We are extremely pleased and proud to welcome you as a valued staff member of the International Montessori Academy.
We sincerely wish your tenure here to be more than just a form of employment, but rather a continual process of personal growth and development and we pledge to work with you to ensure that your experience here is one you will remember fondly for the rest of your life.
Further, we want you to know that we consider your opinions and ideas regarding the school as being absolutely invaluable. We hope to learn from you, just as we hope you will learn from us. In this spirit, please feel free to offer your perspectives and thoughts regarding our policies and curriculum honestly and without hesitation.
Thank you very, very much for joining us and enhancing our school with your unique personality, expertise and professionalism.
Very truly yours,
Yolanda Sollitto
Yolanda Sollitto Owner, Founder & Education Director
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the International Montessori Academy! This employee handbook provides a complete overview of school policies, practices and benefits. It is required that you read and understand it thoroughly before reporting to work on your first day. If you have any questions after reading it, please don't hesitate to ask the director. Elements of this handbook may be modified at any time with two weeks notice at the director’s discretion. This handbook supersedes any previously issued handbook.
OUR HUMAN RESOURCE PHILOSOPHY
At the International Montessori Academy, we believe our staff is our most important resource.
You have been hired because you are or have the potential to become a highly qualified child development professional. We will provide you with all of the materials, resources and direction you need to maintain an effective and stimulating child development program for the children in your care. We pledge to dedicate ourselves to fostering an environment where you feel challenged and rewarded professionally and personally. We want you to enjoy your job the school can only be a satisfying and enriching place for our children if it is a satisfying and enriching place for the staff on which they depend.
As such, upon your employment we make to you the following promise:
To respect and uphold all local, state and federal requirements regarding your treatment as an employee.
To regularly solicit and respect your opinions and suggestions regarding our operating policies and procedures.
To guarantee you a work environment free of any type of harassment based on sex, race or religion.
If at any time you feel that your treatment as an employee is in violation of these promises, please bring this to the attention of the director immediately.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The International Montessori Academy offers a comprehensive package of employee benefits that exceeds nearly all child development centers as well as many other small and even large businesses. It includes paid sick days, holidays and birthdays off, paid vacation, a medical insurance stipend, a 401-K with company matching contribution, educational reimbursement and more. Depending upon when a given employee began working at the International Montessori Academy, benefits may differ. The school reserves the right to modify any of these policies and benefits at any time. Details follow.
DEFINITION OF FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE
An employee who works at least 36 hours per week for six consecutive weeks is designated fulltime and will then begin to receive the commensurate benefits. (For the purposes of this calculation, sick or vacation days will count as hours worked.) If at any time the employee’s weekly average falls below 36 hours per week for four- out of any six-week period, the employee’s full-time status and benefits may be discontinued, with their reinstatement conditional upon meeting this criterion again.
PAID VACATION TIME
(Eligibility: Employees not under contract; After one year)
Full-time employees who have worked at least 12 months will be allotted two weeks of paid vacation each September. Full-time employees who have worked less than 12 months will be allotted a pro-rated portion of two weeks depending on how long they have worked with the company. Note: Full-time employees are those working a minimum of 40 hours per week. Fulltime employees, who wish to take more than one week off at a time, must do so during July or August so as not to disrupt staffing and ratios. Paid vacation allotments may increase with seniority. Unused paid vacation may not be rolled over from one year to the next. All employees requesting more than two consecutive days off must receive approval from both the
director and administrator using a “Vacation Request” form. Unused paid vacation time is not payable on termination.
PAID SICK DAYS
(Eligibility: All full- and part-time employees after 120 days of employment)
All employees are given 40 hours of paid sick time on the first day of each year. Unused paid sick time can be rolled over from one 12-month period (Sept. – Aug.) to the next, but no employee may accumulate more than 80 hours.
PAID HOLIDAYS
(Eligibility: Full-time employees, after one year)
Full-time employees will be paid for official holidays on which the school is closed*. Those holidays are:
New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Jr. Veteran’s Day
President’s Day
Thanksgiving Day
Good Friday Day after Thanksgiving
Memorial Day Juneteenth
Cesar Chavez Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Year’s Eve
*Except if an employee is on an extended leave of more than two weeks duration or if the school did not charge tuition for the week during which the holiday occurs.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
(Eligibility: After 6 months for full-time employees)
The school will contribute $200.00 monthly for the employee’s self-selected medical insurance.
401k/IRA
(Eligibility: Directors and full-time AMI teachers after one year of employment)
The school offers a 401k plan. As an employee, you may elect to contribute a portion of your pre-tax income into an account on a bi-weekly basis. If you do, the school will contribute will match your contribution dollar for dollar up to the first 3% and .50 cents for each dollar for the next 2%. All contributions are yours and you may take it with you if you ever leave Participation in the plan is not mandatory. The school reserves the right to change or discontinue this program at any time.
Jury Duty
As a small business, although we appreciate its civic importance, we do not have the wherewithal to pay for jury duty.
IN-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM
(Eligibility: Immediate for all employees)
International Montessori Academy’s ongoing, in-service training program is provided by the Director. The components of the in-service program are as follows:
Regular, mandatory staff meetings are held; a portion of each is dedicated to child development related instructions. Example topics include discipline, Title 22 regulations, health and safety, Montessori curriculum, Montessori philosophy, children’s personal needs, communication skills, etc.
OUT-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM
(Eligibility: After one year for all employees)
International Montessori Academy’s out-service training program is very beneficial to staff members and serves to foster career development. The components of the out-service program are as follows:
The school at its discretion makes various ongoing educational opportunities. In some cases, some or all of tuition for appropriate training and coursework is paid by the school. All employees -- whether full- or part-time are eligible for this benefit and are encouraged to bring desired training or coursework opportunities to the attention of the director for evaluation. In order to be considered, such training or coursework must be relevant to the employee’s current or potential job responsibilities at the school.
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
(Eligibility: After ninety days of continuous employment).
A leave of absence is an extended period of time absent from work without loss of employment. It is without pay and must be approved by the director. Terms of the leave of absence will be determined by the director on a case-by-case basis.
BEREAVEMENT/FUNERAL LEAVE:
(Eligibility: Immediate)
In the event of a death in any staff member's immediate family, full-time staff members will be eligible for up to three working days off with pay.
FREE TUITION FOR DEPENDANT CHILDREN
(Eligibility: Full-time employees, after 5 years employment unless otherwise specified in an employment contract)
Dependants of full-time employees are eligible for free tuition at the International Montessori Academy. The school reserves the right to restrict this benefit at its discretion. Eligibility will be determined on a first-come-first-served basis and may be capped at two children at a time.
PAY RAISES
All staff members will receive an informal review at least once a year (typically in August) with possible salary increases at each review. Salary increases are not guaranteed at each review, but rather are acknowledgment of excellent performance.
Other factors that may result in a pay raise include an increase in a staff member’s responsibilities as well as conclusion of relevant degrees, coursework or training.
The school reserves the right to change, modify or eliminate any of these benefits at any time.
POLICIES
ATTENDANCE/TARDINESS
All staff members make an important contribution to the efficient operation of their school. Scheduling is carefully designed to maintain the necessary child-to-teacher ratios. Staff members not reporting for work (and/or arriving late) can cause the school to be in violation of required ratios. Therefore, continued unexplained absences/tardiness cannot be tolerated. This also applies to returning late from lunch and/or breaks. At the beginning of your shift you should be in your classroom and ready to work; if you need time to get ready, put your things away, get coffee etc. you must arrive a few minutes early. You will be considered to be "on the clock" when you enter the classroom ready to care for children; if necessary, time records will be adjusted to accurately reflect the time you started work.
If you are going to be absent from work for any reason, you must text or call the director and assistant directors at home the previous day or as early as possible the morning on which you will be absent. Lead teachers and assistants are expected to also alert one another if they are going to be absent. Excessive unexcused absences/tardiness may also result in discharge or a reduction in hours worked.
QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS
All staff members must have the necessary educational requirements and clearances (fingerprint, child abuse index, health screening etc.) as required by the California Department of Social Services (DSS). If the clearances must be obtained, International Montessori Academy will submit the necessary paperwork. If criminal records clearance cannot be obtained, this could be grounds for dismissal. TB test must be updated every four years. The school will notify you when your employment requirements need to be updated. The employee will have two weeks to comply with request to maintain DSS compliance.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Following is a list of job titles with a description of their respective duties, which include, but are not limited to…
Director & Assistant Director: Maintain the physical facility so that we have a safe and secure learning environment for our students. Maintain confidential files of the students and staff. Hire and train staff members. Organize academic program with the assistance of the owner. Communicate with parents and staff regarding procedures and policies of the school. Minimum of 15 ECE (Early Childhood Education) units, with 3 of those units coming from an administrative course, and 4 years teaching experience required. AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) certification required. Assistant directors report to director.
Head Teacher: Provide a safe and secure learning environment for the children. Serve as the principal communicator with parents regarding academic and personal growth of their children, though is encouraged to consult with director in particularly complex situations. Keep classroom, playground and facility safe and secure. Help with diaper changing, if necessary. Requirements: Minimum of 12 ECE (Early Childhood Education) units and an AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) certification required. Head teacher will report any concerns to the Director.
Assistant Teacher: Assist head teacher in the classroom. Make sure classroom is clean and ready for students in the morning. Help children during lunch and snack. Help with diaper changing. Help keeping classroom, playground and facility safe and secure. Educational Requirements: minimum of 6 ECE (Early Childhood Education) units, and be currently enrolled in additional ECE courses. Assistant teacher will report any concerns to head teacher.
Day Care Staff: Provide supervision of children and playground during day care hours (7:30 –8:30 am and 2:30 – 6:00 pm. Prepare snack for students. Organize activities and keep the facility safe and secure. Help with diaper changing. Requirements: Minimum of 6 ECE (Early Childhood Education) units, and be currently enrolled in additional ECE courses. Day care staff will report any concerns to head teacher.
TITLE 22 REGULATIONS
International Montessori Academy, as with all other child care center operators in California, is regulated by the California Department of Social Services. International Montessori Academy strictly adheres to the regulations set forth by the DSS in what's known as "Title 22 Regulations". You are required to be thoroughly familiar with, and adhere to, all of the regulations that pertain to the center. If you would like a copy of the regulations, please ask the Director.
RATIOS
Maintaining the DSS mandated teacher to child ratios is a top priority at International Montessori Academy. Management works hard to make sure that a sufficient number of staff members are scheduled to maintain ratios at all times. Before leaving your classroom, always
make sure your replacement is there. Your children must never be left unattended or the classroom made to be out of state-required teacher/student ratios while taking a personal break or for any other reason.
In order to ensure proper staffing levels, the director may occasionally schedule more staff than may be needed at any given time, especially in mornings and afternoons. Therefor whenever the number of children in your classroom falls to a level where there are more staff members than required by DSS regulations (e.g. if there are twelve children and two teachers for preschool age children) notify the Director. There may be other things at the center for you to do, or you or a co-worker may be given the rest of the day off without pay. Even if there are only fifteen minutes left in your shift notify the director when your classroom is over-staffed.
Important: For the protection of the school as well as our staff, it is the policy of the International Montessori Academy never to have a single staff member on duty by herself in the school
PAY PERIODS AND PAY DAYS
Staff members will be paid in full every two weeks on Wednesdays. When a payday falls on a holiday, paychecks will be issued on the first working day after the holiday.
WAGES AND PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
Your wages are considered confidential information. It is against school policy to discuss pay rates with other staff members. Your earnings and payroll deductions are shown on an earning statement provided with your check. Any questions about your paycheck should be directed to the director.
TIME CARDS
Time worked is recorded digitally on Curacubby and must be completed by all hourly staff members. Staff member must verify the accuracy of his/her time card. Records of time off (holiday, leave without pay, sick or vacation time) should be included on the time sheet record. It is incumbent upon all staff members to seek out and sign or correct their time sheet records on the Monday prior to payday.
When a staff member is absent on the day the time cards are due, the director will complete the digital record for that staff member. Actual hours worked for the pay period, if different, should be reported on the next period's time card as an adjustment. A time card record submitted fraudulently may be cause for dismissal. Staff members must clock in and out every day as well as indicate their lunch break on their record.
EMPLOYMENT
International Montessori Academy is an "at will" employer, which applies to the employee as well as the employer; therefor, a staff member may resign at any time or International Montessori Academy may sever the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause. Employment with International Montessori Academy is for no specified time, regardless of length of service. When a staff member wishes to resign because of illness or for personal reasons, the possibility of a leave of absence may be explored.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
International Montessori Academy maintains a strong policy of equal employment opportunity and will not discriminate in compensation or conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, transfer, discipline or discharge of any applicant or staff member on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, physical handicap, age, marital status, medical condition, or pregnancy.
HARASSMENT
Harassment is an unlawful employment practice and debilitating to the goals of International Montessori Academy since it interferes with full productivity by all staff members. Harassment is a form of misconduct which undermines the integrity of the employment relationship. All staff members must be allowed to work in an environment free from any form of harassment. International Montessori Academy abhors any such conduct and will not tolerate it. All staff members must feel free to report concerns, and are in fact urged to do so, to the director
GENERAL ENVIRONMENT
There are a number of housekeeping functions to be performed at school each day. These duties must be shared by all members of the staff. Teachers and aides should keep their own rooms in order, making sure their shelves and bookcases are neat. Keep storage and art areas neat and put all toys/materials away on shelves or in cabinets. At the end of each day, playground toys should be stored in the shed and the first-aid basket and drinking water should be left on the kitchen counter. Ladders and stepstools are provided in order that children can be helped up onto the changing tables. All employees are asked NEVER to risk injury to yourself or a child by attempting to lift him or her up to the table.
The nightly janitorial service is responsible for mopping and vacuuming floors only. Tabletops and chairs should be cleaned and chairs left on tabletops at the end of each day, and all toys should be in their proper place. These duties must not interfere with supervision of children at any time.
CLEANLINESS
All staff members must wash hands regularly throughout the day, particularly after using the rest room or helping the children use the rest room. Gloves are available in the bathroom and in the first aid basket and must be used any time you may come in contact with bodily fluids (example: diarrhea, nosebleeds, etc.)
FOOD SERVICE
Food service areas must be kept clean and all utensils washed promptly after use. Never leave food uncovered. Snacks and lunch must always be provided on a timely basis and must never be withheld for any reason. In accordance with Montessori principals, children should be allowed to serve themselves.
NEW EMPLOYEE PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Unless otherwise specified in an employment contract, staff members will not be considered to be permanent employees until they have completed a ninety (90) day "get acquainted period". At the end of the ninety days, based upon the evaluation of performance, new staff may, or may not, be retained for permanent employment.
SCHEDULES AND CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS
Each staff member's daily and weekly work schedule will be set by management to conform with the needs of International Montessori Academy to assure that the children are supervised at all times. In the event that over-staffing occurs, staff members may be given the rest of the day off without pay.
Due to enrollment fluctuations, International Montessori Academy cannot guarantee your classroom (or age group) assignment. Although we seek consistency for the children, you may be required to assist in another classroom or be re-assigned to another classroom or age group on a temporary or permanent basis at management's discretion. Any request for a change to the work schedule and/or room assignments must be submitted to the director and approved prior to the start of the week the change is desired.
AFTERNOON NAP TIME
Afternoon naptime is a time for children to settle down and rest. This time also provides an excellent opportunity for teachers to accomplish tasks that are best tackled when the children aren't active in the room (i.e. clean individual stations, cut out projects, work on lesson plans etc.). This is paid time and must not be used as teacher nap time, lunchtime or break time for teachers.
BREAKS
International Montessori Academy provides an unpaid meal period of 30 minutes every six hours. Staff members wishing to take more or less time for their meal period must obtain prior approval from the director. In addition, you have a 10-minute paid break period for each four-
hour period worked. Breaks may not be accumulated, continued, or used to make up time or to begin/end a work shift early.
MEDICINE
All medicine must be turned into the office and administered by the director or assignee.
TELEPHONE USAGE
Staff Members should discourage outside telephone calls from friends and family except in emergency situations. Outgoing personal calls, when necessary, should be made only before or after work, or during breaks or meal periods. Toll calls must be charged to another number (remember that often calling a short distance can result in a charge). The person answering the phone will take a message from people calling staff members for non-school related matters; staff members will not be pulled out of class for personal calls, unless it is an emergency.
CELL PHONES
We believe our attention must be focused on the children in our care at all times. As such, we have a zero-tolerance policy about personal cell phones in the classroom, on the playground or in any other part of the school except the teacher’s lounge. For the avoidance of doubt, this means that you may not have a cellphone on your person or on the playground for any reason whatsoever unless you are specifically asked by the director to take pictures. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination without additional warning.
PERFORMANCE REVIEWS/APPRAISALS
Staff Members receive a Performance Review/Appraisal annually (typically in August). The purpose of the review is to identify, evaluate and set goals according to each staff member's performance in regard to job competence, productivity, quality of work, classroom observations, dependability, flexibility, communications, planning and organization, safety, customer/public relations and attendance. Although it may be accompanied by a raise, a review is not a promise of a raise, but is used in the appraisal or determination of career development, goal setting and job training needs.
STAFF MEMBER EXPENSES/REIMBURSEMENTS
Staff members are encouraged to occasionally make miscellaneous purchases for such things as special craft supplies, toys etc. These purchases must have prior approval and be supported with appropriate receipts. Reimbursement checks will be issued within ten days. If there are items you'd like to have for your classroom, be sure to notify the director. It is our policy to make sure you have everything you need to provide an effective and stimulating developmental program for the children. If you need several items, you may be asked to go through a catalog and fill out an order form; upon approval the order will be promptly sent with payment.
VISITORS
We are all proud of our school and encourage visitors to tour and observe our facilities. All staff members are requested to acknowledge their presence in the classroom, making them feel welcome. In accordance with Montessori principals, staff members must always greet visiting children prior to greeting their parents.
Staff members are, however, prohibited from having personal visitors at the school without prior permission from the director.
ACCIDENTS/INJURIES
Staying calm in emergency situations is imperative. In the event of an accident resulting in an injury or potential injury to a child, you must first attend to the child. Always notify management, who will, when warranted, notify the child's parent(s), appropriate authorities and state agencies. You must complete and sign an accident report giving the details of the incident for even the most minor scrapes and scratches. This report must be placed on the director’s desk.
NO SMOKING
The International Montessori Academy is a non-smoking environment.
PERSONNEL FILES
International Montessori Academy maintains up-to-date personnel files and certifications on all Staff Members as required by the California Department of Social Services. Please notify the Director concerning any changes in your name, address, phone number, marital and/or tax status or emergency contact so that your file will remain current.
DRESS
Our teachers’ professional appearance and demeanor is important to us, the children and their parents. In order to ensure that no parent is ever offended by or made to feel in any way uncomfortable by our clothing, we do not allow low-cut blouses, shorts, ripped jeans, or tennis shoes. School aprons are provided and are an option to wear. The school reserves the right to prohibit other types of clothing at any time at the director’s discretion. Please cover any tattoos.
DATING PARENTS
The school prohibits teachers or assistants dating the parents of any children under current enrollment as it can create undue stress and confusion for the child.
BABYSITTING
The school prohibits teachers from babysitting for children under current enrollment as this has been known to cause concern about favoritism and inconsistent treatment of children during school hours.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Staff are asked not to accept social media connections requests from parents. Also, staff are prohibited from posting on their own social media pictures they have taken on school grounds.
OPEN DOOR POLICY
Staff Members are encouraged to share their concerns, seek information, provide input, and resolve problems/issues through the director. Suggestions which improve safety, methods, procedures and working conditions, reduce costs or errors and in any way benefit the school, its children and staff members are encouraged. We depend upon and welcome your expertise, creativity and honesty in making such suggestions and encourage you to approach the director with your thoughts at any time.
STAFF MEETINGS
The director will conduct staff meetings as needed as a means of keeping you informed of important issues affecting the school, you and the children. It is a time for sharing general information, career development, new policies and procedures and for reviewing current state and/or county licensing guidelines. Staff meetings are mandatory and considered work time. Staff members will be paid for time spent attending the meetings.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND PROCEDURES
All staff members must familiarize themselves with the Disaster Plan for their classroom. International Montessori Academy's fire drill procedure is posted in each classroom and at the end of this manual.
CHILDREN’S / PARENT’S RIGHTS
CHILDREN'S PERSONAL RIGHTS
International Montessori Academy's top priority is the safety and well being of the children enrolled at the center. By seeking quality staff members, conducting thorough background investigation of all potential staff members, inviting the parents and/or other authorized persons to observe activities and using an open classroom concept which allows for clear visibility, International Montessori Academy is taking positive steps to prevent physical or emotional child abuse from occurring in the school. As an individual staff member you have a legal obligation to report all suspected child abuse directly to the appropriate authorities, and of course to the Director.
Each child shall have personal rights which include, but are not limited to:
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 punitive nature, including but not limited to: interference with the daily living functions, including eating, sleeping, or toileting; or withholding of shelter, clothing, medication or aids to physical functioning.
4) Not to be locked in any room, building, or facility at any time. Not to be placed in any restraining device, except an authorized supportive restraint.
CHILD DISCIPLINE
International Montessori Academy is committed to providing children a safe, nurturing and loving environment. The goal of discipline is "helping the child gain self-control through learning appropriate behavior" rather than forcing the child to conform to adult standards.
The following guidelines highlight International Montessori Academy's discipline policy:
1) Discipline will never take the form of, spanking, slapping, humiliation, yelling or frightening techniques may never be used, no matter what the circumstances. Every child must be treated with respect as a fellow human being and their personal rights must never be violated.
2) There will be no form of withholding food, naps or bathroom privileges.
3) Discipline should be based on redirecting the child's behavior to more acceptable activities. Focus on the child's actions rather than personality (it's not the child that you're unhappy with, just his or her behavior). Each child must be made to feel worthwhile and liked.
4) Conduct yourself with confidence, fairness and patience in disciplining.
5) Provide positive feedback and acknowledge good behavior, recognizing that you serve as role model for appropriate actions.
6) Express suggestions or directions in a positive form. Offer the child (ren) a choice only when you are prepared to accept their selection.
7) When disciplining, a kind, firm voice will help the child feel confident and reassured.
8) Consequence for misbehavior will be immediate and of short duration and be related to the act. When a break from the group is used for discipline duration shall be no longer than one minute for each year of age.
9) Acts of misbehavior must always be kept in perspective. The Director will involve a child's parents only when uncontrollable behavior and/or behavior harmful to others persists.
10) Disciplinary problems may be prevented or lessened by:
Not expecting more than a child is capable of.
Recognizing the child's achievements.
Intervening before a crises can develop.
Giving a child a break from the group to consider alternative behaviors.
Redirecting the child to another activity or material.
Do not say shh! or be quiet!
COMMUNICATIONS WITH PARENTS
One of a teacher's primary responsibilities is to accurately and regularly communicate with parents regarding their children. It is very important that teachers and the school in general maintain an excellent relationship with their parents. You are encouraged to communicate with parents regarding their children, their growth, development and needs during your regular working hours at the school. The following "Parents Rights" and "Personal Rights" are set forth by the state of California and adhered to by International Montessori Academy:
Parent's Rights
1. Parents/guardians, upon presentation of identification, have the right to enter and inspect the child day care facility, in which their child(ren) is/are receiving care, without advance notice to the provider. Entry and inspection right is limited to the normal operating hours while their children are receiving care.
2. The law prohibits discrimination or retaliation against any child or parent/guardian for exercising his/her right to inspect the facility.
3. The law requires that parents/guardians be notified of their rights to enter and inspect.
4. The law requires that this notice of "Parent's Rights" to enter and inspect be posted in the facility, in a location accessible to parents/guardians.
5. The law authorizes the person in charge of the child day care facility to deny access to a parent/guardian under the following circumstances:
a) The parent/guardian is behaving in a way which poses a risk to children in the facility; and/or
b) The adult is a non-custodial parent and the facility has been requested, in writing by the custodial parent, not to permit access to the non-custodial parent.
Personal Rights
Each person receiving services from a community care facility and/or 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 relationship 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 the 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 the authorized representative informed, by the licensee of the provisions of law regarding complaints including, but not limited to, the address and telephone number of the licensing agency's complaint receiving unit and of information regarding confidentiality.
5. To be free to attend religious services 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 completely voluntary basis. (In child day care facilities,
decisions concerning attendance at religious services or visits from spiritual advisors shall be made by the parents or guardians of the child.)
6. To leave or depart the facility at any time, except for house rules for the protection of clients or for minors and others from whom legal authority has been established. (Pertains to Community Care Facilities only.)
7. Not to be locked in any room, building or facility premises by day or night.
8. Not to be placed in restraining devices without advance approval by the licensing agency.
The client and/or parent(s)/guardian has the right to be informed of the appropriate licensing agency to contact regarding complaints, which is:
Department of Social Services
Community Care Licensing
1000 Corporate Center Drive, Ste 200B Monterey Park, CA 91754 (323) 981-3350
Community Care Licensing has the authority to enter the premises unannounced to inspect, interview and evaluate staff, parents, children and the facility without parental consent.
STUDENT ASSESSMENTS
Twice each year teachers will conference with parents individually to provide them updates of their children’s progress These conferences will take place during school hours. This fosters parental involvement and gives teachers a valuable opportunity to meet on a one-on-one basis with parents. The children benefit, the parents get more involved in their child's school experiences, and teachers get to know the parents better.
PLAYGROUND RULES
You are on the playground to assist the children with further learning opportunities and to insure their safety. Teachers are to organize play activities for the children. Spend your outside time interacting with the children, not with other teachers. Make sure the children are wearing appropriate clothing for the weather.
Safety is the prime concern: be alert to any dangerous situations. Never allow the children to harm themselves, others, or equipment. If a child is engaged in play that may be unsafe for himself and/or others, show the child why this activity is unsafe and redirect the activity. BE CONSISTENT IN ENFORCING PLAYGROUND RULES. All equipment must be watched for splinters, loose nails or other potential hazards. Report any unsafe equipment to the director immediately.
The following rules must be observed:
* Keep the children busy and happy by interacting with them, organizing games, crafts, painting, songs, stories, etc. You are the playground leader, the more effective you are, the better for all.
* Be aware of everything happening in your area of responsibility.
* Encourage cooperative, dramatic play. Discourage wars, guns and play fighting.
* Blocks or toys do not belong on the slide or any other climbing apparatus.
* Children must never be allowed to climb up slides.
* Children may not run in the rubber chip areas.
* Digging is allowed only in the sandbox. Be sure to check the sandbox for debris at the beginning of each outside play period.
* NEVER leave the playground unattended.
* Make going to the rest room a part of the children's routine prior to going out on the playground. If a child must come in during playtime, he/she must ask permission and BE ESCORTED. Children must not be allowed into unattended classrooms.
* Playground toys must be picked up and put away prior to re-entering the building. This keeps it neater and is good discipline for the children. If it needs to be swept, please do so.
PRESCHOOL CLASS DISASTER PROCEDURE
*Children are to line up by the door leading to the playground.
*Once lined up, the teacher must do a head count, then evacuate the room.
*The teacher is the last one out, closing the door.
*When all the children are lined up outside, teachers make sure all are present.
*The signal to return is the "all clear" from the Director.
*Once the "all clear" is given, children re-enter using the same route by which they left.
Also, should a stranger be seen on school grounds, staff are asked to first make sure all children are indoors and once that is confirmed to remove the safety latches on the front and back doors immediately and alert the director.
