Early Learning Center Parent Handbook 2011-2012

20 1

2011-‐2012 Parent/Student Handbook

Flagler County Schools Adult Education Early Learning Center

Bunnell Elementary 800 E. Howe Street Bunnell, FL 32110

CFS LICENSE-‐ #C07FL0033

Adult Education Adult Education Adult Education Early Learning CenterEarly Learning CenterEarly Learning Center

Of ExcellenceOf ExcellenceOf Excellence

2

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF FLAGLER COUNTY

Susan Dickinson, Chairperson Colleen Conklin

John Fischer Andy Dance

Trevor Tucker

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Janet Valentine

ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Director: Virginia Giaramita Early Learning Center Program Manager: Marta Barber

Adult Education Early Learning Center Phone: (386) 437-­7584

Fax: (386) 437-­7368

Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia (386)437-­8236

Kim Kania Janis Vinci

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August 2011 Dear Parents;; It is a privilege to have your child at our Adult Education Early Learning Center of Excellence. It is our hope and intent for you and your child to be pleased with the high quality of education and care offered by our professional staff. All staff are certified in CPR and First Aid and either have a degree in the field of education or a Child Development Specialist certification. We are proud to have such a fine group of Early Educators who constantly strive to make each day a special one for your child. We always welcome family involvement in our center and invite you to take part in any way possible. There are times when you can send in materials, make something at home to bring into the center, or simply drop by anytime to visit the class and observe your child. My door is always open for suggestions, comments or to hear your concerns. I always appreciate hearing when our staff has done a very good job with your child or how we

to us. I am looking forward to a wonderful year together! Thank you for allowing us to be a

Sincerely, Marta Barber Program Manager

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PHILOSOPHY

We believe that every child is unique, important and should be valued as an individual who is gifted in his or her own way. We commit to providing an environment of playful

-­esteem and ability to interact with others. Activities and learning centers are designed with the age of the child in mind. Children will have the opportunity to actively participate in language, literacy, discovery, cooking experiences, dramatic play, outdoor play, music, science, construction and creative expression activities each day. Children will be encouraged to use their problem-­solving skills in each activity and will develop the skills that are appropriate for them at their own pace. We believe that each child learns through interacting with each other and the adults they are in contact with. Communication is a key element for the children. Time is spent getting to know each on an individual basis. We provide positive role models through our dedicated and loving staff. Children will learn by exploring their surroundings and building relationships with their peers and their teachers. We believe that parent support and involvement is vital to our program. You are always welcome in the classroom to spend time with your child, observe our teaching methods, and make suggestions or voice concerns in relation to the development of your child. The Adult Education Early Learning Center wishes to serve your child, you and your family. Flagler County School Board;; along with The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties, Department of Children and Families, State of Florida and the Department of Education, is providing a service which is affordable, easily accessible to parents and meets or exceeds County, State and Federal regulations. The Adult Education Early Learning Center provides a safe, warm and nurturing environment which affords each child the opportunity to participate in a variety of developmentally appropriate activities giving each child the skills and self concept to be successful.

THE ADULT EDUCATION EARLY LEARNING CENTER

GOALS * Create a safe environment of warmth and security * Offer an accessible, affordable program administered by the Flagler County School District and contracted by The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties and The Department of Children and Families * Offer a variety of developmentally appropriate activities that promote Individual growth in each child * Meet or exceed County, State and Federal regulations related to child care and early childhood education

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Verification of Understanding

I ________________________________ have read The Early Learning Center

of Excellence Parent Handbook and understand its contents and policies.

___________________________________ _________________

Signature of Parent Date

__________________________________ __________________

Signature of ELCE Program Manager Date

Please sign, date and return this page to the front office.

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THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF FLAGLER COUNTY

2011-­2012 School Calendar

August 15-­16 Professional Development Days August 17-­19 Preplanning Days August 22 First Day of School for Students September 5 Labor Day No school October 24 Teacher Planning Day October 25 Professional Development Day November 11 -­No school November 21-­25 Thanksgiving Break Dec. 22-­Jan 4 Winter Holiday January 5 School Resumes January 16 MLK Birthday Observance-­No school January 23 Teacher Planning Day February 20 No school March 30 Teacher Planning Day-­No school April 2-­6 Spring Break April 9 School Resumes May 28 Memorial Day-­ No school June 7 Last day of school for students June 11 Summer Camp begins

5

STAFF

The Adult and Community Education Department will hire only the most qualified staff to work as educators and caregivers. Employee requirements include 45-­hours of state mandated training, CPR, First Aid, Child Care Development Specialist certification and/or degree in Early Education or Elementary Education and continuing education in-­service. All staff must be in good physical health and submit to fingerprinting and local and state background screening. The Program Manager, Marta Barber, is responsible for the overall daily operation of the program. Her duties include supervision and coordination of staff;; program assessment and quality assurance;; promoting a healthy and safe environment;; parent communication, billing and financial oversight. If you have any concerns regarding the program please contact the Program Manager. The Adult and Community Education Director and Program Manager work together to develop, implement, manage and evaluate the Early Education Program. The Site Manager , Sandra Nelson, maintains children and staff files, daily attendance records, subsidy billing and assists in all classrooms when needed. Classroom Staff plan and implement the daily enrichment activities and routines using the Creative Curriculum as a guide, observe and assess the children, promote character development, promote a healthy and safe environment and communicate daily with parents.

6

ELIGIBILITY

Children will be admitted based on their needs and the appropriateness of the program for the child. If it is determined that staff training, staff-­child ratio, or facilities used create an undesirable situation for your child, other children, or the staff, the Director of Adult and Community Education will request removal of your child from the program.

REGISTRATION

At the time of registration you will receive a parent packet containing enrollment forms and instructions concerning medical and immunization requirements. This packet also contains important information on center policies and procedures. Please read it carefully. An annual non-­refundable registration fee of $25.00 per child thereafter that your child is enrolled to be used for materials, supplies, staff training and to secure his/her spot for the upcoming year.

FEDERAL/STATE/COUNTY REGULATIONS

The Adult Education Early Learning Center strictly follows all Federal, State and County Rules and Regulations. Our Department of Children and Families issued License number is C07FL0033.

VISITS

You are invited and welcome to visit the Adult Education Early Learning Center at any time while your

are an important part of the program and we urge you to come early and stay late so you can participate in the activities with your child. Our campus is designated a Drug-­Free School Zone. Firearms and weapons are prohibited. Speed limit near our facility is 10 mph.

NEW BEGINNINGS PROGRAM

Any parent or guardian of a child under the age of eight who is in need of adult services may be eligible for the New Beginnings Program. This program entitles the parties to services at no cost to the parent. Adult services include the following: ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), GED and ABE (Adult Basic Education), and Early Childhood Development. Please call Susan Warner at (386) 437-­7584 ext 4131 for more information.

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Discipline Policy It is the policy of the Early Learning Center to provide a safe and educational environment to all the children in attendance. Naturally, altercations between children do occur and some children may not adjust as quickly as others to a school environment. It is the policy of our staff to model positive behavior and provide exciting activities to allow each child to learn and grow at their own pace and intervene as necessary when altercations occur. Our discipline policy includes the following steps:

Redirection if altercations between children occur or a child is unable to interact positively with other children the children or child is redirected to different

activities Reinforcement positive behavior is reinforced to children by simple and non-­

accusatory language and modeling by the teacher Intervention

one-­on-­one time during school hours with activities the child enjoys Collaboration an intervention plan is discussed between teacher and parents which will be used both in the classroom and at home Assessment

qualified inclusion specialist from The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties or by FDLRS

Intercession Plan with the aid from the assessment results and the inclusion specialist, an intercession plan will be initiated in the classroom and at home

Withdrawal if the child still exhibits aggressive or disruptive behavior after all the above steps have been utilized, the Early Learning Center reserves the right to withdraw the child from program;; however, all efforts will be made to assist the parent in finding another program the child can enroll into which may be more conducive to his/her needs.

14

HEAD LICE PROCEDURES

If a child is found or suspected to have head lice, prompt removal from the center is required. All nits must report any head lice seen on their child to a staff member. The Program Manager will inspect the child to confirm or negate the presence of head lice and make the final decision. * Head lice are a common problem that can affect anyone, at any age * Head lice are small, flat insects that are about 1.8 centimeters in length * They do not have wings and cannot jump * Lice eggs are found at the back of the neck, behind the ears and at the crown of the head * Itching and skin irritation can be signs of head lice infestation * More than one treatment may be required to eradicate head lice * If a child has head lice, other items the child has come in contact with may also be infested. To completely rid your home of the infestation, all sheets, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals and clothing must be washed with hot water and soap. Furniture fabric should also be treated by steam cleaning * Lice eggs can be transmitted easily from person to person;; therefore, it is imperative that all family members be checked if one family member is discovered to have head lice * If debris in the hair slides easily up and down the hair shafts, it is NOT head lice

7

Tuition

Tuition rates at the Adult Education Early Learning Center are listed below. Fees are due on Monday of each week. Checks are to be made payable to the Flagler County School Board. Accounts will not be carried for more than two weeks. Accounts two or more weeks in arrears may warrant your child being suspended from the program until the account is brought up to date. The rates are standard per week whether or not your child attends each day. Each parent is allowed one credit week per year per child to be used for vacations or extended illness of a child. Please contact the Program Manager if a delay in payment is necessary. Non-­payment of overdue fees may result in your child being withdrawn from the program.

Weekly Fee Infant (6 weeks-­12 mo) $150 per week Toddler 1 (1 year-­2 years) $126 per week Toddler 2 (2 years-­3 years) $120 per week Preschool (3 years-­5 years) $120 per week

A $25.00 annual non-­refundable Registration Fee will apply at the beginning of each school year.

Checks returned due to insufficient funds will result in all future

.

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HOURS/DAYS OF OPERATION The Adult Education Early Learning Center will operate on all regular Flagler School District days. A calendar of important dates is included on the back cover. Staff will be on duty at 6:30 a.m. to receive children. The center will close at 5:30 p.m. Please be prompt in picking up your child/children. A late fee of $10.00 per child for every 10 minutes you are late after 5:30pm will be charged to your account. If possible, please contact the Center by 4:30 p.m. if you will be arriving late to pick up your child/children. Repeated tardiness in picking up your child may result in his/her removal from the program. Failure to pick up your child will result in notification to the appropriate authorities. Staff of the Adult Education Early Learning Center are not permitted to transport children enrolled in the center or care for them in their homes after hours.

EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF FLAGLER/VOLUSIA

Tuition assistance is available through The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties (ELCFV). To apply or for more information please call Janis Vinci at (386) 437-­8236. The local office address of the Early Learning Coalition is 800 E. Howe Street, Bunnell, FL 32110. If you receive tuition assistance through the ELCFV it is your responsibility to ensure your funding is secure by making your re-­determination appointment with an ELCFV counselor 45 days in advance, bring all necessary documentation to the appointment, make sure you have a renewal referral if needed, pay your parent fee to the Early Learning Center each Monday and most importantly, bring your child to school each day. Failure to adhere to the ELCFV Eligibility and Re-­determination policies may warrant termination of your funding. Effective July 1, 2010 the ELCFV will institute a new absence policy that authorizes reimbursement to providers for only 3 absences per month. Therefore, it is imperative that you bring your child to school every day unless he/she is ill. If your child is ill for more than 3

has not used or has partially used while he/she is enrolled in our program. Excessive

our program.

13

REMINDERS * -­entry to the center if a communicable disease is suspected * contact numbers. You may speak with the Office Site Manager to update * Authorized staff will administer prescription or over-­the-­counter medication only Administer Medicine form * Children are instructed to report any and all injuries to the staff immediately * Children may not wear hair beads as they are a serious choking hazard * Children must wear tennis shoes or closed-­toe shoes to prevent injury to feet and toes * Excessive absences may warrant dismissal from the program

PROGRAM CLOSURES

All Flagler County School District Holiday Observances

Thanksgiving Break November 21st-­25th, 2011

Winter Break

December 22nd, 2011-­January 4, 2012

Spring Break April 2nd-­6th, 2012

*

12

NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

The Adult Education Early Learning Center participates in the National School Lunch Program through Bunnell Elementary. Your child may be eligible for FREE or RE-­DUCED breakfast and lunch. Applications for eligibility are available in the office. If your child is eligible for reduced meals the cost as of 7/1/09 is $3.25 per week per child. If your child is not eligible the cost per week for breakfast and lunch is $10.00 per child. You are not obligated to participate in this program;; however, if you choose

nity to refrigerate or heat any food brought from home. FREE breakfast and lunch is provided during summer camp months (early June through late August).

RELOCATION In the event that Bunnell Elementary School must also be evacuated, all children and staff will be relocated by bus to the Flagler Palm Coast High School. Notification will be posted at the entrance to the Adult Education Early Learning Center.

ACCIDENT / ILLNESS

The health and safety of the children in our care at the Adult Education Early Learning Center are our first priority. All staff is certified in First Aid and CPR. Additionally, the Flagler County School Board has required all staff to attend training in regards to AIDS, Hepatitis and other Blood Borne Pathogens. It is Flagler County School Board policy

possibility of transmission of disease. The use of approved disinfectant, rubber gloves and recommended precautions are all constantly reinforced to help maintain a healthy and safe environment. If a child is injured or becomes ill while in attendance, the staff will contact the parent after administering First Aid. If no contact can be made with the parent or other emer-­gency contacts listed and if the injury is considered serious, the ambulance service will be called. All accidents and incidents will be documented and require a parent signa-­ture. Please do not bring your child to the center if he/she is feeling ill. If your child becomes ill after arriving, you or your designees will be called to take the child home. The De-­

exhibit the following symptoms: severe coughing, difficult or rapid breathing, stiff neck, diarrhea, green or yellow discharge from the nose, temperature of 101 degrees or above, vomiting, conjunctivitis, untreated skin patches and suspected communicable

gram Manager. Prompt removal of an ill child helps protect all the children. 9

INFANTS (6 Weeks-­11 months)

clothing, sheet and blanket for naptime, pre-­mixed formula in a clean nursing bottle (unless prescribed by a doctor, cereal is not permitted in the pre-­mixed bottle), baby food for breakfast and lunch and snack. The Adult Education Early Learning Center staff is not responsible for lost items.

TODDLERS 1 (12 months-­23 months)

clothing, sheet and blanket for naptime, and daily breakfast and lunch if not purchased from the cafeteria. It is best to provide a nutritious meal that a toddler can easily eat and the caregivers can easily set out. Lunch needs to be ready to eat if your child does not participate in the School Lunch Program. Please do not bring foods that a toddler could easily choke on such as hot dogs, grapes, potato chips, nuts, miniature candy bars or popcorn. It is the policy of the Adult Education Early Learning Center not to serve these items to children less than 5 years of age. A favorite toy may be

Please label all items The Adult Education Early Learning Center staff is not

responsible for lost items. It is a natural occurrence for some toddlers to bite. Our caregivers are very conscious

vent a child from biting or being bitten. Our standard reaction to a child who has been bitten is to wash the wound with soap and water immediately and comfort the child. Positive redirection will be given to the child who bites another. In this case, positive redirection means telling the child that teeth are used only for chewing food and smiling big smiles and then limiting contact with the other child. When a child bites three times he/she will be suspended for two days. If the child bites a fourth time after returning to school the suspension will be for one week. If the child bites a fifth time the child will be withdrawn from the program.

TODDLERS 2 (24 months-­36 months)

clothing, sheet and blanket for naptime, and daily breakfast and lunch if not purchased from the cafeteria. Lunch needs to be ready to eat. Please label all items with your

The Adult Education Early Learning Staff is not responsible for lost items. Potty training will be initiated in this room for those children showing signs of readiness. The caregivers will formulate a positive program of potty training to coincide with training in the home. Please refer to the TODDLER 1 details listed above for further requests, requirements and explanations.

10

PRESCHOOL 1 (36 months-­42 months) & PREKINDERGARTEN (42 months-­60+ months)

a daily breakfast and lunch that is ready to eat if your child does not participate in the School Lunch Program.. The Adult Education Early Learning Center staff is not responsible for lost items.

VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAM (VPK)

The Adult Education Early Learning Center of Excellence participates in the VPK Program for eligible 4-­year olds at the Bunnell Elementary campus and at the Indian Trails campus during the school year. VPK is also provided during the summer at the Early Learning Center for those children who did not participate in a school year program. For more information please contact the Program Manager.

PROCEDURES

Children must be escorted into the school and signed in by an adult in the morning and must be picked up and signed out by an authorized adult over the age of 18 in the evening. Children will only be released to individuals specified on the enrollment form.

-­up list must be cleared through the office. Identification may be requested. Any change in legal custody must be given to the Office Site Manager in the form of court documentation. Staff is not responsible for lost items. All personal items should be labeled by parents.

If your child will not be in attendance, please call and notify the office.

written note.

CURRICULUM

Each classroom uses the Creative Curriculum as a guideline in formulating age appro-­priate lesson plans for each week. The Creative Curriculum is a play-­based method of learning for children ages 1 year to 5 years of age. Other forms of curriculum;; such as High Scope, Montessori and High Reach, may also be incorporated as a means to vary learning styles and activities. The Adult Education Early Learning Center promotes teacher/child interaction to promote language development, character development,

for creative expression, fine and large motor development and problem solving.

11

Each classroom is arranged in eight specific areas: language/literacy, creative expression, science, math/manipulative table toys, dramatic play, blocks, sand/water play and motor development/music. Children are allowed to flow from area to area as their interests dictate. Weekly lessons are planned around monthly themes pertaining to holidays, seasons, events and the School Readiness Standards of the State of Florida. Children are encouraged to participate in each activity but are never forced as some activities may not interest them. Our outdoor playgrounds offer the same specific areas as the classrooms with more emphasis on gross motor development.

POSITIVE DISCIPLINE

Meeting the needs of children in a pleasant, familiar atmosphere requires the coopera-­tion of the staff, parents, and the children. No corporal punishment will be used by the Adult Education Early Learning Center staff. Positive redirection and positive reinforce-­ment are the methods used to promote appropriate behavior for each age group. If a child acts inappropriately toward another child, the staff will remove that child from the situation to speak with him or her. The staff will allow the child to express his or her feelings verbally thus providing an opportunity for the child to examine other appropri-­ate choices. Staff will use positive reinforcement to remind children of appropriate behavior. Depending upon the severity of an incident an Incident Report may be written to de-­

dismissal from the center.

REMOVAL FROM THE CENTER

* If you are repeatedly late (after 5:30 p.m.) picking up your child * If you fail to pay fees or are continuously delinquent (more than two weeks in arrears) * If your child does not benefit from the program (in which case we will * If your child does not respond to the staff-­student ratio * If inappropriate behavior or incident warrants * Excessive absences

10

PRESCHOOL 1 (36 months-­42 months) & PREKINDERGARTEN (42 months-­60+ months)

a daily breakfast and lunch that is ready to eat if your child does not participate in the School Lunch Program.. The Adult Education Early Learning Center staff is not responsible for lost items.

VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAM (VPK)

The Adult Education Early Learning Center of Excellence participates in the VPK Program for eligible 4-­year olds at the Bunnell Elementary campus and at the Indian Trails campus during the school year. VPK is also provided during the summer at the Early Learning Center for those children who did not participate in a school year program. For more information please contact the Program Manager.

PROCEDURES

Children must be escorted into the school and signed in by an adult in the morning and must be picked up and signed out by an authorized adult over the age of 18 in the evening. Children will only be released to individuals specified on the enrollment form.

-­up list must be cleared through the office. Identification may be requested. Any change in legal custody must be given to the Office Site Manager in the form of court documentation. Staff is not responsible for lost items. All personal items should be labeled by parents.

If your child will not be in attendance, please call and notify the office.

written note.

CURRICULUM

Each classroom uses the Creative Curriculum as a guideline in formulating age appro-­priate lesson plans for each week. The Creative Curriculum is a play-­based method of learning for children ages 1 year to 5 years of age. Other forms of curriculum;; such as High Scope, Montessori and High Reach, may also be incorporated as a means to vary learning styles and activities. The Adult Education Early Learning Center promotes teacher/child interaction to promote language development, character development,

for creative expression, fine and large motor development and problem solving.

11

Each classroom is arranged in eight specific areas: language/literacy, creative expression, science, math/manipulative table toys, dramatic play, blocks, sand/water play and motor development/music. Children are allowed to flow from area to area as their interests dictate. Weekly lessons are planned around monthly themes pertaining to holidays, seasons, events and the School Readiness Standards of the State of Florida. Children are encouraged to participate in each activity but are never forced as some activities may not interest them. Our outdoor playgrounds offer the same specific areas as the classrooms with more emphasis on gross motor development.

POSITIVE DISCIPLINE

Meeting the needs of children in a pleasant, familiar atmosphere requires the coopera-­tion of the staff, parents, and the children. No corporal punishment will be used by the Adult Education Early Learning Center staff. Positive redirection and positive reinforce-­ment are the methods used to promote appropriate behavior for each age group. If a child acts inappropriately toward another child, the staff will remove that child from the situation to speak with him or her. The staff will allow the child to express his or her feelings verbally thus providing an opportunity for the child to examine other appropri-­ate choices. Staff will use positive reinforcement to remind children of appropriate behavior. Depending upon the severity of an incident an Incident Report may be written to de-­

dismissal from the center.

REMOVAL FROM THE CENTER

* If you are repeatedly late (after 5:30 p.m.) picking up your child * If you fail to pay fees or are continuously delinquent (more than two weeks in arrears) * If your child does not benefit from the program (in which case we will * If your child does not respond to the staff-­student ratio * If inappropriate behavior or incident warrants * Excessive absences

12

NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

The Adult Education Early Learning Center participates in the National School Lunch Program through Bunnell Elementary. Your child may be eligible for FREE or RE-­DUCED breakfast and lunch. Applications for eligibility are available in the office. If your child is eligible for reduced meals the cost as of 7/1/09 is $3.25 per week per child. If your child is not eligible the cost per week for breakfast and lunch is $10.00 per child. You are not obligated to participate in this program;; however, if you choose

nity to refrigerate or heat any food brought from home. FREE breakfast and lunch is provided during summer camp months (early June through late August).

RELOCATION In the event that Bunnell Elementary School must also be evacuated, all children and staff will be relocated by bus to the Flagler Palm Coast High School. Notification will be posted at the entrance to the Adult Education Early Learning Center.

ACCIDENT / ILLNESS

The health and safety of the children in our care at the Adult Education Early Learning Center are our first priority. All staff is certified in First Aid and CPR. Additionally, the Flagler County School Board has required all staff to attend training in regards to AIDS, Hepatitis and other Blood Borne Pathogens. It is Flagler County School Board policy

possibility of transmission of disease. The use of approved disinfectant, rubber gloves and recommended precautions are all constantly reinforced to help maintain a healthy and safe environment. If a child is injured or becomes ill while in attendance, the staff will contact the parent after administering First Aid. If no contact can be made with the parent or other emer-­gency contacts listed and if the injury is considered serious, the ambulance service will be called. All accidents and incidents will be documented and require a parent signa-­ture. Please do not bring your child to the center if he/she is feeling ill. If your child becomes ill after arriving, you or your designees will be called to take the child home. The De-­

exhibit the following symptoms: severe coughing, difficult or rapid breathing, stiff neck, diarrhea, green or yellow discharge from the nose, temperature of 101 degrees or above, vomiting, conjunctivitis, untreated skin patches and suspected communicable

gram Manager. Prompt removal of an ill child helps protect all the children. 9

INFANTS (6 Weeks-­11 months)

clothing, sheet and blanket for naptime, pre-­mixed formula in a clean nursing bottle (unless prescribed by a doctor, cereal is not permitted in the pre-­mixed bottle), baby food for breakfast and lunch and snack. The Adult Education Early Learning Center staff is not responsible for lost items.

TODDLERS 1 (12 months-­23 months)

clothing, sheet and blanket for naptime, and daily breakfast and lunch if not purchased from the cafeteria. It is best to provide a nutritious meal that a toddler can easily eat and the caregivers can easily set out. Lunch needs to be ready to eat if your child does not participate in the School Lunch Program. Please do not bring foods that a toddler could easily choke on such as hot dogs, grapes, potato chips, nuts, miniature candy bars or popcorn. It is the policy of the Adult Education Early Learning Center not to serve these items to children less than 5 years of age. A favorite toy may be

Please label all items The Adult Education Early Learning Center staff is not

responsible for lost items. It is a natural occurrence for some toddlers to bite. Our caregivers are very conscious

vent a child from biting or being bitten. Our standard reaction to a child who has been bitten is to wash the wound with soap and water immediately and comfort the child. Positive redirection will be given to the child who bites another. In this case, positive redirection means telling the child that teeth are used only for chewing food and smiling big smiles and then limiting contact with the other child. When a child bites three times he/she will be suspended for two days. If the child bites a fourth time after returning to school the suspension will be for one week. If the child bites a fifth time the child will be withdrawn from the program.

TODDLERS 2 (24 months-­36 months)

clothing, sheet and blanket for naptime, and daily breakfast and lunch if not purchased from the cafeteria. Lunch needs to be ready to eat. Please label all items with your

The Adult Education Early Learning Staff is not responsible for lost items. Potty training will be initiated in this room for those children showing signs of readiness. The caregivers will formulate a positive program of potty training to coincide with training in the home. Please refer to the TODDLER 1 details listed above for further requests, requirements and explanations.

8

HOURS/DAYS OF OPERATION The Adult Education Early Learning Center will operate on all regular Flagler School District days. A calendar of important dates is included on the back cover. Staff will be on duty at 6:30 a.m. to receive children. The center will close at 5:30 p.m. Please be prompt in picking up your child/children. A late fee of $10.00 per child for every 10 minutes you are late after 5:30pm will be charged to your account. If possible, please contact the Center by 4:30 p.m. if you will be arriving late to pick up your child/children. Repeated tardiness in picking up your child may result in his/her removal from the program. Failure to pick up your child will result in notification to the appropriate authorities. Staff of the Adult Education Early Learning Center are not permitted to transport children enrolled in the center or care for them in their homes after hours.

EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF FLAGLER/VOLUSIA

Tuition assistance is available through The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties (ELCFV). To apply or for more information please call Janis Vinci at (386) 437-­8236. The local office address of the Early Learning Coalition is 800 E. Howe Street, Bunnell, FL 32110. If you receive tuition assistance through the ELCFV it is your responsibility to ensure your funding is secure by making your re-­determination appointment with an ELCFV counselor 45 days in advance, bring all necessary documentation to the appointment, make sure you have a renewal referral if needed, pay your parent fee to the Early Learning Center each Monday and most importantly, bring your child to school each day. Failure to adhere to the ELCFV Eligibility and Re-­determination policies may warrant termination of your funding. Effective July 1, 2010 the ELCFV will institute a new absence policy that authorizes reimbursement to providers for only 3 absences per month. Therefore, it is imperative that you bring your child to school every day unless he/she is ill. If your child is ill for more than 3

has not used or has partially used while he/she is enrolled in our program. Excessive

our program.

13

REMINDERS * -­entry to the center if a communicable disease is suspected * contact numbers. You may speak with the Office Site Manager to update * Authorized staff will administer prescription or over-­the-­counter medication only Administer Medicine form * Children are instructed to report any and all injuries to the staff immediately * Children may not wear hair beads as they are a serious choking hazard * Children must wear tennis shoes or closed-­toe shoes to prevent injury to feet and toes * Excessive absences may warrant dismissal from the program

PROGRAM CLOSURES

All Flagler County School District Holiday Observances

Thanksgiving Break November 21st-­25th, 2011

Winter Break

December 22nd, 2011-­January 4, 2012

Spring Break April 2nd-­6th, 2012

*

14

HEAD LICE PROCEDURES

If a child is found or suspected to have head lice, prompt removal from the center is required. All nits must report any head lice seen on their child to a staff member. The Program Manager will inspect the child to confirm or negate the presence of head lice and make the final decision. * Head lice are a common problem that can affect anyone, at any age * Head lice are small, flat insects that are about 1.8 centimeters in length * They do not have wings and cannot jump * Lice eggs are found at the back of the neck, behind the ears and at the crown of the head * Itching and skin irritation can be signs of head lice infestation * More than one treatment may be required to eradicate head lice * If a child has head lice, other items the child has come in contact with may also be infested. To completely rid your home of the infestation, all sheets, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals and clothing must be washed with hot water and soap. Furniture fabric should also be treated by steam cleaning * Lice eggs can be transmitted easily from person to person;; therefore, it is imperative that all family members be checked if one family member is discovered to have head lice * If debris in the hair slides easily up and down the hair shafts, it is NOT head lice

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Tuition

Tuition rates at the Adult Education Early Learning Center are listed below. Fees are due on Monday of each week. Checks are to be made payable to the Flagler County School Board. Accounts will not be carried for more than two weeks. Accounts two or more weeks in arrears may warrant your child being suspended from the program until the account is brought up to date. The rates are standard per week whether or not your child attends each day. Each parent is allowed one credit week per year per child to be used for vacations or extended illness of a child. Please contact the Program Manager if a delay in payment is necessary. Non-­payment of overdue fees may result in your child being withdrawn from the program.

Weekly Fee Infant (6 weeks-­12 mo) $150 per week Toddler 1 (1 year-­2 years) $126 per week Toddler 2 (2 years-­3 years) $120 per week Preschool (3 years-­5 years) $120 per week

A $25.00 annual non-­refundable Registration Fee will apply at the beginning of each school year.

Checks returned due to insufficient funds will result in all future

.

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ELIGIBILITY

Children will be admitted based on their needs and the appropriateness of the program for the child. If it is determined that staff training, staff-­child ratio, or facilities used create an undesirable situation for your child, other children, or the staff, the Director of Adult and Community Education will request removal of your child from the program.

REGISTRATION

At the time of registration you will receive a parent packet containing enrollment forms and instructions concerning medical and immunization requirements. This packet also contains important information on center policies and procedures. Please read it carefully. An annual non-­refundable registration fee of $25.00 per child thereafter that your child is enrolled to be used for materials, supplies, staff training and to secure his/her spot for the upcoming year.

FEDERAL/STATE/COUNTY REGULATIONS

The Adult Education Early Learning Center strictly follows all Federal, State and County Rules and Regulations. Our Department of Children and Families issued License number is C07FL0033.

VISITS

You are invited and welcome to visit the Adult Education Early Learning Center at any time while your

are an important part of the program and we urge you to come early and stay late so you can participate in the activities with your child. Our campus is designated a Drug-­Free School Zone. Firearms and weapons are prohibited. Speed limit near our facility is 10 mph.

NEW BEGINNINGS PROGRAM

Any parent or guardian of a child under the age of eight who is in need of adult services may be eligible for the New Beginnings Program. This program entitles the parties to services at no cost to the parent. Adult services include the following: ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), GED and ABE (Adult Basic Education), and Early Childhood Development. Please call Susan Warner at (386) 437-­7584 ext 4131 for more information.

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Discipline Policy It is the policy of the Early Learning Center to provide a safe and educational environment to all the children in attendance. Naturally, altercations between children do occur and some children may not adjust as quickly as others to a school environment. It is the policy of our staff to model positive behavior and provide exciting activities to allow each child to learn and grow at their own pace and intervene as necessary when altercations occur. Our discipline policy includes the following steps:

Redirection if altercations between children occur or a child is unable to interact positively with other children the children or child is redirected to different

activities Reinforcement positive behavior is reinforced to children by simple and non-­

accusatory language and modeling by the teacher Intervention

one-­on-­one time during school hours with activities the child enjoys Collaboration an intervention plan is discussed between teacher and parents which will be used both in the classroom and at home Assessment

qualified inclusion specialist from The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties or by FDLRS

Intercession Plan with the aid from the assessment results and the inclusion specialist, an intercession plan will be initiated in the classroom and at home

Withdrawal if the child still exhibits aggressive or disruptive behavior after all the above steps have been utilized, the Early Learning Center reserves the right to withdraw the child from program;; however, all efforts will be made to assist the parent in finding another program the child can enroll into which may be more conducive to his/her needs.

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THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF FLAGLER COUNTY

2011-­2012 School Calendar

August 15-­16 Professional Development Days August 17-­19 Preplanning Days August 22 First Day of School for Students September 5 Labor Day No school October 24 Teacher Planning Day October 25 Professional Development Day November 11 -­No school November 21-­25 Thanksgiving Break Dec. 22-­Jan 4 Winter Holiday January 5 School Resumes January 16 MLK Birthday Observance-­No school January 23 Teacher Planning Day February 20 No school March 30 Teacher Planning Day-­No school April 2-­6 Spring Break April 9 School Resumes May 28 Memorial Day-­ No school June 7 Last day of school for students June 11 Summer Camp begins

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STAFF

The Adult and Community Education Department will hire only the most qualified staff to work as educators and caregivers. Employee requirements include 45-­hours of state mandated training, CPR, First Aid, Child Care Development Specialist certification and/or degree in Early Education or Elementary Education and continuing education in-­service. All staff must be in good physical health and submit to fingerprinting and local and state background screening. The Program Manager, Marta Barber, is responsible for the overall daily operation of the program. Her duties include supervision and coordination of staff;; program assessment and quality assurance;; promoting a healthy and safe environment;; parent communication, billing and financial oversight. If you have any concerns regarding the program please contact the Program Manager. The Adult and Community Education Director and Program Manager work together to develop, implement, manage and evaluate the Early Education Program. The Site Manager , Sandra Nelson, maintains children and staff files, daily attendance records, subsidy billing and assists in all classrooms when needed. Classroom Staff plan and implement the daily enrichment activities and routines using the Creative Curriculum as a guide, observe and assess the children, promote character development, promote a healthy and safe environment and communicate daily with parents.

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PHILOSOPHY

We believe that every child is unique, important and should be valued as an individual who is gifted in his or her own way. We commit to providing an environment of playful

-­esteem and ability to interact with others. Activities and learning centers are designed with the age of the child in mind. Children will have the opportunity to actively participate in language, literacy, discovery, cooking experiences, dramatic play, outdoor play, music, science, construction and creative expression activities each day. Children will be encouraged to use their problem-­solving skills in each activity and will develop the skills that are appropriate for them at their own pace. We believe that each child learns through interacting with each other and the adults they are in contact with. Communication is a key element for the children. Time is spent getting to know each on an individual basis. We provide positive role models through our dedicated and loving staff. Children will learn by exploring their surroundings and building relationships with their peers and their teachers. We believe that parent support and involvement is vital to our program. You are always welcome in the classroom to spend time with your child, observe our teaching methods, and make suggestions or voice concerns in relation to the development of your child. The Adult Education Early Learning Center wishes to serve your child, you and your family. Flagler County School Board;; along with The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties, Department of Children and Families, State of Florida and the Department of Education, is providing a service which is affordable, easily accessible to parents and meets or exceeds County, State and Federal regulations. The Adult Education Early Learning Center provides a safe, warm and nurturing environment which affords each child the opportunity to participate in a variety of developmentally appropriate activities giving each child the skills and self concept to be successful.

THE ADULT EDUCATION EARLY LEARNING CENTER

GOALS * Create a safe environment of warmth and security * Offer an accessible, affordable program administered by the Flagler County School District and contracted by The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties and The Department of Children and Families * Offer a variety of developmentally appropriate activities that promote Individual growth in each child * Meet or exceed County, State and Federal regulations related to child care and early childhood education

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Verification of Understanding

I ________________________________ have read The Early Learning Center

of Excellence Parent Handbook and understand its contents and policies.

___________________________________ _________________

Signature of Parent Date

__________________________________ __________________

Signature of ELCE Program Manager Date

Please sign, date and return this page to the front office.

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August 2011 Dear Parents;; It is a privilege to have your child at our Adult Education Early Learning Center of Excellence. It is our hope and intent for you and your child to be pleased with the high quality of education and care offered by our professional staff. All staff are certified in CPR and First Aid and either have a degree in the field of education or a Child Development Specialist certification. We are proud to have such a fine group of Early Educators who constantly strive to make each day a special one for your child. We always welcome family involvement in our center and invite you to take part in any way possible. There are times when you can send in materials, make something at home to bring into the center, or simply drop by anytime to visit the class and observe your child. My door is always open for suggestions, comments or to hear your concerns. I always appreciate hearing when our staff has done a very good job with your child or how we

to us. I am looking forward to a wonderful year together! Thank you for allowing us to be a

Sincerely, Marta Barber Program Manager

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THE SCHOOL BOARD OF FLAGLER COUNTY

Susan Dickinson, Chairperson Colleen Conklin

John Fischer Andy Dance

Trevor Tucker

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Janet Valentine

ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Director: Virginia Giaramita Early Learning Center Program Manager: Marta Barber

Adult Education Early Learning Center Phone: (386) 437-­7584

Fax: (386) 437-­7368

Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia (386)437-­8236

Kim Kania Janis Vinci

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2011-‐2012 Parent/Student Handbook

Flagler County Schools Adult Education Early Learning Center

Bunnell Elementary 800 E. Howe Street Bunnell, FL 32110

CFS LICENSE-‐ #C07FL0033

Adult Education Adult Education Adult Education Early Learning CenterEarly Learning CenterEarly Learning Center

Of ExcellenceOf ExcellenceOf Excellence