Teacher Assistant Handbook

• The Center
• Mission Statement
• Philosophy
• Hiring Practice
• Hiring Requirements
• Job Requirements
• Classroom Ratios
• Absentee Policy
• Training/In-service
• Professionalism
• Dress Code
• Confidentiality
• Staff Evaluations
• Resignations, Dismissals, Grievances
• General Health and Safety
• Meal and Snack Routines
• Toileting
• Hand washing
• Dispensing Medication
• Children’s Illness
• Authorized Adults / Signing In and Out
• Classroom Safety
• Supervision
• Medical Emergency Policy
• Accident Reports
• Emergency Procedures
• Playground / Outdoor Play
• Parent Communication
• Visitors
• Maintenance (room/building organization and cleanliness)
• Telephone Policy
• Mailboxes
• Email
• Resource Room Storage
• Photo Copier
• Smoking
• Staff Bulletin Board
• Parking
• Holidays
• Discipline Policy
• DO’S AND DON’TS
• Important Phone Numbers

The Center

The Wichita State University Child Development Center is licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.  The Center has a licensed capacity of 96 children.  The Center serves children 6 weeks to six years, and is open to WSU students, staff, faculty and alumni. 

The Center, located at 3026 E. 21st St. N. is open year-round, Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and observes all WSU holidays except fall and spring break.  Enrollment is offered full day.  The phone number for the center is (316) 978-3109.

Mission Statement

The Wichita State University Child Development Center is dedicated to serving the needs of young children by providing a high-quality, culturally diverse early childhood program within a safe, nurturing environment.  The Child Development Center will encourage the physical, social, emotional, creative and cognitive development of each child through the use of Developmentally Appropriate Practice.

Philosophy

It is the philosophy of the Wichita State University Child Development Center and its staff that children, their families and society benefit from high-quality early childhood programs.  We believe that there is a critical link between a child’s early experiences and later success in life.  We believe that you cannot separate child care and education; children learn best through their play, interactions and experiences.

The learning environment at the CDC is structured in such a way as to give the child an opportunity to independently explore, select, create and problem solve.  Classrooms are organized around interest centers and play areas that include art, math, science, language arts, blocks, dramatic play and cooking and nutrition.  CDC staff plan and facilitate these experiences for the total development of your child.  We celebrate cultural diversity and incorporate multicultural perspectives throughout our curriculum. 

Hiring Practice

The WSU CDC promotes the hiring of qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a Vietnam Era Veteran or disability, provided they meet the requirements established by the Center for the position.

Prospective teacher assistants will be required to submit an application with appropriate identification, followed by an interview with the Director, Jillian Hoefer.

Hiring Requirements

Hours a student can work:

International Student                                                  Academic year                                       Summer

Regular Students                                                        Academic Year                                      Summer

 Graduate Student                                                         Academic Year                                    Summer

•  Must hold at least a high school diploma
• enrolled as a student of Wichita State University
• Ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children
• Evidence of emotional maturity.
• Physical stamina.
• Training in:
• --First Aid
• --CPR
• --Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Illness
• --Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting/Head Trauma
• --Child Development Class
• --SIDS
• Negative TB test.
• Completed KBI form.
• Kansas Department of Health and Environment Health Assessment form signed by a doctor or a nurse clinician stating that the teacher is in good health.

Job Requirements

• I must ensure that children of any age are always supervised and cared for by an adult, and never left alone or unattended.
• I understand that using physical punishment or use of verbal threats or harsh, loud or abusive language in the presence of or directed toward a child can lead to immediate termination. 
• I whole-heartedly accept my responsibility to interact actively and in a positive manner with the children individually and in groups, and will give them my full attention at all times.  I will play with the children and guide them in scheduled activities.
• I understand that feeding time for infants and toddlers, as well as older children, is a time to be nurturing and loving.  In accepting this responsibility, I understand that bottles are never to be propped and children will be held during bottle feeding.  A teacher must always be sitting down with children while they are eating.  When children are finished eating, adults must finish as well. 
• I understand that I must follow the instructions of the all Lead Teachers, the Director, Jillian Hoefer and Administrative Specialist, Amy Mease and will treat them in a respectful manner. 
• I understand that I must be polite and responsive to parents. 
• I must see that children are kept clean during the day (hands, faces, noses, diapers) and that I must return a clean and tidy child with all of his/her belongings to the parent at the end of the day.  Soiled diapers must always be changed before a parent leaves with their child. 
• I understand that other assignments will be made in accordance with my job description including, but not limited to, cleaning the room furniture, equipment, toilets and assisting in serving/preparing meals.
• I understand that I may be moved from one classroom to another, as staffing needs require, or even sent home, when the adult-to-child ratio has been met for the classroom. 
• I understand that I must not attend to personal business during scheduled work time.  This includes answering cell phones and/or sending text messages, etc.  Homework may only be attended to during naptime, and only if the Lead Teacher does not require your assistance in other work-related tasks.
•  I understand that sleeping during naptime is unacceptable may result in a written reprimand and/or termination. 
• I understand that information about parents, children or fellow employees is confidential and should never be shared with anyone else.  

Failure to comply with these requirements or any job expectation could result in action leading up to and including termination of the position in accordance with university policies and procedures. 

Classroom Ratios

Ages of Children Served

Staff members are expected to arrive on time and to leave as soon as the adult to child ratio is correct and you have checked with the Director, Jillian Hoefer or the Administrative Specialist, Amy Mease.  Do not leave a classroom until the next Teacher Assistant has arrived. Depending on ratios you may be moved to another room or be asked to leave a shift early if a classroom is down to ratio. The Director, Jillian Hoefer or Administrative Specialist, Amy Mease must approve additional hours/overtime. 
Please keep in mind that TA's cannot work more than 30 hours per week while classes are in session and international students cannot work more than 20 hours per week.

Staff Illness

It is extremely important that you keep yourself in good physical and mental health.  The care and education of young children while very rewarding can also be very draining.  In order to provide quality care and education to our children, you will need to have a lot of energy and an alert mind.  Employees who become ill at the Center must make sure that their shift is covered prior to leaving (remember the adult to child ratios).

Absentee Policy

Staff members are responsible for maintaining regular attendance according to his/her schedule.  Whenever a staff member must be absent for illness, family illness, appointments, etc. the following apply:

• Obtaining a Substitute: It is the employee’s responsibility to cover his/her entire schedule and responsibilities with an approved sub. It is the Director’s responsibility to keep current and make available to all employees a substitute list. This list can be found in a folder under the TA mailboxes along with the absence request forms and is also sent via email anytime there are corrections or changes.  

An unexcused absence would occur when a Teacher Assistant is not present at the Center during scheduled work hours and has not made arrangements for a substitute or notified the Director, Jillian Hoefer or the Administrative Specialist, Amy Mease. Three unexcused absences may result in termination.  A NO CALL, NO SHOW is grounds for immediate termination.

• Notifying the Office:  It is the employee’s responsibility to notify the office (978-3109) during office hours of your absence and who is covering for you.  If the office is closed, you may call the Director, Jillian Hoefer or the Administrative Specialist, Amy Mease.  Please notify them of your absence at least one hour prior to your scheduled shift or as soon as you are aware that you will be absent.   
• Absence Request Form: It is the employee’s responsibility to submit an absence request form for planned or unplanned absences and to have it approved by the Director, Jillian Hoefer (prior to the absence if it is planned).  The request form must be placed in the Jill’s mailbox for approval.  An absence request form must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance for planned absences.  If you have an unexpected absence you must notify Jill or Amy, upon returning to the center you must fill out an absent request form.
• Emergency/Serious Illness:  If an employee is very ill and feels he/she cannot make the phone calls specified in this policy, he/she should notify the Director, Jillian Hoefer or the Administrative Specialist, Amy Mease and they will assist the employee in finding a substitute.  It is unacceptable to have parents, spouses or friends call you in sick or if you are unable to come into work, this will result in an automatic write up.

Nowhere, in any employment, would employers look favorably upon excessive absences or tardiness.  In child care and education, an absent teacher or teaching assistant means an interruption in the program and an adjustment for the children.  The number of days/hours missed each semester will be included on your evaluation.

Training/In-service

All teaching staff must obtain ten clock-hours of training pertaining to the care and education of young children per year and all staff must receive training in first aid and child abuse and neglect.  Various optional in-services will be presented at the CDC for your convenience during the year and some hours, courses or workshops must be scheduled and attended by the employee outside of regular working hours. 

Professionalism

All children, parents, visitors, and other staff should be treated with kindness, friendliness, patience and respect.  Staff should refrain from gossip, loud talking, and other unnecessary noise and forms of conduct, which could disturb the program and distract from the professionalism of the Center.

The care and education of all young children is taken very seriously at the Center.  Each individual staff member is part of a team whose main goal is the well being of the children.  All staff members are expected to present themselves in a professional and caring manner, which includes due respect for each other – staff members, parents, children, and other WSU students.

Dress Code

The following describes dress that is appropriate for staff while working at the CDC:  clothing that is modest and provides coverage (shorts must be no shorter than where your fingertips meet your thigh when your arms are hanging at the side, skirts are unacceptable), clothing that allows the staff member to move freely, sit on the floor and be with the children, shoes that allow that staff member to comfortably play outside with the children and play games with them, clothing that allows the staff member to be comfortable with the messy activities of the program.  Staff should be dressed neat, clean, comfortable, approachable and properly covered.

All staff are to wear Wichita State University tops while at work.

Confidentiality

It is contrary to the interest of the Center and those we serve, to give out information regarding children and their parents.  Such information should be held in strict confidence and should not be discussed with anyone outside of the Center.  We trust all staff members will appreciate the value of respect for one’s privacy.   Inside the Center such information shall be discussed only when it will benefit the care we offer the children and the parents.  Personal pictures of the children are not to be taken.  Information, pictures, and talking about the children will not be allowed on blogs, personal webpages, Facebook or MySpace.

Staff Evaluations

Teacher Assistants are observed and informally evaluated on an on-going basis.  Evaluations will be conducted by the Lead Teacher and Director, Jillian Hoefer.  Informal evaluations will be given in the fall and formal in the spring.

In order for our Center to run smoothly, staff members must be willing to work together.  When a concern arises with a teacher assistant, the Lead teacher in the classroom will discuss the concern.  If the concern is not resolved then the Director, Jillian, Hoefer, the Lead Teacher, and the Teacher Assistant will discuss the concern.  The concern will be discussed and improvement goals will be determined along with an appropriate time-line.  The conference will be documented in writing, signed by the individuals present during the conference, and placed in the individual’s personnel file.  If the individual is showing an effort at meeting the goals but has not yet met all designated goals within the stated time period, the Director, Jillian Hoefer reserves the right to determine if a second conference is necessary to continue working towards improvement or if the individual’s employment should be terminated.  If the individual has not made an effort toward improvement during the stated time period, the individual’s employment will be terminated.

Resignations, Dismissals, Grievances

A teacher may be terminated by the Director for gross negligence in performing required duties, failure to provide quality performance, refusing to work when needed and available, continuous personal conflicts with other visitors, staff members, parents, or children and gossiping with other staff members, students, parents, or visitors.  Teacher assistants will be counseled where there is a deficiency in performance and every effort will be made to help the teacher assistant solve a problem.

There are, however, exceptions to this rule.  The following are grounds for immediate dismissal:

1. Striking or abusing a child, humiliating a child, withholding food from a child as punishment. (Removing food that is being played with or sending a child from the table when he/she is playing with food consistently instead of eating is NOT considered withholding food.  Food has been offered, the child has not eaten it.  However, this should be done only as a last resort and only in extreme cases.)
2. Abuse or inconsiderate treatment of parents, staff or visitors.
3. Unauthorized removal of property.
4. Unauthorized removal of records or unauthorized divulgence of parents’, children’s, or Center’s confidential information.
5. Leaving children unattended and/or unsupervised.
6. Leaving your work shift without prior authorization.  This includes a NO CALL, NO SHOW. 

An employee will give 2 weeks notice in writing of intent to resign from his/her job at the Center. 

General Health and Safety

Teacher Assistants will insure that the children:

• Brush their teeth after lunch or at least one meal.
• Wash their hands before and after meals, and after toileting.
• Wash their faces after meals.
• Children remaining at the Center for more than four hours shall be encouraged to nap according to their individual needs.  Children who do not sleep shall have a quiet time.
• Each crib shall be equipped with an individual bottom sheet.  Sheets will be laundered nightly.  Each child shall have a blanket, provided by the parent.  Children shall not share bedding.
• Cot sheets shall be laundered once after every five uses, immediately when wet or soiled, and always upon a change in occupancy.  Each child shall have a blanket, provided by the parent.  Blankets should be sent home to be laundered once a week (usually on Fridays).
• Cots shall be separated from each other by at least two feet in all directions except when boarding on the wall.  Cots may also be arranged so that children are head to feet.  When not in use, cots shall be stored in a clean, sanitary manner.
• Teachers will monitor the bathroom if more than one child is using it.

Teachers must report any suspected child abuse immediately to the Director, Jillian Hoefer or Administrative Specialist, Amy Mease.

Meal and Snack Routines

Children should wash their hands before being seated for breakfast/lunch/snacks.  Toddler meals may be dished up by the staff members.  Preschoolers are encouraged to serve themselves family style in an orderly manner.  Children are encouraged to try all foods, however, if a child is not interested in a particular food, do not force him/her to try it.  Food is not to be used as a reward or punishment.

All children need to be encouraged to sit at the tables during meal/snack time.  Encourage the children to show courtesy by not eating until everyone is served.  After finishing the meal, preschool aged children should be instructed how to scrape leftover food from their plate into the dish bins and dumping fluids into the designated area.  Children should be encouraged to help as much as possible.  Teacher assistants are to encourage and demonstrate pleasant conversation at the tables.  Teacher assistants may also eat what the children are eating while the children are eating.  Once the children begin to finish, all staff members must finish as well in order to assist children with their clean-up.  Do not rush the children through a meal, however, do not allow children to play in their food.  After lunch, have the children use the bathroom, wash their hands/face, and brush their teeth.

Staff should wear plastic kitchen gloves when handling food.  Teachers shall wash and sanitize table surfaces before meals and snacks.  After meals, the table shall be washed with a bleach water solution and the floor swept.  No outside food can be brought inside and eaten in front of the children.  Teacher Assistants are to only eat when the children are eating and eat what they have.

Toileting

Children wearing diapers will be changed on a regular schedule and as needed.  Changing tables shall be disinfected after each use.  Staff will wash their hands before and after diapering, and wash the child’s hands after diapering. Staff will also use plastic gloves when changing a child.  Children are not to be left unattended on the changing table.  Diapering procedures are posted in classrooms with children under 3 years of age.  Teacher assistants of preschool classrooms are required to remind children to go to the restroom, assist them, and help clean up/change a child in the event of an accident.

Toilet accidents should be treated as that: accidents!  The child should not be shamed or made to feel bad.  Simply require the child to change his/her own clothes, bag any soiled clothes/belongings, and remind them that if they need to go potty to tell someone or ask for help if they need it. The attitude should be: I know you’ll remember next time.  Staff must wear gloves at all times while helping a child who has had an accident, changing a child’s diaper, or helping them wipe.

Teachers shall change children’s clothes if they become wet or dirty.  Soiled clothes shall be removed in a sanitary manner, placed in a plastic bag, closed securely and placed in the child’s cubby to be sent home.  CHILDREN’S PERSONAL ITEMS MAY NOT BE LAUNDERED AT THE CENTER.  Soiled underpants or training pants MAY NOT be rinsed out before placing in a plastic bag.  Teacher assistants shall wash hands immediately after changing soiled clothing.

Staff who have soiled clothing shall change clothes immediately.  Extra shirts are located in the resource room; however it is the responsibility of the staff to have an extra set of clothes on hand. 

Bathrooms need to be checked and cleaned frequently throughout the day. Use paper towels only to clean toilets, etc.  Make sure children are flushing toilets and paper towels are disposed of in waste baskets.  Check with each classroom teacher for cleaning duties to be carried out during naptime. 

Hand washing

Hands should be washed upon arrival at the Center, before handling food, after every diaper change, use of the bathroom, before using the water table, after touching pets, after being outside and after blowing/wiping noses.  In order to teach good HAND WASHING skills to children, please help them wash their hands as noted above. Research has shown that proper HAND WASHING is effective in reducing the spread of communicable illness/disease. 

How: Wet hands with warm, running water, apply liquid soap, wash hands vigorously for 20 seconds.  Rinse well with fingertips pointed down, dry hands with a paper towel and turn off faucet with a paper towel.  Children are to follow these exact steps.

Cleaning/Disinfecting

Teacher Assistants shall implement proper and frequent cleaning and disinfecting practices and routines to provide a clean environment for children and to help prevent the spread of disease. Disinfecting with chemical agents (bleach, disinfectant) destroys specific, harmful germs.  Teachers shall use the following guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting:

• Surfaces and objects contaminated with blood, urine, vomit or stool:  clean and disinfect immediately, staff members must wear gloves.
• Objects handled by young children (ex. toys, mouthed objects, table tops, door handles):  clean and disinfect at least daily and when soiled
• Diapering area:  clean and disinfect after each diaper change
• Water tables:  clean and disinfect at least daily and more often if soiled
• Uncarpeted areas:  clean and disinfect daily and when soiled
• Carpeted areas:  spot clean and disinfect when there is body fluid soiling

Please leave a note with the cleaning crew about any rugs or carpet areas that need to be cleaned and disinfected.

Dispensing Medication

Prescription and non-prescription medication shall be given only if the Authorization for Dispensing Medication form is filled out completely and signed by a parent or guardian.  Prescription medication should have a pharmacy label with the child’s name, the name of the medication, dosage, dosage intervals, the name of the physician and the date the prescription was filled.  Non-prescription medications should not be administered to any child unless the CDC has a written order from the parent or guardian. 

Medication is to be administered by the classroom Lead Teacher or Director, Jillian Hoefer/Administrative Specialist, Amy Mease in the teachers’ absence.  The staff member dispensing medication must sign the Authorization, and record the date and time it was given.  When the Lead Teacher is not in the room, the TA is responsible for having the parent complete an authorization form when a new medication is brought to the center. 

Store all medication in a locked box in the refrigerator or other locked storage located in the classroom. 

Children’s Illness

Children with signs of a communicable disease cannot be admitted into the Center.  Lead Teachers and parents are to look over the child briefly upon arrival at the center for any signs of illness such as:

• A temperature over 100 degrees taken in the armpit.  Temperatures should be taken by Director, Jillian Hoefer or the Administrative Specialist, Amy Mease.  When a child is found to have a temperature over 100 degrees, the Lead Teacher in the classroom will call the parent of the child.  Children sent home with a fever, for whatever reason, are not to return to the CDC until 24 hours after they are fever free (without the aid of fever reducing medication) from the time you send them home.
• Diarrhea – more than one abnormally loose stool per day.  Must be diarrhea free for 24 hours. 
• Vomiting – Free of upset stomach & vomiting for 24 hours.
• Inflammation of the eyes.
• Skin lesions, i.e., impetigo, ringworm, and scabies.
• Any undiagnosed rash.

Children at the center showing any or a combination of any of the following symptoms are to be taken to the office and a parent called to take the child home.  Only lead teachers or administrative staff may call parents.  The call to parents can be made after clearing the illness with the Director and an Illness Documentation form has been completed. 

For illnesses other than fever, diarrhea and vomiting, children must be kept home the recommended number of days.  (According to the Public Health Regulations for the Control of Communicable Diseases)

Authorized Adults / Signing In and Out

The arrival and departure of children are extremely important events.  Parents develop opinions about the Center, teachers and the program from these interactions.  PLEASE GREET VISITORS, PARENTS AND CHILDREN BY INTRODUCING YOURSELF AS THEY ENTER YOUR ASSIGNED ROOM AND ACKNOWLEDGE THEM WHEN THEY LEAVE! 

Parents should sign in the exact time they drop off their child in the room each day on the designated form located at the entrance to each classroom.  Parents must also sign out the exact time they pick up their child.

A parent(s) must designate, in writing, all other adults who may pick up their child from the Center.  If an unfamiliar adult comes to pick up a child, check the listing of authorized adults for the child and if their name is listed, check their identification.  If you recognize the person listed, you do not need to check I.D.  The authorized adult must sign the child out on the daily attendance record with their signature.  IMPORTANT:  No matter how insistent a person may be, if he/she is not on the list, you CANNOT let the child leave. If you need assistance please call the front desk immediately.

Classroom Safety

The staff is responsible for the safety and well being of each child.  In doing so, the staff shall be responsible for the following safety precautions:

• The classroom shall be arranged to allow for freedom of movement with no sharp corners, unanchored bookshelves or other safety hazards
• All furniture and equipment shall be in good repair
• Carpeting shall be kept clean
• Walls shall be kept clean and free of dirt, paint, or cracks
• Classrooms shall be kept clean and free from accumulated trash and dirt
• All medications and cleaning substances or any toxic substances shall be kept under lock and key with the key out of children’s reach
• Any items in need of repair or cleaning shall be reported to the administration

Supervision

Children will be supervised at all times and will never be left anywhere unattended.

At times when it is necessary for teachers to separate, (for example, one teacher on the playground, one teacher cleaning / preparing classroom), each teacher shall be responsible for a number of children so that no one teacher is left over-ratio.

Medical Emergency Policy

DO NOT leave an injured child unattended or leave the other children.  Have another teacher assume responsibility for the other children if you have to leave the area to care for an injured child.  Provide basic first aid.  A first-aid kit is located in each room.

If an injury is serious enough to be considered an emergency, the Lead Teacher or Director should call 911 for ambulance assistance.  One staff member will accompany the child to the hospital.  Staff members are not allowed to transport children in their cars!  The Lead Teacher or Director will contact the parent(s) who should meet their child at the designated hospital emergency room (the child must be taken to the hospital stated as the preference on the Emergency Medical Form) or to the nearest hospital (HCA Wesley Medical Center).  The emergency release form and current physical for the child must be sent with the child and staff member to the emergency room.

After the child has received emergency medical care, WSU CDC personnel must complete an Accident Report Form.  A copy of the Accident Report Form shall be given to the Director and the original will go to the parent(s).

Accident Reports

If a child is injured at the Center, the teacher in charge shall administer first aid and then complete an Accident Report Form describing the injury.  An Accident Report Form shall be filled out if:  the injury leaves a mark, bump, or cut on the skin; if it involves a burn; any injury involving the head, even if there are no visible signs of the injury; if a child is bitten.  The purpose of the form is to notify parents of the injury, how it happened, and what steps we took to administer first aid and to correct (if possible) the circumstances that caused the injury.  A parent must sign the form to acknowledge that he/she is aware of the child’s injury.  The original goes to the parent the day of the injury and one copy shall be kept by the Center.  The parent shall be notified by phone of the injury if it is a head injury, a bite that breaks the skin, an allergic reaction, and any injury that might need medical attention. If a student assistant is required to complete an Accident Report Form, a lead teacher or administrative staff member must provide an authorizing signature.  A parent signature is also required.

Emergency Procedures

Fire drills will be conducted monthly.  Teachers must shut windows and close doors behind them.  One teacher will lead children out the nearest, designated exit, and the second teacher will follow the children out.  Children and teachers will stay together in a group in the grassy area to the east of the building by Fairmount towers.  Teachers must take the emergency bag, children’s files and sign-in sheets.  Teachers are to take roll and a head count when safely outside the building.  Teachers will lead children inside the building after the designated person in charge has given the all-clear. 

Tornado drills will be conducted monthly, April through September.  The Director will announce the drill.  Teachers will lead children to their designated tornado drill location.  Children will sit on the floor against the wall.  Teachers must take the emergency bag, children’s files and sign-in sheets.  Teachers are to take roll and a head count when safely at the designated location.  Teachers will lead children back to the classrooms after the designated person in charge has given the all clear.

Playground / Outdoor Play

Teacher Assistants must help enforce the following playground rules:

1. Children may not throw sand or tire chips.
2. Children may not climb up the slide.
3. Children must slide feet first down the slide and must be on their bottoms.
4. No toys from the classroom or toys from home are allowed outside on the playground.  Balls, shovels, or other outdoor materials are not allowed on climbing structures.
5. Tricycles stay on the sidewalk.  Children must be seated to ride tricycles.  If a child runs into the wall or another child while riding the tricycle they will loose their turn.
6. Children must sit down to swing.  Only one child will be allowed on the swing at a time.  Children may not stand on the swing.
7. Pushing, shoving and wrestling are not allowed.
8. Staff are to be actively involved with the children on the playground.   Staff must be positioned to view all parts of the playground.  Staff must be spread out throughout the playground so that they are on opposite ends of the playground from each other. 
9. No climbing on the fence.
10. No climbing on top of the monkey bars.

While you are outside with the children, it is your responsibility to be actively engaged with the children.  Adults should be spread out over the playground, able to see all areas. 

Teacher Assistants will also be assigned opening and closing duties for the playgrounds.  These duties are assigned by the Lead Teacher and you will be notified if these duties are assigned to you. 

The children are taken outside daily (except in cases of inclement weather) for fresh air and exercise. 

Infants and Toddlers will not go outside if there is precipitation or if the temperature is 35 degrees or below with the wind chill factored in. Preschoolers will not go outsides if there is precipitation but may go outside for limited amounts of time when the temperature is 30 or above with the wind chill factored in. When going outside on cold days, teachers need to assure that coats are zipped and caps (or hoods) and mittens are on. 

Infants and Toddlers may go outside if the temperature is 90 degrees or below with the heat index factored in.  They may also go outside if the temperature is 90-95 if they are in complete water play, again with the heat index factored in. Preschoolers may go outside if the temperature is 95 degrees or below with the heat index factored in.  They may also go outside if the temperature is 95-100 if they are in complete water play, again with the heat index factored in.  When going out on hot days, be mindful of the effect the heat has on the children.  Teachers will provide opportunities for shade, plenty of water, and limit the amount of time the children are outdoors.

Parent Communication

Parent Communication is very important!  Make an effort to let each parent know something about what his or her child did during the day. Teacher Assistant communication with parents is to remain positive and helpful. Parents need to know they are valued and welcome in our program.  If you run into conflicts or are in doubt when working with a parent, please immediately refer them to the Lead Teacher or Director, Jillian Hoefer (in the Lead Teacher’s absence).  Follow specific parent instructions or requests that are determined to be within the scope of our program.  Pay special attention to getting parent requests communicated to the Lead Teacher and coworkers (when appropriate) working with the child.  For staff working in infant and toddler classrooms, you will be required to complete a daily report sheet for parents.  Staff working in preschool classrooms must complete daily report sheets for parents requesting this form.  Communication Logs must also be read and signed daily, and Lead Teacher Assistants are required to write in the Communication Log every night. 

Visitors

We have an “OPEN DOOR” policy and we welcome parents and others to visit our center.  We will notify teachers in advance of scheduled visitors.  Besides prospective parents, we also have student teachers, teacher observers, administrators and an occasional “drop in” visitor.  Staff are expected to be courteous at all times to these visitors and welcome them to our center.
 

Maintenance (room/building organization and cleanliness)

It is the responsibility of each staff member to keep rooms and the building neat, safe, clean, organized, attractive and appropriate for children.  The Lead Teacher is required to have the classroom ready each day before the children arrive, and Lead Teacher Assistants are responsible for putting the room back in a clean and orderly way at the end of the day.  Teachers will encourage children to clean up after themselves in the restrooms, making sure that the water is off, sinks and counters are wiped off, toilets are flushed, and there is no paper on the floor.

Telephone Policy

The Center telephones are for business purposes.  Staff may not receive telephone calls while they are in the classroom except in an emergency.  Staff members are responsible for checking their mailboxes for all messages.  Cell phones are not to be in the “on” position in the classrooms and are not to be on a person when clocked in for a shift.  Staff members must use their break time or wait until their scheduled shift is over to return/make calls, send text messages or IMs.  Cell phones are also not to be used during naptimes.  

Mailboxes

Each staff member has a mailbox located in the hall to the resource room, which should be checked at least once every day the staff member is at work.  Please place your picture on the doors of the classrooms you are working in.

Email

Email is to be checked every day.  This is how a majority of our correspondence, schedule changes, upcoming events, in-services and reminders will be relayed.  It is the responsibility of the Teacher Assistant to be aware of the activities, deadlines, and happenings of the Center.

Resource Room Storage

Generally, classroom materials and supplies are stored in the classrooms.  Teacher resource room storage is for supplies ordered by the Center and made available to the staff.  Staff may use the items from the shelves, for any Center related projects.

The refrigerator in the teacher resource room may be used to keep staff lunches and drinks, please label them.  Staff members are responsible for removing those items each day.  Keeping the resource room clean and organized is a group project and it is important that each staff member clean up after him/herself.  Please clean up any messes, wipe the table, fold laundry, and put away any items when appropriate.

Photo Copier

The copier is not available to Teacher Assistants unless approved by Lead teacher, Director, or Administrative Specialist.

Smoking

The use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco products is not permitted in the Center, on the playground, or on the grounds.  Staff who smoke must wash their hands before entering the classroom and must change into a fresh shirt. 

Staff Bulletin Board

The board is located in the teacher resource room.  It is used to inform staff of new policies, workshops, field trip opportunities, etc.  It is the staff’s responsibility to check the board for current information and announcements.

Parking

Staff parking is located in our parking lot and overflow is allowed to park at the fire station across the street or at Koch Arena.  Please do not park in the driveway or in any non-parking spot as this poses a hazard to other drivers.  

Holidays

It is impossible to totally ignore the Christmas/Holiday season in view of the flurry of activities generated by its arrival.  The Christmas/Holiday season has a major impact upon the lives of young children, but we must avoid activities which impose beliefs or practices.

We need to be aware of, and sensitive to, the diversity of customs and beliefs represented by the children in our Center.   It goes without saying that no child should be embarrassed or made to feel alienated because of his or her parents’ specific faith or beliefs.

The spirit of the season provides an opportunity to emphasize mutual understanding, acceptance and brotherhood among all racial, ethnic and religious elements of the human family.

Activities should not involve children in worship activities and should be structured to present the culture rather than the religious emphasis of the season. 

Discipline Policy

Teacher Assistants use many techniques to assist children in resolving conflicts. Although methods vary depending on children's ages and the severity of the situation, all teach problem-solving skills and instill an intrinsically motivated sense of right and wrong. Teachers use the following techniques when dealing with conflict situations:

• Conscious Discipline
• Limit setting: Children are given basic, clear, and concise rules to guide their behavior. Boundaries and expectations expand as children develop.
• Consistency: So children know what to expect, limits and expectations are consistent throughout the classes, and all adults respond in a similar way to conflict situations.
• Tone: A kind yet serious tone delivered by intervening adults reinforces children's sense of security and lets them know the situation is under control.
• Modeling: Adults clearly demonstrate compassionate, caring behaviors that set examples for children to follow.
• Passive intervention: Teachers give children time to work through their own problems, but are there to help if things escalate to destructive or aggressive behavior.
• Physical intervention: Children are physically separated if they begin to hurt each other.
• Identifying/ interpreting: Teachers clarify problems, diffuse tension, and facilitate problem solving.
• Validating feelings: Acknowledging one's own emotions and those of other children facilitates learning.
• Generating options/solutions: Children are given tools to settle conflicts (negotiate, make retribution, collaborate, etc.).
• Redirection: A request to stop a negative behavior is accompanied by a suggestion for an appropriate behavior to replace it.
• Natural consequences: Teachers point out and reinforce natural consequences as they occur. Children see the results of their own behavior and begin to modify it accordingly. "You threw sand after we asked you not to. Now you need to leave the sandbox and find a different area to play in."
Teachers shall plan their programs as to minimize behavior problems by:

• Planning a program that is appropriate for the age and individual levels of the children. 
• Providing a balance between active/quiet and self-directed/teacher-directed activities.
• Carefully planning transitions between activities. 
• Focusing 100% attention on the children, guiding their behavior, facilitating their learning, interacting (including listening, listening, listening) and encouraging them as they meet and strive to overcome new challenges. 

Do's and Dont's

    Do say                                                                         Don't say

DO…..

1. Speak in a calm, kind voice.
2. Speak directly to the child; do not call across a room.
3. Speak in short, meaningful sentences appropriate to the child’s level of understanding.  Begin the sentence with the child’s name.
4. Get down on the child’s level if possible so that the child can see your face.
5. Keep your emotions under control.
6. Praise the child for appropriate actions.

DON’T…

1. Make fun (harass, humiliate, name call, embarrass) the child.
2. Give the child a choice if he cannot, in reality, have a choice
3. Compare the child with another child.  “See how clean Johnny’s table is.”
4. Be dishonest with the child.  “Johnny didn’t mean to hit you.”
5. Make a child feel guilty by saying “I’m ashamed of you.”  Instead express your feelings “That makes me angry when you do that.”
6. Make a child feel inferior by saying, “You’re big now.  Only babies cry.
7. Make a child say they are sorry.

Important Phone Numbers

Student Assistant Handbook
Authorization Sheet

I have reviewed and read the above handbook and will perform my job in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Center.

____________________________________  ______________
Employee’s Signature                                               Date

____________________________________  ______________
Supervisor’s Signature                                              Date