HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START SCHOOL GUIDELINES

HIGHER HORIZONS HEAD START/EARLY HEAD START SCHOOL GUIDELINES We want your child’s time at Higher Horizons to be safe, healthy and educational. Please help us to provide the very best for your child by observing the guidelines. Please read this information carefully! SECURITY: Higher Horizons has security cameras that monitor the interior and exterior of the facility. These cameras are used to safeguard the facility and equipment and for the protection of the health, safety and security and welfare of the children, parents and staff. Signs are located on the entrance doors to alert you to the use of surveillance equipment. HOURS OF OPERATION & DAILY SCHEDULE: 1. Higher Horizons Head Start & Early Head Start operates from 7:45 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. 2. Drop-off may start as early as 7:45 am and pick-up from the school may start beginning at 3:30 p 3. Breakfast will provided from 8:15 am to 9:00 am. Infants will be fed on demand. 4. Diapers, pull-ups, and formula are provided by Higher Horizons. 5. The school day will consist of choice time, physical activities, and learning activities, meal time, and rest time. Please check the Parent Board in your child’s classroom for the daily schedule. The school will close periodically for holidays and staff development/teacher work-days. Please see program calendar at www.higherhorizons.org for dates. You will receive regular messages via Higher Horizons Face Book page and text messages. You can also refer to the Inclement Weather Policy in the event of snow or severe weather.

DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP GUIDELINES: 1. When bringing your child into the school building, you must transfer care to a classroom staff member. DO NOT leave your child at the main entrance or unattended in the classroom. For Early Head Start parents, or the designated drop-off person, children must be signed into the classroom each day and, a phone number must be left as a contact for the day. 2. EMERGENCY CONTACTS: If you cannot pick your child up at school, you may send an authorized adult. Anyone picking your child up MUST be listed on your Emergency Contact Form. We will not release your child to anyone who is not listed on your Emergency Contact Form. Please update your Emergency Contact form as contacts and phone numbers change. You may change or add names to your Emergency Contact Form at any time. In cases of emergency, we can accept names to the emergency contact list by fax from the parent. The parent must write a letter with the full name and phone number of the person (s) picking up the child. We will not accept changes to the authorized emergency contact pick-ups over the phone. 3. ELECTRONIC SIGN IN: We will be incorporating an electronic parent sign in system at the front desk. Parents will be assigned a barcode tag to sign their child in and out of the center. Each tag will be linked to the parent’s picture and identifying information. Once your tag is registered to your family, you will be given procedures on the safe usage of the tag. 4. PINK RELEASE SLIP: Individuals picking a child up from the school, must always stop at the front desk to sign in. Individuals without a barcode tag must present a valid picture ID to Higher Horizons’ staff. Parents, or authorized individuals, picking up a child must obtain a (pink) Release Slip from the front desk prior to proceeding to the classroom. The pink slip must be given to the teacher. Children will not be released by the classroom staff without following this required procedure! Parents, or authorized persons, must pick up their children by 4:00pm.

FOOD & MEALS: Higher Horizons participates in the United States Department of Agriculture Care and /Child Adult Care Food Program (USDA). Your child will be provided three meals while at the school. Menus are sent home monthly for your review, parents are encouraged to offer feedback and suggestions. Meals are served family style. Infants are fed on demand. Formula and baby food will be provided by Higher Horizons. Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to provide freshly expressed breast milk, in feedingsized quantities. Breast milk must be labeled with your infant’s name, time and date of expression. A hospital grade electric breast pump is available in the clinic for your use. Outside foods, other than breast milk, are not allowed in the school. Birthdays are celebrated typically on the 3rd Friday of the month with a special treat provided by the Food Services staff. For any special dietary needs, including allergies, a written medical statement from your child’s physician must be provided. Please list religious dietary restrictions on the Nutrition Questionnaire.

ATTENDANCE: 1. Attendance is very important! Please call us if your child is sick or will be absent for any reason. Unless the absence has been pre-arranged, you must call us each morning on the days your child will be absent. If we do not hear from you, your child’s absence will be unexcused. 2. For your convenience, you may call the Higher Horizons Absence Hotline at 703-820-2457, extension 130 and leave your child’s name, the classroom or teacher name, and the reason for the absence. The office staff will record this information in the child absence log. You do not have to talk to the teacher to report absences. 3. Absences shall not exceed 30 days per program year. 4. A request must be made in writing to approve an extended absence. Your child will be placed on the waitlist if they are unable to return to the program in 30 calendar days. We will not grant extended absence approvals for over 30 calendar days of absence. Parents please plan accordingly. 5. You will be contacted by your Family Engagement Advocate or Home Visitor after three (3) or more consecutive days of absences or if there is a pattern of absences noted. Family emergencies, where the child will be absent for more than three days, must be reported to your Family Engagement Advocate or Home Visitor (in writing or on the phone). 6. Your child’s enrollment at Higher Horizons may be in jeopardy if (1) your child is excessively absent (2) we are unable to contact the family (3) home visits are cancelled and not rescheduled or (4) you are away for more than 30 calendar days.

SICK CHILD:

Children MAY NOT come to school if they have the following symptoms: 1.

Temperature of 101° F or Higher

2.

Recurrent vomiting or diarrhea

3.

A communicable disease

If your child is absent for three (3) or more days due to illness, we may ask that you provide your Family Engagement Advocate/Home Visitor with a note from a health care provider or meet with Higher Horizons’ Health Manager before your child returns to the program. Please contact your Family Engagement Advocate/Home Visitor within 24 hours, or the next business day, if your child or any household member has developed any communicable disease. Children with an illness that requires medical intervention or that appears to be a potential communicable disease must have written clearance from the child’s healthcare provider upon return to the center. MEDICATION AND TOPICALS AT SCHOOL:

Written permission from you and your child’s doctor must be provided before medications of any type can be given to your child. 1.

Medications must be in their original container with clear instructions on the label, prepared by the pharmacy. 2.

DO NOT send ANY MEDICATIONS to school with your child. A parent or authorized adult must bring medications to school. 3.

Written permission is required to apply sunscreen, diaper ointment, cream, or insect spray on your child. Please ask your child’s teacher for the permission form. 4.

If your child uses a pacifier in Early Head Start a written permission is required. Please ask your child’s teacher to provide you with the necessary form. HEALTH AND SAFETY:

Early Head Start children must receive routine well-baby exams and immunizations. At the age of 12 months, an initial dental examination is required. Recall examinations are then required every six months. Documentation must be submitted after these visits. Children without documentation of immunizations will not be able to participate in the school program according to the state of Virginia Licensing Standards. As a courtesy, the Health Manager, Home Visitor or Family Engagement Advocate will remind you of upcoming medical due dates.

EMERGENCIES: 1. If your child becomes ill, we will call you at the phone numbers you left on the sign in sheet in

the classroom or use the emergency contact information you have provided. You will be required to come to the school immediately to pick your child, or arrange for an authorized adult to pick your child up. 2. Please report any changes in address, phone numbers or emergency contact persons. It is

very important that we are able to reach you at all times. An Emergency Contact Form can be changed at any time; please request a new form through the Front Desk Receptionist or your Family Engagement Advocate or Home Visitor when information changes. 3. When choosing individuals to add to the emergency contact, please take into

consideration the following information: 

They have access to a car and can drive to pick up the child from the center or hospital



They are able to pick up your child soon after the call is made



They should be a familiar adult to your child



They are accessible by phone during the school hours

3. If your child is seriously ill or injured, Higher Horizons reserves the right to call 911. We will also contact you with any information we may have. If your child is transported to the hospital for medical care, you are required to meet your child at the hospital to consent to medical care. Higher Horizons’ staff cannot assume responsibility of making medical care decisions’ on your behalf and cannot discharge a child from the hospital. 4. An

emergency is a sudden, urgent, usually unexpected occurrence that requires an immediate response. Emergencies can be natural (such as an earthquake) or man-made, (such as a fire). Higher Horizons Head Start/Early Head Start is prepared for many different types of emergencies. Plans have been written in accordance with Fairfax County and Federal Government recommendations to assure that children are kept safe in the event of an emergency. Each staff member has a specific responsibility, which is outlined in the plan. 5. Staff and children practice different drills every month, to learn what to do and how to act when an emergency occurs. Emergency supplies such as water, food, diapers and communication devises are kept at each site. 6. Communication is very important before, during and after an emergency. Once the emergency is brought under control parents will be immediately notified Telephone or text message.

DISABILITY AND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL CONCERNS: If your child has an identified disability we ask that you submit your child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in order for us to develop an educational plan appropriate for your child. If you have concerns about your child’s development or emotional health, please contact your child’s teacher or Family Engagement Advocate. We will meet with you to discuss on how to best meet your child’s needs. All children receive a developmental and social-emotional screening within 45 days of enrollment as part of Head Start/Early Head Start requirements. You will receive the results of the screenings within 60 days of completion.

FAMILY SERVICES: A Family Engagement Advocate (FEA) is assigned to each school based family. In September, the FEA will contact you to arrange a home visit in order to complete a Family Partnership Plan. The Family Partnership Plan must be completed at the beginning and again at the end of the school year. Completing the plan provides an opportunity for the staff to assist your family with identifying and discussing strengths and needs, and defining your family goals. Home Based families receive the same services through their assigned Home Visitor (HV). FEA and HV are also available to you for assistance in accessing targeted community services to meet the specific needs of your family. HOME BASED SERVICES: Early Head Start Home based is a prenatal through 3 years of age program. Child development and health information is shared by a home visitor during weekly visits. Activities are designed to encourage and teach parents to be their child’s first teacher. Monthly Socialization play groups for children and parents are offered to encourage play and interaction with other children and learn new things.

COMMUNICATIONS: 1. If your child is enrolled in Early Head Start, an Infant or Toddler “Daily Sheet” will be sent

home with your child. This daily sheet will provide you with a brief description of your child’s diapering/toileting, sleep, and eating patterns. 2. If you have a child enrolled in the 3 - 5 Head Start Program, a monthly newsletter will be

sent home with information about classroom activities. Please review these documents and direct any questions you may have to your child’s teacher.

3. Communications about field trips and other requests will be sent home in a folder in your

child’s backpack. It is important to check your child’s backpack each Wednesday for the a folder. Also, it is important to check your child’s backpack everyday for any important letters. Please respond quickly when we request information. 4. A monthly Parent Activity Calendar and field trips will be distributed to you via the

backpack, the first week of each month. This will let you know about upcoming parent meetings and events at the school 5. Please bring at least towages of clothes (if possible) to leave at the school (including: shirts, pants, onesies, socks and underwear). 6. Do not allow your child to bring toys, candy, jewelry, medications or dangerous

objects

7. Lesson plans, daily routines, calendars, and lunch menus are posted in the classrooms. 8. Two teacher home visits and two parent-teacher conferences are scheduled each

school year. The home visit and the parent-teacher conference will increase your understanding of your child’s progress in school. 9. Please check our website and Facebook page for school information

All parents are encouraged and expected to volunteer and be actively engaged in your child’s educational experience. Your participation will enable your child’s School Readiness!

TRANSITION: If you have a child in the Early Head Start Program, at age three (3), your child will transition from the Early Head Start program to the Head Start program, or a community preschool that serves children three (3) years and older. Higher Horizons will assist you with this transition by: 1. Meeting with you when your child is two (2) years and six (6) months to plan and discuss

your wishes for care after the child turns three (3) years old. At this meeting, parent and staff will create a plan that identifies appropriate community preschools for the child. Additionally, parents will submit updated income and address verification to determine the child’s eligibility for Head Start. 2. Higher Horizons has agreements with community preschools that will facilitate your child’s placement on the waitlist. Your child’s participation in Early Head Start will not guarantee a placement with a community preschool. 3. If your child is Kindergarten eligible, you will receive notices and information on activities pertaining to Kindergarten transition.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: When there is bad weather please listen to the local news reports on the television or radio that relates to school closings. Higher Horizons follows the same schedule as Fairfax County Public Schools. Parents will be given an Inclement Weather Policy, please share this information with your child’s babysitter, if they are the routine pick-up or drop-off person. This information will also be posted on Higher Horizons Face Book page and you may receive a text or call to alert you of the school closing or delay. 1. If Fairfax County Public Schools are closed, Higher Horizons will be closed. 2. If Fairfax County Public County schools open 2 hours late, Higher Horizons will be open 2

hours late. Home Based families: there will be no Socialization and/or morning home visits will be rescheduled.

3. If Fairfax County Public School closes 2 hours early, Higher Horizons will close 2 hours early.

Parents must pick their children up as indicated. Afternoon home visits will be rescheduled.

ABUSE & NEGLECT: Higher Horizons Staff are mandated by law to report any suspected child abuse and neglect. Fairfax County Child Protective Services (CPS) will investigate and determine if abuse/neglect is taking place. We are mandated reporters. Staff may call CPS if they see or hear the following: 1. The child’s disclosure of abuse 2. Repeated or unexplained bruises, welts, or burns 3. A child showing extreme behavior 4. A child that often does not have appropriate clothing for the weather 5. A child who is often hungry, tired, dirty, or seems neglected or not getting medical treatment

as needed 6. A child who shows signs of sexual abuse or who talks about or exhibits inappropriate sexual

behavior Failure to return to the doctor or dentist for medical treatments such as, dental cavities, testing for glasses, and hearing is a form of child neglect and will be reported. PARENTAL CUSTODY: 1. Please inform us and provide us with a copy of any legal changes to parental custody. Unless

you provide us with a court or CPS order, we are required by law to release your child to their birth parent.

2. If there are individuals that are currently on your emergency contact and you no longer want

them to have contact with your child, please contact your Family Engagement Advocate or Home Visitor immediately and request a change. 3. Please provide us with the legal documents describing a shared custody schedule, if it

impacts school pick-up and drop-off. We will not honor your request to change the schedule unless it is legal. 4. We cannot advise you on legal matters or intervene on your behalf with the other custodial

parent (s). Please do not ask our staff to communicate with the other parent for you. Higher Horizons is not a visitation site. Please ask the courts for information on custody handover and supervised visits.

Higher Horizons school

BUS TRANSPORTATION The following guidelines apply to bus transportation provided by Higher Horizons: 1. A parent (or authorized designee/emergency contact person over the age of 16) must accompany the child at the bus stop (taking them to the bus stop, and meeting them at the bus stop at the end of the day). 2. Higher Horizons does not authorize call-in changes to the bus schedule. Parents cannot call the school and request Higher Horizons hold their child at the center. If a parent cannot meet the bus, the parent must contact the emergency person to meet the bus, or have the child picked up before the bus leaves the school. 3. If the parent is not at the bus stop at the scheduled time, the bus will not wait. The parent must have the child ready to go at the time specified by the bus driver. Parents are encouraged to arrive five minute earlier than the scheduled time, to ensure the child is ready to board. The Bus Driver cannot wait for children to arrive at the bus stop. Higher Horizons has to make every effort to maintain the bus schedule. 4. If an authorized adult is not at the bus stop to meet their child in the afternoon, the child will be brought back to Higher Horizons. The FEA will attempt to make contact with the parent or emergency contacts, for them to pick the child up from school. 5. Parents not meeting the bus will be required to sign a Documentation of Late Child form. After three (3) times of not meeting the bus at the scheduled time, a conference will be scheduled to discuss the concern with the parent. Higher Horizons Bus services may be suspended. 6. Repeated problems at pick-up or drop-off time may result in a conference with the Transportation Manager and could result in the child being denied transportation.

6. If a child misses the bus, the parent may bring the child to school. The child can ride the bus to be taken home in the afternoon. 7. At times, weather and traffic delays the bus. We ask that parents be patient and wait, as weather and traffic conditions are beyond the control of Higher Horizons. 8. Children will not be released to persons not listed as an Emergency Contact, or persons who are not known by Higher Horizons. No child will be released to someone who the parent has not authorized in writing. Authorized persons must show proper picture identification to pick up a child. 9. For safety reasons, the following items are not allowed on the school bus: candy, gum, money, toys, loose jewelry, animals, weapons, glass containers, food items, etc. The child should only have their backpack to carry. Oversized backpacks, backpacks with wheels, and luggage type backpacks cannot be stored under the bus seats. Parents should ensure the child has a standard size backpack to bring to school each day. 10. Parents should check the child’s backpack daily for notices from the school, artwork, and other information that needs to be communicated to parents. 11. Sick children should not be placed on the bus or brought to school. If a child requires medication, it must be brought to the school by the parents and given to the Health Services Manager with a Medication Administration Form. 12. The parent should notify the Bus Driver one week in advance if they plan to move, go on vacation or if the child will be away from school for an extended time. 13. If a child no longer needs bus transportation, the parent should contact the Family Engagement Advocate. (FEA). The FEA will notify the Teacher and the Transportation Manager. 14. Bus Driver cell phone numbers are NOT provided to parents. Parents should contact the Transportation Manager at 703-820-2457, ext. 118 if they need to leave a message for Drivers or Monitors.

Higher Horizons school

BUS TRANSPORTATION Higher Horizons offers bus transportation for Head Start children (3 – 5 years old) to and from the center; children must live within the limited bus service area and space must be available on the bus for children to have daily bus transportation. One Bus Driver and One Bus Monitor are assigned to each of the two busses. The Bus Monitors assist the Bus Driver, and accompany the children to ensure their safety while being transported. Higher Horizons does NOT provide transportation services for Early Head Start children (6 weeks – 2 years old). EHS children are transported to and from the center each day parents. This supports ongoing staff and parent communication Transportation for Field Trips All Head Start classes take field trips to a variety of places during the school year. Higher Horizons will provide transportation to and from approved field trips. Parents will be given advance notice of field trips (including date, time and location); further, the parent MUST sign a permission slip for each field trip. If signed permission slips are not received from the parent, the child will not participate on the field trip. Bus Safety - Safe Loading and Unloading of Children Safety of the children is our number one priority. When using bus transportation: a. Parents and caregivers should hold the child’s hand while getting on and off the bus. b. When crossing the street, parents must hold the child’s hand and escort them across the street. c. Bus Monitors will ensure all children are wearing seat belts. d. Children must stay in their seats, with seat belts secured, until the bus has come to a complete stop. e. Bus Drivers will provide license tag numbers to the Transportation Manager of any motorist that passes a signaled bus, which will then be reported to authorities.

Pedestrian Safety Higher Horizons will conduct Pedestrian Safety Training for staff, parents and children every year. To assist Higher Horizons in ensuring the safety of all children, basic safety tips should be practiced, including: a. Look both ways before crossing the street, regardless if there is a marked pedestrian crosswalk. b. Cross at the corner of a street, at a traffic light, or a designated crosswalk. c. Being visible in bad weather or low-light conditions. d. Be aware of visible barriers that may block a pedestrian’s view (bicyclists, motorists, bushes and trees, etc.) e. Be aware of parked and passing vehicles. f. Do not wear dark colors at low-light times (early morning or early evening). Bus Drills and Evacuations The Bus Driver and Bus Monitor conduct bus evacuation drills at least three times a year to teach children how to properly evacuate the bus. There will also be Teachers will also have classroom activities about bus safety. Parents are encouraged to talk to their child about bus safety. Higher Horizons Head Start appreciates the cooperation of all parents in respecting the Transportation Guidelines. Continued support is most critical to ensure safe transport of bussed children to and from the school each day. Questions about the bus service should be directed to the Transportation Manager at 703-820-2457, ext. 118.

POLICY COUNCIL: The purpose of the Policy Council (PC) is to provide a formal means for parents to be involved in Higher Horizons Head Start program planning and decision making. In partnership with the Higher Horizons Board of Directors and staff, the PC has a vital leadership role as a representative of their programs location to receive information, training and reports. PC membership consists of parent representatives that are elected by parents at their meetings in the beginning of the program year, and representatives from community agencies within the Higher Horizons Head Start service area who have been elected by the Policy Council. As a Policy Council member, you actively participate in the development of school readiness goals and help to assess the program’s progress in achieving those goals. The Policy Council also promotes the critical role that parents play in supporting their children.

PARENT EDUCATION MEETINGS: All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend Parent education meetings. These meetings are held at Higher Horizons. The topics presented reflect the trends in the community and are both educational and fun. Refreshments and/or a meal and child care are provided. These committees meet periodically throughout the year. Parents are invited and encouraged to participate in these committee meetings to advocate for their children. Together with community members and other professionals we can meet the challenges facing children and families FATHERHOOD/MALE INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM: The goal of the Higher Horizons Fatherhood program is to improve the well-being of children by increasing active participation of responsible, and committed males in their lives.

HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The Head Start Program Performance Standards require that every Head Start program form and maintain a Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) to advise the planning, operation, and evaluation of health services in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. HSAC is a critical component of Head Start’s comprehensive services. By offering guidance on building and maintaining high-quality health services and health-related policies, the HSAC promotes school readiness. The HSAC is an advisory group, usually composed of the following: ♦ Family members ♦ Program managers ♦ Program staff ♦ Health professionals ♦ Special education providers ♦ Representatives from Medicaid, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and managed care organizations ♦ Other community partners who are representative of the racial and ethnic groups served by the local Head Start program. Committee members offer their services on a volunteer basis (i.e., they are not compensated for their participation). The committee members meet to discuss program issues in the medical, oral health, mental health, nutrition, and human services fields. These committees meet periodically throughout the year. Parents are invited and encouraged to participate in these committee meetings to advocate for their children. Together with community members and other professionals we can meet the challenges facing children and families. EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The Education Advisory committee meet to review curriculum, literacy, transition, classroom technology and assist in the evaluation of the early childhood program at Higher Horizons. The committee also assist in developing goals, strategies, and resources for Head Start and Early Head Start. Members of the committee include: Head Start and EHS parents, early childhood professionals from higher education, community partners, and members of local early childhood advocacy groups.

HIGHER HORIZONS CALENDAR - AT-A-GLANCE 2015 - 2016 September 8

7C Children – First Day of School

September 14

HIHO (Bailey’s) – First Day of School

October 9

Teacher Workday – No School

October 12

Holiday - Columbus Day – No School

November 2 & 3

Teacher Work Day – No School

November 26, 27

Holidays – Thanksgiving – No School

December 21 – January 1, 2016

Holidays – Winter Break – No School

January 18

Holiday – Martin Luther King Jr’s. Birthday - No School

January 19

Staff Development Day – No School

February 5

Teacher Workday – No School

February 15 March 21-25

Holiday – Washington’s Birthday and President’s Day- No School Spring Break for children- No School

March 25

Holiday - Good Friday – No School

March 28

Teacher Work Day – No School

April 22

Teacher Workday – No School

May 30

Holiday- Memorial Day

June 24

Teacher Work Day – No School

June 27

Teacher Work Day – No School

July 4

Holiday – Fourth of July– No School

August 12

Last Day of School

SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION www.higherhorizons.org Facebook Page: Higher Horizons Head Strat & Early Head Start Executive Director: 703- 820-2457 extension 114 Bailey’s Site Main: 703-820-2457 Fax: 703-820-1578 Absence Hotline: 703-820-2457 extension 130 Head Start Education Manager: 703- 820-2457 extension 116 Seven Corners Site (7C) Main: 571-499-6642 Fax: 571-499-6657 Early Head Start Manager: 571-499-6642 extension 215 VIRGINIA STATE LICENSING INFORMATION Higher Horizons is a Virginia state licensed child care provider, and we encourage you to speak to us about concerns you may have about your child’s care. If you believe the program is not responsive to your concerns, please contact the Division of Licensing Programs at 1- 800- 543- 7545. NATIONAL HEAD START INFORMATIONS Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center website http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov