2015-2016 Family Center Parent Handbook

FAMILY CENTER

5701 Normandale Road | Edina, MN 55424 Call 952-848-3908 or visit www.edinacommunityed.org

CONTACT INFORMATION 5701 Normandale Road Edina, MN 55424 www.edinacommunityed.org HOW TO REACH US Office Hours: 7:30am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday Main Office: 952-848-3908 Lana Davis: 952-848-3908 •

To report an absence at the Edina Family Center, please contact Lana at Edinafamctr@edinaschools.org.

Accident, Emergency Care....................20 & Transportation, & First Aid Policies Advisory Council PTO...............................10 Attendance...............................................24 Birthdays.....................................................24 Calendar....................................................10 Care of Ill Children....................................15 Change Fee..............................................27 Child Abuse Reporting.............................18 Child Care Infant food.............................22 Child Care Snack .......................................8 Children with Special Needs......................9 Class Cancellation....................................27 Clothing......................................................21 Dept. of Human Services...........................5 Discipline......................................................6 Edina Family Center Staff.........................11 Emergency Drills........................................25 Evaluations...................................................9 Feedback & Grievances............................9 Goals.............................................................2 Health & Safety ........................................12 Health Consultation Services...................23 Health Record Information......................12 Home Visits...................................................6 Illness Exclusion..........................................13

Individual Parent Education...................10 Late Pick-up Fees.....................................27 Legislative Mandate ..............................19 Requiring Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) Training & Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SUID) Maltreatment of Minors..........................18 Reporting Meals, Snacks & Hot Beverages............21 Medications.............................................13 Mission Statement......................................2 Parent Communication............................6 and Conferences Pets............................................................24 Program Information.................................7 Refund/Credit Policy...............................27 Registration..............................................26 Release of Child.......................................24 Safety Guidelines.....................................26 School Closing..........................................25 Child Care Program .................................7 Sign-in for Class or Child Care................24 Staff Requirement.....................................5 Standards...................................................5 Toileting/Diapering..................................23 Tuition........................................................27

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MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Edina Family Center is to enhance the quality of family life through early childhood and family education.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Edina Family Center operates its program at the Edina Community Center and is a Community Education Service of the Edina Public Schools.

The site is licensed with the Department of Human Services and is covered under the district’s insurance plan. The 35-week school year program runs from September 1, 2015 through June 3, 2016 and is divided into two semester sessions. The Edina Family Center offers Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes, child only preschool classes and part time child care options. The Edina Family Center welcomes all children.

OUR GOALS •

To encourage parent-child relationships which support the child in: • physical well-being and motor development • social and emotional development • approaches to learning (e.g. curiosity, persistence, attentiveness,

reflection, interpretation, imagination, invention) • language development and communication skills • cognition and general knowledge.

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STANDARDS

To accomplish our goals, we adhere to the following standards: • Minnesota Department of Education • Department of Human Services guidelines for child care centers under Rule 3, Chapter 9503 • Edina Public School District policies and procedures

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

The Edina Family Center Early Childhood program is licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS is responsible for ensuring compliance to state laws regulating learning centers for young children by setting safety, health and educational standards. DHS reviews the children’s environment, staffing requirements, policies and safety regulations, and this handbook on a regular basis. The telephone number of the Department of Human Services is 651-431-6500, if you have any questions or concerns.

Licensed capacity at any point in time: Not to exceed 42 toddlers or 16 infants.

HOURS

Hours for childcare: Mon-Fri: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Hours for classes: • Two Year Olds: 9:00 -11:00 a.m., 9:15-11:15, 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.,

STAFF REQUIREMENTS

All staff meet qualifications stated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Continuing education and staff in-services are available throughout the school year for all staff.

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DISCIPLINE

All Edina Family staff is dedicated to establishing a safe and comfortable environment for your child. A variety of positive reinforcement techniques will be utilized in our classrooms. Rules for personal safety and effective group management will be consistent and fair. These rules are explained to the children. Reminders of these rules and their rationale will be given accordingly. When problems arise, children will be assisted in problem solving skills. Attention may be redirected toward a constructive activity.

When behavior persists, teachers will follow through with fair and logical consequences designed to encourage appropriate behavior. Our staff will seek and encourage your input whenever there is a problem concerning your child. The Edina Family Center has a behavior guidance policy to prevent bullying.

PARENT COMMUNICATION AND CONFERENCES

Parent conferences occur two times each year, for children enrolled in our two day two year old preschool class, and will include a written assessment of your child’s intellectual, physical, social and emotional development. Weekly contact between parents and staff occur. Each classroom has a parent bulletin board with information and special announcements. An in-house newsletter, “Growing Together” is published and distributed throughout the year by email.

Before each occasion of research, experimental procedure, or public relations activity involving your child, you will be requested to give your permission. This is a very rare occurrence at the Family Center. Families may visit the facility at any time during our regular hours of operation.

FREE HOME VISITS AND NEW BABY AND ME CLASS

Edina residents who have newborns are entitled to a free home visit from a licensed parent educator. The Edina Family Center also offers a free monthly New Baby and Me class to give parents of infants a chance to experience an ECFE class. Call 952-848-3908 for more information.

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CHILD CARE PROGRAM

Block Time and Drop-In Time Block Time is a block of reserved time encompassing the entire consecutive session. And, if space is available, DropIn Time is offered to accommodate your child when something comes up at the last minute.

Our child care program goes beyond the basic babysitting service others offer. We provide a gentle and loving atmosphere for children six weeks through 32 months. We believe that by creating a nurturing, caring environment, you and your child can feel good about your time away from each other.

Your child will spend time in age appropriate activities under the supervision of our highly trained, dedicated staff. We follow your child’s schedule for naps and meals. We follow DHS guidelines to determine adult-to-child ratios: infant 1:4 and toddler 1:7 When Using Child Care: • All children must be pre-registered.

• The staff will respond to all immediate needs of the children in the room. If a child cannot be calmed within 15 minutes, the staff will contact the parent.

• Diapers are changed as needed.

• Send disposable diapers, diaper wipes, outerwear, if appropriate.

• Label all belongings including diaper bag, food, and bottles.

• Allergies and special needs must be noted on the registration form.

• Please do not bring an ill child to Child Care. (Please refer to the pages on Illness Exclusion) • Children will not be released to any adult other than the person who dropped them off, unless otherwise specified.

• Please contact Edinafamctr@edinaschools.org if your child will be absent for class or child care or any reason. We must notify the teacher, inform parents in cases of illness due to disease and to accommodate those families looking for Drop-in Time.

• We accomodate children 6 weeks - old toddler.

• Refer to our preschool handbook for preschool child care.

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Scheduling for Child Care Block time registration request is online at www.edinacommunityed.org.

Drop-ins can be requested up to 2 weeks in advance. Reservations must be received three business days prior to drop-in via email at Edinafamctr@ edinaschools.org.

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Children may stay for up to 9 hrs/week for all ages; up to 4 hrs/day,12 hrs/week for preschool children only.

Block Time is charged on a monthly basis.

Drop-in fees will be charged and processed when the request is filled and fees are non-refundable.

Child care slots may not be switched with another family or for another day.

Contact Edinafamctr@edinaschools.org if your child will be absent for any reason during their scheduled time as this allows us to staff appropriately.

We will not be taking drop-ins until Tuesday, September 21, 2015.

CHILD CARE SNACK GUIDELINES

For children age 16 months through 32 months a snack will be served in the childcare classrooms. All children will be served the same snack at snack time (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) Parents must still provide a lunch if their child is enrolled in child care during lunchtime (noon). Milk and water will be offered at snack time as well at lunchtime.

We ask parents to consider donating an item from the following list: • Goldfish crackers • Plain rice cakes • Vanilla wafers

• Saltines • Cheerios (plain only)

• Cheez-its • Graham crackers (not Teddy Grahams)

As always, we remain nut-free. We appreciate your generous donations.

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CHILD CARE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY POLICY

Children between the ages of 16 months through 32 months old toddler preschool will participate in 30 minutes of supervised gross motor activity at least once a day in either an outdoor or indoor space. Gym/outside time is scheduled twice throughout our regular hours. In addition, there will be a minimum of 15 minutes of movement time while in the childcare room. We follow best practices in the key areas of fixed and portable play equipment that is diverse and available for children to use at the same time. The Edina Family Center supports and encourages active play time.

When, outside, children have the opportunity to play in the shade.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

The Edina Family Center collaborates with the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Program of District 273 to provide parent support and information related to child development: speech, language, behavioral, cognitive, and motor. After conferring with a parent, a referral may be made to Special Education Services. Parents of and children with special needs often participate in various components of our program. Children with either an IEP or IFSP who participate in any Family Center programs need to have their IEP/IFSP on file with our office before beginning in the program. Edina’s ECSE provides the IEP/IFSP’s for families involved in their program but families from other districts need to provide these from their home districts. This is a DHS licensing requirement. Families may call 952848-3973 with any questions.

EVALUATIONS

To provide a program that meets the needs of our participants, we offer parents the opportunity to formally evaluate our program. Throughout the year if you have suggestions or concerns, please speak with your teachers as soon as possible to ensure the best experience for you and your family.

FEEDBACK & GRIEVANCES PROCEDURE

Our staff welcomes comments and suggestions to improve the quality of care for your child and the quality of our children’s program. When areas of concern arise, the problem should be brought to the attention of the classroom teacher who will hear your suggestions and/or grievance and attempt to work through the problem. If further communication is necessary, the problem can be taken to the coordinator. Laurie Denn can be reached by email at laurie.denn@edinaschools.org or 952-848-3908.

Grievances will be considered in a timely manner. Should you have a grievance, please let us know your concern. We will make every effort to get back to you within 48 hours.

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INDIVIDUAL PARENT EDUCATION

The Edina Family Center offers individualized help with parenting issues at $50 per 50-minute session.

Please register online at www. edinacommunityed.org.

2015-2016 EDINA FAMILY CENTER CALENDAR

Go to our website: www. edinaschools.org/familycenter to view our current calendar. The calendar is located on the last page of our catalog

PTO

The Edina ECFE PTO assists the Coordinator in planning, implementing and evaluating Family Center policies, procedures, programs and budgets in District #273. The PTO consists of three committees: Fundraising, Legislative and Marketing/Outreach. Fundraising raises money and allocates proceeds to buy classroom equipment and supplies, fund curriculum development and provide scholarships. Legislative tracks issues affecting Early Childhood Education and works to support those issues. Marketing/ Outreach ensures that the widest possible audience takes advantage of the Family Center programs. On top of all that, the PTO hosts children’s parties throughout the year where families can build on the friendships formed in classrooms!

The PTO consists of a maximum of 29 voting members. Applications are out in January and new member selection occurs in the spring for the following school year. For more information, visit www.edinacommunityed. org.

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To reach the following staff members dial 952-848-3912 and the below listed extension followed by the # sign. Members directly dial the numbers below:

CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS Sue Erickson Tracey Illies Jane Leese* Julia Sacks

CHILDREN’S TEACHERS Lisa Hoffman Heather Whitesell*

FAMILY CENTER OFFICE STAFF Laurie Denn...................... 848-3968 EFC Coordinator

CHILD CARE TEACHERS Amy Johnson Lori Cherne Celeste Lucktenberg Carla Schwappach* Alaina Zapata CHILD CARE ASSISTANTS Alexa Bryant Linda Bornowski Emily Hanson Taylor Ilten DArcy Juhl Maggie Leese Laura Scanlon

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Lana Davis....................... 848-3908 Receptionist/Registration Chris Hanson.................... 848-3945 Office Manager Jane Leese....................... 848-3964 Office Assistant Carla Schwappach........ 848-3931 Child Care Manager Mary Streier...................... 848-3985 School Readiness Supervisor Cathy Snyder................... 848-3969 Office Assistant

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HEALTH RECORD INFORMATION

Included in your child’s health folder will be: • Child’s full name, birth date, current address and phone number.

• Procedures for notifying parent or person legally responsible if child becomes ill.

• Name, address, and phone number of two people who can assume responsibility for the child and have access to health information if the parent cannot be reached in an emergency.

• Medical Insurance information • Signed authorization to the effect that the parent gives permission to the center to act in an emergency situation when the parent cannot be reached or is delayed in arriving.

• Name, address, and phone number of the health care source to be called in case of emergency.

• Special diet needs: modification or allergy to certain foods.

• Special medical conditions or allergies.

• Additional allergy information sheet.

Two health record forms must be completed: • Immunization Record: This record must give dates (month, day, and year) of immunizations your child has received. It must be current and is due on admission. Immunization records must be updated whenever your child receives additional immunizations. The schedule of immunizations recommended is published and posted on the web sites of the Am Acad of Ped, CDC and Academy of Family Practice. (www.AAP.org) •

Health Record/Summary: This information should include the date of the child’s most recent physical exam (within six months), and be signed by the child’s source of health care. This form is due upon admission to the program and must be in the office by the first day of class.

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Reexamination: A new health record/summary is required for children already admitted to the center. As a minimum, an updated report of physical examination signed by your child’s source of medical care at least annually for children under 24 months of age, and whenever a child 24 months or older advances to an older age category.

Please fax 952-848-3951 or bring completed forms to the office prior to the first day of class/care.

•

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Parents also have the responsibility to inform the center when their child has any special medical condition, needs, or allergies so that we can provide for appropriate care and support.

Dietary modification because of special dietary needs shall be made under the direction of the trained health care provider. Written permission from the child’s parent/legal guardian and the child’s health care provider is required. Parents will provide any special dietary needs required.

MEDICATIONS

The Center does not administer medication with these exceptions: 1. Epipen in the case of an allergic reaction, if directed by parents and a healthcare provider.

2. An antihistamine, e.g. Benadryl, in the case of an allergic reaction, if directed by parents and a healthcare provider.

3. Inhaler, if directed by parents and a healthcare provider.

Diaper ointment is considered a medication and cannot be applied. We are also unable to apply sunscreen or insect repellent.

ILLNESS EXCLUSION

Parents are responsible to protect their own children and the health of others by keeping a child home who shows signs of an infectious disease.

If you will be absent from class or child care, please email Edinafamctr@ edinaschools.org. If your child has a communicable illness please state this in your message, we are then able to inform other parents if needed.

Knowing of an absence in child care allows us to accommodate families looking for drop-in time in child care.

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GUIDELINES FOR EXCLUSION FROM PROGRAM Signs/symptoms of possible severe illness Until a health care provider has evaluated the child to rule out severe illness, when the child is unusually tired, or has uncontrolled coughing, unexplained irritability, persistent crying, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or other unusual signs for the child.

Fever • With an elevation of body temperature above normal when accompanied by behavior changes, stiff neck, difficulty breathing, rash, sore throat, and/or other signs or symptoms of illness; or if the child is unable to participate in routine activities. Measure temperature before giving medications to reduce fever. Children should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to the Edina Family Center.

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Auxiliary (armpit) temperature: 100 degrees F. or higher.

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Oral temperature: 101 degrees F. or higher.

•

Ear temperatures are not recommended because of inconsistent and inaccurate results. Each manufacturer may have different temperature ranges, which makes setting standards difficult.

Diarrhea • Until diarrhea stops or until a medical exam indicates that it is not due to a communicable disease. Diarrhea is defined as an increased number of stools compared with a person’s normal pattern, along with decreased stool form and/or watery, bloody, or mucuscontaining stools.

Vomiting • Until vomiting stops. Vomiting is defined as two or more episodes in the previous 24 hours.

Mouth sores with drooling • Until a medical exam indicates the child may return or until sores have healed.

Rash with fever or behavior change • Until a medical exam indicates these symptoms are not those of a communicable disease that requires exclusion.

Eye drainage • Until 24 hours after treatment has started when purulent (pus) drainage and/or fever or eye pain is present, or a medical exam indicates that a child may return.

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Unusual color of skin, eyes, stool or urine • Until a medical exam indicates the child does not have hepatitis A. Symptoms of hepatitis A include yellow eyes or skin (Jaundice), gray or white stool, or dark (tea or cola-colored) urine.

Source: Infectious Diseases in Childcare Settings and Schools; Sixth Edition, January 2008, Hennepin County Community Health Department Epidemiology and Environmental Health

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE POLICY

Please notify the office within 24 hours, except weekends and holidays, if your child has been exposed to any communicable disease. The office staff will post or give notice by e-mail to all parents of children in the center who have been exposed to a communicable disease. Further, the center will notify the Commissioner of Health when any illness or condition specified by law or regulation is present in the center within 24 hours of the center’s awareness of this situation, i.e. animal bites.

CARE OF ILL CHILDREN

If your child becomes ill while in the center’s care, he/she will be isolated from other children under supervision of a staff person. You or your designated alternate will be contacted to pick up your child immediately.

Until you arrive, your child will be monitored and comfort measures provided according to the center’s procedures. If staff thinks it necessary, the child’s health care provider will be contacted. Parents must pick their child up within one hour of notification that their child is ill.

MALTREATMENT OF MINORS MANDATED REPORTING/ POLICY FOR DHS LICENSED PROGRAMS Who Should Report Child Abuse and Neglect • Any person may voluntarily report abuse or neglect.

• If you work with children in a licensed facility, you are legally required or mandated to report and cannot shift the responsibility of reporting to your supervisor or to anyone else at your licensed facility. If you know or have reason to believe a child is being or has been neglected or physically or sexually abused within the preceding three years you must immediately (within 24 hours) make a report to an outside agency.

Where to Report • If you know or suspect that a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

• All reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring in a licensed facility should be made to the Department of Human Services, Licensing Division’s Maltreatment Intake line at 651-431-6600.

• Reports regarding incidents of suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring within a family or in the community should be made to the local county social services agency at 612-348-3552 or local law enforcement (City of Edina Police) at 952 826-1600. www.edinacommunityed.org | 15

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If your report does not involve possible abuse or neglect, but does involve possible violations of Minnesota Statues or Rules that govern the facility, you should call the Department of Human Services, Licensing Division at 651-431-6500.

What to Report • Definitions of maltreatment are contained in the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act (Minnesota Statues, section 626.556) and are in the following section of this handbook.

• A report to any of the above agencies should contain enough information to identify the child involved, any persons responsible for the abuse or neglect (if known), and the nature and extent of the maltreatment and/ or possible licensing violations. For reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect occurring within a licensed facility, the report should include any actions taken by the facility in response to the incident.

•

An oral report of suspected abuse or neglect made to one of the above agencies by a mandated reporter must be followed by a written report to the same agency within 72 hours, exclusive of weekends and holidays.

Failure to Report A mandated reporter who knows or has reason to believe a child is or has been neglected or physically or sexually abused and fails to report is guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition, a mandated reporter who fails to report maltreatment that is found to be serious or recurring maltreatment may be disqualified from employment in positions allowing direct contact with person receiving services from programs licensed by the Department of Human Services and by the Minnesota Department of Health, and unlicensed Personal Care Provider Organizations.

Retaliation Prohibited An employer of any mandated reporter shall not retaliate against the mandated reporter for reports made in good faith or against a child with respect to whom the report is made. The Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act contains specific provisions regarding civil actions that can be initiated by mandated reporters who believe that retaliation has occurred.

Internal Review When the facility has reason to know that an internal or external report of alleged or suspected maltreatment has been made, the facility must complete an internal review and take corrective action, if necessary, to protect the health and safety of children in care.

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The internal review must include an evaluation of whether: • related policies and procedures were followed; • the policies and procedures were adequate; • there is a need for additional staff training; • the reported event is similar to past events with the children or services involved; And there is a need for corrective action by the license holder to protect the health and safety of children in care. Primary and Secondary Person or Position to Ensure Internal Review is completed. The internal review will be completed by Laurie Denn, Edina Family Center Coordinator. If this individual is involved in the alleged or suspected maltreatment, an appointed faculty member will be responsible for completing the internal review.

Documentation of the Internal Review The facility must document completion of the internal review and provide documentation of the review to the commissioner upon the commissioner’s request.

Corrective Action Plan Based on the results of the internal review, the license holder must develop, document and implement a corrective action plan designed to correct current lapses and prevent future lapses in performance by individuals or the license holder, if any.

Staff Training The license holder must provide training to all staff related to the mandated reporting responsibilities as specified in the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act (Minnesota Statues, section 626.556).

The license holder must document the provision of this training in individual personnel records, monitor implementation by staff, and ensure that the policy is readily accessible to staff, as specified under Minnesota Statues, section 245A.04, subdivision 14. The mandated reporting policy must be provided to parents of all children at the time of enrollment in the child care program and must be made available upon request.

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CHILD ABUSE REPORTING/MANDATED REPORTING OF MALTREATMENTOF MINORS

It is the policy of the State of Minnesota and District 273 to require the reporting of neglect, and physical or sexual abuse of children in the home, school or community. Any employee who knows or has reason to believe a child is being or has been neglected or physically abused, or sexually abused, within the preceding 3 years, shall immediately report the information. An employee is legally required (a mandated reporter) to report and cannot shift the responsibility of reporting to a supervisor.

A report must be made immediately (within 24 hours) to Department of Human Services, Licensing Division’s Maltreatment Intake line at 651-4316600. Any person may voluntarily report suspected abuse or neglect to this number.

Physical abuse means any physical injury inflicted on a child other than by accidental means by a person responsible for the child’s care, or any physical injury that cannot reasonably be explained by the child’s history of injuries. Such injuries may include but are not limited to: bruises and welts, abrasions and lacerations, bites and puncture wound, concussions, failure to thrive, burns and scalding, wounds and cuts, bone fractures, malnutrition, soft tissue swelling etc.

Sexual abuse means the subjection of a child to any act or threat to incest, rape, sodomy, intercourse, coerced touching, indecent liberties, and/or sexual contact, or any sexual penetration by a person responsible for the child’s care, by a person who has a significant relationship to the child, or by a person in a position of authority.

The definition of “serious maltreatment” was amended to include neglect when it results in criminal sexual conduct against a child or vulnerable adult.

Neglect means failure by a person responsible for a child’s care to supply a child with necessary food, clothing, shelter or medical care when reasonably able to do so, or failure to protect a child from conditions or actions which imminently and seriously endanger the child’s physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so. Neglectful conditions may include but are not limited to: lack of special care for physical or mental condition, failure to provide sufficient amounts and quality of food, inadequate parental care or supervision-children under 6 years may not be left alone, failure to provide necessary subsistence or education, inadequate foster care or illegal child placement, abandonment, inadequate or unsafe shelter, inappropriate or insufficient clothing, threats or physical harm towards a child.

A report to DHS should contain enough information to identify the child involved, any persons responsible for the abuse or neglect (if known),

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and the nature and extent of the maltreatment and/or possible licensing violations. For reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect occurring within a licensed facility the report should include any actions taken by the facility in response to the incident. An oral report by a mandated reporter must be followed by a written report to the same agency within 72 hours, exclusive of weekends and holidays.

Any person who willfully or recklessly makes a false report shall be liable in a civil suit for any actual damages suffered by the person or persons so reported and for any punitive damages set by the court or jury. Any person required to report suspected physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect occurring currently or within the preceding three years and willfully fails to do so may be found guilty of a misdemeanor.

An employer of any mandated reporter shall not retaliate against the mandated reporter for reports made in good faith or against a child with respect to whom the report is made. The Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act contains specific provisions regarding civil actions that can be initiated by mandated reporters who believe that retaliation has occurred. Any person acting in good faith and exercising due care in reporting neglect, or physical or sexual abuse has immunity from any liability, civil or criminal. Any school or the employee of any school who permits access by a local welfare agency and assists in good faith in an investigation has immunity from any liability, civil or criminal.

LEGISLATIVE MANDATE REQUIRING ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA (AHT) TRAINING AND SUDDEN UNEXPECTED INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SUID)

As a result of the 2001 legislative change, all licensed programs that served infants required training regarding reducing the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).

The law states, before caring for infants, “all staff persons, caregivers or helpers assisting in the care of infants must receive training�. As a result of the 2005 legislative session, training regarding Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) is now also required. (Minnesota Statutes 2005, section 245A.144) The combined training (SUID/AHT) must be at least one hour in length and must be completed every year. The video presentation must be part of the orientation and annual in-service training of licensed child care center staff persons caring for children under school age.

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ACCIDENT, EMERGENCY CARE AND TRANSPORTATION, AND FIRST AID POLICIES

With all the possible precautions taken, an injury may still occur. In the event of an injury received at the center, parents will receive an Injury Report Form completed by the staff member who observed the incident. Minor injuries and illnesses will be treated with established first aid procedures. Teachers and assistants are trained in first aid and in an emergency will administer first aid. Parents will be notified immediately in the event of a more serious injury or illness that requires medical intervention. All poison situations must be reported to the Poison Control Center, which will advise what treatment is indicated. In instances where a severe or a life-threatening emergency occurs, 911 will be called. Parents will be responsible for medical charges.

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CLOTHING

Dress your child(ren) for play. Children do better when they feel comfortable and free to explore the wide variety of activities available without worrying about their clothing. All children must wear some type of shoe at all times. Dress your child(ren) in tennis shoes with appropriate layering for outside and gym play times, especially during cold weather.

Each child should have a complete change of clothing available, and disposable diapers and wipes, if applicable. Label all articles with the child’s first and last name. Designated places are provided for jackets and items from home (a coatroom or locker is available for child care participants). We ask that your child not bring toys from home unless it is a comfort item.

MEALS, SNACKS AND HOT BEVERAGES

Healthy foods are an important element in our children’s program. Snack time encourages self-help skills, conversation with others, as well as exposure to the senses of taste, smell, texture and color. Parents are asked to donate snacks and provide lunches. All snacks must include two food groups. A “chokeables” list will be given to parents listing foods to avoid in bag lunches and for individual and group snacks. A sign-up sheet will be passed around during the first class. If you are unable to attend class, do not make a special trip if you have snack duty. If possible, contact another class member to trade snack days or leave a message for your children’s teacher. All snacks must be commercially wrapped and in the original wrapper.

Lunches must include products from three food groups. Please check all expiration dates as staff is required to dispose of any expired food. Each class will have designated snack/lunch time.

We do our best to maintain a “nut free” environment. Please provide a snack that has no nut product listed on the label. If your child has a food allergy, you will be asked to provide an alternate snack list for the parents in your child’s class. Allergy information for teachers should be noted on the registration form.

For the safety of all, the Department of Human Services forbids hot beverages in the children’s classroom.

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CHILD CARE INFANT FOOD GUIDELINES PARENTS: Protect your infants from illness, diarrhea and disease through clean formula and food preparation.

Formula Prepared at Home by the Parent: • Always wash hands carefully before preparing food.

• Use hot soapy water, bottle brush and brush that goes into the nipple.

• Wash bottle and ring at the same time.

• Squirt water through nipple to clean holes. Rinse well with hot water.

Cap bottle when dry so it does not remain exposed to dust and germs in the air. Wash container and items for making formula.

• Clean top of formula container with a clean wet cloth.

• Fill bottles with the amount baby drinks at one feeding of formula or milk and date bottles, time of preparation, and first and last name of infant. Refrigerate immediately.

• Put bottles into an insulated bag to carry to the center. Do not allow bottles to become warm in the car or by carrying in coat pocket, etc.

• Be sure bottles are refrigerated as soon as you get to the center.

• Take all bottles home at the end of the day. Empty bottles will have been rinsed, but must be washed as in #2 above. Bring freshly prepared bottles daily.

• No glass bottles.

Parents Bringing Formula Container or Baby Food to the Center: • Only commercially prepared, unopened cans of formula or baby food may be brought to the center.

• Cans and jars must be labeled with child’s name.

• All opened infant food must be taken home at the end of the day.

• The center will discard outdated food and formula.

Parents Bringing Breast Milk to the Center: • Wash hands, breast, breast pump. Express milk.

• Use a clean bottle as required for formula (see above).

• Freeze breast milk in the bottle or appropriate container (bags, such as Mendella, Evenflow, Gerber, etc.) until ready to use. Label with date, time removed from the freezer, and child’s name.

• Bring bottles to center in insulated bag.

• Be sure bottles are refrigerated as soon as you get to the center.

• Bottles containing breast milk will not be emptied or rinsed after use.

Bottles will be returned to the child’s diaper bag after feeding.

• No glass bottles

22 | Edina Family Center Parent Handbook

TOILETING/DIAPERING

We will assist children in using the toilet. We encourage children to care for themselves. If help is needed, staff will wear gloves as appropriate. Please inform child care providers of any toileting habits and/or concerns. We are happy to assist in the “training stages beginning in the Old Toddler room.” Diapers are changed as needed while in the center. Send disposable diapers (or pull ups), diaper wipes, and an extra change of clothes. Label all belongings including diaper bag, food, and bottles.

HANDWASHING

Children who are developmentally able are taught hand-washing procedures. All others will be assisted as needed to successfully complete the task. Please wash your child’s hands prior to exploring the classroom or entering childcare. Children and adults wash their hands following diapering or use of the toilet, after handling body fluids (coughing/runny nose), before meals and snacks, after playing in water shared by two or more people and after handling any animals or other materials that might be in contact with animals

HEALTH CONSULTATION SERVICES

Our center receives health consultation services from Minnesota Visiting Nurses Association. Their phone number is 612-617-4600.

For further information regarding Rule #3, please refer to http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/

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SIGN-IN FOR CLASS OR CHILD CARE

Please sign your child in every time s/he comes to class or child care.

Include any special needs for the day. Children may be escorted from class to child care by one of our staff. Please arrange this with your children’s teacher or classroom assistant. If child is to be brought to child care after class, parent must sign child in at child care room before leaving the building.

ATTENDANCE

To report an absence for class or childcare, please email Edinafamctr@ edinaschools.org if your child has a communicable disease, please state in your message.

RELEASE OF CHILD FROM CLASS OR CHILD CARE

In caring for young children, we are required to use the following procedure when releasing a child from class or child care. Each day, your child needs to be signed in and if someone else is picking your child up, that must be noted.

When releasing a child from class or child care to someone who is not the same person who signed them in: • The parent permission form will be checked to ensure the person has been authorized to remove your child from the building.

• If the person is authorized to pick up your child, staff will check a picture ID before releasing them.

• If the person picking up the child is not listed on the parent permission emergency release form, an Authorization for Pick Up form needs to be signed in advance. Proper ID again must be provided at the time of pick-up. This form is in addition to the daily sign-in sheet. Once pickup has occurred, the form will be brought to the Family Center office.

PETS

Some classrooms have pets in cages: guinea pigs, gerbils, and hamsters.

Snacks for the animals (fresh fruits and vegetables) may be brought from home and the teachers will help the children feed them.

BIRTHDAYS •

If you would like your child’s birthday to be recognized, please let your teacher know. Birthdays can be recognized in many different ways. Ideas include bringing in a favorite book to read, choosing the songs for the day, etc. Talk with your classroom teacher about how

24 | Edina Family Center Parent Handbook

birthdays will be recognized in your child’s classroom.

•

We follow the district wellness guidelines regarding food.

Healthy snacks that are commercially prepared are welcome. We do not serve cake, cookies, candy or ice cream.

SCHOOL CLOSING

All Family Center programs fall under Edina Public Schools Community Education. We will be closed if the other district schools are cancelled because of inclement weather. This decision will be made early in the morning. Occasionally, afternoon or evening classes may be cancelled. When severe weather strikes, watch or listen to any of the listed media sources because cancellations will be announced there. You may also call the ECFE office, 952-848-3908, between 8 am - 4 pm for information on cancellations.

The following media sources are used to announce school closings: •

WCCO 830AM KARE-TVChannel 11 KSTPChannel 5

•

School district’s website: www.edinaschools.org

•

Make-up classes and refunds are not possible in these events.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Staff and children participate in monthly fire drills and tornado drills AprilSeptember to prepare them for such emergencies.

Children in classes and child care follow safety procedures during actual fire or tornado warnings.

Periodic lock down drills are conducted.

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SAFETY GUIDELINES: PLAYGROUND SAFETY •

Keep doors closed at all times.

•

Keep ground cover on the ground.

•

Keep shoes on feet (tennis shoes required).

•

EFC classes and childcare will not go outside in inclement weather (rain, icy conditions) when the temperature/wind chill is under 15F or when the air quality is in the “poor” range based on MN Pollution Control Agency.

•

Slide: sit up, slide feet first, one child at a time.

•

Swing: sit on swing, hold on with two hands, do not run behind swing when in use.

PARKING LOT SAFETY

In order to assure the safety of all children and families, we ask that parents: •

Hold children’s hands while in the parking lot

•

Drive slowly through the parking lot

•

Walk together with your children as you leave the building

•

Do not walk between buses and vans.

•

Please refrain from using cell phones

•

Do not leave children unattended in cars while bringing other children into the center

REGISTRATION

Registration continues throughout the year. Once you register, you are registered for the entire school year. Waiting lists are maintained and updated all year for each class and for child care. Ages listed for each class are based on the age of your child as of September 1 of the current school year. At the time of registration, a $25 non-refundable enrollment fee is charged for a one-day class and $50.00 for a multiple-day class.

Childcare registration fee is $12 per day and also nonrefundable.

Enrollment fees are not applied toward your tuition.

WAITLIST

The Edina Family Center strives to accomodate each family’s preference.

Once the class that you are enrolled in begins, you will be removed from all waiting lists in order to ensure enrollment opportunities for all families.

26 | Edina Family Center Parent Handbook

TUITION

Monthly tuition is due the first day of the month. Failure to make regular payments or make arrangements for a payment plan could result in your child being dropped from the program.

Financial aid and payment plans are available for ISD 273 residents only.

CLASS/CHILDCARE CANCELLATION

We reserve the right to cancel a class or childcare due to low enrollment.

We will notify you by phone and provide an available alternative. If no alternative can be arranged, a full refund will be given.

Cancellation Guidelines •

Cancellations must be recieved in writing or by email by May 1, 2015 to receive a full tuition refund. Registration fees are nonrefundable.

•

For One Day Classes a $25.00 cancellation fee will be applied after May 1, 2015.

•

For those registering after May 1, 2015– cancellations must be received in writing or by email by August 7, 2015 to receive a full tuition refund.

Registration fees are non-refundable.

Change fee A $10.00 processing fee is required for all movement between child care slots and class times after the start of the school year, beginning September 21, 2015.

Late pick-up fees It is essential that you pick up your child ON TIME. Late fees are $1.00 per minute. Fees double for the second occurrence. If there is a third occurrence, the fee will be tripled and the child may be dropped from the program.

If you are late in picking up your child from a class or child care at the Edina Family Center, call 952-848-3908 to inform them that you are coming. The office staff will let you know where to pick up your child.

Refund/Credit Policy Please let us know as soon as possible if you decide not to take a class so that we can accommodate other families. For multiple day classes, and block time. May 2015 tuition is non-refundable. See website for details.

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Edina Community Education Services/Edina Fmaily Center — ISD 273 5701 Normandale Road Edina, MN 55424 (952) 848-3952

Edina Community Education Services is a program of Edina Public Schools

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