Riverside County Office of Education Migrant Head Start Programs Serving children and families in the Coachella and Imperial Valley
Parent Handbook
August 1, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Migrant Head Start Program will be providing virtual services for children and families. Some of the policies and procedures will not be in effect until further notice.
MHSP Oficina Central 370 Aurora Drive El Centro, California 92243 760-337-1555 FAX: 760-337-1478 rcoe.us
Table of Content WHAT SERVICES DOES RIVERSIDE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION (RCOE) PROVIDE?......................................................... 1 WHAT IS MIGRANT HEAD START (MHS) ................................................................................................................................. 1 NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY ............................................................................................................................................... 1 MHS/EHS ELIGIBILITY .............................................................................................................................................................. 1 CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY ....................................................................................................................................................... 2 MHSP SHARED GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE............................................................................................................................. 3 Local Match in-Kind Contributions.......................................................................................................................................... 3 FATHER MALE INVOLVEMENT................................................................................................................................................. 3 MIGRANT HEAD START APPEAL PROCEDURES ....................................................................................................................... 4 Fraud Hotline........................................................................................................................................................................... 5 PERSONAL RIGHTS [STATE OF CALIFORNIA-HEALTH AND WELFARE AGENCY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES].............. 6 PARENTS’ RIGHTS .................................................................................................................................................................... 7 SCHOOL READINESS ................................................................................................................................................................ 7 HOME-SCHOOL CONNECTION ................................................................................................................................................ 8 T-S Gold (Ongoing Assessment) .............................................................................................................................................. 8 ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURE POLICY/PICK UP POLICY ............................................................................................................. 8 ATTENDANCE POLICY .............................................................................................................................................................. 9 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS CAREGIVER BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9 CHEMICAL AND SMOKE FREE WORKPLACE .......................................................................................................................... 10 MENTAL HEALTH/WELLNESS ................................................................................................................................................ 11 SERVICES TO CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES .......................................................................................................................... 12 HEALTH SERVICES.................................................................................................................................................................. 13 LEAD EXPOSURE .................................................................................................................................................................... 13 SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS) ......................................................................................................................... 14 USE OF APPROPRIATE SHOES ................................................................................................................................................ 15 OLDER CHILDREN IN THE CLASSROOM ................................................................................................................................. 15 DISCONTINUATION OF SERVICES .......................................................................................................................................... 15 SHORT TERM EXCLUSION ...................................................................................................................................................... 15 CHANGE OF CLOTHING ......................................................................................................................................................... 15 CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT REPORTING ..................................................................................................................................... 15 MHS TRANSPORTATION SERVICES ........................................................................................................................................ 16 PROGRAM SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................................................... 17 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE................................................................................................ 17
COMMUNITY RESOURCES ..................................................................................................................................................... 17 PARENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................................................. 17 MIGRANT HEAD START PROGRAM LOCATIONS:................................................................................................................... 19
WHAT SERVICES DOES RIVERSIDE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION (RCOE) PROVIDE? RCOE serves as a liaison agency between the California Department of Education and local school districts. As a coordinating agency and partner with twenty-three (23) local school districts and four (4) community colleges, RCOE provides a variety of support services such as curriculum and instruction, educational programs, business, data processing, credentialing, and personnel. In addition, RCOE is the grantee for the Region IX Migrant Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Riverside County and the Migrant Head Start and MSHS Early Head Start though FCC partnership in Riverside and Imperial counties. The County Superintendent of Schools employs approximately 1,612 highly trained and experienced classified and certificated employees working in the educational centers and school sites. WHAT IS MIGRANT HEAD START (MHSP) Originating in 1969, Migrant Head Start has proven to be a successful child development program. The overall goal of Head Start is to promote school readiness by enhancing the social, physical and cognitive development of children of low income families through the provision of health, educational, transportation, nutritional, social, school readiness and other services determined based on family needs assessments. Staff members provide learning experiences that help children express themselves creatively. The program encourages children to discover and solve problems through interaction with their environment and helps the parents to be the primary teacher for their child. The program is designed to serve low-income families who are working in agriculture. Ten percent (10%) of actual enrollment must be children with special needs. Children with special needs and their families receive the same full range of developmental services within a supportive learning environment. The RCOE MHSP includes strong community and parent involvement through the local Parent Committees, and the MHS Policy Council, and many other community volunteers.
RCOE MHSP, housed within the Division Early Learning Services, is made possible by an EHS/FCC partnership grant from the Federal Administration for Children and Families/Office of Head Start, Region XII. The RCOE Migrant Head Start Programs operates full day centers and family child care (FCCs) placements in which the children develop skills in various aspects. The MHS sites operate approximately eight hours daily. With the addition of FCCs the Migrant Head Start serves children from six (6) weeks to five (5) years. Early Head Start (EHS), starting in 2015 RCOE/MHS also serves Migrant and Seasonal Early Head Start children six (6) weeks to three (3) years of age though the EHS Family Child Care partnership. In 2017, the program received a second grant to increase the number of children being served to an additional 82. PLEASE NOTE that in most instances MHS references will also apply to both MHS & EHS NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY It is the policy of the Riverside County Office of Education that no eligible family will be denied services on the basis of race, religion, creed, national origin, or sexual preference or on the basis of disability or its severity in accordance with 1308.5 [c](1-4). MHS/EHS ELIGIBILITY Migrant Head Start serves families that have traveled in/out of the county or state within the last twenty four (24) months for the purposes of engaging in agricultural occupations; meet or exceed federal low income guidelines; and make their
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living primarily from agricultural occupations. Early Head start ELIGIBILITY: families that have worked in agriculture and make their living primarily from agricultural occupations; meet or exceed federal low income guidelines; migrancy/mobility is not a requirement for EHS, however families who have traveled in/out of the county or state within the last twenty four (24) months for the purposes of engaging in agricultural occupations will receive priority. Migrant Head Start and Early Head Start are required to serve families with the greatest needs first. Families will be ranked according to a point system. Approved by the MHS policy Council annually.
As per the Final Rule on Head Start Eligibility parents or guardians applying for EHS/MHS servicers are advised the intent to provide false information may result in termination of services and may be subject to legal action (7368 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 27 / Tuesday, February 10, 2015 / Rules and Regulations).
CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
The RCOE Migrant Head Start views confidentiality as of primary importance in the delivery of services to the families and children we serve to develop trust in the partnership between families and us, and as a statement of our professionalism and integrity. Likewise we expect parents and guardians as partners to abide by this confidentiality policy.
Therefore, RCOE employees, volunteers and consultants shall not discuss a child or family with, or disclose any information concerning that child or family to anyone other than the person who has legal custody of the child and appropriate RCOE employees or consultants working with the child or family. Any other persons requesting information regarding a child and/or his or her family, including, without limitation, persons claiming to have permission from the family or claiming to have a court order or other legal authorization, shall be referred to the Site Manager who will consult with the MHSP Executive Director for disposition. [This policy does not apply when a staff member suspects a child has been subjected to child abuse or neglect.] The disclosure of agency program, financial and other confidential information is prohibited without prior authorization.
As members of the Program Governance Team parents and community partners learn many new and exciting details about the Riverside County Office of Education and the Migrant Head Start Programs. Because members will be exposed to complex and often confidential information, they are asked to sign a confidentiality statement. This statement gives our office an assurance that they understand the obligation (both legally and ethically) to keep all matters discussed strictly confidential and that such information cannot be shared with anyone outside the team. Failure to abide by this policy could lead to suspension or expulsion from the team. 2
MHSP SHARED GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE Each site shall elect representatives and alternates who are parents of children enrolled (receiving services) in each of the following program options: (MHS Center, MHS FCC, EHS I, EHS III). The parents who are elected must have a child (ren) in the MHS Program at the time of their election. Allocation of members and alternates from each program Options will be as follows: Funded Enrollment
Allocation Representatives
Alternates
1-50
1
1-2
51-100
2
2-3
MHSP Center /FCC[MHS, EHS I y III] Center Committees All active Parents have a Vote All Centers/FCC/EHS I & III Elect Executive Committees
Local Match in-Kind Contributions The MHSP is primarily supported by federal funds (80%). The remaining twenty-percent (20%) must come from the community in the form of cash or in-kind contributions. If we do not earn our share, the federal government may reduce our funding the following year. Your contribution as a volunteer or your time at a meeting is important. When parents, organizations or other individuals volunteer their time, attend a meeting or donate to MHSP, it is recorded on an in- kind form. It is put into “dollars. FATHER MALE INVOLVEMENT The Department of Health and Human Services has developed an initiative to support and reinforce the father figure role in Head Start. In response to this initiative MHSP in collaboration with parents’ representatives from MHSP centers elaborated a plan with activities directed to increase father/male involvement. The plan which include such activities as conferences and workshops, are designed to provide parenting skills and to make fathers reflect about the importance of their involvement in the life of their children. Other activities are directed to promote the participation of fathers in the Head Start classroom. To volunteer, take an active part or for more information about these activities, please contact you center. Senate Bill 792 prohibit a day care center or a Family Child Care from employing any person who has not been immunized against Influenza, pertussis, and Measles, therefore, any person directly interacting with children must be immunized prior to work or volunteer in the classroom or FCC.
The CURRICULUM OF EDUCATION FOR PARENTS: RCOE-MHSP has adopted the Parent Education Curriculum of Conscious Discipline to support parental involvement in the education of their children. Integrate strategies for the
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participation of parents and families in systems and services of the program to support family welfare and promote children's learning and development. The PARENT EDUCATION CURRICULUM consists of: FOUR KEY AREAS: Welcome, parent meeting, home visits and mini sessions conducted during each parent meeting. That they will be implemented consistently to link the activities of participation in the classroom and the family in the home and to strengthen the connection between the parents and the child and with the school community. Parent involvement in all the MHS program’s education and activities is essential for the growth and development of your child. For that reason, parent meetings are regularly scheduled. The meetings will allow parents to offer suggestions or give input to staff regarding any aspect of the center’s program or operation. The meetings also provide situations in which parents can meet with other parents to discuss common concerns regarding parenting or other family interests.
MIGRANT HEAD START APPEAL PROCEDURES If you would like to appeal an action taken by the MHSP, you must file a written request for a hearing with the Migrant Head Start. Upon the filing of a request for a hearing, the intended action shall be suspended until the review process has been completed. Mail the appeal to: Migrant Head Start Executive Director Riverside County Office of Education 370 Aurora Drive El Centro, CA 92243
1.
AGENCY Procedures (MHSP): a. Within ten (10) calendar days following the receipt of the request for a hearing the agency shall notify the parent(s) of the time and place of the hearing.
b.
The hearing shall be conducted by an administrative staff person who shall be referred to as "the hearing officer".
c.
The parent(s) or, parent's authorized representative is required to attend the hearing. Failure to appear will end the appeal process.
d.
The agency shall arrange for the presence of an interpreter at the hearing, if one is requested by the parent(s).
e.
The hearing officer shall explain to the parent(s) the legal, regulatory or policy basis for the intended action and parent shall explain the reason(s) they believe the agency's decision was incorrect.
f.
The hearing officer shall mail or deliver to the parents a written decision within ten (10) calendar days after the hearing.
2.
GRANTEE (Riverside County Office of Education): If you are dissatisfied with the decision reached by the Migrant Head Start program locally, you may then file a written appeal with the Riverside County Office of Education. This appeal must be made within 14 calendar days of your receipt of the decision reached by the Migrant Head Start.
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Mail this second appeal to: Assistant Superintendent Riverside County Office of Education Division of Early Learning Services 3939 Thirteen Street Riverside CA, 92502-0868
Upon receipt of your appeal, the Riverside County Office of Education will review the information you submit and render a final decision within 30 calendar days. This decision will be mailed directly to you and a copy will be sent to your local site.
Fraud Hotline RCOE is pleased to announce that an independent firm has been hired to host a fraud reporting system for our organization. This firm specializes in fraud examination, forensic auditing, and asset misappropriation. Fraud can be defined as “the crime of obtaining money or some other benefit by deliberate deception�. There are two methods available to report suspected fraud: the internet or telephone.
Reporting via the Internet
The web address to report suspected fraud by internet is Report-fraud.com. This web site is easy to use and provides step by step guidance. You can also upload or attach documents, pictures, or other evidence pertinent to your report. Reporting via Telephone The toll-free hotline number is (877) 637-2830.
When this number is called you will be directly connected to a private voice mail where you will be asked to provide as much information as possible. An external examiner who is not employed by RCOE monitors this number. To ensure your report is recorded properly, make sure you do the following: 1. Speak slowly and be as specific as possible. There is six minutes of recording time available to you. State your name clearly and make sure your call back number is provided. The examiner may want to call you to discuss the matter further or ask for additional information. 2. In the event that your message is not completed before the time allotted or your call is inadvertently cut off, please call back and continue with your message. The web site and telephone call is confidential. At no time will any information that personally identifies you be released to anyone without your authorized approval. Feel confident that you may use either method depending on your comfort level.
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Once you have reported the suspected fraud, either by web site or telephone, the external examiner will evaluate the information, contact RCOE’s internal auditor, and a course of action will be determined.
Please know that we are dedicated to the highest levels of ethics and integrity. Therefore, we encourage you to report any suspected fraud.
Thank you. PERSONAL RIGHTS [STATE OF CALIFORNIA-HEALTH AND WELFARE AGENCY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES] California Licensed Child Day Care Facilities Child Day Care Facilities Each child receiving services from a child day care facility shall have rights, which include, but are not limited to the following:
1.
To be accorded dignity in his/her personal relationships with staff and other persons.
2.
To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs.
3.
To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse or other actions of a punitive nature, including but not limited to interference with daily living functions, including eating, sleeping or toileting; or withholding of shelter, clothing, medication or aids to physical functioning.
4.
To be informed and to have his/her authorized representative, if any, informed by the licensee of the provisions of law regarding complaints including, but not limited to, the address and telephone number of the complaint-receiving unit of the licensing agency and of information regarding confidentiality.
5.
To be free to attend religious services or activities of his/her choice and to have visits from the spiritual advisor of his/her choice. Attendance at religious services, either in or outside the facility, shall be on a voluntary basis. In child day care facilities, the parent or guardian of the child shall make decisions concerning attendance at religious services or visits from spiritual advisors.
6.
Not to be locked in any room, building or facility premises by day or night.
7.
Not to be placed in any restraining device except a supportive restraint approved in advance by the licensing agency.
The law requires that the child's representative/parent/guardian be informed of the appropriate Licensing Agency to contact: FOR CENTERS IN IMPERIAL COUNTY CONTACT Community Care Licensing Mission Valley District Office 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite
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110 San Diego, CA 92108-4402 Telephone Number: (619) 767-2200. FOR CENTERS IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY CONTACT Community Care Licensing Inland Empire Regional Center 3737 Main Street, Suite 700 Riverside CA, 92501 Telephone Number: (951) 782-4200
PARENTS’ RIGHTS
As a Parent/Authorized Representative, you have the right to: 1.
Enter and inspect the childcare center without advance notice whenever children are in care.
2.
File a complaint against the licensee with the licensing office and review the licensee’s public file kept by the licensing office.
3.
Review, at the child care center, reports of licensing visits and substantiated complaints against the licensee made during the last three years.
4.
Complain to the licensing office and inspect the child care center without discrimination or retaliation against you or your child.
5.
Request in writing that a parent not be allowed to visit your child or take your child from the child care center, provided you have shown a certified copy of a court order.
6.
Receive from the licensee the name, address and telephone number of the local licensing office. Licensing Office Name, Licensing Office Address; Licensing Office Telephone #:
7.
Be informed by the licensee, upon request, of the name and type of association to the child care center for any adult who has been granted a criminal record exemption, and that the name of the person may also be obtained by contacting the local licensing office.
8.
Receive, from the licensee, the Caregiver Background Check Process form.
NOTE: CALIFORNIA STATE LAW PROVIDES THAT THE LICENSEE MAY DENY ACCESS TO THE CHILD CARE CENTER TO A PARENT/AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IF THE BEHAVIOR OF THE PARENT/AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE POSES A RISK TO CHILDREN IN CARE. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS’ R I G H T S (Parent/Authorized Representative Signature Required) NOTE: This Acknowledgement must be kept in child’s file and a copy of the Notification given to parent/authorized representative. Lic 995 (9/08) For the Department of Justice “Registered Sex Offender “database, go to www.meganslaw.ca.gov SCHOOL READINESS Migrant Head Start Programs staff in collaboration with the Child Development Advisory Committee has developed a
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structured program to enhance children’s school readiness. The program consists of well-balanced activities directed to promote children’s skills in areas of development including physical, social emotional, cognitive and language. The program is also aimed to facilitate pre- reading/writing and numeric skills. One of the main objectives of the program is to foster parents’ participation in their children’s education, involving them on a regular basis such as during parent teacher, conferences, home visits and monthly parents meeting. Efforts will be made to include other community agency partners in this activity. HOME-SCHOOL CONNECTION Parents are engaged in supporting children’s learning and development through their participation in Home School Connection activities provided by teachers to parents on a monthly basis. These activities are connected to School Readiness goals and the curriculum presented to children during daily classroom activities and routines. Parents engage in Home School Connection activities by actively participating with their children in recommended daily activities. Time invested in activities will be recorded by paents and entered into Child Plus on a monthly basis.
T-S Gold (Ongoing Assessment) Children enrolled in RCOE Migrant Head Start Programs for more than 90 days are required to be assessed three times a year using TS GOLD. Assessments are finalized three times a year during the Fall, Winter and Spring using GOLD assessment. Children are continuously observed by classroom teachers and once the assessment is finalized, data is analyzed for the purpose of monitoring children’s progress and sharing information with parents during parentteacher conferences and home visits. Every time TS GOLD assessment is finalized, teachers obtain TS GOLD reports that show classroom as well as individual results and progress made between each assessment in each developmental area. TS GOLD reports show children who are meeting, exceeding or below the expectations in each of the areas. Children’s assessment results are also analyzed after each checkpoint to identify areas of need as well as needing improvement.
Field trips/presentations are scheduled once a month by each classroom. Teachers will coordinate field trips/presentations according to month’s topic or study. Field trips extend the resources and learning experiences to children in the classroom. They expand their learning by providing children’s access to the real life experiences and concepts children are learning beyond the classroom. Teachers plan field trips that relate to studies that children are currently being exposed to in the classroom. Field Trips reinforce desired concepts within that months’ study and enrich their experiences with new and interesting places and objects.
Teaching staff will plan cooking/science activities as part of the special activities required on a bi-weekly basis. Cooking activities should be integrated within Math and Science activities. They must be facilitated and teachers must ensure that recipes are healthy and nutritious. Health and Nutrition Education teaches children to choose nutritious foods.
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURE POLICY/PICK UP POLICY For your child's protection and in compliance with Federal and California State law, you must sign-in your child when he/she arrives and sign-out your child when picked up to go home or transported in the bus, with your full
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signature (no initials please). Include arrival and departure time.
Only people authorized by you (persons 18 years or older on the Emergency Card) will be allowed to sign in/out your child. If someone comes for your child and is not listed on the Emergency Card the child will not be released to that person. In addition, a picture ID may be required. Telephone calls or notes from you will not be accepted under any circumstance. You can personally add or delete people as needed from the Emergency Card any time you wish in person at the site office. Please call the Site Manager or FCC Provider for assistance in this matter.
If circumstances are going to cause you to be late in picking up your child, you need to make other arrangements so that your child will be picked up promptly at the end of his/her day. It is critical that you inform the Site Manager or FCC Provider as soon as possible of pick up by someone other than yourself due to an emergency situation. If you do not pick up your child on time or the bus driver does not find someone home, the law sees this as abandonment of the child and we must report this to our local police department who will then report this to Child Protective Services. For a more detailed explanation for children that ride the bus please refer to the Transportation section. ATTENDANCE POLICY It is important for a child to attend Migrant Head Start regularly in order to benefit from the services provided. It is your responsibility to notify the center or FCC Provider on the first day your child is absent and within 30 minutes of scheduled arrival time and when he/she is ready to return. A child enrollment may be terminated if he/she has been absent without an excuse for three (3) consecutive days or if a child has recurring patterns of absences. Verbal contact and a written notification will be made with the family before an action is taken. Our contract with FCC Providers stipulates that we will pay for all days without a five (5) day prior notice.
The Migrant Head Start staff (MHSP) encourages the daily attendance of each child enrolled in the program. Excessive absences interrupt the continuity of the child's learning opportunities.
MHSP will provide information on the benefits of regular attendance through parent meetings, parent guidance, parent handbook, admission agreement, and newsletters. Community assistants (CAs) and teachers will support families to promote regular attendance of the child. It is important that parents and staff work together to support each other and achieve the goal for the benefit of our children.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS CAREGIVER BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
The California Department of Social Services works to protect the safety of children in child care by licensing child care centers and family child care homes. Our highest priority is to ensure children are in a safe and healthy child care setting. California law requires a background check for any adult who owns, lives in, or works in a licensed child care home or center. Each of these adults must submit fingerprints so that a background check can be done to see if they have any history of crime. If we find 9
that a person has been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation or a marijuanarelated offense covered by the marijuana reform legislation codified at Health and Safety Code sections 11361.5 and 11361.7, he/she cannot work or live in the licensed child care home or center unless approved by the Department. This approval is called an exemption. A person convicted of a crime such as murder, rape, torture, kidnapping, crimes of sexual violence or molestation against children cannot be given an exemption that would allow them to own. live in or work in a licensed child care home or center. If the crime was a felony or a serious misdemeanor, the person must leave the facility while the request is being reviewed. If the crime is less serious, he/she may be allowed to remain in the licensed childcare home or center while the exemption request is being reviewed. How the Exemption Request is reviewed We request information from police departments, the FBI and the courts about the person's record. We consider the type of crime, how many crimes there were, how long ago the crime happened and whether the person has been honest in what they told us. The person who needs the exemption must provide information about:
• The crime • What they have done to change their life and obey the law • Whether they are working, going to school, or receiving training • Whether they have successfully completed a counseling or rehabilitation program The person also gives us reference letters from people who are not related to them who know about their history and their life now. We look at all these things very carefully in making our decision on exemptions. Law cannot share this information with the public. How to Obtain More Information As a parent or authorized representative of a child in licensed child care, you have the right to a s k the licensed child care home or center whether anyone working or living there has an exemption. If you request this information, and there is a person with an exemption, the childcare home or center must tell you the person's name and how he or she is involved with the home or center and give you the name, address, and telephone number of the local licensing office. You may also get the person'sname by contacting the local licensing office. You may find the address and phone number on our website. http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC995F.PDF. LIC 995 E (09/10) CHEMICAL AND SMOKE FREE WORKPLACE CHEMICAL POLICY: It is our policy that staff and parents be "chemically free" when working with children. Parents or other authorized persons shall be chemically free when bringing or taking children to the Migrant Head Start sites. If in the judgment of the staff or FCC provider a parent or designee taking the child from the center appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any other intoxicating substance, the staff person will "...deny access to an adult whose behavior presents a risk to children present in the facility." A staff member will offer to call another person listed in the
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child's emergency card to take the child home. The signs of being under the influence listed below will be used by the (trained) staff to identify a person who is not chemically free. It is understood that any one of these signs does not necessarily indicate that a person is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Therefore the presence of at least three (3) of the signs listed below will be used as criteria in determining whether the person is chemically free and whether the child should be released to the parent or designated party:
1. Gross motor coordination problem (staggering, leaning or falling) 2. Sleepiness 3. Sweating 4. Flushed face 5. Mood changes 6. Impaired attention 7. Slurred speech 8. Socially inappropriate language 9. Depressed mood or irritability 10. Anxiety 11. Rambling speech 12. Red eyes, changes in the pupil size 13. Smell of alcohol In the event that the person insists in taking the child home, it will be the responsibility of the site staff (as a mandated reporter) to call the local law enforcement agency to report a reasonable suspicion that the parent or designee might be endangering the child.
SMOKING POLICY: MHS staff and parents serve as role models and should not smoke in front of children. The only situation under which this does not apply is during a presentation or field trip related to cultural customs in which tobacco is utilized. All MHS facilities are smoke free environments. Smoking is prohibited in all spaces utilized by the MHS program, which includes classrooms, staff offices, kitchens, rest rooms, parent and staff meeting rooms, hallways, outdoor play areas, parking lots, FCCs, and agency vehicles. If staff or parents need help to stop smoking, we encourage them to contact their local County Health Department, Tobacco Education Project. MENTAL HEALTH/WELLNESS Migrant Head Start embraces a vision of mental wellness in collaboration with families, staff, mental health professionals and the larger community. At times, children and their families may require the services of a mental health professional. MHSP has a contract with licensed professionals to assist the site staff and families, in developing approaches to assist children who may be experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties, while being in the program or at home. After written permission from the parent has been obtained, the mental health consultant will assess your child, if needed, and will develop an intervention plan, which will be used to work with your child, FCC Providers,
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center staff and you as parents. The goal of Migrant Head Start is to promote an environment conducive to social, emotional and cognitive development, both at the MHS and at home. CONCIOUS DISCIPLINE: The program has adopted the Conscious Discipline method, which is an evidence-based approach to trauma. It is recognized by the National Registry of Evidence-Based Practices and Programs (NREPP) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), and received high marks in 8 out of 10 categories in a Harvard analysis of the top 25 programs of socio-emotional learning in the country. The authors of the Harvard study say: "Conscious Discipline provides a variety of behavioral strategies and classroom structures that teachers can use to turn everyday situations into learning opportunities."
The conscious discipline model recognizes three basic states of the brain / body / mind that can produce certain behaviors. Intentional and statespecific responses allow access to advanced skills. It is the purpose of the program that teachers, parents, and community assistants work together to truly help children turn everyday situations into learning opportunities.
SERVICES TO CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES The MHS is committed to serving children with disabilities. As required by law we make available 10% of slots to children with disabilities. It helps us to know if you have concerns about your child's development so we can, with your written permission, screen and assess your child.
Within 30 days after entering, the program children are screened for developmental and health concerns by MHSP staff. When concerns are found, the child is further assessed by either professional in the school district (LEA) that you reside in, community partners and/or individuals under contract with MHS. If the child requires special services, the services will be secured by MHSP through the LEA, community partners and/or MHSP contracts.
If the assessment reveals that your child has a developmental delay i.e. mental retardation, hearing, vision, speech, language, orthopedic impairments, serious emotional disturbance, autism, traumatic brain injury and other health impairments or specific learning disabilities, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be developed to address these impairments. The IEP or IFSP is developed in conjunction with parents. MHSP staff will ensure through their participation with the parents that services are provided to the child. All information concerning disability services are strictly confidential. Children with IEP or IFSP will receive services according to established timelines upon entry to the program. The goals of the IEP/IFSP will be implemented in the child's daily activities by the FCC provider or center staff and monitored by the Program Development Specialist (PDS). Support groups and resources are available in the community to help parents learn ways to understand the child's disability. The PDS will help you locate the group or resource to meet your needs.
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To ensure the services continue uninterrupted, please inform us if you are moving, allow us to assist in transitioning your child to programs where you are moving to (send records to the school and organizations the child will be going to) so services can be continued. If, in the past, your child has received services for your child's disability, please let us know, so we can obtain records and continue services. It is the goal of the Migrant Head Start to ensure that your child receives services in a timely, professional and caring manner no matter what or how serious the disability is.
HEALTH SERVICES The health of all children enrolled in Migrant Head Start is the primary concern and interest of the staff. All enrolled children must have current medical information and immunizations on file. A TB risk assessment must be completed in an annual basis for children one year and above.
HEALTH SCREENINGS: Migrant Head Start ensures that all children have the opportunity to receive the following Health Screenings within 30 days of entering the program:
a. TB risk assessment
To determine if a child is been exposed to TB infection or the TB vaccine
b. Height
To determine appropriate physical development for his-her age
c. Weight
To determine appropriate physical development for his-her age
d. Hematocrit/ Hemoglobin
To determine if a child is anemic. (1 year up)
e. Vision Test
To determine visual acuity
f. Hearing Test
To determine child's hearing capacity
g. Blood Pressure
To determine any potential abnormality related to Cardiac Function
h. Lead Screening
To determine the blood lead levels.
i. Dental Screening
To determine oral hygiene and possible cavities.
LEAD EXPOSURE What is lead and where is it found? Lead is a toxic metal. The general population is exposed to lead in the environment, children and pregnant women are considered vulnerable groups. Industrial workers are at greater risk because of their exposure to lead. Lead exposure at work is common in construction, mining and manufacturing industries. Jobs where one could be exposed to lead include: construction and demolition work, paint removal from old houses and old buildings, car repair, and manufacturing and restoration of car batteries. Homemade crafts and hobbies such as: ceramic varnishing, stained glass manufacturing, emptying of pellets and lead weights, can expose you and your
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family to lead. Lead is also found in ceramic enamel imported from other countries and in some traditional medicines and health supplements from abroad.
How does lead exposure occur? Lead vapors and dust are produced by participating in activities that alter lead, such as: sanding or scraping lead paint, using lead solder, welding on old steel, or melting lead to mold molten lead products. Vapors and lead dust are odorless, so you may not know what is being exposed. If you eat, drink or smoke in areas where lead is worked or altered, you may accidentally ingest lead dust from your hands or from contaminated food. If you work with lead and touch your eyes, nose or mouth with contaminated hands, you may be exposing yourself to lead. What damage does lead produce once in the body? Lead is absorbed and stored in the blood and tissues. In the long term, lead can build up in bones and teeth. As we age, lead is released into the bloodstream along with calcium and other minerals in our bones, returning our tissues to lead.
How does lead affect your health? Too much lead in the body can damage the nervous system, kidneys and other organs. Acute lead poisoning can happen if a person is exposed to high levels of lead in a short time. When this happens, a person may feel abdominal pain, constipation, tiredness, weakness, headaches, irritability, loss of appetite, and pain and tingling in the hands and feet. Prolonged exposure to lead can cause anemia, high blood pressure, kidney disease, decreased fertility in men and mental functioning problems, such as memory loss. High or long-term exposure during pregnancy can cause abortion or severe learning and child behavior problems.
Call (800)524-5323 for more information on lead, exams or analysis equipment SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS) Sudden infant death syndrome is the sudden and unexplained death of a child under one year of age. Some people call this syndrome "death in the crib" because many cases of dead babies are found in their cribs. Sudden infant death syndrome is the leading cause of death in children between one month and one year of life. Most cases occur when babies are between two and four months old. Premature babies, boys, African Americans and Indian Americans or Alaska Natives have an increased risk of this syndrome. Even when health professionals do not know the causes, it is known that there are ways to reduce risks. These include:
Put babies on their backs to sleep.
Stomach is for babies when they are awake and someone is watching.
Let your baby sleep in your room for at least the first six months. Your baby should sleep near you, but in a separate place designed for babies, such as a crib or bassinet.
Place them on a firm sleeping surface, such as a crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet.
Keep soft objects and loose bedding away from the sleeping area.
Breastfeed the baby.
Make sure babies are not too hot. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature for an adult.
Do not smoke when you are pregnant and do not let others do so near your baby.
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USE OF APPROPRIATE SHOES We advise parents not to send children with slip-on shoes because they represent a danger to the child, especially during outdoor activities. We recommend close-toe sandals and shoes. OLDER CHILDREN IN THE CLASSROOM
Siblings are always welcome to the MHS centers. However, they must come with their parents, and stay with them at all times. During parent meetings for safety reasons older siblings must follow the rules established by the caregivers looking after the children during the meeting. DISCONTINUATION OF SERVICES
Following Licensing Regulations of the State of California services will be discontinued in case water and/or electricity services are cut off or when other conditions create a health and safety risks for children and staff at the FCCs/center. Parents will be contacted to pick up their children. SHORT TERM EXCLUSION A child can be excluded from the program to prevent the spread of communicable diseases by excluding the child for a short period of time as a preventive measure. Children with symptoms of flu, fever vomit diarrhea, should be excluded in the short term. Pediculosis - lice, are insects (mites) that live on the scalp of the human being that are easily contagious measures should be implemented to prevent infection, and for this reason the father will be notifed for the child’s scalp to be cleaned at home. The most common measures to avoid contagion is to boil bedding, including sheets, blankets, pillows, pajamas, etc. CHANGE OF CLOTHING We are requesting that parents send with their child one (1) change of clothing the first day of enrollment and every time the FCC Provider/teacher requests it (if the previous one gets dirty/wet). Please label clothing with your child’s name using a permanent marker. You can attach a special message with the change of clothing. Thank you for your cooperation. CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT REPORTING
All staff members in the MHSP and FCCH providers are mandated to report any signs and/or actions, which may indicate that a child is being abused or neglected. The staff is required, by strictly enforced laws, to report such findings immediately. Staff is mandated to do so even if there is some measure of doubt. In such cases, the reporting staff member makes a written report and the Child Protective Services (CPS) is called to investigate the findings. Parents may not be forewarned of this action.
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To report suspicion of child abuse please contact your local law enforcement agency or call Child Protective Services hotline: In Imperial County 760-337-7750 In Riverside County 1-800-442-4918 Printed handouts on child abuse and neglect are available to parents wishing to become more informed about this severe social problem: http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov
MHS TRANSPORTATION SERVICES The program provides center based transportation services on a priority basis, at the time of enrollment. This service will be offered accordingly, taking your particular needs into consideration. We will also be asking for the names of at least three (3) persons that can check in/out the child at the bus stop/center. These persons must be on the Emergency Card and a picture ID may be required to check the child in and out. It is very important that you notify center staff when one of these persons has suspended their telephone service or has changed residency. a) CHECK IN PROCEDURE: When children are loaded on the bus at the beginning of the day, only persons that are on the Emergency Card can check them in. The programs policy states only authorized persons (persons 18 years or older on the Emergency Card) can check the child in. No one else is authorized to check in the child. The person who signs the child in/out shall use his/her full legal signature and shall record the time of day.
b) DAILY INSPECTION FOR ILLNESS: RCOE shall be responsible for ensuring that children with obvious symptoms of illness including, but not limited to, fever or vomiting, are not accepted. RCOE shall require that the person bringing the child to the bus/center remain until the child is accepted.
c) CHECK OUT PROCEDURE: When children are released from the bus at the end of the day, it is the policy that they may only be released to the custody of their parents or legal guardian, or to the custody of someone that the parent/guardian has designated in writing (on the Emergency Card). No one else is authorized to receive the child.
d) WHEN THERE IS NO ONE TO RECEIVE A CHILD POLICY: Occasionally, there is no authorized person (no one listed on the Emergency Card) to receive a child. When this happens, under no circumstances is the child to be left with an unauthorized person. A Migrant Head Start child is never to be left alone. The Bus Driver will return to the center if there is no authorized person to receive the child. The bus driver will communicate with the bus aide who will call the center to notify them that the child is being returned to the center. The staff at the center will immediately try to locate the parents or an authorized representative and
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inform them that they must immediately report to the center to pick up the child when the bus arrives. If when the bus arrives at the center there is not an authorized person, the local Police Department or the Department of Human Services Child Protection Agency will be notified that the child has been abandoned. Parents will be informed of this policy during the “enrollment process” and also at the Parent Orientation during the Center Open House.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE MHSP centers and FCCs are licensed as required by the State of California. MHSP staff members are credentialed and maintain current licenses as required. Hours and days of operation are Monday through Friday and hours vary depending on the transportation arrangements and families’ needs but FCCs and centers are open for approximately eight (8) hours per day. The FCCs and centers will be closed on major holidays. Annual schedules will be provided at the beginning of each season. Parents must adhere to the schedule for MHSP to comply with teacher/child ratios. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE RCOE MHSP will assist parents with job search opportunities and will assist to promote their professional development to increase their level of self-sufficiency. Parents will be assisted to pursue educational and employment opportunities as part of the Family Partnership Agreement. In accordance with Federal regulation CFR §1304.52 (b) (3), current and former Early Head Start [MHS] and Head Start parents must receive preference for employment vacancies [in Early Head Start and Head Start programs] for which they are qualified.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES Program staff is available to assist parents to access community resources. We will maintain a community resources directory. PLEASE CALL THE CENTER SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ASSISTANCE IN ACCESSING SERVICES SUCH AS:
►Health
►Social
►Legal
►Employment
►Educational
►Immigration
►Counseling
►Transportation
►Food & Shelter
PARENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES My Responsibilities As A Parent Are:
My Rights As A Parent Are: 1. To be informed about and participate in major policy decisions effecting the planning and operation of the program including developing/approving the budget, evaluating the program and selecting staff.
1. To learn about the program, to participate in major policy decisions and to attend meetings.
2. To be offered information about programs which can improve the quality of my life, and my family’s life
2. To accept the information provided and to view it as an opportunity to improve my life and my children/family's lives.
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3. To be welcomed in the classroom.
3. To participate in the classroom as an observer, a volunteer worker, or paid employee and to contribute my services in whatever way that is needed.
4. To voluntarily participate in my child's program, realizing that my child's participation is not contingent on mine.
4. To explain the program to other parents and encourage their full participation.
5. To be informed periodically of my child's progress in the program.
5. To attend parent/teacher conferences when requested and to welcome staff into my home for home visits. 6. To work with the staff and other parents in a cooperative way. 7. To offer guidance to my children with firmness and love.
6. To be treated professionally and with respect. 7. To receive guidance from the staff who work with my child in regards to his/her development and activities that I can provide at home. 8. To be informed of Head Start positions that are available, of the requirements for these positions and of how one can receive training to become qualified for such positions. 9. To participate in the planning and implementation of a variety of workshops/meetings relating to such topics as child development, job skills, employment opportunities, safety in the home, etc.
8. To acquire the skills needed to be eligible for and to apply for Head Start vacancies.
10. To be informed about community resources which offer services in the areas of health, recreation, social education and employment.
10. To become involved in community programs which address these areas.
9. To take advantage of these programs by attending workshops/meetings and then utilizing the information obtained.
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MIGRANT HEAD START PROGRAM LOCATIONS: Calexico MHS Center: 1120 East 7 Street
MHS Central Office: 370 Aurora Drive
Calexico, CA 92231
El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 337-1555
(760) 768-3500
(760) 337-1478 FAX
(760) 768-3502 FAX
El Centro MHS Center:
Brawley MHS Center:
Community Center
1455 East Magnolia Street
375 South First Street
Brawley, CA 92227
El Centro, CA 92243
(760) 344-9083
(760) 337-3940
(760) 344-9113 FAX
(760) 370-0405 FAX THERMAL MHS Center:
Mecca MHS Center:
87-220 Church Street
62-900 Lincoln Street Suite P
Thermal CA, 92274
Mecca CA, 92254
(760) 863-3250
(760) 863-3350
(760) 399-1840 FAX
(760) 396- 9192 FAX
In Imperial & Riverside Counties contact your local center
La versión en español de este manual está a su disposición en su centro de MHS.
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