1 MINNETONKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Minnetonka Preschool & Early Childhood Family Education 2022-23 Parent Handbook Where Dreams Set Sail and Learning Begins Minnetonka Community Education 4584 Vine Hill Road | Excelsior, MN 55331 (952) 401-6812 | www.MinnetonkaCommunityEd.org
2 MINNETONKA E-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ MISSION, VISION & BELIEFS
• Practice prudent and innovative management of public resources.
• Produce outstanding graduates who are ready to contribute and thrive in a wide array of future pursuits and engage in lifelong learning.
• All people have a right to live and work in a safe environment.
The mission of the Minnetonka School District is to ensure all students envision and pursue their highest aspirations while serving the greater good. In a community that transcends traditional definitions of excellence, we use learning and teaching as tools to value and nurture each person, inspire in everyone a passion to excel with confidence and hope, and instill expectations that stimulate extraordinary achievement in the classroom and in life.
• Foster the development of good character and social responsibility.
BELIEFS
• Personal fulfillment comes from pursuing one’s passion.
• Create, pursue, and champion outstanding early childhood education opportunities so that all children enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed.
• The dignity of each person is sacred.
• Create positive, enjoyable learning environments.
• Challenge and support all students in the pursuit of their highest levels of academic and personal achievement.
• Inspire students to understand and serve the greater good.
VISION As a world-class organization dedicated to child-centered excellence, the Minnetonka School District will:
• Advocate for strong academic and strong co-curricular programs.
• Instill and abiding appreciation for the rights, privileges, and values of America’s system of government.
• Families have the primary responsibility to ensure the education of their children.
MISSION
• Earn and maintain broad-based community support.
• Demand the highest standards of professional excellence in every level of the organization.
• A person’s attitude is the most significant determinant of success.
• All people deserve the opportunity to pursue their individual potential.
• Tailor learning experiences to the needs of individual learners.
• Attract, develop, and support the highest quality teachers and other educational professionals.
• The uniqueness of each individual enriches the community.
• All people need to love and be loved.
• All adults are responsible for the care and welfare of all children.
• Each person has fundamental, intrinsic worth.
Minnetonka Preschool & Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) represent the “E” in the District’s E-12 continuum. Minnetonka Preschool & ECFE serve all families with young children and support the District’s mission, vision and beliefs.
• An educated populace is integral to a democratic society.
• All people have the right to express matters of conscience.
• Integrity is essential to a meaningful relationship.
• Regularly updates parents on child’s progress.
• Effective communication is essential to building relationships and strengthening mutual commitment to purpose.
EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY EDUCATION (ECFE) Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is a program for all families with children between the ages of birth to 5, not yet in kindergarten. It is unique to Minnesota, supported by the legislature, and offered only through public school district community education programs. ECFE recognizes that parents are children’s first and most significant teachers. The program’s mission is to strengthen families and enhance the ability of parents to provide the best environment for the healthy growth and development of their children. Program goals include:
• Provides staff annual professional development.
MINNETONKA PRESCHOOL
Minnetonka Preschool focuses on preparing children for kindergarten by following Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards and implementing research-based curriculum and assessment. Participation in classes enhance children’s learning and development through intentional environments, licensed staff, differentiated instruction and parent engagement.
Minnetonka Preschool has earned the Four Star Parent Aware Rating. Parent Aware helps parents identify early education programs that implement best practices in preparing children for kindergarten. Attributes of a Four Star Parent Aware program include:
• Continually adapts lesson plans and goals to meet individual needs.
FOUR STAR PARENT AWARE RATING
3
• Facilitates ongoing assessment of child’s progress.
• Help families meet the challenges of parenting through education, information and support.
• Provide developmentally appropriate opportunities for children to explore, discover and learn.
• Promote positive and realistic attitudes and expectations about raising children.
• Provide information regarding community resources for families.
• Communicates across cultures.
• Facilitate discussion and reflection about child development and parenting techniques.
The Minnetonka Preschool & ECFE PTO is made up of parents, staff and community members. The purpose of the PTO is to support and enhance ECFE and Preschool programs through advocacy, community outreach, fundraising and volunteering. Generally the PTO meets on the second Thursday of each month (September - May). For more information contact: mtkapreschoolpto@gmail.com or visit: tinyurl.com/MtkaPreschoolPTO.
4 EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING Early Childhood Screening is a free, health and developmental check required by the State of Minnesota for all preschool-aged children who will be attending kindergarten at a public school. The program helps identify children with possible health or developmental concerns that may impact learning. The screening process includes a check of vision, hearing, speech, motor, cognitive, social, and emotional skills, along with height, weight and immunization history. The program assists families in accessing services that will help their young children be ready for kindergarten. To learn more about the screening process, visit Minnetonka Early Childhood Screening at www.bit.ly/2OLpeF9. After your child’s third birthday, register for a screening appointment here: www.bit.ly/2TdtAmK. Children enrolled in Minnetonka Preschool must complete Early Childhood Screening within 90 days of their first day of preschool.
FEES & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
PTO/ADVISORY COUNCIL
ECFE parent-child classes meet from mid-September through May and are charged on a sliding fee scale based on a family’s gross household income. Please call the ECFE/ Preschool Office at 952-401-6812 if the fee is a hardship. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay. Minnetonka Preschool classes have a set fee, and financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Please contact Jennifer Wenner at jennifer.wenner@MinnetonkaSchools.org for information about scholarships and School Readiness funding.
Full refunds are given when Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE cancels a class; you will be notified via email. No refunds are given for missed classes or when you withdraw within the month. If you need to withdraw from a class, it must be done in writing or via email to Minnetonka Preschool & ECFE Office Assistant Dorothea McCabe at Dorothea.McCabe@MinnetonkaSchools.org. Please include your child’s name, name of the class and last day attending.
• Lunch Bunch - Requests for refunds must be received five business days before the first day in order to receive a full refund minus a $20.00 cancellation fee.
Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE conducts fire, tornado and lock down drills. Staff will teach children how to respond and keep children safe during these drills. Emergency exit plans are posted in each classroom and throughout the building.
• Preschool - Preschool tuition is due the first of the month, and all payments are processed electronically. There is a $15.00 charge for any payment that does not process. The first month’s tuition and $100.00 registration fee are non-refundable.
CHANGES IN STUDENT/FAMILY INFORMATION keep your information current, e.g. addresses, phone numbers, employment etc. Please email the office at Dorothea.McCabe@MinnetonkaSchools.org with changes.
CUSTODY Copies of legal documents must be provided to the program office before staff will actively prevent non-custodial parents from picking up their child. Parents are responsible for keeping the legal documents up-to-date with the office.
Records concerning your child, including enrollment forms, health records, observation records and all other information about your child are confidential and will only be accessible to you, your child’s teachers (including Minnetonka Preschool, ECFE and Jr. Explorers staff where applicable), program coordinator, program office assistant, health office and/or a person designated by the school or state to review our records for licensing purposes and annual state reporting requirements. The Minnetonka School District Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records #515 also applies to students enrolled in Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE.
DATA PRIVACY
SCHOOL CLOSURES
If school is delayed or closes due to severe weather or other emergencies, you will be notified via email. It will also be announced on radio station WCCO-AM (830 on the dial), KARE 11-TV (Channel 11), KSTP-TV (Channel 5), and on the District’s website: www. MinnetonkaSchools.org. When winter weather or other emergencies lead to a change in the school schedule, the following practices will be in place. Please note: No refunds are given for emergency or weather closings or for days missed due to illness or vacation.
5 CLASS CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS
• ECFE - Requests must be received five business days before the first day of class for a full refund minus a $20.00 cancellation fee.
Please
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (FIRE, TORNADO AND LOCK DOWN)
• If you cannot keep a firm grip on your child’s hand while in a parking lot, play it safe and buckle him/her into a stroller.
• Keep a careful eye out for other children. Teach your children
Please visit www.KidsandCars.org for more important safety information.
• It is against the law to leave a child alone in a vehicle.
• Take extra caution when parking in the lot across the street. Vine Hill is a busy road and it is a partially blind crossing . Press the button at the crosswalk, wait 3-4 seconds for the flashers to start and then proceed with caution. Firmly hold your child’s hand the entire time.
Parking is provided in the lot south of the building and in front of the building. Additional parking is also available across the street. Please follow these safety guidelines: Pay attention
• Make sure your child is with you at all times.
Use the crosswalk
• School is cancelled: When school is cancelled, Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE will be closed for the entire day, including evening classes.
PARKING/SAFETY
• Early dismissal: When weather-related emergencies lead to an early school dismissal, Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE classes will be cancelled for the remainder of the day and will remain open until parents or guardians have picked up all children.
6
• Delayed start: When school opening is delayed by an hour or more, Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE morning classes will be cancelled, but afternoon classes will be held.
• Do not use your cell phone while driving on school property. Provide your full attention to your child when walking in the parking lot or crossing the street.
• Teach your child the dangers of running off.
• State law requires vehicles to yield to people in the crosswalk. Use a stroller
• Teach your child to hold your hand in the parking lot and while crossing streets.
• Physical • The Arts
or
• Early Literacy
• Acknowledge your child’s feelings and add the opportunity for change. For example, “I know that you will have fun once you are finished feeling sad. Play with the blocks when you are ready.”
ECFE class curriculum is based on Minnesota’s Early Childhood Indicators of Progress and is focused on parents following their child’s lead. Licensed Parenting Educators utilize the Minnesota Parent Education Core Curriculum Framework which includes the following domains: Parent Development • Family Development
and posted in the classroom. Staff
• Teaching children how to recognize feelings in oneself and others.
MANAGEMENT
the names of
Daily child child’s his/her name. Indoor gym apply sunscreen bug spray to child CLASSROOM
times,
PREPARING FOR SEPARATION
environments. This includes the use of
• Science and Technology Mathematics
• Teaching of emotion words/feelings.
• Early Childhood Development
• Cognitive • Language
OUTDOOR PLAY
• Parent-Child Relationships • Culture & Community
your
of
skills through the following strategies: •
clothing and boots with
7
Separation anxiety is a normal, natural process for children and parents to experience. To help create a successful separation try the following suggestions:
•
before dropping them off for school. GUIDANCE AND
and limited transitions, and
appropriately for the weather and label your
• Teaching how to control anger and impulses.
• Teaching calming skills.
• Believe in your child’s ability to separate from you.
MINNETONKA PRESCHOOL uses research-based Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment. The following early learning domains are the focus of the curriculum:•Social- Emotional • Social Studies
•
outdoor play is an important part of the curriculum. Dress your
Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE programs intentional early learning schedules, visuals, small and large group planned clear guidelines mutually with learners use modeling, redirecting intentional teaching social emotional Developing friendships/positive the greetings learning classmates.
created
Authentic observations collected via GOLD assessment help teachers evaluate children’s development and learning, and also inform teachers’ planning and instruction.
design
use of
and
time will be used when weather is prohibitive. Please
• Allow your child to bring a comfort item with them to school.
• Show your child where you will be when you leave.
relationships through
• After you say you are leaving, it is important to just leave. It is also important to pick up your child on time.
PROGRAM CURRICULUM
and
• TIER II: Social Emotional Teaching Strategies: includes large group instruction along with targeted instruction for children at risk (includes the social skills curriculum that is part of the program.)
STAFFING INFORMATION
• Teaching and supporting students in learning how to problem solve. What is the problem? What are some solutions? What would happen next?
All teachers in Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE hold a valid teaching license from the State of Minnesota. All teachers and paraprofessionals are trained in curriculum, assessment and developmentally appropriate practices and have current certification in infant/child CPR and First Aid.
PARENT/GUARDIAN PARTICIPATION - VOLUNTEERS & CHAPERONES
All staff at Minnetonka Schools, including staff at Minnetonka Preschool & ECFE, receive training regarding this policy. The Bullying Prohibition Policy #514 can be viewed on our District website.
Parent and guardian participation is encouraged. Some parents/guardians have special talents, skills or experiences that they can share with the classroom. Others may have some extra time to help in the classroom or chaperone a field trip. Please contact your child’s teacher if you are interested in volunteering. All potential chaperones and volunteers are required to complete a background check. The background check form is located on the District website at www.MinnetonkaSchools.org/shortcuts/volunteer-background-check. The process can take up to 48 hours.
• TIER I: Building Positive Relationships: with students, parents, and staff, and creating supportive environments.
BULLYING
• Supporting students in practicing their solutions with one another: share, use your words, try a timer, take turns, find another toy, ignore. The Pyramid Model framework is used for supporting social and emotional development. This model provides a framework of evidence-based practices and interventions for promoting young children’s healthy social and emotional development. The model consists of three tiers.
8
COMMUNICATION
• TIER III: Individualized Intensive Intervention: planned support provided by classroom staff, behavior specialists, parents and other qualified staff designated to help.
The Minnetonka Preschool & ECFE program follows the District Bullying Prohibition Policy #514. The purpose of this policy is to assist the District in its goal of preventing and responding to acts of bullying and/or other similar disruptive and detrimental behavior.
Mini Tonka Times, an electronic newsletter, is emailed to families on a monthly basis during the school year. It contains information on upcoming events, program updates and new classes. Preschool teachers also create and disseminate class specific information to families of enrolled children via Seesaw. Please call, email or speak to your child’s teacher directly if you have any concerns or information you wish to share about your child. Interpreter services are available; please email Dorothea.McCabe@MinnetonkaSchools. org to request an interpreter.
CONFERENCES
• Attempt to reach you at home or work.
PLAYGROUND & OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER
The playground equipment in the front of the Minnetonka Community Education Center and the Outdoor Learning Center (OLC) located on the southwest side of the building is designed for children ages six and under. We encourage you to explore the playground and OLC with your children whenever there is not a class using the spaces. Please do not leave children unattended in either outdoor space.
9
• A late fee of $10/child is charged for each 10 minutes that parents are late picking up a child. The fee will be added to your monthly tuition bill.
Minnetonka Preschool parent/teacher conferences occur twice during the school year. During conferences, information about your child’s progress will be shared. Interpreter services are available. To request an interpreter, please contact your child’s teacher at least 2 weeks prior to your conference date.
• Call people listed from the Authorized Pick Up form.
Your child will be released only to people listed on your authorized pick up form. Staff are required to ask for identification from anyone unfamiliar attempting to pick up a child. If an unauthorized person attempts to pick up your child, you will be contacted. If you can’t be reached, your child will remain in the building until you or your emergency contact person arrives. Please notify the office via email at Dorothea.McCabe@ MinnetonkaSchools.org if you want to authorize additional adults to pick up your child or have changes in your contact information.
LATE PICK-UP
RELEASE OF CHILDREN
• If you are more than 30 minutes late, the police will be contacted for assistance.
BUILDING SAFETY
All children must be picked up on time from their classes. If an emergency delays you, please make arrangements for the person on your Authorized Pick Up form to pick up your child on time. In the event that your child is still at school after class dismisses, and we have not heard from you, we will take the following steps (in order):
IMMUNIZATION RECORDS
HANDWASHING POLICY - PLEASE PRACTICE THIS AT HOME
• After using the toilet, before and after diaper change, or after assisting a child with toilet use.
• Whenever hands look, feel or smell unclean.
• After handling items soiled with body fluids or wastes (blood, vomit, stool, and urine, drool, or eye drainage).
• Before going home.
During online registration in Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE, children’s immunization records are requested. Please complete the program-provided immunization record or have your health care provider fax your child’s record to the Preschool//ECFE Office: 952401-6805. Immunization records must be submitted before your child’s first day of class.
Emergency contact information must be completed prior to the child’s first day of class each school year. Please notify the office immediately if there are any changes in your information by emailing Dorothea.McCabe@MinnetonkaSchools.org.
• After playing with or caring for pets or other animals.
BIRTH CERTIFICATES
During online registration, Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE families are asked to provide photo and video consent. Photos and/or videos taken within Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE classes, activities, programs and events may be included in paper and/or online promotional advertising, catalogs, and displays.
• Before and after preparing or giving medication.
Minnetonka Preschoolers bring their own healthy snack and water bottle to school each day. Classrooms are all Peanut Aware. Please refrain from bringing snack items that contain peanuts or tree nuts. Parents will be notified of any other allergies in their child’s classroom. If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday at school, please consider donating a book to your child’s classroom or sharing another non-food item. Please do not bring edible treats.
• When arriving in the classroom.
HEALTH AND SAFETY EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM
A copy of a certified birth certificate is required for each child enrolling in Minnetonka Preschool, ECFE, and/or Sibling Care. This information will be submitted to the student accounting office and a student ID will be assigned to your child. The State of Minnesota requires your child’s complete name and date of birth.
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• After playing outside.
Staff and children enrolled in early learning programs are required to wash hands at these times:
• Before and after using water tables or moist items such as clay.
PHOTO/VIDEO CONSENT
10SNACKS
• After handling garbage or cleaning.
• Before and after eating; before preparing and serving food; before setting the table.
• A strep throat culture with results pending from your doctor’s office. If the child has been diagnosed with strep throat he/she needs to be on an antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school In addition to the items listed above, parents may also be asked to pick up their child from school if he/she does not feel well enough to return to the classroom or has a significant cold with green or yellow drainage, severe coughing or mucus in eyes. All communicable diseases (chicken pox, strep throat, lice, influenza, etc.) need to be reported; please leave a message on the absence line: 952-401-6813. Parents will be notified if children have been exposed to a communicable disease. The District follows Minnesota Department of Health/Hennepin County Health Department guidelines to assist in management/control in the school setting.
• A fever of 100 degrees F or above
• Wet hands.
• An undiagnosed rash
ACCIDENTS OR INJURY
• Use liquid soap and running water.
Please call or email your child’s teacher directly when your child is going to be absent or late for class. In addition, please call 952-401-6830 to report his/her absence. Please do not send your child to school if he or she has had any of the following symptoms in the past 24 hours:
• Vomiting or diarrhea
In the event of an accident or injury to a student at school, an accident report will be completed and submitted to the program coordinator and the school nurse on the day of the incident. Parents will also be notified by the school nurse and the classroom teacher. If a child receives a minor injury, he/she will be provided first-aid by the school nurse or health para, and parents will be notified. In the event of a more serious injury or health emergency, parents will be notified as soon as possible, and if necessary, the child will be transported to a hospital by local emergency medical technicians. The child will be transported at the parents’ expense. For more information, please refer to the district web site: www.MinnetonkaSchools.org/district/programs/health.
11 HAND WASHING PROCEDURE - PLEASE PRACTICE THIS AT HOME Please model the following handwashing steps:
ILLNESS POLICY
• Rub hands vigorously for 20 seconds, being careful to get the backs of hands, wrists and between fingers.
• Rinse well.
• Turn off the water at the faucet using a paper towel.
• Dry hands with a single use paper towel or air dryer.
12 HEALTH SERVICES CONTACTS: Sara Best, MCEC Health Para, 952-401-5993 Kyleen Waterhouse, Licensed School Nurse, 612-456-8215 Annie Lumbar Bendson, Distrct Health Services Coordinator, 952-401-5992 MINNETONKA PRESCHOOL & ECFE OFFICE STAFF Molly Bahneman Coordinator 952-401-6830 Dorothea McCabe Office Assistant 952-401-6812 Kate VanHorne Screening Office Assistant 952-401-6840 Amanda Erisgen Child & Family Behavior Support Specialist 952-401-6820 Tim Litfin Director of Community Ed 952-401-5043 All staff e-mail addresses are firstname.lastname@MinnetonkaSchools.org. For a complete listing of Minnetonka Preschool & ECFE staff visit the District directory at www.MinnetonkaSchools.org/district/about/staff-directory. A library of District policies is available www.MinnetonkaSchools.org/district/leadership/board/policy.at: COMMUNITY RESOURCES Minnetonka Child & Family Support Program (952) 401-6820 Support services for families experiencing challenging behaviors. Minnetonka Early Childhood Special Education (952) 401-6806 For children birth to 5 with special needs. Jenny’s Light (www.jennyslight.org) If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of a perinatal mood disorder or postpartum depression, visit www.jennyslight.org to find resources and support. It is also important to speak with your doctor or a mental health professional as soon as possible. Chemical AlcoholicsDependencyAnonymous Central Office (952) 922-0880 Al-Anon/Alateen Greater Mpls & St. Paul Area (952) 920-3961 First Call for Help – United Way: Call 2-1-1 Maintains a directory of services and providers, and answers calls 24 hours a day. Resource www.resourcewest.orgWest | (952) 933-3860 Resource West, a responsive community-based organization, assists people and strengthens the west metro community through collaborative programs and connections to resources. Health Care/Hospital Information Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital (952) 993-5000 6500 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park Hennepin County Medical Center (612) 873-3000 701 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis
13 Ridgeview Medical Center (952) 442-2191 500 South Maple St., Waconia myHealth for Teens & Young Adults www.myhealthmn.org | (952) 474-3251 We provide basic medical care, reproductive health care and education, and mental health counseling in an environment that is comfortable and welcoming. Mental Health Care Crisis Connection MN, a 24-hour crisis line (612) 379-6363 The mission is to create a place in which no one in crisis will be alone. Headway Emotional Health Services www.headway.org | (952) 426-6600 1001 MN-7 #309, Hopkins Headway Emotional Services’ mission is to help you, your children and your family back on the path toward positive, fulfilling lives. Relate Counseling Center www.relatemn.org | (952) 932-7277 5125 County Road 101, Suite 300, Minnetonka Provide outpatient mental and chemical health counseling services. Assessment, counseling, and consultation services are provided to individuals, couples, families, school districts, and community organizations located in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. First Street Center Mental Health Services www.co.carver.mn.us | (952) 442-4437 540 East First Street, Waconia Dental www.childrensdentalservices.orgCare | Children’s Dental Services (612) Improving746-1530the oral health of children from families with low incomes by providing accessible treatment and education to our diverse community. Transportation Resources Metro Transit information Center www.metrotransit.org | (612) 373-3333 Bus schedules and city bus information is available at local libraries, Hopkins-Minnetonka Family Resource Center and City Hall. Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (612) 348-3744 Hennepin County Mobile Crisis Services (612) 348-2233 Carver County Sheriff’s Office (952) 361-1212 Non-emergency phone number (952) 361-1231 Carver/Scott County Mobile Crisis Services (952) 442-7601
14 5621 County Road 101 Minetonka, MN www.MinnetonkaSchools.org952.401.500055345 Sojourner Project (24 hour crisis line) www.sojournerproject.org | (952) 933-7422 Provide safe shelter for women and children Help from the Community ICA Food Shelf (Intercongregation Communities Association) www.icafoodshelf.org | (952) 938-0729 PROP (Food & Financial Supports for Chanhassen/Eden Prairie Residents) www.propfood.org | (952) 937-9120 WeCAN (Western Communities Action Network, Inc) www.wecanmn.org | (952) 472-0742 A map of residents that they support is on their website. Additional Community Resources Please visit: tinyurl.com/MtkaWell-BeingGuide