Whodu’ih Koh Head Start Program Parent Policy Hand Book Whodu’ih Koh Head Start McLeod Lake BC Mission: To prepare children for school by expanding and exploring their learning, honoring their cultures, traditions, languages and values, supporting families and involving the community of McLeod Lake BC through learning, health, movement, gatherings, laughter and play. Long Term Vision: To have children able to speak Tse’Khene in 3-4years Short Term Vision: To have children say a few words in Tse’Khene and recognize what is being said.
6 Components of Head Start Culture and Language Parent Involvement Education Nutrition Health Promotion Social Support
FAMILY IS NUMBER ONE
The early years between birth and school age are critical in a child’s life. The cultural experiences that children have in the early years will influence a child’s future health, well-being and life-long learning. Children who have had exposure to language and cultural rich environments as well as play based early learning experiences are more likely to develop skills, knowledge and dispositions to support their success in school.
Introduction My name is Jodi Lynn Sharp and I am the Head Start Coordinator/Educator in McLeod Lake BC. I have just recently graduated from CNC in Mackenzie BC with Honours in the field of Aboriginal Early Childhood Education. I also have certificates in Family Child Care Training, Food Safe and Emergency Child Care First Aid and CPR/AED. I have lived in Mackenzie BC for 36 years and have five wonderful children Breydon age 15, Jessica age 13, Jace age 9 and twin boys Kai and Caleb age 6. I love working with you, and your family, as well as the community of McLeod Lake in strengthening your children’s developmental, language and cultural skills as we prepare them for kindergarten.
My name is Georgina Chingee and I will be the Cultural Advisor and I will be working with Jodi Sharp and I am looking forward to working with the children in teaching the Tse’khene language, how it’s important for them to learn it while there still young. I have three children Dora, Vince and Lionel and two grandsons, Atreyu and Jared. I am also hoping to have the parents involved in their children’s learning as this is the roots of who we are as Tse’khene.
What is Head Start? The Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve initiative is designed to prepare young First Nations children for their school years, by meeting their emotional, social, health, nutritional and psychological needs.
This initiative encourages the development of projects that are comprised of the following program components: culture and language, education, health promotion, nutrition, social support and parental involvement.
The program encourages the development of locally controlled projects in First Nation communities that strive to instill a sense of pride and a desire to learn; provide parenting skills and improve family relationships; foster emotional and social development and increase confidence. It is also designed to assist parents enhance their skills which contribute to their child's healthy development.
What else is offered? Head Start can also provide connections to other service providers in the community of McLeod Lake and Mackenzie such as:
-Public Health Unit
-Community events and agencies
-Mackenzie Counselling Services
-Together we can
-Parents and Tots
-How to Talk So Kids Will Listen
-Parent and Child Mother Goose -Woman to Woman drop-in / Men’s Discussion Group
-Girl Talk drop-in grades 7 and 8 -Nobody’s Perfect
-Speech and Language services
-Family/Parenting programs
-Mackenzie Recreation Center Programs
What can be expected? Head Start will promote all areas of development including:
-Language and Cultural development
-Physical development
-Social/Emotional development
-Creative development
-Cognitive development
These skills will be attained and practiced through a variety of activities including: books, circle time, art puzzles, group time, physical activities/gym time, healthy snacks, music, singing and stories as well as cultural events and gatherings.
Your Role As A Parent Your involvement in the Head Start program is fundamental to the purpose of the program. Parental involvement is one of the six components of Head Start. Adult participation in the program is mainly through adult interaction with the children, but can also be seen through assisting with snack preparation, field trips, cultural crafts, songs stories and dance, or in any other way that is meaningful to you as a parent, grandparent, aunty or uncle.
PARENT / GAURDIAN/ FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES
Sign in and out each day you can attend
As you talk with your child, bend down to their level
Allow your child to observe before asking them to try a new activity
Let your child learn by experience, encourage them to help themselves and offer assistance when necessary. Children learn by doing (hands on learning)
Encourage your child, recognize their efforts
Help your child as needed to learn how to use these materials and let them explore and experience them in their own way.
Let your child try to resolve conflicts with other children if they can. Intervene when necessary
RELAX, LEARN and have FUN with your child and other families.
Guidelines Of The Centre -Please enter the building through the front doors and enter the Head Start classroom through the designated marked door
-Each child/adult will have a cubby area for shoes/boots and coats* indoor shoes are required -Please do not leave your children unattended in the facility‌..with the exception of drop off preschool.
-Adults and children will use bathrooms in the main hallway
-Please be aware of children and dogs in the parking lot area.
THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING THESE GUIDELINES: THEY ARE TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN SAFE.
McLeod Lake Whodu’ ih Koh Head Start Programs
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Preschool Drop 8:30am-1:00pm Spring/Summer Programs Include: When I Grow Up Career Day, Bike Rodeo, Mini Cultural Camps, Family Lunch Days, Field Trips and Preschool Graduation. Preschool will be drop off for 3-5 year olds (potty trained), If parents of younger children would like to take part in the preschool program they will be required to stay with their child (ren).
McLEOD LAKE INDIAN BAND HEAD START REGISTRATION PACKAGE
Child’s Name:
Child’s Birth date:
Sex:
M
Surname F
Given Name
Middle
Month/Day/Year
Home Number:
Person(s) with whom the child lives with:
Parent/Guardian
Mother’s Name:
Place of work:
Work Number:
Work Hours:
Father’s Name:
Place of work:
Work Number:
Work Hours:
**PLEASE INFORM STAFF OF ANY CHANGES TO THE ABOVE INFORMATION. **IF EITHER PARENT OR GUARDIAN IS GOING TO BE SOMEWHERE OTHER THEN THEIR PLACE OF WORK, A PHONE NUMBER WHERE YOU CAN BE REACHED MUST BE LEFT WITH THE STAFF, IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.
Alternative Person(s) to call in case of emergency (In case parents can not be reached).
1. Name:
Relationship:
Phone:
Work Phone:
2. Name:
Relationship:
Phone:
Work Phone:
3. Name:
Relationship:
Phone:
Work Phone:
Person(s) Authorized to pick up child (ren) (Including mother and father)
Name:
Relationship:
Phone:
Name:
Relationship:
Phone:
Name:
Relationship:
Phone:
Name:
Relationship:
Phone:
Name:
Relationship:
Phone:
**PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT A CHILD WILL ONLY BE RELEASED INTO AN AUTHORIZED PERSON’S CARE. IF THE STAFF DO NOT KNOW THE AUTHORIZED PERSON PICKING UP THE CHILD, PHOTO ID WILL BE REQUIRED. NO PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 12 YEARS OLD WILL BE PERMITTED TO PICK UP A CHILD FROM THE HEAD START CENTRE.
If there is a custody agreement, please give details that the Head Start program should be aware of:
SOCIAL INFORMATION Please list the name of other siblings the child has and their ages: Name:
Age:
Name:
Age:
Name:
Age:
Name:
Age:
Name:
Age:
Has the child ever been left at a daycare or with a babysitter before? Y N
HEALTH AND NUTRITION INFORMATION
Please list any illness(es) that the child has had: Does the child have any allergies? Does the child have any disabilities? What is the child’s nap schedule? What is the child’s eating habits? Does the child have any fears the Head Start staff should know of? Please share any other information about your son/daughter (s) personality, habits, like or dislikes that may be helpful to the Head Start staff?
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT Please share your discipline strategies: How is the child’s undesirable behavior managed? What techniques are used at home?
Adults will redirect children to different activities and/or locations during times of undesirable behaviors. A child will not be denied food, toileting or outdoor play time as a form of punishment. Instead, logical consequences that help the child to understand the problem will be given.
CONSENT FOR PHOTOS, VIDEOS, WALKS AND OUTINGS
I give my ongoing permission for my child
to go on local walks
and outings with the Head Start staff, such as walks to the store, school, and within the Reserve IR #1.
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
I give my ongoing permission for my child to be photographed / videotaped for use within the Head Start Program and McLeod Lake
_________________________________ Parent / Guardian Signature *Field Trip forms will be sent out at later dates as needed
__________________________ Date
HEAD START POLICIES ABSENCES If the child is going to be absent from the preschool for the day please notify the Preschool Staff. WHO CAN PICK UP YOUR CHILD No person under the age of 12 years old will be permitted to pick up a child from the head start center. No child will be released to anyone, other then the parent or guardian, unless they are listed as an “Authorized Person To Pick Up Child” on the child’s registration form. GRADUAL ENTRY It is important for the children to ease into a new situation slowly and gradually, therefore the McLeod Lake Indian Band Head Start Program requests that the parent or guardian spend a minimum of two hours in the center with their child before they are left alone. This will help the child become familiar with the program and trust that it is a safe place to be before being left.
**IF A PARENT/GUARDIAN OR AUTHORIZED PERSON IS INTOXICATED WHEN THEY PICK UP THE CHILD, THE CHILD WILL NOT BE RELEASED INTO THEIR CARE. THE HEAD START STAFF WILL CALL THE CHILD’S EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSON TO COME AND PICK UP THE CHILD.
HEAD START DISCIPLINE POLICY
No corporal punishment will be used at any time to discipline a child, such as spanking, hitting, slapping, squeezing, or biting. Children are treated as individuals and will be guided in a manner which suits their particular needs and levels of development. An organized, well set up room will be provided to encourage desirable behavior and minimize conflicts. Adult’s voices are calm and controlled at all times Children are given the opportunity to discover natural consequences, allowing a child to experience outcomes on their own. Children are given simple choices so that they may have control over their own problem solving. Positive language is used in a way that lets children know what is expected. Children are given reminders about rules and expectations to encourage their own self-disciplining. When absolutely necessary, a child may be physically removed from a situation. This would only occur if a child is acting dangerously or putting themselves and/or others at risk. In extreme situations a child may be removed from the group to a quiet, less active location (such as a table) to calm down and regain self control.
REQUIREMENTS FROM HOME Please provide your child with an extra change of clothes that can remain at the daycare, including the following: T-shirt Underwear Pants Socks One pair of indoor shoes or slippers (mandatory) that can be worn outside for fire drills. Please provide your child with appropriate outdoor clothing: shorts and t-shirts in the summer months and a warm coat, snow pants, boots, hat and mittens for the winter months as we will be spending time outside when weather permits. **Please make sure your son/daughter’s clothes are labeled as we do not want a mix up.**
PARENT INVOLVMENT Any parent wishing to participate in the Head Start Preschool Program is welcome to do so at any time. Parents may want to contribute by reading a story to the children, playing a game with them or teaching the children some Tse’Khene words. Parents are also welcome to donate any non-perishable nutritional snacks that they would like, such as bannock and dried moose meat. Parents are required to attend the afternoon programs. FOOD Preschool and afternoon programs will offer one healthy snack (peanut aware) as well as a healthy
family lunch, traditional foods will be included.
HEAD START SICK POLICY If a child is contagious, potentially contagious, or unable to take part in a regular daily program, it is required that parents seek alternate care or keep child (ren) at home. The removal of a child will protect the health of other children and staff in the program and will attempt to eliminate the spread of illness or infection. If the child is experiencing any of the following conditions, parents are required to keep the child at home or seek alternate care.
PAIN
-any complaints of unexplained or undiagnosed pain
ACUTE COLD
-runny nose, coughing or sore throat. Once energy level is regained and the runny nose subsides, the child may return to Head Start.
BREATHING DIFFICULTIES
-wheezing/coughing
FEVER (100F/38.3C)
-may be an early indicator of illness and the child may need to see a physician. Once temperatures and energy level is regained, the child may return to Head Start.
INFECTED SKIN OR EYES
-or unexplained rash (i.e. pink eye, impetigo).
ACUTE SORE THROAT
-or difficulty in swallowing
HEADACHE OR STIFF NECK
-can’t move properly, head hurts
DIARRHEA
-loose stool accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting. These are indicators of bacterial infection, which is easily spread to others
COMMUNICATABLE DISEASE
-such as chicken pox. The child may return to the Head Start program only with written clearance from the doctor or nurse.
LICE
-Please keep child at home until completion of first successful treatment.
Please note the following conditions:
It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the Head Start program of a diagnosis of a serious illness or a contagious disease within 24 hours, so that other families in the Head Start program can be notified. ALL communicable diseases in the Head Start program will be reported to the Community Health Representative or the Nurse. Symptoms must be absent for 24 hours prior to the child returning to Head Start. If a child is requiring medication, a parent must fill out a “Permission to Administer Medication” form. Medications can not be administered unless the form is complete. In the event that a child becomes ill at Head Start, parent(s)/guardian will be notified and should attempt to pick up the child as soon as possible. Until the parent/guardian arrives, the child will be closely monitored to ensure a comfortable and reassured environment. The Community Health Representative will do a weekly health check on the children at the Head Start Program. The Head Start staff will not be responsible for taking sick children to the doctor for appointments at any time; this is the parent’s responsibility.
CHILD’S IMMUNIZATION CHART 0 MONTHS
2 MONTHS
4 MONTHS
6 MONTHS
12 MONTHS
18 MONTHS
Diphtheria
X
X
X
X
Pertussis
X
X
X
X
Tetanus
X
X
X
X
Poliomyelitis
X
X
X
Measles
X
X
Mumps
X
X
Rubella
X
X
Haemophilus
BCG
X X
X
X
X
Other
Please indicate if the child has received the above immunizations by circling the X. Child’s Medical Number:
X
PERMISSION TO OBTAIN MEDICAL INFORMATION
I,
give my permission for the McLeod Lake Indian Band Head
Start staff to obtain medical information regarding my child from the Medical Health Representative. This information is to be held in the strictest confidence by the Head Start staff and is not to be discussed with any unauthorized person(s). I understand that it is necessary for the Head Start Staff to have this information in order to properly care for my child.
Signature of Parent/Guardian
Date
PERMISSION TO ADMINISTER MEDICATION I,
give my permission for the McLeod Lake Indian Band Head
Start staff to administer the following medication to my child, in the prescribed manner and the prescribed amount. Staff will only administer medication if it is supplied by the parent or guardian and the medication must be in its original container or packaging and with written instructions on how to administer it, and how often. Signature:_____________________________ Date:_____________________________
Date
Medication
Dosage
Time
Parent Signature
Time Admin. by Staff
Staff Signature
EMERGENCY RELEASE AUTHORIZATION
In the event of an accident or if my child
becomes ill and the
parent or guardian cannot be reached by phone, I give my permission for the McLeod Lake Indian Band Head Start staff to take my child to the McLeod Lake Indian Band Health Clinic.
Signature of Parent/Guardian
Date
Printed Name
Signature of Facility Operator
Printed Name
Date
Whodu’ih Koh
2010 - 2013