(s).

Parent Education Classes & Individual Support Parent Education Classes will be held at each high school twice a month during your advisory time. Parents utilizing TPCC services are expected to attend at least 10 of the 14 classes. There will be reminders sent out and an oversized school

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calendar at the daycare will also have these dates posted. Victoria East and West High Schools will have Pregnancy Related Services available before and after the Parent Education Classes and during off weeks as well. Feel free to drop by if you are needing individual support. Liberty High School students can set up individual times with Pregnancy Related Services through your counselor.

Day of Week Time Location

Tuesday 1:30-3:30 individual support is available and every other week Parent Ed. classes are held from 2:00-2:30

Victoria East High School Conference Room 2B*

Wednesday 1:30-3:30 individual support is available and every other week Parent Ed. classes are held from 2:00-2:30

Victoria West High School Conference Room 2B*

Thursday 2:00-2:30 Liberty High School Palm Room*

*Locations subject to change – if they do, you will be notified.

Additionally, Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a family support resource that provides services for family with children, birth to three, with disabilities and developmental delays. ECI supports families to help their children reach their potential through developmental services. ECI provides evaluations and assessments, at no cost to families to determine eligibility and need for services. Families and professionals work as a team to plan appropriate services based on the unique needs of the child and family. ECI goes to families and focuses on working with the child and family in their natural environment, such as at home, grandma’s, or child care center. Essentially, it’s where children live, learn and play.

Research shows that growth and development are most rapid in the early years of life. The earlier problems are identified, the greater the chance of reducing the impact of them. Early intervention responds to the critical needs of children and family by promoting development and learning, providing support to families, coordinating services, and decreasing the need for costly special programs. For more information about ECI or to refer a child, call the DARS Inquiries Line at 1-800-628-5115.

Participation Parent involvement is a crucial part of an individualized curriculum and is essential to having a high-quality program. The TPCC offers families a variety of ways to participate in the program. Volunteering in the classroom, observations, parent conferences, Life Skills Program for Student Parents (LSPSP), and center events are all key parent participation elements. Parents are welcome to participate in classroom activities at any time. Please confer with the caregiver prior to each visit. Teen Parents wishing to join the classroom during school hours must have a pass from their classroom teacher.

Photographs and Publicity Photographs of the children and teen parents participating in our program may be taken from time to time. The pictures may be hung in the center, placed in a photo album and/or appear in the newspaper, magazine brochure, or the VISD’s website. Photo releases are signed at enrollment with your wishes stated.

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Physician Statement Upon enrollment, each child must have a physical examination statement from their physician on file in the center stating they are healthy and may attend day care.

Privacy Policy Please do not ask caregivers information on other teen parents or their children. TPCC staff cannot share confidential information. In addition, it is also inappropriate to ask to hold another parent’s child, unless the parent is in the room and gives their approval. However, visiting with other teen parents when you are dropping off or picking up your children can be a great form of support for one another.

Release of Children Policy Children will only be released to persons (ages 16 and over) authorized by the teen parent. A source of identification is required when the center staff does not know an individual. Special custodial issues must be in legal writing (e.g. court order) for the Center to be able to enforce them. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep current phone numbers on file of those able to pick your child up at the Center. Remember although an authorized person is on the pick-up list, you must notify the Center on the Communication Log or by calling the office if you will not be dropping off or picking up your child. If someone not on the pick-up list will be checking the child out for the day, the teen parent must provide written documentation to the director of who will be picking up the child. If written documentation is not provided, a telephone call to the teen parent regarding the release of the child will be confirmed. All employees will require proof of identification from this individual attempting to pick up the child. The Center will retain a copy of this person’s identification document. Employees will refer individuals to the center director, if there are questions concerning the release of a child. The director or staff member in charge will be responsible for making all final decisions concerning the release of a child. If there is a custody dispute, the parents must provide a copy of the court’s custody decree. If no court papers are received, then both parents will be allowed to provide the TPCC paperwork for who can pick up the child.

Rights You are entitled to see the following information. Check with the TPCC director for the most recent copies of:

Your child’s records

Minimum Standards for licensed day care

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Inspection/Investigation Reports

Health Department’s Sanitation Inspection Report

Insurance Certificate

Fire Inspection Safe Sleep Policy TPCC is concerned with the safety of your infant, thus has adopted the “Safe Infant Sleep in Child Care” policy. Parents with children up to 1-year old will need to read, sign and abide by this policy while in the day care to provide a safe sleep environment and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Take-Home Backpacks TPCC has organized developmentally appropriate activities you can provide your baby/toddler at home. Our program is a partnership, addressing parenting skills between parents and caregivers for the benefit of your child. Our goal is to ensure that our student’s babies go to school READY to learn. Research proves kids who start behind, stay behind. You must agree to be responsible for these items before they will be checked out to you.

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Tardies Teen parents do not receive passes for you running late to no fault of the Center/VISD Transportation. If a teen parent is tardy to class on their campus the consequences in the “Introduction” of this handbook will apply.

Texas Rising Star Texas Rising Star is a voluntary, quality-based child care rating system of child care providers participating in the Texas Workforce Commission’s subsidized child care program. Providers that voluntarily achieve TRS provider certification offer quality care that exceeds the State’s Minimum Child Care Licensing Standards in five categories.

1) Director and Staff Qualifications and Training

Director qualifications and training

Caregiver qualifications, orientation and training

Caregiver qualifications and training 2) Caregiver-Child Interactions

Group size

Staff ratios

Warm and responsive style

Language facilitation and support

Play-based interactions and guidance

Support for children’s regulation 3) Curriculum

Lesson plans and curriculum

Planning for special needs and respecting diversity

Instructional formats and approaches to learning

4) Nutrition and Indoor/Outdoor Activities

Nutrition

Indoor learning environments

Outdoor learning environments 5) Parent Education and Involvement

Parent Education

Parent Involvement

Teen Parent Connection Center is proud to have achieved a “4-Star” designation, the highest Star rating from the Texas Rising Star program.

Texting Texting between Teen Parent Connection Center staff and teen parents is allowed only when it is about the school/TPCC attendance, childcare and/or transportation needs.

Tuition and Fees All teen parents are required to complete the initial CCS application and maintenance paperwork as required by Workforce Solutions. Workforce Solutions will mail a letter to the teen parent’s home stating whether the teen parent qualifies for CCS. Parents approved for CCS will need to sign the letter and bring it to the TPCC On-Site Director so we can make a copy. Parents will then need to mail the letter or take it by Workforce Solutions personally. Please let us know if you need assistance with this. All parents are financially responsible for co-pay fees or tuition as established by CCS and TPCC. CCS will provide 4 cards per family. If the CCS card is not swiped upon arrival each day, parents will be required to pay the daily fee of $22.00. Once you have completed your application and this has been verified by TPCC you can begin your daycare services. If you have not completed your application, you will need to provide your own tuition payment prior to starting services. Parents will need to maintain their own receipts as proof of their tuition payments. Due to money having to be turned in to the VISD business office, tuition is only collected by noon on Tuesdays and Fridays. An additional $25.00 fee will be charged for each return check. After two checks are returned, parents will be required to pay weekly fees by money order. Co-Pay fees are due a week in advance and if paying monthly, no later than the 3rd day of the month. After the 5th day of the month, a late payment fee of $20 will be added as well as $5 a day for each additional day until payment is received. If a payment has not been received by the 10th day, a mandatory conference between the director(s), teen parent(s), and the

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teen’s parent/guardian will be required. Failure to comply with tuition and conference requirements could result in the suspension or loss of day care services.

Parents who do not qualify for or lose CCS funding will be required to pay the full tuition of $50 a week which can be paid weekly or monthly. Payments are due a week in advance and if paying monthly, no later than the 3rd day of the month. After the 5th day of the month, a late payment fee of $20 will be added as well as $5 a day for each additional day until payment is received. If a payment has not been received by the 10th day, a mandatory conference between the director(s), teen parent(s), and the teen’s parent/guardian will be required. Failure to comply with tuition and conference requirements could result in the suspension or loss of day care services.

Vaccine Preventable Diseases

The Victoria Independent School District Teen Parent Connection Center encourages all day care employees to follow the recommended Adult Immunization Schedule as specified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A current copy of these recommendations are available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/downloads/adult/adult-schedule.pdf .

Visitors The TPCC is for the parents and children attending the center only. Only parents of the child in care are permitted in the classrooms. Visitors are not allowed due to safety issues and confidentiality. Immediate family members (ex. grandparents of the child) are allowed in the center to observe the child from the classroom door. Any visitor (other than staff or parents) must have a need to be in the center, report to the office, sign in on the visitor registry, apply their sticker badge to their shirt and will only be admitted by the director/person in charge. Visits to individual classrooms will be allowed if their duration or frequency does not interrupt the normal classroom environment.

Water Activities Children at Teen Parent Connection Center will not be exposed splashing, wading or swimming activities.

Weather Policy In the event of bad weather or other conditions that make it necessary to close the school, parents will be notified through announcements made on local television and radio stations. The superintendent of schools will make the final determination of whether school will be cancelled.

Withdrawal Students terminated from childcare services at TPCC may re-enroll after 30 calendar days, but their eligibility will be based on a waiting list status and as space becomes available. An immediate return to a space is not guaranteed. If parents wish to withdraw their child from the program, two weeks’ notice is requested. Students withdrawing on their own accord may re-enroll as space is available.

TPCC HANDBOOK RECEIPT (Student Copy)

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I, _________________________________, have had the TPCC Teen Parent Orientation over:

the Teen Parent Connection Center’s Parent Handbook of Policies and Procedures,

including the discipline, guidance and release of children,

an overview of the policy on preventing and responding to the abuse and neglect of children, and

a tour of the physical characteristics of the center.

My child’s daycare services will begin on ________________________________________________ and follow the VISD student calendar. My individual childcare hours are Monday through Friday ________________________a.m. to ________________________p.m.

I also understand that if I do not follow these policies and procedures as well as the Victoria ISD policies and procedures, my childcare may be terminated. My signature verifies I have read, asked questions, and understand the Teen Parent Connection Center’s Teen Parent Handbook of Policies and Procedures.

______________________________________________________ _____________________

Teen Parent Signature Date

______________________________________________________ _____________________

Parent Signature (if teen parent is under 18 yrs. of age) Date

______________________________________________________ _____________________

On-Site Director’s Signature Date

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TPCC HANDBOOK RECEIPT (TPCC Copy)

I, _________________________________, have had the TPCC Teen Parent Orientation over:

the Teen Parent Connection Center’s Parent Handbook of Policies and Procedures,

including the discipline, guidance and release of children,

an overview of the policy on preventing and responding to the abuse and neglect of children, and

a tour of the physical characteristics of the center.

My child’s daycare services will begin on ________________________________________________ and follow the VISD student calendar. My individual childcare hours are Monday through Friday ________________________a.m. to ________________________p.m.

I also understand that if I do not follow these policies and procedures as well as the Victoria ISD policies and procedures, my childcare may be terminated. My signature verifies I have read, asked questions, and understand the Teen Parent Connection Center’s Teen Parent Handbook of Policies and Procedures.

______________________________________________________ _____________________

Teen Parent Signature Date

______________________________________________________ _____________________

Parent Signature (if teen parent is under 18 yrs. of age) Date

______________________________________________________ _____________________

On-Site Director’s Signature Date