Lead Staff Handbook

• The Center
• Mission Statement
• Philosophy
• Hiring Practice
• Staff Qualifications
• Job Requirements/Duties
• Volunteering
• Lead Staff Hours
• Ages of Children Served
• Staff Illness
• Absentee Policy
• Employee Files and Forms
• Training/In-service
• Staff Professional Development
• Professionalism
• Confidentiality
• Staff Meetings
• Staff Evaluations
• Resignations, Dismissals, Grievances
• General Health and Safety
• Meal and Snack Routines
• Toileting
• Hand Washing
• Cleaning/Disinfecting
• Dispensing Medication
• Children’s Illness
• Pet Care
• Authorized Adults / Signing In and Out
• Classroom Safety
• Supervision
• Medical Emergency Policy
• Accident Reports
• Emergency Procedures
• Playground / Outdoor Play
• Parent Communication
• Visitors
• Field Trips
• Storage Closets
• Telephone Policy
• Mailboxes
• Resource Room Storage
• Photo Copier
• Laminator
• Smoking
• Staff Bulletin Board
• Conferences
• Posted Information
• Teacher Assistants
• Communication with Parents
• Record Keeping
• Attendance
• Video Policy
• Lesson Plans
• Newsletters
• Holidays
• Dicipline Policies
• 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 through 6 years in age, 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 position requirements established by the Center.

Prospective employees will be required to submit a letter of interest, a current resume, proof of appropriate degree and credentials, and the names, phone numbers, and address of three references to the Center, followed by an interview with the Search Committee.  The prospective employee may be required to try out in the classroom.

Final selection of an employee shall be the responsibility of the Director, Jillian Hoefer, in consultation with the search committee and other teachers in the center, and with the approval of the Affirmative Action Office.

Ï»¿Staff Qualifications
 

• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and one year experience teaching the same age level.  It is preferred that Lead Teachers have a four-year degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field such as Elementary Education (which should be combined with extensive course work and/or experience in Early Childhood Education).
• Ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children.
• Evidence of emotional maturity.
• Physical stamina.
• Ability to supervise student assistants and other personnel.

Training in:
--First Aid
--Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Illness
--Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting/Head Trauma

--Child Development Class

--SIDS training

-CPR Training

• 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.

Ï»¿Job Requirements/Duties
 

• 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.
• I understand that I must follow the instructions of 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 TAs in my classroom 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.
• I understand that sleeping during naptime is unacceptable may result in a written reprimand.
• I understand that information about parents, children or fellow employees is confidential and should never be shared with anyone else.

Lead Teachers are also responsible for creating and implementing weekly lesson plans (including a parent letter and extended lesson plans), monthly individual lesson plans and keeping each child’s individual portfolios current.

Lead Staff members will attend Lead Staff meetings (as scheduled by the Director) and bi-weekly One on One meetings with the Director, Jillian Hoefer.  Coverage is provided for these meetings.

Volunteering

o Two-three Kid’s Night Out’s per year
o Annual Spring Carnival

Lead Staff Hours

Lead staff hours are Monday-Friday 7:30-3:30. Lead Staff members are expected to arrive on time.  Children arrive at the Center as soon as the doors open at 7:30.  It is the responsibility of the Lead Teacher to be here by 7:20 (Monday-Friday) to prepare for the days lessons and greet their children as they arrive. The Director, Jillian Hoefer must approve any additional hours/overtime.

Ages of Children Served

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. 

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. The Director, Jillian Hoefer will update a current substitution list of all employees able to cover.  It is the responsibility of the Lead Teacher to have this current list and to have an absent request form. It is the Lead Teacher’s responsibility to keep a current substitute folder in their classrooms so that the office staff is able to locate it for the substitute.  The folder shall contain a class list and information about each child, parent names,  lesson plans, daily schedule, emergency exits, and location of pertinent items including snacks, cot diagram (if applicable), and names of teaching assistants who work in your room, etc.
• Notifying the Office: It is the Lead Teacher’s responsibility to notify the office (978-3109) or call the Director, Jillian Hoefer or Amy Mease Administrative Specialist if the office is closed, that you will be absent and who will sub for you.
• Absence Request Form: It is the Lead Teacher’s responsibility to submit an absence request form for planned or unplanned absences and to have it approved by the Director (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, and upon returning to the center you must fill out an absent request form and fill out your exemption time sheet.
• 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 you in finding coverage.  It is unacceptable to have parents, spouses or friends call in if you are sick or unable to come to work.

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.

Employee Files and Forms
 

A hanging file folder on each employee is kept in the Jill’s office.  In accordance with licensing regulations, each staff member must have the following on file:

1. Health Department File – Contains records of experience, education, references, required coursework, required in-service, health assessment (which should include negative TB skin test result), Signs and Symptoms Course Certificate, First Aid Course Certificate and any and all other forms needed to document compliance with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
2. Personnel File – Contains current tax withholding forms, I-9 forms and all other required forms determined by WSU Human Resources for payroll purposes.  Information regarding attendance will be included in this file.
3. Professional Growth File – Contains yearly evaluation forms and notes of observation and correspondence pertaining to the employee’s professional growth and job performance.

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.

Staff Professional Development
 

The Center supports the growth and development of staff as follows:
a. Continuing Education.
b. Conferences and seminars directly related to the teacher’s job.
c. Consultations and observations.

All requests will be submitted in writing to the Director, Jillian Hoefer.  The Center will reimburse such requests to the extent that budgeted funds are available.  In the event that funds are not available, the teachers may request conference and seminar time for which they will assume the expense.
Teachers may leave the Center during working hours for program enrichment activities if consent is obtained from the Director, Jillian Hoefer and she/he makes arrangements for sufficient staff coverage.

Teachers are eligible for tuition assistance when taking classes at WSU.  Applications are available each semester through WSU and online through the HR Department.  

Professionalism
 

All children, parents, staff members and visitors 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.

Employees who smoke will need to wash their hands upon entering the classroom and have a fresh shirt to change into after smoking, before handling children.

Dress Code
 

The CDC requires all staff to wear a WSU shirt or shirts affiliated with Wichita State, i.e. sorority/fraternity shirt, Nursing shirts, etc. 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.

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 Meetings
 

Staff meetings are scheduled every Friday or as scheduled by the Director, Jillian Hoefer.  The Director, Administrative Specialist and Lead Staff are expected to attend all staff meetings.  An absence to a required meeting should be approved by the Director prior to the meeting.  It is the responsibility of the staff member missing the meeting to obtain information missed from the meeting.

Staff Evaluations
 

Teachers are observed and informally evaluated on an on-going basis.  Informal evaluations will occur each fall semester.  Teachers will receive a formal evaluation yearly in May prior to reappointment.  This evaluation will be discussed with the teachers, individually, and they will have the opportunity to sign the evaluation signifying that they have read it.  Teachers may accept the evaluation and/or write a statement concerning any points on which they disagree.  The evaluations and any statements will become part of the teacher’s working file.

In order for our Center to run smoothly, staff members must be willing to work together.  When a concern arises with another staff member, the Director, Jillian Hoefer and the other parties involved 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 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.  Teachers will be counseled where there is a deficiency in performance and every effort will be made to help the teacher 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.

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

Employees shall state their grievances in writing and submit them to the Director.  The Director is responsible for submitting grievances to the Vice President for Campus Life and University Relations.

General Health and Safety

Teachers will insure that the children:

• Brush their teeth after 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 laundered once a week.
• 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.  No outside food can be brought inside and eaten in front of the children.  Teachers are to only eat when the children are eating and eat what they have.

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 small dish bins and dumping fluids into the designated area.  Children should be encouraged to help as much as possible.  Teachers are to encourage and demonstrate pleasant conversation at the tables.  Teachers may eat the same food while the children are eating, however, when the children are close to finishing, all staff must finish as well.  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 bleach/water solution and the floor swept.  When meals are served in the lunch room, there will be an assigned person to clean all tables and sweep all floors.

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.  Teachers 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 do better 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.  Teachers shall wash hands immediately after changing soiled clothing.

Staff members who have soiled clothing shall change clothes immediately. The CDC has extra shirts for staff members; however it is the employee’s responsibility to have an extra pair of clothes on hand in case of emergencies.

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
 

Teachers 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 by the Administrative Specialist, Amy Mease or the Director, Jillian Hoefer in the teachers’ absence.  The staff member dispensing medication must sign the authorization, and record 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 all the classrooms.

Children’s Illness
 

Children with signs of a communicable disease cannot be admitted into the Center.  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.  A temperature should be taken by the Director/Administrative Specialist.  When a child is found to have a temperature over 100 degrees, the Lead Teacher will call and inform the parents.  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. A complete medication illness form is required.

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)

Pet Care
 

It is the teacher’s responsibility, when keeping classroom pets, to maintain them and their containers in a clean and sanitary manner.  Feeding and cleaning procedures must be posted on the cage.  Pets will not be allowed if they interfere with the cleanliness of the room or the safety of the children.  Pets are not to be left unattended outside of their containers.

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 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 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 a copy shall be placed in the child’s file.  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 bites/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 parent gets the original of the form the day of the injury; one copy shall be kept in the office.  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 the designated tornado drill location, located outside Room 8 in the storm shelter.  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
 

The teacher will enforce the following playground rules and inform teaching assistants to enforce them also:

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 lose 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.

The children are taken outside daily (except in cases of inclement weather) for fresh air and exercise at least one hour a day

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 will 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 we do go out on hot days, teachers need to be mindful of the effect of heat on the children.  We 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.  Be open to reasonable parent requests and questions.  If you are in doubt, please ask the Director.  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 all staff members 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 are also critical in communicating with both your Teacher Assistants and families.  They are to be filled out each day and turned in to the front office on Friday afternoons. Daily emails are sent to parents to let them know about the day.

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.

Field Trips
 

Teachers may take children on walks or trips to the WSU campus, as the Center has obtained written permission for on-campus trips. The Director, Jillian Hoefer must approve arrangements for off-campus field trips at least 2 weeks in advance, including a completed field trip request form (Field Trip Approval Form).  Written permission must be obtained from all parents.  When leaving the Center’s premise, you must note the time you left, where you are going, when you will be back, and the names of the staff persons present on the trip.  You must also provide the front office with a copy of your completed permission form before leaving the Center.  Anytime you are planning on leaving the center to go on a walk the parents must be notified that they will be leaving the building.  This can be done prior to the walking trip or a teacher is required to call a guardian to let them know.

Each teacher is responsible for planning and organizing classroom field trips.  Many teachers find that planning all yearly field trips at the beginning of the year is helpful.  It is helpful to announce the field trips for the year with dates, times and locations to the parents at the beginning of the year.  This allows parents to make plans and increases the teacher’s chance of getting enough field trip drivers.

Field trips may be planned using University vehicles.  Teachers may drive these vehicles.  If additional vehicles are needed, parents may drive their personal cars, but must provide a copy of their license and auto insurance.  Children will be transported in accordance with the current Kansas laws regarding seat belts/booster seats/car seats. 

Emergency medical forms and health assessments for each child must be taken on the trip.  A first aid kit must be in each vehicle.

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 closing teachers 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.

Storage Closets
 

Teachers are responsible for keeping their classroom storage closets clean and orderly.  We encourage teachers to store materials in plastic storage containers with lids and discourage the use of cardboard boxes.

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.  Telephone messages will be taken in the front office and left in each staff member’s mailbox.  Staff members are responsible for checking their mailboxes for all messages.  Cell phones are not to be in the “on” position when in the Center, this includes naptime.  Phone calls, text messages and IMs are to be returned only on your break.

Mailboxes
 

Each staff member has a mail box located in the front receptionist area which should be checked at least once every day the staff member is at work.  It is also EXTREMELY important to check your email every day.  This is how most correspondences, in-service opportunities, parent questions, etc. may be delivered. 

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.  Staff members are responsible for removing those items each day.  Keeping the kitchen 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 times when appropriate.

Photo Copier

A copy machine is available to all teaching staff and may be used to copy newsletters and curriculum materials.  Personal use of the copier is not allowed.

Laminator

Before using, staff members shall be trained on its use.  Leaving the laminator on and letting it run completely out of paper will damage the machine.  Notify the office if the paper gets low and office staff will replace it.  Staff may use the laminator for classroom use.

Smoking

The use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco products is not permitted in the Center, on the playground, or on the grounds.  Before returning for your shift after smoking, you must wash your hands and have a fresh shirt to change into.

Staff Bulletin Board
 

The board is located inside 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.

Conferences

Parent conferences can and should be rewarding experiences.  A parent conference is a meeting between a child’s parent(s) and teacher.  The meeting brings out a good understanding of the child and his or her development.  Parent conferences are to be scheduled by the teacher and will be held twice a year.

There are several reasons for parent conferences.  The first is progress.  This means the rate at which each child is developing and meeting developmental milestones.  Each child’s developmental portfolio demonstrates this clearly and should be shared with families at that time.  Conferences can also be arranged to discuss behavior – these are general conferences just to touch base with the parent.  The parent can report on such things as the child’s attitudes, health, family relationships, interests, and any social factors that may come into play with the child’s development.  The teacher should report on such things as the child’s attitude toward school and other children and progress in his/her development.  In a parent/teacher conference you are expected to talk to the parent about any concerns/questions you or they have what the child has learned, what they are learning, and what they will be learning.

Posted Information
 

Each classroom teacher is responsible to assure that the following are posted in the room:

• Emergency Policies
• Allergies
• Diapering Policy (for infant and toddler classrooms)
• Pet care (by pet container)
• Class list, including parent names
• On the Parent Board: Each classroom teacher is responsible to post the following on his/her classroom “Parent Information Board”.
• Current Weekly Lesson Plan
• Current Weekly Classroom Newsletter
• Daily Classroom Schedule
• Current School-wide Newsletter (optional)
• Field Trip Information and/or Upcoming Events
• Current Information on Early Childhood Education (optional)
• Other…coupons, pictures of children participating in activities for that week (optional)
• On the Door (message board):
• Brief description of activities children participated in for the day should be on the dry erase board before leaving each day.
   

Teacher Assistants
 

The teacher is responsible for continuous training of the teacher assistants assigned to his/her classroom and providing the following classroom orientation:

• Tour of classroom
• Classroom policies
• Teacher expectations of Teacher Assistant
• Children’s files – location and confidentiality
• Releasing children – sign in/out sheets, location of authorized release forms
• Daily schedule
• Classroom safety
• Location of first aid kit
• Diaper changing procedure – emphasize wearing gloves and hand washing
• Emergency procedures
• Discipline policy
• Playground rules

Communication with parents

Teachers are also responsible for reporting any comments or concerns regarding Teacher Assistants in writing to the Director, Jillian Hoefer.  Each semester the Director will provide evaluation forms to Teachers to evaluate the Student Assistant assigned to their classrooms. If a concern arises with a teacher assistant it is the Lead Teachers responsibility to first discuss this with the assistant.  Then if the concern/problem is not resolved the Director, Jillian Hoefer will intervene.

Record Keeping
 

It is the responsibility of the Lead Teacher to keep accurate and up-to-date copies of enrollment forms, copies of medical records, field trip waivers, accident report forms, Authorization to Dispense Medication forms, and any other classroom activity warranting permanent or temporary records.  Communication logs are kept on file for 6 months to a year. Daily sign-in sheets and meal count sheets are to be turned in at the end of each week to the office.

Attendance
 

When parents notify the office of a child’s absence, we will notify the teacher.  It is the teacher’s responsibility to check their mailbox daily.  If a parent informs the teacher of an upcoming absence or extended absence, the teacher shall notify the office.  If a child is absent for an entire week without explanation from the parents, the teacher should make a call to the home and then inform the office of the child’s absence and the reason.

Video Policy
 

Children should not bring videos from home.  Movies will only be shown to children when it is used as a supplement to the theme for the week.  The movie must be rated G and must be educational in nature.  Teachers may show an educational video for 20 minutes per day or an approved full-length feature that is no longer than 100 minutes one day per week.  Before showing a video, it must be approved by the Director, Jillian Hoefer and submitted with the week’s lesson plans.  A request form must be completed with the name of the video and how it relates to the lessons for the week.

Lesson Plans
 

Lead Teachers are responsible for posting lesson plans on their Parent Information Board by Monday morning before the children arrive, for the current week.  Weekly activities must be planned in accordance with the school’s philosophies and curriculum guidelines of developmentally appropriate practice and discovery learning.  Teachers shall plan activities to balance the day/week for the children and to avoid neglect of any one curricular area.  A lesson plan form will be distributed to all teachers and will be used to plan weekly curriculum.  Lesson plans for the following week must be completed and placed in the Director’s mailbox by 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Newsletters

Newsletters shall be informative, positive and attractive in appearance; spelling and grammar shall be correct.  All newsletters shall be typed.  A final draft of the newsletter is to be emailed to the Director, Jillian Hoefer by Thursday, 4:00pm.  Parents will then be emailed a copy of the newsletter by the Director. Computers are provided in the resource room as well as wireless internet.  The front office computer can be used by staff only after clearing it with the Administrative Specialist, Amy Mease.  There is a laptop available to teachers located in Amy’s office.

Holidays
 

It is impossible to totally ignore holidays/celebrations, especially the Christmas season, in view of the flurry of activities generated by them.  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.  Each holiday 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/holiday.

Dicipline Policies
 

Teachers 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 Don'ts
 

     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