Creating healthy partnerships with children and families to promote a learning community of safety, trust and resilience.
The mission of the Independence School District Early Education Program is to Support and Assist children and families to achieve a greater degree of self-sufficiency: to include self-worth; self-confidence; ability to establish basic family goals; and to Build a foundation for school readiness and later school success.
The Independence School District Early Education Program strives to provide the highest quality comprehensive child development program possible. We believe that:
The fundamental goal of Early Education is to increase social competence and school readiness in children. In striving to achieve this goal, the cognitive (thinking), social, emotional, creative and physical development of all children is enhanced through developmentally appropriate activities in and outside the classroom. The Early Education experience provides an active learning environment where children construct understandings based on their interests, while developing knowledge about their surroundings and social skills in relating with each other and adults. Authentic assessment of student progress is based on observation and is guided by an established portfolio development system.
The Independence School District Early Education Program is concerned about the social competence of the entire family. The program works with the whole family to create the best possible experiences for a child's maximum growth and social development. It is the Independence School District's goal to increase the family's skills in dealing with day-to-day tasks. To realize these goals, the Independence School District Early Education Program works towards:
Safely releasing a student means releasing them to an adult listed on their emergency card. If a person not connected with the school seeks information about a child or permission to take the child from the classroom, refer that person directly to the principal. The principal will determine whether or not the child should be excused and will notify you of the decision.
Under NO circumstances should a child be released without permission of the principal.
Head Start Performance Standard 1304.52 (h) requires that employees must abide by the program's standards for conduct. As an Independence School District Early Education employee, I will adopt and uphold the following standards of conduct and adopt the code of ethics as my personal code. I understand failure to uphold this code of conduct and ethics is cause for dismissal.
Signature of Employee:
Date:
Independence School District Early Education Program
Parental Rights
Client confidentiality is a family's right to the protection of private, personal information shared with an agency for the purpose of receiving services. Confidentiality is an ethical obligation of every Early Education staff member as well as a program requirement. All required records of families and children must be safeguarded to assure confidentiality. Your child's file is kept in a locked file cabinet in the site office.
To further protect client confidentiality, the Independence School District Early Education Program complies with regulations of "Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974". This law grants parents or guardians the following rights:
The following individuals have access to your child's file:
Independence School District Early Education Program
CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
As an employee of the Independence School District, I, the undersigned, hereby agree to keep all information regarding clients in the strictest confidence. This includes information on file and any information I may obtain while an employee of the Independence School District.
This is to verify that I have received a copy of the Independence Early Education Confidentiality Policy. I have read the policy, it has been explained, and I understand the policy and procedures.
I understand that a breach of this policy of confidentiality will be just cause for my immediate dismissal.
Employee:
Date:
NOTIFICATION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
After interviews are complete, the Human Resources office or designee will offer positions to selected candidates. Salary negotiations, working hours, and start date are determined by Human Resources and/or designee.
DISTRICT EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK
The handbook is a reference for use in understanding job expectations. The information in the handbook is to be understood, and the employee is held accountable for such information. Staff will not receive a hard copy of the handbook, but will have access to the handbook online through the district website. The employee will be asked to sign a receipt indicating they have read and understand the handbook; the receipt will be filed in the employee's personnel file.
INITIAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Physical and TB testing are required of all Head Start staff. A Food Handler's certificate is required of all classroom staff.
NEW STAFF ORIENTATION
New staff will be provided training regarding responsibilities and expectations through scheduled meetings with the following personnel:
DUTIES
All job description duties are to be strictly adhered to. Any changes must be requested in writing and approved by the Deputy Superintendent, and/or building supervisor.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Each position receives a job description detailing qualifications, experience, and performance responsibilities. The job description serves as a framework for expectations in your assigned role. These job descriptions are included in the "Employment" section of this handbook.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT / CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
All staff members annually receive information regarding the District Early Education Program Standards of Conduct and Confidentiality Policy. Staff members will sign receipt of that information which is then filed in the personnel files.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS
Evaluations will be completed according to policy set forth by the Independence School District. Frequent observations, varying from formal scheduled observations to short unscheduled observations, will be included in the process. Copies of these evaluations are included in the "Employment" section of this handbook.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS
All Head Start staff working for the Independence School District Head Start Early Education Program will prepare and implement a Professional Development Plan (PDP) 2 times per year. Each staff member will provide a copy of this PDP plan to their immediate supervisor for inclusion in their personnel file. PDP copies will be retained by their supervisor, and/or Quality Assurance Monitor.
ANNUAL REQUIREMENTS
Staff are required to submit an initial Missouri Physical Exam Report & for licensed facilities a Missouri Physical Exam Report is required annually. An initial TB test, information required for Family Care Safety Registry screening, training certificates, and the most current transcripts are required for staff. Periodic re-certification is required for CPR, First Aid, Food Handler's Permit and Crisis Prevention Institute.
HOURS- Classified Staff:
Consult your letter of appointment for the number of hours you are to work. You will have 30 minutes to an hour for a duty-free break during the day. This means that you will be in attendance at your site for 30 minutes to an hour longer than your work hours. For example, if you are to work eight (8) hours, you will be in attendance at your site for eight and a half (8 1/2) to nine (9) hours each day.
Personnel should arrive promptly and time in daily according to the schedule assigned. Exceptions must be requested in writing and receive approval from the building administrator and/or Early Education Coordinator.
HOURS- Certified Staff:
Consult your ISD Contract and Human Resources guidelines regarding daily hours and duty-free time.
Staff and Student Calendars
All Early Education classroom staff are assigned to a 9 month calendar. Support positions follow an assigned 10A or 10B, 11 month, or 12 month calendar as appropriate. You should have received a copy of your calendar along with your letter of appointment. If you must be absent on a combined site or snow day, the following are the steps you will need to take:
Although we know that absences are sometimes unavoidable, the Early Education administration will be monitoring absences for patterns. You will be allowed to use personal or sick days on combined site or snow days when applicable. At any time, you may be required to provide a doctor's note.
TIMECLOCKS
Early Education staff should record their working hours using the district's electronic timekeeping system. The payroll secretary/supervisor will review your time sheet by verifying the information recorded in the system. The building principal will approve the timesheet at the end of the pay period. The building Exception Log should be used sparingly, as the expectation is that staff use the electronic timekeeping system.
ABSENCE FROM DUTY
Proper notification of absence from duty is expected from all staff. Absence or intent to be late must be reported as soon as possible to the designated building representative. A substitute, if needed, will be arranged by your building representative. Absence should be reported at least two (2) hours prior to the start of the shift. Exceptions to this requirement can be made by Principals only.
EXCESSIVE ABSENTEEISM
All employees will follow district Policy 4310 with regards to excessive absences in a year. District policies are available on our website.
Failure to report for duty or neglect to report absences for three (3) consecutive days will be considered by the employer as employee job abandonment.
LEAVE REQUESTS
Any request for leave is pending approval by the Building Principal and/or Early Education Coordinators. For employees working 25 - 40 hours a week, an Independence School District Leave Request form must be filled out and signed by their supervisor. Except in the case of illness or emergency, leave should be requested at least two (2) weeks in advance. This applies to vacation requests and personal leave as well.
For hourly employees, a written request for time off must be submitted with the Early Education Coordinator and/or Principal's signature.
Any participation within or out of district trainings MUST have the approval from Central Office Administration two weeks prior to the training.
DRESS CODE
The Independence School District Early Education Program provides professional comprehensive child development services to children and families. It is important that staff dress in a way that reflects this professionalism. Dress and personal grooming set expectations for our patrons and provide a role model for children, families and volunteers. Individual buildings may have specific guidelines; check with your building administrator.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
All personal property being brought in for use should be labeled. The District is not responsible for damage or loss of these items. Handbags and car keys must be locked in a file cabinet. All personal items posing potential harm or choking hazard to others MUST be locked away at all times. (i.e.: medications, nail file, candy, etc.)
CHANGES IN STAFF INFORMATION
It is the staff member's responsibility to maintain correct, updated information on the employee emergency card. It is mandatory that changes in name, address and/or phone numbers are reported to the building's front office and the Business Office on the Employee Information Change Form.
RESIGNATION AND TERMINATION
Each Early Education staff member will receive a letter of appointment detailing hours of employment, salary, and the terms of employment relating to resignation and termination. Please consult your letter for this information.
PARENT CONTACTS
Parent involvement is everyone's responsibility. In most cases, telephone calls to parents should be made during staff working hours. Because of the number of staff and families involved, all phone calls should be as brief as possible. Only approved social networking sites such as SeeSaw should be used for conducting school business. Sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, etc. are not appropriate methods and are not to be used for any workplace discussion or issue. These sites are not appropriate and must not be used in regards to students or to contact families. ALL PHONE CALLS AND SIGNIFICANT FACE-TO-FACE CONVERSATIONS WITH PARENTS OR GUARDIANS MUST BE DOCUMENTED on Contact Record Sheet and/or in Child Plus. The sheet must be placed in the child's working file. It is strongly recommended that you do not make your home telephone number available.
If the contact is expressing educational, social services, programmatic or health concerns, please copy and forward it to the Deputy Superintendent or designee.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
In order to plan and execute an effective program, it is necessary for each staff member to establish and maintain a positive rapport with parents and community representatives. Please feel free to invite special people to visit your classroom; be sure to notify office of dates and times of these events. Inform visitors of the need to provide state issued ID, sign in and obtain a visitor tag in the office prior to going to the classroom. Students' addresses or parents' names should never be released without written consent. All volunteers who plan to participate in the classroom or on field trips must (by board policy) complete a Child Abuse and Neglect /Criminal Records screening. Forms to initiate the screening are available in each site office. Community volunteers are encouraged to utilize the Youth Friends network for volunteer training in addition to training provided within the program. Volunteers working 5 or more hours per week are required to have a medical exam within 30 days that includes a TB risk assessment as well as a Family Care Safety Registry on file as noted in Licensing Requirements (pg. 29, Section 19 CSR30-61.125, D).
Active Supervision
A Reference Fact Sheet from
The Head Start National Center on Health
Keeping children safe is a top priority for all Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The Head Start Program Performance Standards require the "no child shall be left alone or unsupervised while under their care" (45 CFR 1304.52 [i] [1][iii]). But what is active supervision and how will it benefit children and staff?
Active supervision is the most effective strategy for creating a safe environment and preventing injuries in young children. Educators from all over the world use this strategy to make sure that children of all ages explore their environments safely. Each program can keep children safe by teaching all educators how to look, listen, and engage.
What is Active Supervision?
Active supervision requires focused attention and intentional observation of children at all times. Educators (all Head Start staff who care for children) position themselves so that they can observe all of the children: watching, counting, and listening at all times. They also use their knowledge of each child's development and abilities to anticipate what they will do, then get involved and redirect them when necessary. This constant vigilance helps children learn safely.
Strategies to Put Active Supervision in Place
The following strategies all children to explore their environments safely. Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers must be directly supervised at all times. This includes daily routines such as sleeping, eating, and changing diapers or using the bathroom. Programs that use active supervision take advantage of all available learning opportunities and never leave children unattended.
Set Up the Environment
Educators set up the environment so that they can supervise children at all times. When activities are grouped together and furniture is at waist height or shorter, adults are always able to see and hear children. Small spaces are kept clutter free and big spaces are set up so that children have clear play spaces that educators can observe.
Position Staff
Educators carefully plan where they will position themselves in the environment to prevent children from harm. They place themselves so that they can see and hear all of the children in their care. They make sure there are always clear paths to where children are playing, sleeping, and eating so they can react quickly when necessary. Educators stay close to children who may need additional support. Their location helps them provide support, if necessary.
Scan and Count
Educators are always able to account for the children in their care. They continually scan the entire environment to know where everyone is and what they are doing. They account for and name the children frequently. This is especially important during transitions, when children are moving from one location to another.
Listen
Specific sounds or absence of them may signify reason for concern. Educators who are listening closely to children immediately identify signs of potential danger. Programs that think systemically implement additional strategies to safeguard children. For example, bells added to doors help alert educators when a child leaves or enters the room.
Anticipate Children's Behavior
Educators use what they know about each child's individual interests and skills to predict what they will do. They create challenges that children are ready for and support them in succeeding. But they also recognize when children might wander, get upset, or take a dangerous risk. Information from the daily health check (e.g., illness, allergies, lack of sleep or food, etc) informs educators' observations and helps them anticipate children's behavior. Educators who know what to expect are better able to protect children form harm.
Engage and Redirect
Educators use active supervision skills to know when to offer children support. Educators wait until children are unable to solve problems on their own to get involved. They may offer different levels of assistance and redirection depending on each individual child's needs.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND
(A.K.A. On-Going Attendance Procedure)
The Head Start Program Performance Standards require that "no child shall be left alone or unsupervised while under their care" (45 CFR 1304.52 [i][l][iii]). In order to ensure each child's safety, staff will actively participate consistently throughout the day:
It is the expectation of Early Education this procedure will be followed at all times as it is best practice and is not negotiable. I understand that failure to follow these critical expectations will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
_________________________________________ __________________________
Signature of Employee Date
FOOD/BEVERAGES
Teachers are role models to children and therefore should eat and drink only what is available to children. If you bring in food from outside to consume during your break, it should not be in the children's view.
TELEPHONE POLICY
Staff will not be called away from assigned duty unless there is an emergency. The secretary or Early Education FSL will place a message in your box or ask the caller to call after school hours. Teachers are never to leave students unsupervised to come to the phone. In case of emergency, support staff will be available to supervise the classroom.
Personal cell phones are not to be used in the classroom. Personal cell phones are not to be answered or used to place calls while the employee is actively supervising children. If the staff member would like to request an exception to cell phone rules, they must seek permission from the Principal.
In the case of an emergency, a cell phone can be used to call for help or provide situational updates to school district personnel. Support staff personal cell phone ringers should be turned off or set to vibrate while in meetings or otherwise on the job.
DO NOT USE CELL PHONES IF THERE IS A BOMB THREAT or catastrophe in the area.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Teachers and Teacher Assistants are responsible for orienting substitutes to the program/classroom. Upon arrival at the workplace, substitutes will be expected to read the Substitute Notebook that states important need-to-know information that is site specific. Program practices are summarized for quick reference.
A Substitute Evaluation is completed on substitutes and forwarded to the Independence School District Central Office to the Substitute Services Secretary.
REST TIME
As a part of our curriculum, rest time is provided to children in full day programs. Preschool children who do not sleep shall rest on cots or beds at least thirty (30) minutes, but shall not be forced to remain on cots or beds for longer than one (1) hour. They shall then be permitted to leave the napping area to engage in quiet play. Many teachers rely on this time to complete paperwork, clean areas or perform other routine duties. If you have children who do not rest, you must plan for them first, and complete tasks only if they are being attended to or are working independently.
CURRICULUM
Our Early Education Program utilizes developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet the needs of the varied age groups within the program, specifically Creative Curriculum. Preschool classrooms have an additional curriculum, Al's Pals: Kids Making Healthy Choices, to support social-emotional development. Additional resources are available for teaching staff to use within the classroom, including elements of Conscious Discipline and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
SCREENING
All children in the Head Start Program receive a developmental and social-emotional screening within the first 45 days of their enrollment and at the beginning of each school year.
For the developmental screening, children birth to up two years of age are screened using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires and children two through five years of age are screened using the Brigance Head Start Screen III.
Teaching staff also completes the Parents as Teacher Born to Learn Screening Summary and Health Record at the time of initial screening.
ASSESSMENT
Throughout the year children will be assessed using the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP). The DRDP is a research based observational assessment that has been recommended by the Missouri State Board of Education. Children birth to three years of age are assessed using the Desired Results Developmental Profile Infant/Toddler (DRDP-IT). Children three through five years of age are assessed using the Desired Results Developmental Profile Preschool (DRDP-PS 2015).
Teaching staff collects information throughout the year for this ongoing assessment and progress is tracked by completing the DRDP assessment three times per year for each child-at the end of the Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. This assessment allows teachers to monitor each child's growth and development and plan learning activities accordingly.
HOME VISITS/PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
All families enrolled in the Head Start Program will take part in two school conferences per year. In addition, Head Start families will receive a minimum of two home visits. During these, families and teaching staff meet together to discuss the child's development and identify individualized goals.
Any time a conference is scheduled with a family that requires staff to leave the school building, the office should be notified of the scheduled time and location of visits. Staff must complete the designated Home Visit Schedule and submit it to center office and/or site staff.
TOOTH BRUSHING
Self-care oral hygiene procedures should be emphasized daily as a part of the classroom experience. Supervised tooth brushing must be a part of classroom teaching. Adult toothbrushes may be supplied so teaching staff can model and brush with the children. Toothbrushes must be thoroughly rinsed daily. Teaching staff must monitor cleanliness and condition of toothbrushes on a regular basis and request new toothbrushes from the Early Education Content Lead for Health when they need to be replaced.
SERVING FOOD
Food handler gloves must be worn by staff during food service. Family style dining is encouraged to the extent possible.
HANDWASHING
To prevent the spread of disease, children and staff must wash hands after entering the classroom, prior to eating, before and after sensory activities, after using the restroom, and after using a tissue.
Proper handwashing steps include:
A handwashing pictorial is provided to be placed at children's eye level at sinks to help children learn this hand washing process.
TOILET TRAINING
As children show signs of readiness, staff will begin the toilet learning process with them. To exempt a child from programming based on toileting skill levels is discrimination.
Most preschool children will have bladder and bowel control and be able to take care of their own bathroom needs. However, it is not unusual for preschool children to have occasional accidents. Parents are asked to send a change of clothing to school for their child (including socks). When an accident occurs, wet wipes, plastic bags, and gloves should be available to assist the child. All staff are required to assist children when necessary. Staff verbally encourages children to change their own clothing. If a child requires additional adult assistance, two (2) staff members should be present. Loose fecal material is to be dumped into the toilet and soiled clothing bagged for the family. Your positive interactions and attitude while assisting a child will promote their self-worth and encourage the child's interest in becoming independent. The soiled clothing and a letter listing any clothing needs, completed by the teacher or assistant, are to be sent home with the child.
If you have a child who has frequent bowel or bladder accidents, discuss the problem with the parents. If accidents continue, contact your Content Lead for additional support.
DIAPERING PROCEDURES
Staff are to wear vinyl gloves when diapering children. Gloves may be removed when fastening children's outer clothing. Hands are to be washed after each diapering. Child's hands are to be washed after diapering as well.
The diapering surface is to be cleaned and disinfected between each diapering following the three step process: soapy water, rinse water, and bleach water.
In infant/toddler programs, staff completes a Daily Sheet on each child.
ANIMALS VISITING IN CLASSROOM
Form Animals in the Classroom must be completed forty-eight (48) hours prior to bringing animals into the classroom to visit, and annually if returning. Request should be submitted to the Content Lead for Health. Due to the increase in allergies and asthma in children, it is your professional responsibility to initiate the permission process by providing the completed request form.
ANIMALS IN CLASSROOM
Please complete Animals in the Classroom form and submit to the Content Lead for Health before bringing in animals to the classroom as permanent residents.
As a licensed facility, it is imperative that classrooms follow State and City requirements for keeping animals in the classroom:
Animals should only be allowed out of their habitat for closely supervised, purposeful activities.
EXTERMINATION PROCEDURES
LAWN SERVICE ON SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Every staff member is responsible for being knowledgeable of emergency evacuation information for every location in the building that children and staff utilize. Evacuation information for fire and tornadoes must be posted by the door to the office or classroom. Staff must familiarize themselves with both primary and secondary exits.
Monthly drills for fire and quarterly tornadoes drills are to be conducted. Each educational opportunity involving emergency information to children and all conducted drills are to be documented on the Missouri DHSS form. These practice opportunities are crucially important to preparing staff and children for quick response in case of a real emergency. District Emergency Preparedness Flip Charts of information must be posted in every room.
FIRST AID KIT/FANNY PACKS
Materials for emergency care of children are to be taken on all field trips, onto the playground, and when staff and children leave the classroom for emergency drills. The first aid kit/fanny pack should contain the following items: vinyl gloves, mouth shield for CPR, band aids, gauze four by four, tissues, zip lock bag, and current class roster.
MAINTAINING RATIOS
Students are to be supervised at all times. At no time should a child be left unattended. Appropriate classroom ratios should be maintained, as required by Head Start Performance Standards and Missouri State Childcare Licensing Regulations.
DAILY
Staff shall include children in cleaning routines to maintain a clutter free, organized and safe environment for children.
A weekly cleaning schedule will be implemented by classroom staff and may be monitored at any time by an Early Education Coordinator, QA Monitor, or the Director of Head Start.
UPON ARRIVAL OF FIRST STAFF MEMBER
Take down chairs and clean tables with three (3) step cleaning process (soapy water, rinse water, bleach water.)
THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Before meal/snack time, clean tables and counters (and utensil containers) with the three (3) step cleaning process.
Wipe tables and chairs as needed after each meal using three (3) step cleaning process.
After meal/snack time, assist children to pick up food from floor and sweep the floor.
Children assist teachers to keep materials and classroom clean and safe. Children will clean up after center time and assist with clean up at other parts of the daily routine as appropriate.
When a child is observed with a toy in their mouth, it will be placed in bucket and disinfected later.
Children pick up items and sweep sand from floor periodically.
AFTER LAST CHILD LEAVES
Clean chairs, tables, and counter tops with three (3) step cleaning process.
Clean water table and water toys with three (3) step cleaning process.
Toys that are in close contact with children's faces, such as phones, should be cleaned daily using the three (3) step cleaning process.
PERIODIC CLASSROOM CLEANING SCHEDULE
Animal habitats are to be cleaned on a weekly basis.
During cold and flu season or when a large majority of children are absent due to illness, materials are to be washed and disinfected frequently.
PROCEDURE FOR LOSS OF HEAT/AIR CONDITIONER AT LICENSED EARLY EDUCATION SITES
If it is determined by ISD administration that the loss of heat/air conditioner to any of our EE sites falls, outside the licensing guideline this is:
19 CSR 30-62.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers
(2) (A) General Requirements. (5.) The facility shall be dry, temperature controlled, well-ventilated and free of drafts.
Children shall not be overheated or chilled. The temperature of the rooms shall be no less than sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit (68 degrees F) and no more than eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit (85 degrees F) when measured two feet (2') from the floor
The following procedure will occur:
DAILY ROUTINES
Changes in classroom daily routine should have prior approval of Early Education Coordinators and/or building Principals.
LESSON PLANS
Lesson plans and weekly individualized plans (with cover sheet) must be completed and posted in classrooms on Monday mornings. All lesson plans, Weekly Individualized Plans, Video Requests, etc are maintained by teachers in an electronic format.
NEWSLETTERS
Each classroom is expected to send home a minimum of one activity newsletter/contact to families per month. A copy of each newsletter should be approved by the assigned Coordinator and/or Principal a minimum of one week prior to distributing to families. Classrooms are responsible for maintaining a communications file per Head Start and Accreditation Standards.
ADULT/CHILD INTERACTIONS
Children do what they see and hear adults do. Adults must get down to talk with children at their eye level and in a respectful manner. It is not appropriate to talk across the room to a child or group of children; staff must move to them. Children learn through the observation of adult behaviors how to use emotions, how to engage in appropriate conversations, and how to apply manner in their everyday life.
TRANSITIONING IN HALLWAYS
Staff should follow these guidelines when transitioning early learning students through the hallways and to and from the playground:
FIELD TRIP PROCEDURES
Some PTA budgets and Title 1 programs allocate funds for field trips. Field trips should be educationally relevant and must be approved by the Principal and/or Early Education Coordinator.
Lead teachers are to ensure that children are counted upon entering and exiting the bus. Buses must be inspected from back to front by a staff member to ensure that all children have exited the bus. Lead teachers are also responsible to contact building nurses about trip and any student health needs.
Arrangements are in place with the Independence School District Transportation Department to provide transportation.
VIDEO USAGE
The use of videos, including approved You Tube videos, can enhance and enrich the child's learning experience. Videos chosen must have educational goals and objectives stated in the lesson plan and be of high quality and educational value.
The video title and purpose of use must be listed in the lesson plan at least one week prior to use. Preparatory and follow up activities and discussion should be stated.
It is not allowable to show any copyrighted videotape for entertainment, fundraising, or as a time-filler. This become a public performance that does not come under fair use, which requires a license or permission. Feature length movies brought in by families/staff are not to be shown.
REFERENCE MATERIALS
The following licensing regulations are available to all staff via hard copy, the G drive, or through google docs:
Staff Handbook, ISD Early Education Service Plans, Head Start Performance Standards, assessment notebook, Creative Curriculum, Resiliency Curriculum, and DECA Strategies Guide. Hard copy materials are the property of the Independence School District and are to be kept in an easily accessible location in the classroom and/or building as applicable.
A complete copy of Policies of the Board of Education is available in the building administrator's office or on the Independence School District website. It is the responsibility of each staff member to become familiar with the above documents, and follow outlined procedures.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Infant/Toddler ratios of one to four (1:4) must be maintained. Because of the increasing mobility of preschoolers, it is expected that two (2) staff members be present at outdoor time.
CLIMBING EQUIPMENT
Teaches and assistants are expected to introduce children to various areas of structure.
Children are not to jump from the structure.
Children should sit to go down slides.
Children should go through tunnels, never over tunnels.
Children are to cross horizontal ladders using hands, and may not hang upside down or crawl across the top of the structure.
TRIKES
Teachers and assistants are expected to introduce and teach trike safety.
One adult supervised the exit of trikes, while the other adult supervises those riding out.
Helmets (if available) should be worn by children and returned to appropriate storage when outdoor time is complete.
Many children may engage in inappropriate behaviors because they lack the necessary skills needed to manage their emotions and handle daily stressors. Therefore, it is necessary for staff to teach children these skills. The Independence School District Early Education Program uses the Devereux Early Childhood, Infant/Toddler and Preschooler Assessment (DECA) program and Al's Pals Resiliency Curriculum to support children's social/emotional development. Teachers are to include the components of these programs into weekly lesson plans and should promote and model skills on a daily basis.
Research shows that anywhere from 90% to 95% of challenging behavior can be prevented through basic classroom practices that are good for ALL children. Such practices include:
Before the Problem Solving Team (PST) can plan for individual children, these strategies must be in place to ensure the success of targeted interventions.
A goal of the Independence School District Early Education Program is to help children function as a caring community of learners. Adults facilitate the development of self-control and self-regulation needed for constructive relationships with peers and adults by using developmentally appropriate positive guidance techniques. The use of a "safe" place or behavior charts can be part of a positive guidance plan implemented under the guidance of the Education, Mental Health or PST staff.
POSITIVE GUIDANCE TECHNIQUES
UNACCEPTABLE DISCIPLINE TECHNIQUES
BEHAVIORS REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ACTION
Children shall not be allowed to intimidate or harm others, harm themselves, or destroy property (Licensing pg. 34, 19 CSR 30-61.175 Child Care Program, C, 1-11). The following behaviors are considered intimidating and harmful: inappropriate abusive language (statements about killing), ongoing use of profanity, sexually inappropriate behavior (exposing self, touching others, etc.), hitting, biting, kicking, scratching or running away from adults.
Procedures for handling children who scratch, hit, kick, or bite are as follows:
If a child continues to engage in harmful and intimidating behaviors, the following Behavior Intervention Policy will be followed.
Isolated episodes of disruptive behavior are due to be handled by the classroom staff (i.e., with use of positive guidance strategies and DECA), with support from the Principal or Early Education Coordinator. The Content Lead for Student Supports should always be aware of children with potential behavior/mental health concerns. When behaviors become repetitive, the following process will begin:
For additional support, staff are encouraged to request for individual consult( through the PSS) and/or participate in trainings. The EEC, Principal, and/or Content Lead for Student Supports should be contacted for crisis situations and general questions regarding children and families.
CHILD/FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS
If a family indicates a need for mental health assistance, separate from classroom issues, teachers will refer families to their Early Education Coordinator and/or building principal. The Early Education Coordinator will contact the Content Lead for Student Supports for additional support or resources as necessary.
The Problem-Solving Process (PST) is a resource available to teachers and support staff. The Problem-Solving Team is composed of various staff members and can include: the building administrator, classroom teachers, ECSE staff, Content Leads, and/ or Early Education Coordinators.
The purpose of the Problem-Solving Process (PST) is to strategically match intervention strategies to student need: thereby increasing the probability of success. PST is based upon the belief that all students can and will learn given the right conditions.
This process offers assistance and support to parents and teachers in working with their student(s). An initial Problem-Solving Team meeting will result in one of the following actions:
Request for Assistance from Problem-Solving Team forms are to be sent to the Content Lead for Student Supports. The request may be made by the classroom teacher, or other individuals with relevant information about a child.
The parent/guardian should be aware of concerns. No timelines or expectations begin until the classroom teacher has completed the PST form. The request will be reviewed, logged and a Problem-Solving Team meeting will be arranged.
PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETING BEHAVIOR FORMS FOR OUTSIDE REFERRAL AGENCIES
SIGN IN AND SIGN OUT OF STUDENTS
A parent, guardian, legal custodian or individual approved by the parent must sign the child in and out of the classroom. State Picture ID is always required for anyone entering a school building and/or a classroom. It is the staff's responsibility to make sure children are released to authorized adults listed on the child's emergency card. Staff must not release a child without asking for identification. State ID must be shown upon every building entry.
Staff are responsible for making sure children are released to an authorized adult. An adult (18 years or older) must accompany the child to the classroom, and upon arrival and departure, sign the child in and out for the day.
REPORTING CLASSROOM ATTENDANCE
Classroom staff should fill in attendance reports and follow their building procedures for turning daily lunch counts into the kitchen manager. Completed attendance sheets will be turned in to the Early Education FSL and/or building secretary at the end of each attendance week. Use the child's first and last legal name on the reporting forms. When classroom staff is aware of reasons for student absence, note this information on the attendance report. Remember to correct the attendance register to indicate tardiness when a child arrives after the report has been turned in. It is the responsibility of classroom staff to inform the Early Education Coordinator/building Principal when a pattern of tardiness, early pickup and/or chronic absenteeism is noted.
Early Education FSL's throughout the Early Education Program will log attendance daily in the Child Plus tracking system. The FSL will turn in attendance and illness documents to their building nurse by noon on Friday of each week.
TRANSFER OF STUDENTS
Families will fill out a Request to Transfer. Upon receipt of the form, the Early Education FSL will discuss movement with the Content Lead for ERSEA to confirm availability of openings at the site. When a child moves from classroom to classroom, center to center, or program to program, the child's file should be updated. Files should include the developmental screening, FNA and FPA, parent/teacher conference summaries, and observational notes.
Early Education FSL will coordinate the transfer of children's classroom files. A transition conference will be held with family and staff to discuss changes in programming services provided. A transition conversation is to be initiated by the current teacher (with receiving teacher) to discuss family/child information that is necessary prior to the child's arrival in the new classroom.
WITHDRAWAL OF A STUDENT
If a parent informs any staff member that they have changed employment, have a new phone number or are moving or withdrawing their child from the program, staff should notify Early Education FSL immediately. The Content Lead for ERSEA must also be notified by the Early Education FSL immediately. When a child has withdrawn from the program, the child's classroom file should be updated. The file should include an appropriate student assessment, parent/teacher conference summaries, observational notes and a Family Needs Assessment. Original notice of withdrawal should be retained in the permanent file. A copy of the notice of withdrawal is sent to the Business Office at Central Office.
PARENT ACTIVITIES
Parent activities are planned and held a minimum of quarterly for programs. Notices inviting family participation are prepared by Early Education FSL's and/or Lead FSL. Meetings provide opportunities for parents and family members to learn, share ideas and form a supportive circle of individuals beyond the immediate family. Meeting times and subject matter may change based on information received in family surveys. ISD will elect one representative and one alternate to serve on the Policy Council (a grantee level decision making body of family members and community representatives). This composition must always be, by Head Start Performance Standards, 51% Head Start parents.)
VOLUNTEER SIGN-IN SHEET
For every Federal dollar spent, a $.25 match in donated supplies, service and/or volunteer time must be secured. It is the responsibility of Early Education staff to send any potential in-kind information to the Early Education Bookkeeper, Karen Juliana.
Sign in volunteer in-kind sheets and nametags for classroom volunteers should be accessible to volunteers. Teachers and assistants are responsible for reminding each volunteer to sign-in and wear a nametag. Completed volunteer sign-in sheets documenting in-kind time should be brought to the Early Education Coordinator on the last school day of the month.
INJURY/ACCIDENT PROCEDURE FOR CHILD
Classroom staff are to carry fanny packs with first aid supplies such as band-aids, blank incident report forms and vinyl gloves when outside the classroom. Minor accidents are handled by classroom staff and are documented on an Incident/Accident form. Nurses at each site handle more serious injuries and accidents, call parent/guardians and document those incidents in their Health Services Log.
Accident/Incident reports are completed by appropriate staff and shared with the Early Education Coordinator/Principal before the end of the working day. If you have a question about whether an incident should be written up or not, then write it up and take the approach that to document is always the best procedure. Accident reports require the signature of the administrator on duty. In the event there is a serious emergency (i.e., life-threatening accident, allergic reaction, head injury, etc.), 911 will be called, the parent/guardians will be called immediately, along with the Early Education Coordinator and building principal. If parent/guardian does not arrive before emergency vehicle leaves for the hospital, a staff member must go with the student and remain with the student until parent/guardian arrives.
If a child gets hurt on the playground, do not pick up the child. Let the child come into the Health Services office only if he/she is able to get up unaided. If the child is unable to walk, send someone for help.
INJURY/ACCIDENT PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE
Nurses need to be notified and provide first aid treatment for serious injuries or accidents involving employees that occur on site. An Injury/Accident report must be completed by the staff member. If the employee chooses outside treatment, Comp Care is available. Refer to the complete procedure for work-related injuries in the "Benefits" section of this handbook.
MEDICINE
Medicine will be administered only by the nurses, administrators, and trained personnel at the sites. The required consent form must be on file. If a child brings medicine to the classroom, it is the teacher's responsibility to see that it is delivered to the nurse immediately so the parent can be contacted. When a parent brings medicine, have them deliver it to the nurse. Medicine cannot be administered unless a medication form is completed by the parent.
HEALTH SERVICES GUIDELINES
GLOVE USE IN FIRST AID PROCEDURES
Purpose: To prevent transmission of infections between clients and staff by limiting direct contact with client body secretions.
Rationale: The increased incidence of Hepatitis B virus and the AIDS (HIV) in the population at large dictates the need for high-risk populations to practice careful protective procedures. The use of gloves by personnel is a protection for the client also.
Gloves should be worn under the following circumstances:
product or other body fluid or secretion.
It should be remembered:
CLEANING BODY FLUIDS AND/OR BLOOD PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
Infections can be present in body fluids or blood, thus, it is important that everyone adopt routine procedures for handling the cleanup of body fluids, including blood. The procedures to be used are as follows:
CAUTION: The diluted bleach disinfectant solution, if used, should not be used for any other purpose than the cleanup described. Mixing this solution with certain other chemicals can produce a toxic gas. Also any EPA approved disinfectant used should be diluted according to manufacturers' instructions. It is not appropriate or necessary to add more disinfectant than the directions indicate. Doing so will make the disinfectant more toxic and could result in skin damage to those individuals using it.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
When a child or an adult is seriously injured or ill, do not move him/her if he/she is unable to move him/herself. Health Services and the designated building administrator should be notified immediately. The injured or seriously ill person should not be left alone. The nurse, administrator or other responsible adult will stay with the injured child until the parent arrives and assumes responsibility.
Health Services and/or the administrator will decide if an ambulance is needed and will contact parents and an administrator at the Board of Education building.
First aid plans and guides are posted on the emergency board in each room.
Emergency information on file in the office gives telephone contact numbers of parents, other family members or friends. The signed emergency card also gives parental consent for emergency care, the name of the preferred physician and the hospital preference.
DENTAL EMERGENCY
An avulsed tooth (one that has been knocked out by the roots) presents a dental emergency. In general, one may expect a greater chance of survival if the tooth is out of the mouth less than ten minutes. It should be washed in saline or water, wrapped in moist gauze and transported in a container with the student to the dentist. Every effort is made to obtain immediate dental attention for the student.
Emergency telephone numbers are posted by each telephone in the building in the Early Education Policies and Procedures, Health folder, Dental and Vision resources. The signed emergency card on file in the office gives the telephone number of parents, other family for emergency care, the name of the preferred physician and the hospital preference.
Notices about medical and dental emergencies must be posted with classroom emergency information.
(Missouri Public Laws, Section 210.110 to 210.165 June, 1994)
When school officials, including teachers, school nurses, principals, and other persons with the responsibility for the care of students have reasonable cause to believe that a student has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect, he or she is required by law to report such suspicions to the Missouri Children's Division immediately. The number is 1-800-392-3738.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Independence School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission/access to treatment/employment in its programs and activities.
Any person having inquiries concerning Independence School District's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI and Title IX is directed to contact the Director of Human Resources. Inquiries concerning compliance with regulations implementing Section 504 are directed to the Director of Special Services. Both are located at 201 N Forest Ave, Independence, MO 64050, telephone 521-5300, or the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
Any person may also contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, regarding the institution's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX or section 504.
LOBBYING POLICY
Employees of Head Start are subject to the provisions of the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. 1501-1508 and 7324-7328) which prohibits participation in political activity by employees of state and local agencies, whose principal employment is in connection with an activity financed, in whole or in part, by federal grants.
COMMUNITY COMPLAINT
Any member of the community may present a complaint in writing to the Independence School District Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Cindy Grant. Community complaints will be reviewed and resolved by the Parent Policy Committee.
NO SMOKING
Board Policy 5250
The Board of Education recognizes that smoking represents a health and safety hazard which can have serious consequences for the smoker and the non-smoker alike. The Surgeon General of the United States has repeatedly warned against the hazards of second-hand smoke to non-smokers and further states that tobacco is a gateway drug that may encourage subsequent illegal drug use by young people. Thus, the Board of Education sees the use of tobacco as a serious safety issue and believes it has the obligation to protect students, staff, employees, visitors, and guests of the District from an environmental hazard which may be harmful to them. Therefore, all buildings, grounds, and vehicles of the School District are to be smoke free.
For the purposes of this policy, smoking will mean all uses of tobacco, including cigars, cigarettes, pipes, and smokeless tobacco items.
AHERA NOTIFICATION
The School District of Independence has completed the removal of friable asbestos in all District school buildings. In addition, all facilities have now been inspected by a certified asbestos inspector as required under the ASBESTOS HAZARD EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACT OF 1986 (AHERA). A copy of the AHERA Plan has been filed with the State of Missouri and a copy is on file with each building administrator. The AHERA Plan is available for inspection during regular school hours. Specific questions may be directed to your building principal, or you may contact Mr. Bob Robinson at 521-5300.
DRUG FREE ENVIRONMENT
Board Policy 2641
Pursuant to the requirements of the 1989 amendments of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and to the requirements of the Safe Schools Act, and for the purpose of preventing the use of illicit drugs and alcohol by students, the District shall provide age-appropriate, developmentally based drug and alcohol education and prevention programs to all students from early education through grade twelve (12). (See also Policy 6130 - Drug Education.) Such programs will address the legal, social and health consequences of drug and alcohol use, and provide information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use illicit drugs and alcohol.
The District shall provide information about any drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs that are available to students. Students may be required to participate in such programs. All parents/guardians and students shall annually be provided a copy of this policy.
The District certifies that it has adopted and implemented the drug prevention program described in this policy in the form required by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or the United Stated Department of Education. The District conducts a biennial review of such programs to determine its effectiveness to implement necessary changes and to ensure that the disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.
PROHIBITION AGAINST FIREARMS AND WEAPONS
Board Policy 1432
The presence of firearms and weapons poses a substantial risk of serious harm to District students, staff and community members. Therefore, possession of firearms and weapons is prohibited on school premises at all times except for law enforcement officials. As used in this policy, the phrase "school premises" includes all District buildings, grounds, vehicles, and parking areas. This prohibition also extends to the sites of school activities whether or not those school activities are conducted on School District property.
Individuals found to be in violation of this policy will be dealt with severely. Students will be disciplined up to and including expulsion as provided in Policy/Regulation 2620. Law enforcement officials will be notified and the individual violating the policy will be directed to leave school premises. Non-students violating this policy will be barred from all school premises and school activities for a period of one year. Subsequent violations by the same individual will result in a permanent bar from school premises and school activities.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ADULTS
Board Policy 1431
Families are welcome in the Independence School District Early Education Programs and are encouraged to become actively involved in the experiences that their children are engaged in through participation in planned activities. As there are conduct expectations for children, there are also conduct expectations for family members, community patrons and visitors.
The Board of Education for the Independence School District has established the following code of conduct for adults in Board Policy 1431 which reads as follows:
The Board of Education believes in and fosters a safe and orderly environment for all students, staff and visitors. Therefore, the Board of Education has established a code of conduct for parents, patrons, and visitors on school premises and at school activities. All parents, patrons, and visitors will be expected to conduct themselves in a manner reflective of a positive role model for children. Public displays contrary to this expectation as provided in Regulation 1431 will result in sanctions which will limit a person's access to school activities and school premises.
EARLY EDUCATION LANGUAGE INTERPRETER
(SPANISH)
Qualifications:
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Non-exempt
Reports to:
Deputy Superintendent or designee
Job Goal:
To assist in the communication district wide between Spanish-speaking families and Early Education staff in order to provide an equitable and a more comprehensive school experience
Performance Responsibilities:
Terms of Employment:
The Early Education Language Interpreter will be employed in a twelve (12) month position. The salary and the work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Evaluation:
Performance of this position will be evaluated by the immediate supervisor using the Early Education Language Interpreter Evaluation.
HR 9/10/18
PARENT EDUCATOR
Qualifications:
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to:
Deputy Superintendent or designee
Job Goal:
A Parent Educator is responsible for delivering direct parental education services to participating families in accordance with Administrative Guidelines of SB658, implementing the Parents as Teachers Curricula, and performing other related program duties.
Performance Responsibilities:
Terms of Employment:
The Parent Educator will be employed for a nine (9) month position. The salary and the work year will be established annually by the Board of Education. This position is based on continued program/grant funding.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Deputy Superintendent or designee, using the Summative Evaluation for the Parent Educator.
HR 9/10/18
EARLY EDUCATION TEACHER
Qualifications:
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to:
Principal and Early Education Coordinator
Job Goal:
To effectively supervise, plan, coordinate, and direct instruction in the preschool classroom.
Performance Responsibilities:
Terms of Employment:
The Early Education Teacher will be employed for a ten (10) or twelve (12) month position. The salary and the work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Principal using the Early Education Teacher Evaluation.
HR 9/10/18
EARLY EDUCATION TEACHER ASSISTANT
Qualifications:
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to:
Principal and Early Education Coordinator
Job Goal:
To assist the teacher in the implementation of Head Start Performance Standards.
Performance Responsibilities:
Terms of Employment:
The Early Education Teacher Assistant will be employed in a ten (10) or twelve (12) month position. The salary and the work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Principal using the Early Education Teacher Assistant Evaluation.
HR 9/10/18
EARLY EDUCATION TEACHER ASSISTANT -PRE K KINDERGARTEN PREP
Qualifications:
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to:
Deputy Superintendent or designee
Job Goal:
To assist the teacher in the implementation of high quality early education and care.
Performance Responsibilities:
Terms of Employment:
The Pre K Kinder Prep Teacher Assistant will be employed in a nine (9) month position. The salary and the work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Principal using the Early Education Teacher Assistant Evaluation.
HR 4/05/2019
DIRECTOR OF HEAD START
Qualifications:
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt
Reports To:
Supervises:
Job Goal:
Performance Responsibilities:
Terms of Employment:
The Head Start Director will be employed for a twelve month position. The salary and the work year will be established annually by the Board of Education
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated but the Deputy Superintendent, using the Independence School District Supervisor Evaluation.
HR 9/10/18
ELEMENTARY TEACHER- PRE K KINDERGARTEN PREP
Qualifications:
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt
Reports to:
Deputy Superintendent or designee
Job Goal:
To effectively supervise, plan, coordinate, and direct instruction in the preschool classroom.
Performance Responsibilities:
Terms of Employment:
The Pre K Kindergarten Prep Teacher will be employed for a nine (9) month position. The salary and the work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Principal using the Performance Based Teacher Evaluation.
HR 9.10.18
EARLY EDUCATION CONTENT LEAD OF ERSEA
Qualifications:
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Non-exempt
Reports to:
Director of Head Start
Job Goal:
To provide training and guidance to the Head Start Early Education programs. To assist Head Start Early Education programs in achieving compliance with local State Regulation and Head Start Performance Standards.
Performance Responsibilities:Terms of Employment:
The Early Education Content Lead of ERSEA will be employed in a twelve (12) month position. The salary and the work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Director of Head Start using the Early Education Content Lead Evaluation.
HR 9.10.18
Qualifications:
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Non-exempt
Reports To:
Director of Health Services and Director of Head Start
Job Goal:
The Early Education Content Lead of Health strengthens and facilitates the educational process by protecting the health status of children by identifying and assisting in the removal or modification of health related barriers to the learning process. The major focus of school health services is the prevention of illness and disability, health promotion, and the early detection and correction of health problems. The Early Education Health Content Lead is prepared and uniquely qualified in preventative health, health assessment and referral procedures.
Performance Responsibilities:
Direct Nursing Care Activities as delegated by Director of Health Services
Direct Educational and Assistive Activities:
Terms of Employment:
The Early Education Content Lead of Health will be employed for a twelve (12) month position. The salary and work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Director of Head Start and Director of Health Services using the Independence School District School Early Education Content Lead Performance Evaluation forms.
HR 9/10/18
Qualifications:
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Non Exempt
Reports to:
Director of Head Start and Director of Special Education
Job Goal:
To provide training, interventions, and guidance to the Head Start Early Education programs. To assist Head Start Early Education programs in achieving compliance with local State Regulation and Head Start Performance Standards.
Performance Responsibilities:
Terms of Employment:
The Early Education Content Lead of Student Supports will be employed in a twelve (12) month position. The salary and the work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Director of Head Start and Director of Special Education using the Early Education Content Lead Evaluation.
HR 9/10/18
EARLY EDUCATION FAMILY SCHOOL LIAISON
Qualifications:
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt
Reports To: Director of Head Start and Director of Family Services
Job Goal:
Using a strength-based approach that improves the quality of life of families and impacts the educational success of children, (1) assist and support families in setting and attaining goals aimed at self-sufficiency and stability, and (2) provide and connect families to comprehensive services in the school, neighborhood, and community.
Performance Responsibilities:
Terms of Employment:
The Family School Liaison will be employed for a period of ten (10) months. The salary and work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the immediate supervisor(s), using the family Services Evaluation Report.
HR 9/10/18
EARLY EDUCATION FAMILY SCHOOL LIAISON LEAD
Qualifications:
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt
Reports To: Director of Head Start and Director of Family Services
Job Goal:
Using a strength-based approach that improves the quality of life of families and impacts the educational success of children, (1) assist and support families in setting and attaining goals aimed at self-sufficiency and stability, and (2) provide and connect families to comprehensive services in the school, neighborhood, and community.
Performance Responsibilities:
Terms of Employment:
The Family School Liaison will be employed for a period of eleven (11) months. The salary and work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the immediate supervisor(s), using the family Services Evaluation Report.
HR 9/10/18
EARLY EDUCATION LEAD TEACHING AND LEARNING COACH
Qualifications:
Reports to:
Assistant Superintendent and Director of Head Start
Provide instructional support to all Early Education Teaching and Learning Coaches and Early Education staff focusing on building curriculum and instructional knowledge and skills in order to improve student achievement.
General Teaching and Learning Coach Performance Responsibilities:
The Early Education Lead Teaching and Learning Coach will be employed in a twelve (12) month position. The salary and the work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/Conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Performance of this job will be evaluated annually by the immediate supervisor(s) in accordance with provisions of the Board of Education's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.
HR 9/10/18
EARLY EDUCATION LEAD TEACHING AND LEARNING COACH
Qualifications:
Reports to:
Assistant Superintendent and Director of Head Start
Job Goal:Provide instructional support to all Early Education Teaching and Learning Coaches and Early Education staff focusing on building curriculum and instructional knowledge and skills in order to improve student achievement.
Lead Teaching and Learning Coach Performance Responsibilities:General Teaching and Learning Coach Performance Responsibilities:
The Early Education Lead Teaching and Learning Coach will be employed in a twelve (12) month position. The salary and the work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/Conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Performance of this job will be evaluated annually by the immediate supervisor(s) in accordance with provisions of the Board of Education's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.
HR 9/10/18
EARLY EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Qualifications:
Reports to:
Director of Head Start
Supervises:Co-supervises Early Education staff at assigned sites
Job Goals:
To assist in the general day-to-day operations of their Early Education Centers, including multiple classrooms, to assume regulatory and legal compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state and local regulations, to communicate with parents and the local community, and to co-supervise and monitor staff working at their assigned sites.Performance Responsibilities:
The Early Education Coordinator will be employed in a twelve (12) month position. The salary and the work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/Conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Director of Head Start using the Independence School District Coordinator Evaluation.
HR 4/05/2019
EARLY EDUCATION QUALITY ASSURANCE MONITOR
Qualifications:
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt
Reports to:
Director of Head Start
Job Goal:To provide the Early Education program quality assurance regarding the implementation of programs and to communicate concerns directly to the Director of Head Start.
Performance Responsibilities:Terms of Employment:
The Early Education Quality Assurance Monitor will be employed in a twelve (12) month position. The salary and the work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.
Required Testing:
Post offer employment medical physical exam and essential functions test (EFT) required.
Work Environment/conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors with minimal temperature variations and under conditions with risk of injury and/or illness. The employee may also occasionally work with cleaning chemicals. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally can be loud. Generally the job requires 5 % sitting, 50% standing, and 45% walking.
Physical Demands:
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Director of Head Start using the Independence School District Coordinator Evaluation.
HR 4/05/2019
To view the 2020-2021 Early Education Salary Scales, please visit: https://www.isdschools.org/hr/employee_handbook/2020-2021/salary_schedules/index.html#early_ed
To view the Performance Based Evaluations for Early Education Staff, please visit: https://www.isdschools.org/hr/employee_handbook/2019-2020/pbes/index.html#early_ed
To view the 2020-2021 Early Education Employment Calendars, please visit: https://www.isdschools.org/hr/employee_handbook/2020-2021/calendars/index.html#early_ed