STATE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM HANDBOOK
Welcome Welcome
Embracing each child’s uniqueness through caring connections and developmentally appropriate practices
This handbook was designed to assist families with understanding the requirements to participate in a State Preschool Part-Day program. We look forward to serving you!
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Student Services State Preschool 1950 S. Sunwest Lane Suite 300 San Bernardino, CA. 92408 Phone (909) 387-8517 I Fax (909) 387-8520 StatePreschool@sbcss.net
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Program Design | 4 • Mission • Age Group Served • Days & Hours of Operation • Locations • Open Door Policy • Group Size • Refrain from Religious Instruction • Confidentiality • Preschool Inclusion • Equal Access/Non-Discrimination Statement Program Philosophy, Goals & Objectives | 7 • Philosophy • Family Engagement & Strengthening • Health & Social Services • Education Program • Environment • Nutrition Services • Curriculum & Preschool Learning Foundations • Wellness & Nutrition • Staff Qualifications & Development • Continuous Improvement General Policies | 13
• Signing In and Out Procedures • Restricted Campus & Visitors • Authorized Pick Up • Celebration & Seasonal/Holidays • Donations & Gifts • Code of Ethical Conduct • Photography & Video • Safe School & Harassment Policy • Suspected Child Abuse • Clothing & Items from Home • Toileting • Child Supervision • Discipline & Guidance • Daily Health Screening & Exclusion • Allergies • Restrictive Injuries • Seizures • Child Injury & Medical Emergencies • Medication • Emergencies
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Selection & Enrollment Process | 20 • Waiting List • Child Admission Priorities • Steps for Enrollment Participant Qualifications & Conditions | 22 • Certification of Eligibility • Family Data File • Proof of Residency • Exceptional Needs Child • Health & Emergency Information • Court Order & Custody • Proof of Family Size • Eligibility Criteria Attendance | 26 • Importance of Attendance • Attendance Expectations/Policy • Late Pick Up Policy • Emergency Closures • Sign In & Out Procedures • Reporting Absences & Late Arrivals • Absence Policy • Abandonment of Care Disenrollment | 29 • Family Request to Disenroll • Family Request to Transfer or Session Change • Agency Disenrollment Policy • Suspension or Expulsion Grievance/Complaint Procedures | 32 • Complaints Regarding Program Staff • Uniform Complaint Procedure • Food & Program Non-Discrimination Statement & Complaint Procedure • Program Decision Complaints (Appeal Process) Program Compliance | 31 • Program Compliance Community Care Licensing | 35 • Caregiver Background Check Process • Child Care Center Notification of Parents Rights
• Personal Rights Child Care Centers • Effects of Lead Exposure Brochure
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PROGRAM DESIGN
Mission: The mission of San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools is to transform lives through education Our commitment for services is to proactively address the unique academic needs of students for increased academic achievement by promoting an equitable, positive, safe, culturally responsive, and supportive environment for students, staff, families, and community partners. This ensures the coordination and collaboration of system, resources, and effective practices focused on student needs, student learning and student success.
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PROGRAM DESIGN
Children Served: 3 – 5 Years of Age Days: Monday – Friday School Hours: 3 -hours in the AM and 3 -hours in the PM
Locations
Desert Mountain Region
Adelanto Child Development Center
Lucerne Valley State Preschool Mojave Vista State Preschool Park View State Preschool Puesta del Sol State Preschool
Big Bear State Preschool Bradach State Preschool Del Rey State Preschool
General Colin L. Powell State Preschool
Siegrist State Preschool
Liberty I & II State Preschool
East Valley and West Region
Anna Borba State Preschool Calimesa State Preschool Chaparral State Preschool Cortez State Preschool Franklin State Preschool
Little Bears State Preschool Live Oak State Preschool Los Amigos State Preschool Lugonia State Preschool Marshall State Preschool Victoria State Preschool Yucca Valley State Preschool
Frost State Preschool
Levi Dickey State Preschool
Affiliated Agencies in San Bernardino County
Fontana Unified School District:
Snowline Joint Unified School District:
Live Oak State Preschool Redwood State Preschool
Baldy Mesa State Preschool Heritage State Preschool Phelan State Preschool Piñon Hills State Preschool Vista Verde State Preschool Wrightwood State Preschool
Crafton Hills College
Child Development Center
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PROGRAM DESIGN
Open Door Policy You may visit your child’s classroom unannounced to observe your child at any time during operational hours, please refer to the campus/visitor information for district policy. Our program is based upon a partnership with parents of the children enrolled. Parents are highly encouraged to participate in their child’s program, please refer to the parent volunteer information on page #7. Group Sizes Adult-to-child ratios are planned for in advance and followed for each age group based on the Title 5 regulations.
Equal Access/Non-Discrimination Statement No person will be subjected to discrimination, or any other form of illegal bias, including harassment. We give equal access to services without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, or mental or physical disability. Preschool Inclusion Our program is fully accessible. Some of our classrooms share the campus with special needs preschool children and participate in mainstream activities, such as outdoor play or indoor play. Inclusion experiences for children promote a sense of belonging and membership, build positive social relationships and friendships. Planning meetings will be held between the state preschool teacher and the special education preschool teacher to reassure all student's individual needs are met for development and learning within a safe and nurturing environment.
Preschool (36 Months to Kinder) 1 adult for every 8 preschoolers
Refrain from Religious Instruction Our program refrain from religious instruction and worship. Confidentiality The use or disclosure of any information maintained in the basic data file concerning children and their families is limited to purposes directly connected with the administration of the program. No other use of the information will be made without prior written consent or through a subpoena. Participants shall have access to information in their basic data file within 3 business days after the program receives a written request.
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PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY, GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Philosophy San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools recognizes the importance of play in the learning process for young children. We also recognize that parents are the primary caregivers and educators of their children. We work to empower children, promote individuality and develop strong partnerships with families while creating an environment that helps young children attain physical, cognitive, social, language and emotional achievements to be prepared for school.
Each family brings a history of life experience and cultural heritage that is respected and valued within our program. Partnerships between families and the teachers are essential to the growth and development of each individual child.
Our goals and objectives are reflected within each of the quality program components
Family Engagement & Strengthening: Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment for families and invite them to participate as equal partners in the education of their children. Opportunities to participate include, but are not limited to: • Parent Orientation are held before your child’s first day of school • Parent/Teacher conferences are held twice per year. Conferences provide an opportunity for parents to collaborate with the teacher to develop goals for their child • Parent Surveys are sent on an annual basis to gain input on how our program can improve. • Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) m eetings provide an opportunity to learn about child development, share topics identified in the parent survey, provide input on the nature and operation of the program parenting strategies. A great time to network with other parents. • Parent Workshops/Trainings are offered throughout the school year such as nutrition education trainings and physical activity materials throughout the school year.
Note: Parents volunteering in the center must have a recent tuberculosis clearance, immunizations; measles, pertussis and influenza. Please refer to the campus visitor information for the district policy.
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PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY, GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Health & Social Services Our goal is for families to know where to access community health and social services to meet their unique family needs. A Family Needs Assessment form is completed at the time of enrollment. This form helps to identify the needs of both the child & family, so that the child may be successful in care and school. Education Program Our goal is to ensure all children are making progress in the domains of physical, cognitive, language, and social - emotional development. Our goal is to provide a program approach that is developmentally, linguistically and culturally appropriate. A program that is inclusive of children. We use a tool called the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) to assess the development of children • Assessed 60 days from the first day of attendance & every 6 months • Parent’s input is a necessary component of this assessment • Assessment outcomes are used to
Based on the results, staff provide parents with referrals to other agencies in the community. In addition, staff follow-up with parents to ensure their needs have been met. ADD ASQ
Cognitive & Language skills are supported by: • Various strategies, including experimentation, inquiry, observation, play and exploration • Providing opportunities for creative self-expression through activities such as art, music, movement and dialogue • Promoting interaction and language use among children and between children and adults • Supporting emerging literacy and numeracy development Physical development is supported by: • Promoting physical activity • Providing sufficient time to move within the indoor and outdoor spaces • Providing equipment, materials and guidelines for active play and movement Social/Emotional development is supported by: • Building trust • Planning routines and transitions so they can occur in a predictable and unhurried manner • Help children develop emotional security and facility in social relationships
plan and conduct age and developmentally appropriate activities for children
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PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY, GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Nutrition Services Our goal is to ensure children have balanced nutritious meals and snacks during their time in the program. Meals and snacks that are culturally and developmentally appropriate and meet the federal Child Care Food Program nutritional requirements. Monthly menus are posted on the bulletin board. Mealtime is a learning experience for our children. It’s a time for talking about color, taste, texture and the name of foods. It is an opportunity for practicing manners by watching adults and socializing with other children.
Environment Our goal is for each of our classrooms to provide a safe, healthy and welcoming environment that supports the broad development needs of children. CLASS 2nd Edition and CLASS Environment tools implementation to support continuous quality improvement and enhance classroom interactions and children's learning and development. Curriculum & Preschool Learning Foundations In addition, our environments are set-up using our adopted curriculum. Creative Curriculum is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features exploration and discovery as a way of learning, enabling children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills. Play as an integral part of the curriculum that includes purposeful teaching to help children gain knowledge and skills. The California Preschool Learning Foundations and The California Preschool Curriculum Frameworks draws from research that many children learn by participating in high-quality preschool program that offer environments and experiences that encourage active, playful exploration and experimentation.
If your child has any food allergies, or can not eat certain foods for religious or personal reasons, please notify the teacher immediately.
We enhance our curriculum with Footsteps2Brilliance and Clever Kids University provides opportunities for preschoolers to engage in literacy activities to develop early writing. Interactive reading and writing activities are engaging for preschoolers and support language and literacy skill acquisition and build an effective school-to-home connection.
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PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY, GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Wellness & Nutrition The State Preschool program will meet all children’s nutritional needs for the duration of the program by providing a well-balanced breakfast, lunch, or snack. Meals, foods, and beverages served meet the state and federal requirements which are based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines. Items must be commercially prepared and stable temperature must be maintained until children are served. The program provides children with access to a variety of foods that meet the health and nutritional needs of children. Children are provided access to drinking water throughout the day, including during mealtimes and/or snack time and outdoor play. Children will have access to drinking fountains and/or hydration stations throughout the school site. Staff will ensure that the drinking fountains and drinking areas are clean, properly maintained and are lead-free.
Any school site that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requires a meal form for each child. The meal form requires total household income including cash aid and a social security number for the person signing the form.If the preschool child does not meet the income guidelines for the school district, the district will cover the cost of the meals.
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PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY, GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Cont. Wellness & Nutrition We promote non-food items for celebration purposes such as a reward for children’s accomplishments or classroom behavior. Staff will encourage all children to participate in physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes per day and avoid playing elimination games. Structure play and physical activity are designed to accommodate all children’s varied skills and levels. To promote and support nutrition and physical activity, staff are provided with professional development workshops, conferences, and resources related to the subject. The information and resources are shared and presented to parents and families to increase their knowledge of appropriate nutrition and physical activity for their children’s learning at home. The CalFresh Healthy Living program at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools provides the State Preschool program educational material, technical assistance, trainings, and resources which allow for opportunities to practice and implement nutrition education and physical activities in the classroom such as:
Nutrition Education •
MyPlate (food groups) modeling and educating children to choose and consume healthy foods and beverages. Color Me Healthy (curriculum) interactive learning opportunities on physical activity and healthy eating. School Gardens (activities) and farm-to- school activities provide opportunities for children to engage in planting, harvesting, and tasting nutritious foods grown in the school garden. Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) creating and implementing physically activities in the classroom, outdoors, and at home with families. Teachers will provide children with opportunities to receive at least 60 minutes of age-appropriate physical activity, during class sessions. Playground stenciling to encourage a variety of movement during outdoor play
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Physical Activity •
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PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY, GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Staff Qualifications & Development
Our goal is to implement a staff development program that adequately equips each staff member with the information necessary to carry assigned duties, such as monthly teacher meetings and an annual staff development day. Our program makes professional development of individuals working with children and families a priority. All teachers hold the appropriate child development permit and attend ongoing trainings related to child development. Continuous Improvement Our goal is to implement an effective annual program self-evaluation process to support continuous improvement. We participate in Quality Start San Bernardino County (QSSB) to maintain a high-quality early learning experience and ensure that children get early and specialized support if needed which makes a lasting difference to prepare children to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Our program is assessed, and each site is given a rating, ranging from 1 to 5. These ratings are based on what research shows are the key components of quality early care, including adult-child interactions, learning environments and appropriate learning activities. Families may find our rating of quality at the website; https://www.qualitystartsbc.org/parents/rating- information/site-type/state-preschool/
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GENERAL POLICIES
Signing In and Out Procedures Children in the State Preschool program need to be walked to or picked up from the classroom designated sign-in area during the scheduled program hours Monday through Friday. You will receive a school year calendar showing the days in session and the dates of no school. These calendars differ from the school's district calendar. Children must arrive on time while the gates are still open, or you will have to enter through the office to check in and follow the district policy. Classroom tablets will be available to access your eSignature Portal via HUBBE. Each authorized individual will be provided with their own personal PIN number. A full legal signature is required A child must be signed in at the beginning of the class by the parent, or other adult who brings the child, thereby giving responsibility of your child to the SBCSS State Preschool staff. When the child is picked up at the end of the day, the parent or authorized individual signs the child out, assuming responsibility for the child at that time. Restricted Campus & Visitors Classes located on local district campuses follow policies of that school. Any non-student who wishes to enter the campus must obtain clearance from the office before entering the campus. All visitors must check-in at the office and sign in and out with the receptionist, which requires all visitors to check in with the Raptor Visitor Management System. This system enhances a school's security by checking all visitors and volunteers against the national sex offender registry via First Name, Last Name, and Date of Birth after scanning the driver’s license.
Authorized Pick Up Your emergency contacts were entered when you completed your initial family application. If you have authorized the emergency contact to pick up your child, they must show a legal and valid picture I.D., such as a CA Driver’s License, State Identification card, Military ID, or a Passport. In order to prevent the child’s legal parent from dropping off/picking him/her up, we must have a court order on file. Parents are expected to update any changes in contact information such as parent phone numbers, emergency contacts phone numbers, parent email, court documents, etc. These changes must be done by the parent/guardian via their HUBBE Parent Portal. We ask that all families follow school site parking procedures. Please obey all traffic laws and signs including crosswalk laws. All parents and caregivers must park in designated areas only. If you do not have a handicap placard or sticker, please do not park in the handicapped spaces.
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GENERAL POLICIES
Celebrations & Seasonal/Holidays: We value the inclusivity of all students including honoring family religions and cultures. Upon parent request, we will acknowledge students’ birthdays with a nonfood and party favor celebration. Please inform the staff if your religious beliefs do not permit your child to participate and will provide your child an alternative activity. We offer children a variety of diverse appropriate activities and experiences throughout the year only for your child/children and follow an anti-bias curriculum. Acknowledging or celebrating seasonal/holidays, such as Halloween, Valentines, Christmas, etc.. in early childhood programs can bring pleasure to many families and children and can be useful in building connections between school and families. However, holidays also pose a range of challenges to ensuring that all children and families feel respected and to children learning about diversity of families. This requires thoughtful decision making of our staff to honor the cultural and religious diversity among all our families by not favoring one category. We implement culturally responsive instruction by: • Integrate cultural traditions of all families throughout your school year • Add classroom visuals reflecting the racial and ethnic diversity of the classroom •
Donations & Gifts: We are prohibited from soliciting in cash or in kind, additional payments from the families of the children enrolled. Therefore, we cannot accept any type of donation from the families which would include anything parents have to purchase including but not limited to the following: • Paper products •
Holiday or seasonal items including Christmas, Valentine’s, Halloween costumes, treats, etc.. Monetary donation for the cost of any type of activity, equipment, materials, and any type of food or drink item. Our program does not participate in potluck activities, fundraisers nor graduation ceremonies/celebrations.
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Our program does not acknowledge celebrations or traditions including but not limited to Valentines, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, Christmas, and graduation celebrations and performances
Incorporate books with multicultural themes and different perspectives into classroom readings Integrate ethnic art, music, and games into classroom activities Seek various representatives to show the diversity within a common group
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GENERAL POLICIES
Code of Ethical Conduct: All families must commit to demonstrate the following core standards/values during all interactions while enrolled in our program: • Communicate effectively in a calm manner • Be courteous • Show respect of others • Take responsibility for own actions • Be punctual • Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual present at the center • Respect diversity • Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect Photography & Video: San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) and organizations/associations connected with SBCSS may use your child's name, photographs, video camera recordings, and interview comments for educational and promotional purposes is part of this agreement. These items may be distributed to individuals, groups, and the news media and published in, but not limited to, advertisements, news releases, newsletters, slide shows, video presentations, and the World Wide Web. Published materials may identify students as special education or alternative education and could include references to various special needs based on the program.
Safe School & Harassment Policy: The following behaviors will not be tolerated and are prohibited at any of our facilities: • Behavior which threatens the safety, welfare or morals of others • Under the influence of and/or possession of alcohol, marijuana or drugs • The possession of any weapon, look alike weapon (toy), or any object which ejects whether functional or not • Behavior which would cause, attempt, threaten, or conspire to cause damage to personal or real property or person through arson, burglary, extortion, larceny (stealing), criminal mischief, battery (hitting people), assault (making a person fearful of hitting), harassment (threat to commit an illegal act), sexual harassment, sexual intimidation, hazing (actions intended to endanger or embarrass others.) • Use of obscene and profane language, including yelling. 15
GENERAL POLICIES
Suspected Child Abuse: Our staff are mandated reporters.
Toileting: Children will be expected to manage their toileting needs with minimal adult assistance. To ensure safety and compliance with state law, children will be always visually supervised including when they are using the restroom facility. If your child is not able to manage their toileting needs with minimal adult assistance, we recommend a classroom with an attached bathroom inside the classroom. If the school site that you are enrolled in does not have a preschool classroom that has an attached bathroom, you will be offered the opportunity to transfer to a school site that does. If a child wears Pull-Ups, it is expected daily for the parent to ensure that there are a minimum of 5 Pull-Ups and ample wipes in the classroom to assist with their child’s toileting needs. To meet health and safety regulations, in the event of a toileting accident, a staff person will immediately assist and guide the child into a clean set of clothes and or pull up. A child is not permitted to be left in soiled clothing nor a pull up, therefore a parent may not be called to assist as a child is left waiting to be changed. Once a child is changed and requires further hygiene such as bathing, the parent and or emergency contacts will be notified. The soiled clothing will then be sent home in a plastic bag due to health regulations and limitation on resources in facility.
The safety and well being of your child always comes first. State law requires that staff report known or suspected instances of a child abuse to Child Protective Services or to local police officials. This abuse includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse or neglect. If you or someone in your family wants to learn different ways to guide and discipline your child or to handle anger without hurting your child, please talk to your child’s teacher. There are resources available to help you, at no charge Clothing & Items from Home: Your child will be very active during classroom activities and should dress in comfortable and washable clothes. Shoes must be worn all time. Each classroom seeks to maintain a positive learning environment where mutual respect and high personal standards are established. Students have the right to dress in accordance with their gender identity and gender expression, pursuant to any dress code adopted on a school site. Please send a change of clothes for your child in case of a spill or toileting accident. For social-emotional support children may bring a stuffed animal, blanket, or other special items at the beginning of the school year while the child is adjusting to the classroom environment. Please discuss your ideas for sharing home materials with your child’s teacher ahead of time. Toy guns and knives are not allowed at school. The classroom is not responsible for any lost or damaged personal items.
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GENERAL POLICIES
Child Supervision: Staff actively ensure that our environments are safe, and no child will be left alone or unsupervised at any time. Supervision is everyone's responsibility, so in addition to our staff, parents must also use active supervision techniques to ensure our environments are safe.
Parents must: • Ensure gate and door is closed and secured • No Cell Phone policy when dropping off/picking-up your child. This can be distracting. Give your child your undivided attention. • Ensure your child is signed in and out every day with your full legal signature and exact time. • Hold your child’s hand in the road and parking lot • Encourage children to follow safety rules • Report safety and supervision concerns to staff immediately
Discipline & Guidance: Expectations and limits are set to keep the children safe and help them get along with other children and adults. Positive methods of guidance and re-direction is used with a big focus on social-emotional development to help children gain social skills that allow them to relate and communicate with others in a healthy way. Staff work to build a positive relationship with every child. Every effort will be made to handle discipline problems through redirection, problem solving, re-arrangement of the environment, and staff - parent collaboration. Open-communication with each other is key. One of the ways we will do so is through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) , a program-wide system focused on creating a positive, predictable, consistent, safe environment in which positive behaviors are taught, reinforced and celebrated. We have students follow the 3 B’s to be safe, be respectful and be responsible. Continued teaching, re-teaching, and reinforcing of these expectations and social skills throughout the year will occur. In addition, when misbehavior occurs, we provide feedback, support and interventions to help students learn appropriate behavior. Together, through family and school collaboration, we can create a positive, consistent environment in which students succeed and thrive. If positive behavior intervention and techniques are not effective, a behavior support plan will be developed with the teacher, supervisor and include the parent's collaboration and input. There will be no use of corporal punishment or violation of personal rights. We do not spank, punish or threaten our students . Our program does not have an assigned staff person to work one-on-one for behavior management or health needs.
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GENERAL POLICIES
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Illness that prevents the child from participating comfortably in activities that results in a greater need of individual care. Gastro-intestinal nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain within the last 24 hours Throat and neck redness, spots, sore throat, infected tonsils, swollen glands
Daily Health Screening & Exclusion:
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In order to help prevent the spread of children’s diseases, licensing requires that each child receive a daily health check upon arrival at the center. No child shall be accepted without contact between center staff and the person bringing the child to the center . The person bringing the child to the center must remain until the health check has been completed and the child is accepted . Children will be excluded from the center if: Allergies: The staff must be notified if a child has any type of allergies. Notification must be in writing from a physician and must include instructions on how to avoid incurring an allergic reaction and what to do in the event a reaction does occur. Restrictive Injuries: If a child receives an injury that restricts their regular activity in the classroom as well as outdoor activity, such as a broken bone, has a cast, has stitches, needs to use crutches, needs to use a wheelchair, etc., or is hospitalized for any reason or a visit to the emergency room, for the safety of your child a doctor’s clearance is requested before a child may return to school. We can reasonably accommodate with alternative activities outdoors, but we cannot restrict children from active gross motor play.
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Eyes discharge and/or redness Skin rashes, spots, eruptions, etc.
Nose and ears discharge with symptoms such as fever, coughing or other symptoms Temperature fever over 100 degrees F within the last 24 hours Communicable disease are reported to the teacher and the child may return on the quarantine end period or return to school medical note.
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If a child becomes ill during the day, he/she will be isolated from the other children and the parent will be contacted with the request to pick up early. Seizures: If a situation is life threatening 911 will be called first and then the parent and or person to contact on student emergency card will be called. A seizure that lasts over 5-minutes is to be treated as an emergency unless otherwise specified on specialized health care plan.
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GENERAL POLICIES
Parent/Guardian Email: Our program uses the following
Medication: In the event that your child needs to takes medication, a staff member may only give it to your child if your doctor provides written instructions. If your child is taking prescribed medications that must be given during class, you and your doctor must complete and submit an authorization form first. Medications must be in the original container with your child’s name on the pharmacy label. Always give medications directly to the teacher and do not leave it in your child’s bag. Child Injury & Medical Emergencies Staff are trained to administer CPR and First Aid. If your child is hurt during the day, staff will administer first aid and provide an injury/incident report. In the event of a medical emergency and if the student must be transported to the hospital a school employee must accompany the child. If the parents have not been reached before the pupil is taken to the hospital, the teacher will continue to make every effort to contact the parents. This may involve requesting assistance from the Sheriff or Police who may authorize transporting the pupil. Your authorization for the program to contact your family physician and to take whatever emergency treatment necessary is on your child’s emergency card.
Emergencies: Each classrooms emergency plan is posted in the classroom and emergency drills are conducted monthly. In the event of a major disaster or unusual emergency, Aeries communication system will be used to notify you of the most up to date information regarding the emergency situation. communication and learning applications in our program. It is important to have an up to date, reliable parent/guardian email address on file with us to ensure you receive all communications related to your child’s education. • Aeries • HUBBE • Teaching Strategies • Ready Rosie • Learning Genie • Footsteps to Brilliance/Clever Kids University
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SELECTION & ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Waiting List: The program has limited openings for eligible families. The first step to access center- based program services is to be placed on our waiting list. Children with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Online: https://sanbernardino.sishubbe.com/Parents/SBCSSStatePreschool Program Call: ( 909) 387-8517 to be sent an invitation
Three Ways to Apply
NOTE: 5% of CSPP funded enrollment is reserved for Children with Exceptional Needs. Only the child in the family who has exceptional needs may be enrolled under this eligibility criteria and must have an active individualized education program (IEP). The parent is responsible to provide up to date copies of the IEP or IFSP to the teacher. Sixth: Children enrolling in CSPP to provide expanded learning & care to Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten pupils (must meet an eligibility criteria) Fourth: Family income is not more than 15% above income threshold. Prioritize exceptional needs children, then 4-year-olds, then 3-year-olds. (limited to 10% of funded enrollment) Fifth: Family resides in approved neighborhood school boundary. Prioritize based on income ranking order. Child Admission Priorities: When an opening is available, we access the waiting list and contact families based on the following program Enrollment priorities: For 95% of preschool enrollment when an opening is available, we access the waiting list and contact families based on the following program Enrollment priorities: First: Child is recipient of Child Protective Services or At-Risk of being neglected, abused or exploited. Second: Once the needs set-aside is filled, child with exceptional needs from income eligible family. Prioritize based on income ranking order. Third: Eligible children not enrolled in Transitional Kindergarten. Prioritize children with the lowest income ranking first. If 2 or more children are within the same ranking prioritize dual language learners, then based on the child who has been on the waiting list for the longest time.
( subject to change )
Maximum Income for 2 nd , 3 rd & 6 th Priorities: Family Size Total Countable Monthly Income
7,759 8,790
1-2
3 4 5 6 7
10.249 11,889 13,529 13,837
8 14,144 Maximum Income for 4 th Priority: Family Size
Total Countable Monthly Income
8,923
1-2
10,109 11,787 13,673 15,559 15,912 16,266
3 4 5 6 7 8
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SELECTION & ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Families screened & selected To begin the enrollment process, the family application is completed and processed through our agency HUBBE portal link. https://sanbernardino.sishubbe.com/Parents /SBCSSStatePreschoolProgram If you are having trouble accessing the application portal, contact the us for assistance. The steps are as follows: Step 1: Learn How to Apply
Complete an Eligibility List form: Online: https://sanbernardino.sishubbe.com/Parents/SBCSSSt atePreschoolProgram:// or Call: ( 909) 387-8517 to se sent an invitation
Step 2: Gather documentation & Gather documents a document checklist listing the documents you need to enroll your child will be assigned to you via your HUBBE parent portal and upload them to your application. The documents needed to enroll will be documentation of all children counted in your family size, income verification, CA. residency verification, and a completed Child Care Physician’s Report, including screening of TB risk factors.
Note: Once you are assigned a document checklist, you will have 10 calendar days to upload your documents and submit your application.
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PARTICIPANT QUALIFICATIONS & CONDITIONS
Certification of Eligibility:
Family Data File: A family data file is maintained for each family receiving services. When a child’s residence alternates between the homes of separated or divorced parent’s eligibility must be determined separately for each household in which the child is residing during the time services are needed. Enrollment into the preschool program is determined by specific family eligibility criteria. In addition, a child’s parent must live in California. Families complete a certification process at initial enrollment and remain eligible to receive services for the remainder of the program year and for the following program year, as long as the child is age-eligible.
Proof of Residency Determination of eligibility shall be without regard to the immigration status of the child or the child's parent(s), unless under a final order of deportation from the United States Department of Homeland Security.
• Any evidence of a street address or post office address in California, including the 4-digit zip code extension
• Must live in California • Families experiencing homelessness shall submit declaration that they reside in California
If enrolled as residing in an approved neighborhood school boundary, Proof of Residency is required: • Verified residency within approved neighborhood school boundary • Utility bill • Rental or lease agreement with Landlord’s info • Employment pay stub
• Property tax bill • Voter registration • Government agency letter
• Documentation that a contractor reasonably relies upon to prove a family’s residency
Exceptional Needs Child If your child has exceptional needs, the file must contain the following documentation in order for us to best serve your child: • Individual Education Plan (IEP) Family Language Survey Identification of your child as a dual language learner in CSPP means that your child will benefit from additional support from the program in order to develop their home language and English language skills. This identification will serve them only in preschool and is different from any identification process or program supports a child might receive as an English learner in Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten. • Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)
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PARTICIPANT QUALIFICATIONS & CONDITIONS
Court Order & Custody If there is a court order that impacts childcare services, include in the family data file. Should any disruption occur at the school, law enforcement will be contacted for legal assistance to maintain the safety of all students and staff. Parents are asked to make every attempt not to involve staff in custody matters.
Health & Emergency Information Participants must provide child health & current emergency information, along with current immunization records for enrolled children
Proof of Family Size: Biological/Adoptive Parent: “Family” shall be considered the parents & the children for whom the parents are responsible, who comprise the household in which the child receiving services is living. Guardian/Foster Parent: “Family” shall be considered the child & related siblings. Participants must provide the names of the adults & the names, gender & birthdates of the children identified in the family. At least one document for ALL children counted in the family size must be on file & indicate the relationship of the child to the parent. • Birth Certificate or other live birth records • Child Custody Court order • Adoption documents • Foster Care placement records • School or Medical records • County welfare department records • Other reliable documentation indicating the relationship of the child to the parent 23
PARTICIPANT QUALIFICATIONS & CONDITIONS
Eligibility Criteria: Participants must provide documentation of eligibility in 1 or more of these eligibility categories: Child is Recipient of Child Protective Services or Child Identified as At-Risk o Documentation of Monthly Income AND o Referral Letter Family Experiencing Homelessness o Documentation of Monthly Income AND o Referral Letter OR o Parental Declaration of Homelessness Child has Exceptional Needs o Documentation of Monthly Income AND o Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) OR o Individualized Education Program (IEP) Approved Neighborhood School Boundary o Self-Certification of Income AND o Verification of Home Address (Example: Utility bill | Property tax bill | Voter registration | Rental/lease agreement | Government agency letter | Pay stub) Receiving Benefits from Governmental Program
NOTE: 5% of CSPP funded enrollment is reserved for Children with Exceptional Needs
Current Aid Recipient o Documentation of CalWORKs Cash-Aid (Example: Notice of Action | Receipt of Cash-Aid | Verification of Benefits)
Medi-Cal, CalFresh, California Food Assistance, California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservation, Head Start or Early Head Start. o Enrollment Documentation, such as Notice of Action | Receipt of Aid | Verification of Benefits AND o Copy of Governmental Program Application OR o If not available, Self-Declaration of Income as declared on the program application Income Eligibility ( Income eligible & 15% above income threshold) Guardian or Foster Parent(s): o Documentation of Monthly Income (For child and their related siblings) Biological or Adopted Parent(s):
o Authorization to Release Employment Information (if applicable) AND o Parent Notification: Requirement to Report Income Over Threshold o Documentation of Monthly Income (ALL sources for ALL parents in family) Regular & Steady Income: Total countable income from either month of the 2-month window immediately preceding certification Fluctuating or Inconsistent Income: Total countable income from 12 months immediately preceding certification
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PARTICIPANT QUALIFICATION & CONDITIONS
Immunizations & Physical: Your child must have verification of a physical examination and TB clearance status within the last 12 months, including all required immunizations. before completing an enrollment packet and before admission to the program, including all required immunizations. Otherwise, the family will be placed back on the eligibility list. Upon a file review and if it is discovered the child has already started without a physical, TB and are not up to date on immunizations a Notice of Action Termination is issued immediately. The documentation must then be submitted within the appeal deadline due date, although services may continue during the appeal period. On Condition allows children can be admitted “on condition” that they receive the next shots due as they age into new requirements. It is the responsibility of the parent to meet the deadline date and submit immunizations to the teacher. If the parent does not submit documentation showing the child has received the doses due, the law requires that the child (unless exempt) be excluded from further school/childcare attendance until proof of adequate immunization is presented. If the required dose(s) are not given within the due date a Notice of Action Termination is issued. Medical Exemption describes a child whose California-licensed physician decides to postpone one or more immunizations because of a physical condition or medical circumstance may be admitted “on condition” that the needed dose(s) be obtained and an updated immunization record for the needed doses be submitted by the time the exemption expires. Medical exemptions can only be issued through the California Immunization Registry through the Medical Exemption website CAIR-ME by physicians licensed in California. Schools may only accept from parent's medical exemptions that are issued using CAIR-ME. If after later discovery that a conditionally admitted student has not complied in meeting the conditional admission requirements and previously had not been appropriately notified, the school or childcare may allow up to 10 school days after notification to receive all vaccines currently due and provide documentation of these doses before excluding the student. A Notice of Action Termination will be issued.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is the federal act requires schools to enroll new students who are homeless even if their immunization records are missing or unavailable at the time of enrollment. California law requires schools to immediately enroll foster children.
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ATTENDANCE
Importance of Attendance:
Attendance Expectations/Policy: Children are expected to attend school Monday – Friday for 3 hours a day. A family may be disenrolled from the program for abandonment of care. Regular and consistence attendance is important. It allows the family to maximize the benefits of the child’s early learning and care experience.
Unnecessary disruptions in services can stunt or delay social-emotional & cognitive development while safe, stable environments allow young children the opportunity to develop the relationships & trust necessary to comfortably explore & learn from their surroundings.
By making your child's attendance a priority, you will be taking an important step in supporting your child's school success and setting a good example.
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ATTENDANCE
Absence Policy:
Excused Absence: • Illness of child or parent/guardian, ailment, communicable disease, injury, hospitalization or quarantine • Appointment of child or parent/guardian, which includes doctor, dentist, mental health, counseling, developmental assessment, IEP meeting or therapy • Court ordered visitation for time spent with a parent or relative as required by law. (Court order must be on file) • Family emergency for unplanned situations of a temporary nature including court appearance, death, accident, hospitalization of a family member, no transportation, illness of sibling or due to sheltering in-place Unexcused Absence: For example, but not limited to • The alarm clock did not go off • Child didn’t want to get up/didn’t want to go to school • Parent hair or nail appointment • Long term transportation issues • Parent shopping/running errands • Pet illness, vet appointment, or passing • School gate locked and did not want to follow school procedure of entering through the office. • Parent choice to keep home
Best Interest of the Child Days (maximum of 10 days per program year between July 1-June 30; except for children enrolled due to protective services or at risk) Parent determines that another activity is better for the child to attend, such as: • Visiting relative or close friend • Vacation time with family • Child attending a special event • Family moving • Religious observance, holiday or ceremony • Personal or family business
Abandonment of Care The program does not allow families to be enrolled in a program if they are not using services. Your child(ren) will be disenrolled when there has been no communication with the center for 30 consecutive calendar days. A Gap of Services will be authorized on a case-by-case basis upon the decision of a supervisor.
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ATTENDANCE
Reporting Absences
Late Pick Up Policy
In the event that a child has an absence, please contact the teacher to report all absences. Via your Hubbe Parent Portal, please enter the reason for absence. When a child is absent from regularly scheduled care at any time the staff must ensure the absences are recorded accurately. The parent/caregiver is responsible to enter the reason of absence and sign for the absence/s with a full legal signature.
It is important to pick up your child on time every day. Staff must follow the regulation established by the CA Dept. of Social Services and Community Care Licensing. The regulations state that all children must be picked up from the classroom by the end of the licensee’s posted hours. All children must be picked up by the end of the three-hour session. If a child is not picked up on time, the following specific rules and procedures regarding late pick-up will occur: • 1st Occurrence: Parent will receive a written warning late pick-up notice • 2nd Occurrence: Parent will receive a 2 nd . written warning late pick-up notice • 3rd Occurrence: A late pick-up review meeting will be scheduled with the teacher and a supervisor to review the program handbook to discuss the program late pick-up policy and develop an action plan to avoid future late pick ups When children are not picked up at the end of class, immediate attempts to contact the parent/guardian and/or emergency designee(s) will be made by the preschool teacher or staff. When children are not picked up within 30 minutes after the end of their class, and no contact has been made with or received from the parent/guardian or other emergency card designee, this will constitute an “emergency situation.” The preschool teacher or supervisor will take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the child; this may include contact with Child Protective Services and/or the local police authority
Emergency Closures In the event of an emergency due to weather, fire, flood, utility problems, or other issues that will necessitate the immediate closure of the state preschool classroom all parents will be notified as soon as possible. This would be considered an excused absence due to unforeseen conditions.
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