Hawkins County School System’s

Early Childhood Learning Center

Parent Handbook

***The mission of the Early Childhood Learning Center is to provide four-year-old children of Hawkins County with essential skills for success in kindergarten and beyond. ***

 

 

A program provided by the

Hawkins County Board of Education

in partnership with East Tennessee State University

and The Tennessee Department of Education

 

PROGRAM INTRODUCTION

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM

The Hawkins County Schools Early Childhood Programs is a service of the Hawkins County Board of Education.  The program collaborates with the Family Resource Center, the Adult Education Program, Tennessee Technology Center, Department of Human Services and Children’s Services, UT Agricultural Extension Agency, and Rural Health Services to provide services for both children and adults.

 

PROGRAM STAFF  

Kim Cassidy, Early Childhood Program Director

Vonda Catron, Early Childhood Secretary

 

PARTNERS

Hawkins County Family Resource Center, Amy Cinnamon Director

Rogersville/Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce, Nancy Barker

UETHDA  Head Start,  Bert Powell,  C. Steve Courtner , Cindy Spears

Rural Health Consortium, Dr. Chris Calendine

East Tennessee State University, Dr. Rebecca Isbell

HCBOE Health Educator, Amy Lipe

HCBOE Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, Patty Rider

                                   

WE BELIEVE…

We believe that families are the most important factor in the lives of children.  By supporting the whole family, we can make a difference in our community.  The first five years of life should be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploration and discovery.  Through positive experiences, young children learn the basic concepts that prepare them for future success.  Adults are also more likely to reach their full potential when empowered through positive experiences.  All people (adults and children alike) deserve to be accepted as unique individuals who bring their own strengths and understanding to every life situation.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

PROGRAM GOALS

Under the direction and leadership of the Hawkins County Board of Education, the Hawkins County Early Childhood Program is dedicated to serving “at-risk” four-year-old children and families in our local community. The early childhood education program will provide quality early childhood education services in accordance with the Tennessee Early Childhood Education Plan as adopted by the State Board of Education and stated in T.C.A. Section 49-6-101.

 

ü  Empower families to reach their fullest potential.

ü  Increase positive communication between parents and children. 

ü  Expand each child’s understanding of the world through play, small and large group activities, creative expression, and individual exploration.

ü  Assist children and families through the process of recognizing the rights, feelings, and property of others. 

ü  Encourage positive social interactions such as sharing and cooperation.

ü  Foster an appreciation for reading.  

ü  Encourage health and safety practices both at home and at school.

ü  Foster frequent communication between parents and program staff.

ü  Provide opportunities for children and families to participate in community activities.

CHILD ELIGIBILITY

 

• A child must be four years old on or before September 30^th of the current school year.
• Children targeted first must be considered “at-risk” with family income that qualifies the child for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program and in the un-served or underserved population.

 

 

 

 

                
 

OPERATING POLICIES

 

Program Options:

The Early Childhood Program is funded by Governor Bredesen’s Preschool Act of 2005 and  Even Start, a family literacy program that is provided free of charge through the Hawkins County School System.  Families are required to participate fully in the program in order to ensure future federal funding.

 

Literacy Components:

§ Adult Education: Parents may be enrolled in any educational pursuit, including, but not limited to, college, trade school, business school, certification programs that advance job skills or pay, GED, High School Diploma, self-study programs that will increase job skills or pay, and others as deemed appropriate by the staff.

§ Parenting: The Hawkins County Family Resource Center will provide weekly parenting flyers as well as monthly parenting meetings. Parenting classes are also offered by Head Start and are available to all parents. Please inquire about the schedule, as it changes monthly. These materials and classes are meant to support the parent. If you have specific needs or questions, please ask any staff member or contact the Family Resource Center at 423-921-9621 for customized parenting classes and/or information.

§ Early Childhood Education: Children learn best in an age-appropriate environment. Your child’s success will be determined by their attendance and your support.

§ Interactive Literacy: Otherwise known as PACT, is parent and child together time and involves the parent in early childhood activities. The center will have set times parents are welcome to join in the classroom and share activities with their child. Our purpose is to enforce that the parent is the child’s first and most important teacher.

 

Together, these literacy components provide holistic family services that support both young children and adults.  Studies have now proven that children who participate in family literacy programs have higher academic test scores than those who did not have the opportunity.  Parents who participate in these programs are more likely to meet their educational goals and go on to reach professional goals.      

Staffing:

The Early Childhood Program follows the hiring practices of the Hawkins County Schools and the Board of Education.  The program staff consists of qualified teachers and teaching assistants with experience working with young children.  The lead teachers have an Early Childhood Degree and are licensed by the State of Tennessee.  Other staff members are CDA certified or participating in CDA classes. The maximum class size for each pre-school class is 20 students with two adults: child ratio of 1:10.

  

Enrollment & Withdrawal:

The program follows federal Even Start and state Department of Education guidelines in the enrollment and withdrawal of children and families from the program.  In order to be enrolled in the program, families must meet adult education criteria and participate in at least three of the five literacy components listed under Program Options on page 3 of the parent handbook.  A waiting list has been created and families are enrolled in a fair and systematic manner as classroom openings become available.  We require a two-week notice for withdrawal of a child from the program.  The program also reserves the right to request the withdrawal of a child if the family is not fully participating in three literacy components or a situation arises that places the child, staff members, or other children at risk.               

                                                                                                                              

Program Closings & Schedule Changes:

Bad Weather: The program operates on the Hawkins County School schedule.  If Hawkins County School System is closed we will also be closed for students.   If the schedule is delayed we will also be delayed in opening.  In the event of bad weather, listen to the 6:30am news on WRGS radio or WCYB News Channel 5.  If Hawkins County Schools are on a one hour delay or a two hour delay, we will open at a time to be determined. Staff In-Service Days and Holidays: The program is also closed for Hawkins County School System in-service, required training days and holidays, unless otherwise noted. 

Pick-Up and Delivery of Children:

Parents must provide transportation.

No child is to arrive to preschool before 7:30 a.m., nor be picked up after 1:00 pm Monday through Friday. For safety's sake, children must be left in the care of an adult, with the children being brought directly to the classroom. Children must never be left at preschool without a teacher present. Parents are asked to return to the classroom to pick-up their children after class is over. Each parent must complete an “Emergency Card” giving emergency contact information and identifying any adult having permission to pickup the child in the parent’s absence. The parent is responsible for updating the emergency card when appropriate. No child will be released to an individual who is not on the emergency card. Additions to the emergency card MAY NOT be added by telephone. Any additions must be made in person by the parent or guardian. A sign-in / sign-out system is in place.

 

Attendance:

Your child's attendance is very important. If for any reason your child is not going to attend on a particular day please call us by 7:50 am so we can plan our day accordingly. If your child does not attend for 10 consecutive days and we do not receive a call from you, we will assume your child is not going to be attending anymore. A child from the waiting list will fill your child's spot. Children are expected to arrive each day by 8:00 am. Any child having chronic attendance problems or tardiness may be dropped from the program.

Absences require a parent or doctor’s note, which will be kept on file.

 

Meals:

A nutritious breakfast and lunch are provided on a regular and appropriate schedule.

Children who wish to eat breakfast at the center must arrive by 7:50 a.m.  All outside food and drinks brought into the center must be prearranged with the program staff to ensure the highest health and safety standards. 

  

Parties and Holiday Celebrations

 

Instead of Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, we have Fall, Winter and Spring celebration days at each site. We also recognize a Student of the Day every school day. In keeping with the focus on childhood eating habits and the increase in childhood obesity, all early childhood centers will not allow the following for any celebration or sponsored event:

o   Candy of any kind

o   Cookies

o   Cupcakes

o   Birthday cakes

o   Fruit Roll Ups

o   Gummies

o   Juice Boxes that are not 100% juice

o   Any other food item that contains sugar as the one of the first three ingredients.

Goody bags will be presented to students at each celebration event. Suggestions for donations are pencils, small, inexpensive toys, erasers, small notepads, etc. The following food items are appropriate donations at a celebration event: cut-up fruit, yogurt and vegetables with ranch dip. We will also supply a list from the Food Service Department of other appropriate choices. Please ask if you have additional ideas.

 

Dress and Possessions: 

Children are encouraged to wear play clothes and tennis shoes. Daily activities include active play and messy play, and the children should feel comfortable enough to enjoy themselves without worrying about their clothes. The child's name should be placed on all outdoor clothing and other belongings to help ensure the return of all the proper possessions and clothes.  Clothing should allow children to be self-sufficient and take care of personal needs independently.  Power Rangers, Pokemon, Guns, knives and ropes are not appropriate toys for school.  Temporary tattoos must be covered by the child’s clothing as well.

 

Due to an increase of the occurrence of asthma and allergies, we ask that families

do not wear heavy perfume, lotions or cologne at the center.  These products can trigger asthma attacks or severe allergic reactions.        

 

HEALTH POLICIES

 

Immunizations & Health Records:

Regulations and precautions for protecting children’s health are required in any group care setting licensed by the State of Tennessee.  All parents are required to complete the following health forms and documents before their child will be admitted into the program:                                                                                                                                 

ü  Health History Checklist

ü  Immunization Chart signed by physician: Tennessee Pre-School Immunization Certificate.  ( Must have original signature and cannot be a copy of the parent’s blue immunization card.)

 

Immunizations must be kept up-to-date.  Please inform the staff when your child gets new immunizations so we can document the occurrence.  Exceptions to this are made ONLY upon written medical release.  The Tennessee Department of Human Services and the Department of Education Standards prohibit us from serving children whose immunizations are not current. 

 

The following immunizations are required:

ü  Hepatitis B                                               ü  Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)

ü  Diptheria/Tetanus/Pertussis                 ü  Varicella

ü  Prevnar (if born after 6/29/01)              ü  Polio

ü  Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB)

 

Medication:

If any medication (prescription or non-prescription) is to be given to your child by our staff, please leave specific written instructions concerning dosage on the appropriate forms. Medicine (including over-the-counter medications) will NOT be dispensed without this information. If parents choose to provide over-the-counter medications that are kept for use as indicated on the bottle, a permission form and dosage instructions must accompany such medication. All medication, non-prescription and prescription should be in the original container and have the child's name on the container.

 

Notification of Illness:

Communication about contagious diseases is very important.  If your child is exposed to or contracts a contagious disease, please notify us immediately. If your child is exposed to a contagious disease at the Early Childhood Learning Center, your child's teacher will notify you.  If your child has been sick and you are not sure about bringing him/her to the Center, please call your child's teacher.  Please understand that we want all of the children in our center to be happy and healthy.  If your child is sick, please keep them at home.  Not only will your child recuperate quicker, but the likelihood of another child or staff member getting sick from your child will be decreased.  This helps cut down on the vicious cycle of sickness.

 

Attendance of Sick children:

Families are the first defense in preventing the spread of infectious diseases in the program.  Because we recognize that there is a wide range of opinions on what constitutes acceptable care and that healthcare providers may even differ in their recommendation for attendance of sick children, we have based our attendance policy on the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association. 

 

The Early Childhood Learning Center is not equipped to provide for sick children.  Parents should respond to the call concerning a sick child within 30 minutes and pick the child up within an hour.  Exclusion from group care will be required if the child exhibits any of the following signs or symptoms:

1. The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in the daily activities;
2. The illness requires a greater care need than the staff can provide without compromising the health and well being of the other children in the class; or

      

3. The child has any of the following symptoms: 
   1. Temperature: Oral -100 degrees or greater*; Under arm -99 degrees or greater* accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or symptoms.  *Without the use of a fever reducer.

2.    Signs of other possible severe illness such as unusual drowsiness, uncontrolled coughing, irritability, persistent crying, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or other unusual signs.                                                                      

3. Diarrhea: Uncontrolled diarrhea, increased water in the stool or any stool that cannot be contained by a diaper.
4. Vomiting Illness: 2 or more episodes in the previous 24 hours until vomiting stops or until a health care provider determine the illness to be non-communicable and the child is not in danger of dehydration. If readmission is based on a health care provider's advice, written instructions from the health care provider are required.
5. Rash: Unknown Rash with or without fever or behavior change.
6. Conjunctivitis
7. Infestations: Scabies, Head lice, or other Infestation.

Please see the Parent Handbook Attachment A: Hawkins County Schools Lice Policy for further information on required policies and procedures. 

8. Strep: Strep throat or other streptococcal infection.
9. Yellow or Green Nasal Discharge: Large amounts of colored nasal discharge.  May return with doctor’s note confirming child is free of contagious infection.
3. If a child is sent home for any of the above reasons, the child will not be able to attend the following school day.  EXCEPTION: If the child has a doctor’s note saying they may return or if the child is sent home on Friday, they may return on Monday.

      If you are required to pick up a child who is sick, you will be given a form that states the

     guidelines for the child's readmission to the Center. Upon next arrival to school, children

      will be checked for symptoms in the presence of a parent to ensure the health & safety of

     all children. If the child is still exhibiting symptoms or taking fever reducer, they will not be

     allowed to attend for the day.    Also, children must participate in outside play time.  If you

      feel your child is not able to participate in outdoor activities due to their sickness, please

      leave them at home.

 

Lice Policy:

The program follows the guidelines created by the Hawkins County Board of Education.  If your child contracts head lice, the Hawkins County Schools Health Services Department will guide you through the proper techniques and procedures to follow.  The school system allows 2 days absence for head lice.  If the infestation is discovered on Friday, the weekend will count as the 2 days. A form will be completed detailing the extent of infestation, number of occurrences, and treatment procedures followed.  Parents must complete the form prior to readmittance into the program.  Please see the policy listed as Attachment A at the end of the Parent Handbook.   Upon return to the center, a staff member must check the child’s hair and determine it to be “louse free” for the child to remain at the center.

 
 

EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM

Curriculum Framework:

The Early Childhood Learning Center curriculum is aligned with the Tennessee Early Childhood Education – Early Learning Development Standards. The curriculum consists of eight areas of child development: Literacy, Music, Motor Development, Art, Self-Concept, Math, Science, and Social Skills.  The following curriculum web describes each component in detail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a learning center-based environment, children gain skills that will prepare them for educational success.  All of the skills listed above are woven into our daily curriculum.  In this learning environment we include ALL children.  Every child has his/her own strengths that can be used as a building block for academic and social success.

 

Each teacher prepares weekly lesson plans or curriculum webs that are used to guide learning.  Please feel free to ask your child’s teacher for more information about the curriculum.           

 

Children’s Center Rules:

The following are the rules that we use with the children at the center. Please help the children remember these rules as they come and go in the center.

1.    Be kind to your friends. Use kind words and actions with each other- even when you are pretending.

2.    Use walking legs and inside voices when you are inside the center. Save your running legs and loud voices for the playground.

3.    Help keep the center neat. Put materials and games away when you finish using them.

4.    Be safe. Never enter or leave the building or playground without your teacher. 

 

Guidance and Discipline:

The children participating in the program will be well supervised at all times.  Teachers will use positive approaches to help children behave constructively.  Guidance methods include redirection (getting the child interested in another activity), positive reinforcement (giving praise for good behavior), and providing clear, consistent rules that are explained to the children.  Teachers strive to model behaviors that teach children how to resolve problems and conflicts.  Corporal punishment (spanking) is not used in our program. 

 

Communication about discipline between parents and teachers is very important.  Although families and the Early Childhood Program may not use identical methods of guidance and discipline, it is important that we strive to communicate with each other.  If a child’s behavior is believed to put other children or staff members at risk, the Early Childhood Program staff reserve the right to ask parents to immediately remove the child from the program.  We will continue to work with the family to help change the behavior through assessments, individualized behavior plans, alternative discipline measures and intervention strategies; however, in the event this is not successful, the parents will be consulted and the child may be referred to the Hawkins County Schools’ Special Education Department for further assessment. In the unlikely event that all measures are not successful, parents may be asked to permanently withdraw the child from the program.  Parents will be given assistance in identifying additional professional resources and community services.

 

Biting:

On the first instance of biting, the parent will be called in. A plan will be developed to address the problem. If biting occurs again, the child may be dismissed from the program.

 

Parent-Teacher Communication:

Parents are an essential part of our curriculum.  Parent-teacher communication is fostered in a variety of ways:

ü  Daily personal contact with your child’s teacher

ü  Family Mailboxes

ü  Parent-teacher requested conferences

ü  Personal Notes

ü  Family Information Board

ü  Conversations at the beginning and end of each day

To keep informed about the day your child is experiencing each teacher prepares a general overview with specific details about field trips, special activities and daily routines.  This overview will be sent home weekly.  It is also posted on the parent information board located beside the family mailboxes.  All parents are required to attend a parent/teacher conference at least twice yearly.

Parent Volunteers in the Classroom:

Because parents play a vital role in the lives of the children, we encourage direct parent participation in the program.  The following is a list of times and activities that parents may participate in: 

7:30am - 8:00am                  Assist with early care by reading with the children or doing puzzles & games, or telling stories. 

8:00am - 8:30am                  Pick-up, set-up, and/or serve breakfast

                                                You can help serve the children.

 8:30am - 10:00am               Assist in classrooms, help with preschool art activities.

10:300am - 11:30am           Assist in classrooms.

11:30am - 12:00pm             Help prepare lunch and eat with the children.

12:00pm - 1:00pm                Assist in classrooms.

Sometimes children act differently when parents are present in the classroom. Many times a student is shy and reserved in the classroom, but is outgoing and talkative when the parents are present. Children with challenging behaviors sometimes exhibit an increase in defiance, outbursts, unruly conduct, etc. if a parent is in the classroom. For this reason, we reserve the right to ask the parent to choose their participation carefully or not at all in an effort to maintain classroom control.

 

Photos and Videos

We often take photos of the students to use for educational purposes, to make crafts and to publish in the Rogersville Review and Kingsport Times for promotion of the program. We also use video for staff development purposes at various times. If you do not wish for your child to be photographed or videoed, you must provide a written refusal that will be kept in your child’s file.

 

Extended-day / Extended-year Services:

The Early Childhood Learning Center staff will assist families to obtain needed child care by providing a list of local child care agencies and contact information.

                                                                                          

SPECIAL POLICIES

Parental Grievance:

The grievance policy for parents is designed to help resolve conflicts in a direct and professional manner. We would like to use the resolution of any grievances as an opportunity to communicate clearly and openly with each other while remaining professional and respectful.  When a conflict occurs, the following procedures are to be followed:

1.    Parents are encouraged to think carefully about the situation and define   clearly the concern or problem.

2.    Parents should talk first with their child's teacher about the concern and try to resolve the problem by clearly communicating the concern, listening to the teacher's perspective, and discussing various solutions to the problems.

3.    If the child's teacher cannot help resolve the problem, parents should next talk with the Early Childhood Program Director, Kim Cassidy.  If the concern relates to a policy issue, the Early Childhood Program Director will include Sherry Terry, Elementary Supervisor for the Hawkins County School System, or a designee, in the process as appropriate.  

 

On the rare occasion when a problem cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of all involved and it is apparent there is not a good match between the family's needs and the program goals and operation, the parents may be asked to withdraw their child from the Early Childhood Learning Center.

 

Removal From the Early Childhood Program:

Children will be removed from the program without duress for the following actions:

·         All methods of intervention for children with challenging behaviors have been exhausted, the behavior persists and other children and staff members’ safety are at risk;

·         Student is absent for five consecutive days without notice from parent or guardian (Attached signed agreement must be in student’s file);

·         Persistent biting;

·         Other situations/occurrences that involve student/staff personal safety risk, illegal activity conducted on school property and any other issue deemed extreme or inappropriate by school staff.

                                                                                                                                     

Right to Refuse Release of a Child:  

Sometimes situations present themselves when teachers or teacher assistants feel that a child would be at risk if released to a person that is suspected of not being in full command of their faculties. If this situation were to arise, that staff member is required to contact the Rogersville Police Department and/or the Hawkins County EMS. The parent or designated person coming to get the child would be detained (if no immediate medical attention was needed) on the premises while waiting on the arrival of a police officer.  This policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of both the child and the adult. Some examples include but are not limited to:

1.    A parent or designated person comes to pick up a child and is complaining of severe headache and/or blurring of vision;

2.    A parent or designated person comes to pick up a child and the teacher smells alcohol on his/her breath or person;

3.    A parent or designated person comes to pick up a child and does not have the proper safety restraint to transport the child in a safe manner;

4.    A parent or designated person comes to pick up a child and seems confused or unsteady on his/her feet.

5.    A parent or designated person is not on the emergency card pick-up list.

Research and Field Work:

Because our program is affiliated with East Tennessee State University, college students in the fields of child development, child psychology and early childhood education may participate as observers in the early childhood classroom.  The specific requirements for these field experiences vary, but they may include participation in our class activities, journal writing, or case studies.  All college students are placed in classes by staff members and are monitored at all times by our teachers.  The rights and privacy of all children will be protected and maintained. 

 

Assessment of Program:

The Early Childhood Learning Center staff will administer the following assessments:

·         Family Survey          spring of each year

·         Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS)         fall of each year

·         Early Language & Literacy Classroom Observation (ELLCO)  fall of each year

The assessment information will be used in the development of an Early Childhood Learning Center Improvement Plan, which will address areas of need identified. Progress in meeting the objectives in the areas of need identified will be reviewed and documented at mid-year and at the end of the school year.

 

Transition Plan:

The Early Childhood Learning Center will provide a transition plan to introduce each child and family to the pre-school program. At the end of the year, a transition plan will introduce each child and family into the kindergarten program. 

 

Attachment A: Hawkins County Board of Education’s Lice Form;     

B: Parent Handbook Agreement;   

C: Absenteeism Parent Contract