LAKE-GEAUGA UNITED
HEAD START, INC.
CENTRAL OFFICE
P.O.
(440) 259-5122
FAX (440) 259-4036
www.lguhs.org
PERRY CENTER
(440) 259-1980
FAX (440) 259-1941
IMPORTANT NAMES TO REMEMBER:
SITE ADMINISTRATOR: Lorie Battaglia
TEACHER: _________________________________
TEACHER
ASSISTANT: _________________________________
FAMILY
ADVOCATE: _________________________________
BUS
DRIVER: _________________________________
BUS
MONITOR: _________________________________
Welcome to the
Attached to this book, you will find our program calendar for school
year 2007-2008. Please keep this
calendar, as it will tell you what days the center is closed and when special
activities are happening.
Philosophy and Goals
Head Start is a comprehensive preschool program designed to prepare you
and your child for kindergarten while also supporting your family. Services are provided in areas of health,
nutrition, social services, special needs and parent involvement. Parents are encouraged to participate in
every aspect of our program, from being welcomed in your child’s classroom to
serving on one of our many committees.
We are pleased that you have chosen to include us in the growth and
development of your child and we look forward to working with you.
Licensing
LGUHS is licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family
Services. At the end of this handbook
you will find an attachment about licensing and other valuable
information. Please take the time to
read this information.
Child Abuse or Neglect
Each employee of LGUHS is required by
Non-Discrimination
LGUHS does not discriminate in hiring practices or child enrollment
based upon race, color, religion, sex, disability or national origin.
Admissions
A child is
considered to be enrolled in Head Start only after all necessary paperwork has
been submitted and eligibility and availability in our center has been
confirmed. This includes basic enrollment
information as well as health information.
Any change in this information must be communicated to the center office
or your Family Advocate immediately to ensure that current information is
always on file. A medical form signed by
a physician or certified nurse practitioner is required to be submitted within
30 days of admission and must be updated every year. A dental examination must also be obtained
within 45 days of entrance into the program.
Head Start is a
free program. No payment is necessary
for your child to be enrolled.
Hours and Days of Operation
The
See attached
calendar for scheduled days off.
Staff/Child Ratios and Maximum Group Size
The
1 staff : 12
children 3 year olds
1 staff : 14
children 4-5 year olds
Because we are a
Head Start Program, we are subject to meeting the Head Start standards for
staff/child ratio, which is 1 staff for every 10 children. We pride ourselves on maintaining a higher
quality of preschool services and care for your child.
Maximum group
size for our program is 18 children.
Daily Schedules
§
Arrival
§
Hand Washing
§
Breakfast or Lunch
§
Teeth Brushing
§
Large Group Time
§
Learning Centers/Small Group Time
§
Gross Motor Activities
§
Hand Washing
§
Lunch or Snack
§
Story/Music Time
§
Departure
Behavior Management and Discipline Philosophy
Head Start offers
children many opportunities to exercise free choice, but there are, of course,
boundaries to that freedom. Guidelines
are in place to ensure the children’s safety and to assist them in learning
responsibility and consideration for others.
1. No child shall be spanked, hit, placed in
restraints or subject to profane language or verbal abuse.
2. Discipline or behavior management techniques
will not shame, humiliate or frighten a child.
3. Discipline shall not be imposed on a child
for failure to eat or sleep or for toileting accidents.
4. Discipline shall not include the withholding
of food, rest or toilet use.
5. Disruptive or misbehaving children may have
to be removed from the other children, however, “time outs” will be used
selectively and will consist of short periods of time not to exceed s few
minutes. The purpose of a “time out” is
to allow the child to regain control of himself, not to be punitive. Even during “time outs”, children shall not
be left alone.
6. Head Start staff and teachers will make every
effort to consult with families in order to assist with recurring behavior
problems. In cases of recurring behavior
problems, outside resources may be called in to assist staff and parents in
developing strategies.
7. Head Start will make every effort to allow
each and every child to remain at Head Start for the entire school year despite
behavior problems. However, if it is
determined that the child is placing other children or staff in harm’s way and
interventions are not improving the situation, a child may be asked to leave
the center. If this becomes necessary,
the family will be called in to discuss placement options for the child after
leaving Head Start.
8. All LGUHS staff will adhere to the agency’s
Child Discipline Policy and the Ohio Administrative Code rule 5101:2-12-22 or
will be subject to disciplinary action.
Supervision of Children
Arrival and Departure-
Children who arrive by bus will be escorted into the building by the bus staff
and met by the classroom staff. At the
end of the day, the classroom staff will escort the children to the buses,
where they will be met by the bus staff.
Self-transported children must be accompanied into the building and to
the classroom. Children may not be
dropped off at the entrance or left alone in the building. Classroom staff must be made aware that the
child has arrived before the parent departs.
When picking up, classroom staff must be made aware that the child is
leaving the classroom. No child will be sent from the classroom to meet a
parent at the door. Parents must go to
the classroom or other transition area to pick up the child.
Children in the Head Start program will be supervised at all times.
Release to Non-Parent and Custody Agreements
A child will be released to either parent unless Head Start is
notified otherwise in writing. If there
are custody issues, you must provide court papers indicating who has permission
to pick up the child. Release of a child
to anyone other than a parent will be allowed with a signed authorization from
the parent and appropriate identification from the person picking up. Any person listed as an emergency contact is
allowed to pick up the child without further written consent from the
parent. Identification may be requested
by any staff member.
Attendance
Regular attendance
at Head Start not only enhances each child’s experience with classmates and
teachers, but also increases his/her chance of having a rewarding and positive
educational experience. It establishes a
positive pattern for school attendance early in the child’s career.
Head Start needs to
maintain an 85% attendance level. If
your child is unable to attend due to illness, etc. it is mandatory that you
call the Center office or your Family Advocate and advice them of the absence. Parents need to advise Head Start of expected
absences, such as family vacations.
Excessive absences may result in the child being withdrawn from the
classroom and put on the waiting list until any issues can be resolved (and an
opening becomes available at the center).
If a child is absent
for three (3) consecutive days with no contact from the family, the Family
Advocate will attempt to contact the family by telephone. If the child is absent a fourth (4th)
consecutive day with no contact from the family, the Family Advocate will
attempt a home visit. If there is no
contact from the family for 2 consecutive weeks and no contact with the family
has been effective, the Family Advocate will send the Excessive Absences
Withdrawal Letter advising them that the child will be placed on the waiting
list until any issues are resolved (and an opening becomes available at the
center).
Absences are
considered to be chronic when a child attends less than 85% of the time. When a child’s absences are considered
chronic, the Family Advocate will meet with the parent to determine the reasons
for the absences and to assist the family in resolving any issues linked to the
child’s absence from school. An
agreement will be made with the family to address the child’s attendance issue
with the understanding that if the absences continue the child will be
withdrawn from the program.
In the event of long
term absences lasting more than 2 weeks, such as an extended family vacation,
the parent needs to notify staff. If the
child does not return after the second week he/she will be placed on the
waiting list and prioritized with other children as vacancies occur. Parents are notified a head of time of the
action that will be taken by the Head Start program. If families do not notify staff of the
extended leave, the procedure for consecutive absences will be taken. This does not apply to long-term illness, for
surgery or hospital stay.
Children
Arriving from Other Programs
At times it may be
necessary for a child to arrive at Head Start from another program. If a child is scheduled to arrive and does
not, we will first contact the parent to confirm that the child is scheduled to
be at the center that day and then contact the program they were to have
arrived from. We will then consult with
the parent to determine further action. For
this reason, it is important that parents contact the center when their child
is not going to be attending.
Meals and Snacks
Morning classes will
be served breakfast and lunch. Afternoon
classes will be served lunch and a snack.
Full day classes will be served breakfast, lunch and a snack. We ask that you do not feed your child before
coming to school so that he will be able to eat with the class.
Food Service
Breakfast, lunch,
and/or snack will be provided to the children at no cost to their parents. Children with special dietary needs will be
served food appropriate for their individual needs. It is
the parent’s responsibility to inform Head Start staff of any allergies,
special medical/dietary needs or religious food preferences that a child might
have. If your child has milk or
other food allergy, we must have a statement from your child’s health care
provider stating the nature of the allergy.
Menus are sent home each month so that parents know what their children
are eating at school.
Classroom/Center
Food Treats
Since home foods are
not inspected and we have no control as to what takes place in those private
kitchens, it is our policy that no foods
that are prepared at home may be served in the classroom or at any Head Start
function including any parent activity. This
is to protect Head Start children and parents from illness due to possible food
allergies and/or contamination.
Emergencies and Accidents
In the event of a fire or tornado, staff would follow the written
instructions posted in each classroom, describing emergency evacuation routes
and the procedures to be followed. In
order to prepare the children for the unlikely need to evacuate, regular fire
drills are held at the centers along with periodic tornado drills. In the case of necessary evacuation, a sign
will be posted on the front door of the center to let you know that the center
has been evacuated and where you can pick up your child. Parents will be contacted as soon as possible
to come pick up your child. If a parent
cannot be reached we will contact the emergency contacts as listed on your
child’s enrollment information.
In the unlikely event that there is threat of violence the staff will
secure the children in the safest location possible, contact the proper
authorities and follow the directions given.
Parents will be contacted as soon as the situation allows. An incident report will be provided to the
parents.
In the event of a problem at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, the staff
will follow the protocol established by the Lake County Emergency Management
Agency.
There is always at least one staff member present that is trained in
First Aid, Communicable Disease and CPR.
In the case of a minor injury or accident, staff will administer basic
first aid. If the injury is more
serious, first aid will be administered and parents will be contacted
immediately. If any injury is
life-threatening,
In the event of an illness, accident or injury requiring first aid, a child
being transported by emergency squad, administration of Syrup of Ipecac or any
other unusual event that jeopardizes the safety of the child, an
incident/injury report will be completed and given to the person picking up the
child at the end of the day or as soon as possible within twenty-four hours.
Management of Illness
Head Start provides children with a clean and healthy environment. However, we realize that children become ill
from time to time. We observe all
children as they enter the center to quickly assess their general health. We ask that you do not bring a sick child to
school. They will be sent home.
A child with any of the following symptoms will be immediately isolated
and discharged to the parent or emergency contact:
Ø Temperature of more than 100 degrees F
Ø Diarrhea
Ø Severe coughing, causing the child to become
red or blue in the face
Ø Difficult or rapid breathing
Ø Yellowish skin or eyes
Ø Redness of the eye, obvious discharge, matted
eyelashes, itching or burning of eye
Ø Unusual rashes or spots on skin
Ø Unusually dark urine or gray or white stool
Ø Stiff neck with an elevated temperature
Ø Evidence of lice infection, scabies or other
infestation
Ø Sore throat or difficulty in swallowing
Ø Vomiting- more than once in the same day
Children will be readmitted to the center after 24 hours of being free
of fever or other symptoms. If they are
not symptom free, a physician’s note will be required stating that the child is
not contagious.
Parents will be notified by a sign on the classroom door if children
have been exposed to a communicable illness.
Medications
Head Start will administer medications to a child only after the parent
completes the Medication Administration Form.
All sections must be complete and medication must be handed to a staff member. Medications cannot be stored in book bags or
child’s coat. Medications will be
stored in an area that is not accessible to children.
Allergies
Food allergies should be indicated on enrollment information. Head Start will make necessary accommodations
to all meals to ensure that all known allergies are accounted for.
Transportation
Daily transportation is offered to some children enrolled in Head
Start. Agency-owned and labeled yellow
buses will transport children. If
transportation is provided for your child, you will be expected to follow all
guidelines, including being at the designated pick-up and drop-off point at the
appropriate time. You will receive
specific information about your designated point at the beginning of the school
year. Parents are responsible for having
children ready for pick-up at least ten minutes before the bus is scheduled to
arrive. Parents are also responsible to
be home to greet their child when he returns from school. If no ADULT is visible, the child will be
returned to their center and you will be contacted to pick them up. In cases where children are left at the
center even after parents and emergency contacts have been contacted and the
center is closing, the police will be called.
In cases of emergency, children will not be transported on the
bus. Parents or the emergency squad will
be contacted based on the situation.
Agency-owned buses are also used for periodic field trips. Field trip permission forms must be signed by
parent or guardian prior to the trip in order for children to be allowed to
attend. Before departing the center for
a field trip, a count of the children will be taken and marked on an attendance
sheet specifically created for the trip.
Upon arrival at the destination, another count will be taken to assure
that all children have arrived safely.
Field trips will be staffed by agency staff and parent volunteers to
ensure adequate supervision of all children.
Children are supervised at all times while on the bus for any
reason. Buses are staffed by both a
licensed bus operator and a bus monitor to assist the children.
Transportation Change Requests
If you have a change of address for your child’s pick-up and/or
drop-off address the center will need up to two (2) weeks to make adjustments, IF adjustments can be made. The center staff will contact the parent to
inform them if the change can be made along with any other information
pertaining to the transportation change request.
Outdoor Play
Outdoor play will be included in the program on a daily basis as
allowed by weather conditions. Children
will not be taken outside when the temperature is below 20 degrees or above 90
degrees. Time outside may be limited due
temperature. On days that outdoor play
is not provided due to rain, temperature or threatening weather, time will be
provided for gross motor activities indoors.
Please send your child with appropriate clothing for the weather so that
they can safe and comfortable outside.
This includes coats, mittens, boots and hats if appropriate.
Parent Participation
Head Start believes that parents are their child’s first and best
teacher. Our program has an open-door
policy to all parents and parents are welcome in the center at all times. There are numerous opportunities for parent
involvement, such as volunteering in the classroom, assisting with field trips,
attending parent meetings, participating in Policy Council, special events or
other activities. Input from parents is
welcome and encouraged. Your volunteer
time assists us in maintaining our federal funding for our program.
Classroom staff will meet with parents on at least four scheduled
occasions during the year. Each family
with also have a family advocate assigned to them who can assist them with
parent involvement opportunities and other family needs.
If parents have concerns or questions at any time, they can always
approach their child’s teacher or family advocate. In the event that their issue is not resolved
at that level, the Site Administrator has designated hours available for parent
discussions. Those hours are posted at
your center. Additionally, the Executive
Director of LGUHS is available by phone or appointment if needed.
Parent Rosters are available at each center with names of parents and
phone numbers. Parents must give
permission to be included on this list.
Parents as Primary Educators
Head Start
recognizes that parents are the first and primary educator of their child. This means that parents understand their
child the best, will continue to be involved in their child’s education and
that make decisions about their child’s education and health.
Parent Participation
Parents/guardians
are an integral part of our program and are encouraged and expected to
participate in a variety of ways as their schedules allow and according to
their interests. Head Start receives a
portion or the program’s funding through parents volunteering their time. Basically, when parents volunteer their time
to the program it is equal to money we get to pay for things like supplies for
the classrooms or gas in the buses. If
each Head Start parent volunteered their time for 2 hours a month (from
September – May) we would reach our goal for parent volunteer time for the
program year.
There are a variety of ways
parents can participate:
COMMITTEES:
Ø
Center
Parent Committee – meets monthly
Ø
Education
Advisory Committee – meets 3 times yearly
Ø
Health
Advisory Committee – meets 3 times yearly
Ø
Parent
Menu Committee – Parent input through mail, phone, and/or center contact with
the Executive Director.
Ø
Policy
Council – meets monthly. Representatives
vote on important agency wide issues.
Ø
Any
needed sub-committees developed by the parents
Parents are welcomed to volunteer anytime in the classroom or at the
center. Teachers are always in need of
helpers to prepare for classroom activities and some jobs can even be completed
at home. Please ask your child’s teacher
how you can help.
School Closings
In the event of bad weather or the immediate threat of severe weather
or loss of power, heat or water, schools may be closed. School closings will be announced on local
television stations 3, 8, 19, 23, 25, or 43.
Please look for your center to be listed individually as one of the following:
Perry Head
Start
LGUHS West
Head Start
Geauga
Head Start
HEAD START
Family Advocacy
and Support
Once enrolled, each family will be assigned a Family Advocate. The Family Advocate will act as the primary contact
for the family if there are any issues or needs that they require assistance
with. A Family Partnership Agreement
will be offered to each family. This
agreement is a cooperative process that includes establishing goals for the
family and developing strategies to reach those goals. The FA will be able to
direct the family to necessary resources or support services to help the family
work toward self-sufficiency.
Education
Head Start’s goal is to make each child’s first learning experience a
happy, successful and rewarding one while also preparing him to move into
kindergarten. Each child’s individual
social, emotional and physical needs are addressed while the child is being
educated.
Head Start is a developmentally appropriate preschool program based on
solid early childhood principles.
Children are encouraged to develop skills at their own rate of
development and interest. We emphasize
the fact that all children develop differently; therefore our curriculum is
individualized to every child’s unique needs.
Preschool children learn best through active involvement. Head Start provides hands-on experiences in a
warm, safe environment where children can learn and grow.
Parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s education by
volunteering in the classroom and by participating in home visits and center
conferences with your child’s teacher.
The visits serve to keep parents updated about their child’s educational
progress and discuss goals derived from on-going assessments given to the children.
Special Services
Head Start provides a preschool experience for all children. Children with disabilities are welcome and
participate in all Head Start activities.
Children with disabilities receive all screenings and other necessary
services to provide a total learning experience. Disabilities may include health problems or
physical handicaps, speech or language delays, learning concerns or behavioral
problems.
Written consent from parents is required for all special services
provided. If applicable, an
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be developed with the parents, Head
Start staff, local school district staff and other consultants. If the child does not meet the requirements
for public school services, a Head Start Children’s Services Plan (CSP) will be
developed. The purpose of these plans is for parents and school personnel to
work together to support the child and their education process.
Head Start also offers mental health services to children and families
through a partnership with mental health professionals. Services may include classroom observations
at least two times per year, referrals to outside agencies, parenting education
and individual meetings with staff and consultants to discuss the child’s needs
and, if necessary, develop an intervention plan to address concerns at home or
school.
Health Services
The focus on health services in Head Start is on early prevention
health care. Each child MUST have a complete
physical including blood pressure and hemoglobin screenings, with an
immunization record and dental examination prior to starting school. Parents are responsible for follow-up care
when needed. Failure to meet
requirements for immunizations, physicals or dental exams may result in your
child not being able to attend the program.
Vision, hearing and speech screenings are provided by Head Start. Parents are given the results of these
screenings and notified if follow up is needed.
Head Start will assist with referrals to services if needed.
If children have specific health concerns, a Health Specialist is
available for consultation and guidance. If a parent is interested in a
consultation, they should contact their Family Advocate.
Nutrition Services
All meals at LGUHS are developed by a registered dietician to ensure
that sound nutrition practices are being followed. All meals are served family style with staff
and children eating together and passing food among themselves. Your child will be encouraged to serve
himself and to set and clear the table. Your child will also be encouraged to
try new foods and will learn about those foods through conversation at
mealtime. Nutrition activities will be
provided periodically throughout the year during class time.
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture
policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of
race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write
USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W,
My Rights as a Head Start
Parent
To Be Recognized as my child’s primary educator and make decisions regarding his/her
education.
To Be Welcomed
in the classroom anytime.
To Help Develop
parent programs that will improve daily living for my family and me.
To Decide how
I will participate in the Head Start program.
To Be Informed
regularly about my child’s progress in Head Start.
To Expect guidance
for my child from Head Start teachers and staff that will help his/her total
individual development.
To Be Able
to learn about the operation of the Head Start program, including the level of
education and experience required to fill various positions.
To Be Informed
about all community resources concerned with employment, health, education, and
the improvement of family life.
To Be Treated
with respect by staff and other parents.
To Express
my concerns.
To Share my
culture in developmentally appropriate ways.
My Responsibilities as a Head Start
Parent
To Follow
Head Start procedures.
To Set a pattern
of regular school attendance and make sure my child attends school everyday.
To Accept
Head Start as an opportunity through which I can improve my life and the lives
of my children.
To Take Part
in the classroom as an observer, a volunteer worker and to contribute my
services in whatever way I can toward enrichment of the total program.
To Provide parent
support and encourage others to participate.
To Work with
teachers, staff and others in a cooperative way.
To Guide my
child with love and respect.
To Take Advantage of programs designed to increase my knowledge about child development
and my skills in areas of possible employment.
To Become Involved in community programs that help to improve health, education, and
recreation for all.
To Show respect
and courtesy to staff members and other parents.
To Participate in
parent meetings and to be informed about activities in the classroom.
To Obtain Head
Start health requirements for my child, which include: TB test, Lead test,
Blood levels, physical, dental and any required follow-up.
Communication with Head Start
Head Start Staff: All staff is available to answer questions
or give parent support. Please keep in
mind that teachers are busy with children during classroom hours and you may
need to schedule an appointment or phone conference to speak specifically to
them.
Each family will
have a Family Advocate assigned to them who can assist with parent involvement
opportunities and other family needs.
Family Advocates are available on a much more flexible schedule and can
assist parents with a variety of needs.
The center Site
Administrator is available during designated hours (posted at your center and
in this handbook) for parent discussions.
The Executive
Director is available by phone or appointment if needed.
Notes and Flyers: These will be distributed many times throughout the year notifying
families of activities, health screenings, parent committee meetings, etc.
Meal Menus:
A menu will be sent
home monthly of meals served in Head Start.
At Home Volunteer Form: Your child’s teacher will send home an At Home Volunteer Form each
month. There is an activity for each day
of the month based on the classroom lesson plan that you can complete with your
child. Time spent doing these activities
with your child counts toward your expected volunteer time.
Newsletters:
Each month you will
receive a Parent Newsletter from the following:
Agency Wide Parent
Newsletter
Center Wide Parent
Newsletter
Family Advocate Parent
Newsletter
Each newsletter will
have useful information and ideas that include community events, available job
postings, specific health information, and literacy opportunities to share with
your child.
Home Visits:
Classroom teachers
will arrange a home visit two times a year, once in the fall and once in the
spring. The purpose of the home visit is
to discuss the child’s progress. Meeting
in the home allows parents and the child to communicate in a comfortable
setting. The Family Advocate may also
arrange for additional home visits as needed for Family Partnership Agreements,
etc.
Parent/Teacher Conferences: Conferences will be conducted twice yearly at the center. This allows the parent to visit the classroom
and share information on their child’s progress.
Hearing Parent Concerns
If you are concerned
that things are not going as well as you would like in the program, there is a
process to have your concerns addressed. First, please discuss the issue with
the person(s) involved. For example, if
you feel that something is not right in the classroom, talk to the classroom
staff. If they are unable to help you,
address the center Site Administrator.
Additional steps can be made through the Head Start Management staff if
the problem persists. Remember that your
opinion and viewpoint is important and we would like to hear you give
suggestions that might be helpful in improving the program.
HEAD
START HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS
Head Start provides many
different health and developmental screenings for the children enrolled.
Preparing your child for these screenings will help them to feel more
comfortable, in control, and less frightened during these experiences. The
screenings that may be done at the
Hematocrit/Hemoglobin:
This test checks the iron
level in your child’s blood. Children with low iron may feel tired and growth
may be delayed. Tell your child that it is a finger stick, and is over quickly.
Blood Pressure:
A cuff will be wrapped
around your child’s upper arm and the nurse will listen with a stethoscope.
Tell your child that this is like giving your arm a ‘hug’ and will not hurt.
Vision Screening:
This is a quick test for
vision problems. Your child will be asked to look at a chart while wearing a
patch over one eye. Each eye will be tested. You will be notified if there are
concerns.
Height & Weight:
Tell your child that this
test is to make sure that they are growing like they should be. You can practice at home with a scale and
measuring tape. This test is repeated in spring.
Dental Screening:
The dentist will do a quick
exam of your child’s teeth in the classroom. He will use a flashlight and a
mirror, or he may use a Diagnodent Cavity Counter and he will tell your child
that he is counting his/her teeth. This procedure does not cause pain. If your
child needs further dental care, you will be referred to you own dentist, to a
dental provider, or dental clinic.
Hearing:
A testing instrument is
placed in your child’s ear to check if the eardrum is healthy. Tell your child
that they will feel a quick puff of air inside his/her ear. Headphones may be
placed on your child to determine what sounds he/she can hear.
Speech Screening:
Your child will be asked to
name a series of pictures and the therapist will listen to how your child makes
the sounds in speech.
Developmental Screening:
Your child will be assessed in the following
developmental areas: personal, social, fine motor, gross motor, cognitive
(thinking, reasoning and problem solving), and language. Your child will be
asked to respond to questions, to follow directions, to demonstrate hopping and
balancing, to hold a pencil, to cut with scissors, and stack blocks.
PREPARING
YOUR CHILD FOR A VISIT TO THE DOCTOR AND/OR DENTIST
Physical and dental exams
are required for all children attending Head Start. You can prepare your child
by explaining the purpose of the visit to your child. Explain to him/her that
the visit is a well-child check in which the doctor checks his/her growth and
development. Explain that the doctor examines him/her to make sure his/her body
is healthy. Explain to your child that all children go to the doctor for these
visits.
Tell your child what to
expect when he/she visits the doctor. You can use a doll or a teddy bear to
show your child how the doctor or nurse will measure and weigh him/her. Explain how the doctor will look in his/her
mouth, look in his/her eyes and ears, and listen to his/her chest and back with
a stethoscope. Explain that the doctor may press on his/her tummy and listen
and feel what’s inside, may tap on his/her knee, and may look quickly to see
that his/her ‘private area’ is healthy. Above all, be sure to let the child
know that you are comfortable with what will happen to him/her while they visit
the doctor, and that you will be right there with him/her.
Tell your child what to
expect when he/she visits the dentist. Explain how the dentist checks his/her
teeth to see if they are healthy. Explain how the dentist will look in his/her
mouth with a light and a mirror.
Head Start’s goal is to
assure that your child is healthy and ready to learn. You will be asked to take
your child for a physical and dental exam before school begins. Head Start
staff can provide you with physical/dental forms for your doctor/dentist to
fill out.
Ohio Department of Job
and Family Services
CENTER PARENT INFORMATION
REQUIRED BY
The facility is licensed to operate legally by the
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. This license is posted in a
conspicuous place for review.
A toll-free telephone number is listed on the
facility’s license and may be used to report a suspected violation of the
licensing law or administrative rules. The licensing law and rules governing
child care are available for review at the facility upon request.
The administrator and each employee of the facility is
required, under Section
2151.421 of the Ohio Revised Code, ORC to report their
suspicions of child abuse or child neglect to the local public childrens
services agency.
Any parent, custodian, or guardian of a child enrolled
in the facility shall be permitted unlimited access to the facility during all
hours of operation for the purpose of contacting their children, evaluating the
care provided by the facility or evaluating the premises. Upon entering the
premises, the parent, or guardian shall notify the Administrator of his/her
presence.
Rosters of the names and telephone numbers of the
parent or guardians of the children attending the facility are available upon
request. The parent roster will not include the name or telephone number of any
parent who requests that his/her name or telephone number not be included.
The licensing inspection reports and complaint
investigation reports, for the current licensing period, are posted in a conspicuous
place in the facility for review.
The licensing record including compliance report
forms, complaint investigation reports, and evaluation forms from the building
and fire departments are available for review upon request from the Ohio
Department of Job and Family Services.
The department’s website is: http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc.
It is unlawful for the facility to discriminate in the
enrollment of children upon the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national
origin or disability in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, 104 Stat. 32, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.
This information must be given in writing to all
parents, guardians and employees as required in 5101: 2-12-30 of the Ohio
Administrative Code.
JFS 01237 (Rev.9/2006)
