Amador County Office of Education State Preschool Program 2021-2022 Parent/Guardian Handbook - Amador County Unified ...
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Amador County Office of Education
State Preschool Program
2021-2022 Parent/Guardian
Handbook
Table of Contents
Director’s Letter to Parents/Guardians ……………………………………………………… 1
Location of Centers ........................................................................................................................2
Mission and Vision Statements .....................................................................................................3
Program Goals………………………………………………………………………..…………..4
Non-Discrimination, Open Door, and Religious Instruction Policy ..........................................4
Developmental Domains of Learning/ Education Program…………………………………...5
Physical Development .......................................................................................................5
Cognitive Development .....................................................................................................5
Speech and Language Development ..................................................................................5
Social-Emotional Development .........................................................................................5
Program Self Evaluation Process ……………………………………………………………….6
Desired Results Developmental Profile – DRDP – 2020 ..................................................6
Staff Development and Qualifications ...............................................................................7
State Preschool Parent Committee & Parent Information Monthly Meetings…… …….7
Quarterly Parent Educational Meetings……………… ………………………………..7
Admission/Enrollment Eligibility and Priority Criteria………………………………………7
Income Criteria and Documentation ................................................................................ 7-8
Income Documentation ........................................................................................................8
Homelessness Documentation .............................................................................................8
Child Protective Services Documentation ...........................................................................8
“At-Risk” Documentation ....................................................................................................9
Family Size Documentation .................................................................................................9
Special Needs Students ........................................................................................................9
Absent Parent .......................................................................................................................9
Enrollment Process ......................................................................................................................10
Contents of the Family’s Basic Data File ..........................................................................10
Application for Services ....................................................................................................10
Transfer of Confidential Preschool Information ...............................................................10
Policy for Re-Enrolling or Recertification of Child ..........................................................11
State Preschool Parent Volunteers – You Make Our Program Complete ............................11
Parent Policies and Responsibilities ...........................................................................................11
Attendance Policy ........................................................................................................ 11-12
Late Pick-Ups ....................................................................................................................12
Children Unclaimed After Closing Time ...........................................................................12
Program Policies ..........................................................................................................................12
2|PageEmergency Cards ...............................................................................................................12
Allergies ..................................................................................................................... 12-13
Illness ...............................................................................................................................13
Injury ................................................................................................................................13
Meals ................................................................................................................................13
Nutrition ...........................................................................................................................13
Medication Policy ............................................................................................................13
Attendance: Sign In/Out ..................................................................................................14
Transportation ...................................................................................................................14
Field Trips .........................................................................................................................14
Parking ..............................................................................................................................14
Pets ....................................................................................................................................14
Daily Schedule ..................................................................................................................14
Clothing Needs and Dress Code .......................................................................................14
Emergency Evacuation Plans ............................................................................................15
Contact Information for Emergency School Closures/Delays ..........................................15
Health and Medical Policies – Health and Social Services §18276 ..........................................15
Physicals ............................................................................................................................15
Required Immunizations ...................................................................................................15
Required Vaccinations for Child Care Centers and Preschool Chart ................................15
Admission of Students with Infectious Diseases ...............................................................16
Parent Responsibilities and Conduct .........................................................................................16
Parent or Adult Appears Unable to Assume Responsibility for Child ..............................16
Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Weapons Policy ................................................................16
Notification of Parent’s Rights/Personal Rights .......................................................................16
Parent Rights ......................................................................................................................17
General Policies ............................................................................................................................17
Community Care Licensing Authority...............................................................................17
Sexual harassment – Grievance procedures .......................................................................17
Discipline Policy& Behavior Problems .............................................................................17
Behavioral Problems .................................................................................................... 18-19
Termination Policy.......................................................................................................................19
Appeal and Hearing Procedures.................................................................................................19
Appeal Procedures ...................................................................................................... 19-20
Appeal Procedure for Early Education and Support Division at CDE .............................20
AdmissionAgreement Parent Signature Page For 2020-2021 ..................................................21
3|PageAmador County Office of Education
State Preschool Program
217 Rex Avenue, Jackson, California 95642
209-257-5338 FAX 209-257-5388
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to have your child in our preschool program and we are looking forward to a great and
successful 2021-2022 school year!
Staff in our Amador County State Preschools, are committed to the families of the children enrolled in our
program, Our program staff’s goal is to support and help parents and families and help you educate your
children by providing them developmentally appropriate practice along with age-appropriate curriculum and
activities. We are coordinating with the kindergarten curriculum by offering age-appropriate learning activitets
that use STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) concepts.
We also value and provide significant time to play! Through play, children learn how to cooperate, share,
solve problems, be creative and make decisions. Our playtimes are purposeful although it may appear to be
unstructured.
Our program commits to prepare parents and families to get involved in their children’s education and
encourages parents to attend Parent Committee Meetings, volunteer in the classroom and participate in program
events.
We are here to provide a safe, healthy, culturally and developmentally appropriate program in partnership with
the parent/guardian, school and community, which celebrates each child’s uniqueness, assisting with linguistic,
social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, and encourages parents and families to take an active
role as the child’s primary teacher, advocate, and informer in the life long journey for the love of learning.
Please feel free to contact us regarding your concerns or ideas.
Children’s growth and development are assessed twice a year using the Desired Results Developmental
Profile. Teachers regularly adjust the curriculum, based on their observations of the children, to engage the
children’s interest and maximize learning. Two conferences with parents are scheduled each year and parents
are invited to speak with the teachers about their child at any time. Programs will ask families to complete the
Desired Results Family Survey as results from the survey are used to ensure that family needs are met.
Wishing you joyful school year,
Warmly,
Donna Custodio
Director of Amador State Preschools & Amador Child Care Council
1|PageAmador State Preschool Office
217 Rex Avenue
Jackson, CA 95642
(209) 257-5338
Fax (209) 257-5388
Ione State Preschool Pioneer State Preschool
Ione Elementary School Pioneer Elementary School
415 South Ione St. 24625 Highway 88
Ione, CA 95640 Pioneer, CA 95666
(209) 257-7013 (209) 295-6503
8:30AM to 11:30AM 8:00AM to 11:00 AM
Shannon Blake, Instructor Jessica Vaughn, Instructor
Jackson State Preschool Plymouth State Preschool
Argonaut High School Plymouth Elementary School
501 Argonaut Lane 18601 Sherwood Drive
Jackson, CA 95642 Plymouth, CA 95669
(209) 257-7778 (209) 257-7810
8:15AM to 11:15AM 8:15AM to 11:15AM
Pamela Schaap, Instructor Lory Sage, Instructor
The Amador Public School Web site is: www.amadorcoe.org where you can find information
regarding the “Uniform Complaint” Policy and forms, the “Williams Complaint” form, School menus,
and the School District Annual Calendar – subject to change.
2|Page.
AMADOR COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
AMADOR UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MISSION STATEMENT
Enriched by the diversity and deep traditions of our unique community, Amador County Public Schools
will prepare, support, and inspire each student to achieve career and college success in a rapidly evolving world
through highly engaging teaching, rigorous learning and innovative pathways supported by strong partnerships
in a safe, caring and collaborative environment.
VISION STATEMENT
This vision will be achieved by adhering to rigorous academic standards, high expectations, a
comprehensive curriculum, and a positive school climate
PRESCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission of the Amador County State Preschool Program is to provide a safe, healthy, culturally and
developmentally appropriate program in partnership with the parent/guardian, school and community, which
celebrates each child’s uniqueness, assisting with linguistic, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical
development, and encourages parents and families to take an active role as the child’s primary teacher,
advocate, and informer in the life long journey for the love of learning.
The Amador County Office of Education, Child Development Program provides developmentally
appropriate, high-quality early care and education services to children and families in a safe, nurturing
environments that will promote the well-being of the whole child.
Amador County Office of Education State preschool program is a part-day comprehensive developmental
program for three- to five-year-old children. The program emphasizes parent education and encourages parent
involvement. In addition to preschool education activities that are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically
appropriate for the children served, the state preschool programs provide meals or snacks to children, referrals
to health and social services for families, and staff development opportunities to employees. We will attend to
the development of each child with focused attention on individual strengths and needs. Children with
disabilities are welcome and are included in the regular program.
Children leave our State Preschool program enriched with confidence in their abilities, and excitement towards
learning and readiness skills for Kindergarten.
California State Department of Education, Early Education and Support
Division funds the State Preschool Program. Our Program is operated by the
Amador County Office of Education
3|PageProgram Goals
We believe that Amador County State Preschool in collaboration with the parent/guardian, school and
community members, can and will provide and maintain a safe, healthy, high-quality environment, which is
crucial to the development and later success of children. The Amador County Preschool program will perform
regular evaluations and reviews to establish yearly objectives.
1. We will ensure that all children are viewed as active learners and adults are viewed as
facilitators of learning.
2. We will provide quality teachers and staff for each class.
3. We will provide opportunities for parents/guardians to be actively involved in the education of
their children.
4. We will provide a smooth transition into the formal school setting as our children enter
kindergarten.
5. We will maintain facilities, equipment, and materials to be conducive to maximize positive
learning experiences.
The Amador County Office of Education State Preschool Program provides a high-quality preschool experience
in a safe, nurturing environment that promotes physical, social, emotional and cognitive development in
children. We believe that young children learn through play, and therefore the learning activities in Amador
State Preschools are developmentally appropriate. Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) in four main
development domains, these DAP help children gain confidence, learn to trust and socialize with others,
experiment with their environment, and prepare children for kindergarten.
Non-Discrimination, Open Door, and Religious Instruction Policy
The Amador State Preschool program does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender,
ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, or mental or physical disability in
determining which children are served. Amador State Preschool shall provide a curriculum that refrains
from Religious Instruction.
Religious Instruction
The Amador County State preschool refrains from religious instruction or worship.
Equal Education Access/Special Needs Students
The Amador County State Preschools do not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic
group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, or mental or physical disability, in
determining which children are serviced.
Our program is based on the following evidence of equal access:
The program welcomes children with disabilities
The program understands the requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to make
reasonable accommodations for such children and implements those accommodations.
4|PageDevelopment Domains of Learning
Education Program - § 18273
The Preschool classroom environment and Curriculum are set up to encourage Developmentally
Appropriate Practices (DAP) and Goals that allow the following
Physical Development: Our programs strive to enhance children’s fine and large motor development through
appropriate equipment and learning materials. Physical development in children from ages three to five will
help them learn through movement. Encouraging physical development will involve the child learning how to
move the body consciously and deliberately. Gross motor (large muscle) activities will include: balancing,
running, jumping, hopping, galloping, skipping, throwing, kicking and catching a ball. Fine motor (small
muscle) development will include: improving hand and wrist dexterity (like using playdough to strengthen the
fingers and hands), self-help skills, healthy food concepts, manipulate small objects, using scissors, writing
tools and play dough. Healthy nutrition habits are part of our daily breakfast and lessons.
Cognitive Development: Using DAP our programs will develop and enhance children’s thinking and pre-
academic skills. Cognitive development in children ages three to five will help them learn how to think about
and actively explore their world. Curriculum will allow children to purposefully use the information they learn,
and how to solve problems. Curriculum will also help children gain an understanding of number symbols and
quantities, letter shapes and sounds, colors, and shapes by providing children with an environment that
encourages creativity.
Speech and Language Development: Our programs facilitate the development of children’s speech and
language through proper everyday usage to express the proper pronunciation of letters and words. Speech and
language development varies greatly in the three to five-year-old child. We work in conjunction with the
Amador County Office of Education, other available outside resources or designated agencies to ensure that all
preschool children are screened for speech and language delays (if necessary and with parental consent).
Curriculum will provide stimulating activities to promote children’s usage of speech and language including but
not limited to puppets, dramatic play, everyday conversations, and using open-ended questions. We will use
portions of the Zoo-Phonics program to encourage letter-sound recognition.
Social-Emotional Development: Amador State Preschools enhance children’s social-emotional development.
Social-emotional development in the three to five-year-old child is a process that happens when children learn
about values and behaviors accepted by society. This process will also develop competence, increase confidence
and self-esteem. Our programs do this through encouragement of speech and language to express thoughts,
feelings and appropriate expression of anger. We provide positive adult models (teaching staff and parent
volunteers) who express feelings appropriately and honestly with children and adults. We encourage children to
take responsibility for themselves and others in following rules, routines, taking initiative, developing empathy
towards others, and developing age-appropriate self-help skills.
5|PageProgram Self Evaluation Process §18279 Amador County State Preschool Program consistently strives for program improvement. The Program includes an annual self-study plan that determines if the program goals and objectives are met. The self- study includes a self-assessment using the Categorical Program Monitoring (CPM)/Contract Monitoring Review (CMR) instrument in accordance with instructions specified by the Early Education and Support Division and an assessment of the program by parents. The program submits a summary of the findings of the self-study to the CDE by June 1 of each year. The program modifies its goals and objectives to address any areas identified during the self-study as needing improvement Amador County Office of Education State Preschool will maintain an ongoing evaluation system in order to continually enhance the quality of services in the State Preschool Program using the State mandated Desired Results Development Profile 2020 (DRDP 2020) tools. Parents will be asked to fill out a survey twice in the school year. Desired Results Developmental Profile –DRDP- 2020 Research shows that children who attend high-quality preschool programs are more successful in school; have lower drop -out rates, and they are better readers. The California Department of Education (CDE) Early Education and Support Division established the Desired Results System to improve program quality in early care and education programs across the state. Desired Results for Children and Families is the name of a system designed to encourage progress toward the achievement of desired results by providing information and technical assistance to improve program quality. The system has been built on existing processes and procedures, and programs and services are coordinated to support the continuum of children’s development. It documents the progress made by children and families in achieving desired results and provides information to help child care and development practitioners improve their services. The desired results for children and families are as follows: Children are personally and socially competent. Children are effective learners. Children show physical and motor competence. Children are safe and healthy. Families support their child’s learning and development. Families achieve their goals. The Desired Results system consists of the following components: the program standards, a program review process called the agency self-evaluation (Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS), the contract compliance review, the Desired Results Developmental Profiles for children, conduct Parent-Teacherr conferences twice per school year and the parent surveys. The program standards ensure program quality and alignment with and support the desired results for children and families. The program standards represent the requirements set for center-based programs and family child care home networks that are funded by the Early Education and Support Division of the California Department of Education (CDE). All CDD-subsidized programs will be held accountable for meeting these program requirements. 6|Page
Staff Development and Qualifications
Amador County Office of Education State Preschool Program is committed to quality early childhood
education. We hire qualified staff holding appropriate credentials/permits required by the State of California.
New employees are provided an orientation to guide them to understand how agency policies relate to their
respective job descriptions. We support continuous staff growth by assessing the needs of staff and providing
professional development activities to enhance their growth. ACOE staff are observed/ or evaluated annually.
We have sound internal communication mechanisms which include e-mail, phone, and bulletins to provide staff
with information necessary to carry out their respective duties.
Staff in our Amador County State Preschools, are committed to the families of the children enrolled in the
program, and our program staff goal is to support and help parents and families and educate your children by
providing them developmentally appropriate practice along with age-appropriate curriculum and activities. Our
program commits to prepare parents and families to get involved in their children’s education and encourage
parents to attend Parent Committee Meetings, volunteer in the classroom and participate in program events.
State Preschool Parent Committee & Parent Information Monthly Meetings
Parent Committee & Parent Information Meetings are addressed to all parents/guardians. We strongly
encourage you to attend and participate in your child’s education.
This committee makes recommendations for program operations and sharing current budget information.
Attendance at these meetings allows parents/guardians to meet other parents, share activities, field trips and
classroom philosophies.
Quarterly Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meetings – to enrich parent involvement, strengthen staff,
parents and children interactions and collaboration.
Parent representatives from each Preschool site will meet for collaboration.
Admission/Enrollment Eligibility and Priority Criteria:
Eligible children are those who turn either four or three by September 1 of the school year of which they enroll.
Priority is given to four-year-olds. Families must meet either the income criteria or documentation of:
Current Aide Recipient
Homelessness
Child Protective Services
At-Risk of Abuse, Neglect, and/or Exploitation
Students who have special needs with a written IEP
Note: ALL children must be potty-trained and be immunized according to the State of California – see page
14 for immunization information.
Income Criteria and Documentation
Families are income-eligible if they are at or below the 70% of the State’s median income, based on family size.
These caps are gross monthly incomes released by the State each July and will be updated for accurate
eligibility determination. The current income caps are:
7|PageFamily Size MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
Family Monthly Income Family Yearly Income
1-2 $5,540 $66,479
3 $6,157 $73,885
4 $7,069 $84,822
5 $8,199 $98,393
6 $9,330 $111,965
7 $9,542 $114,509
8 $9,755 $117,054
9 $9,967 $119,598
10 $10,179 $122,143
11 $10,391 $124,687
12 $10,603 $127,232
Income Documentation
Total countable income means all income of the individuals counted in the family size, for example:
Gross wages or salaries
Overtime
Tips
Cash aid
Child and/or spousal support payment received
Portion of student grants or scholarships not identified for educational purposes
ACOE Preschool Program reserves the right to ask for additional documentation to verify income.
Employment verifications need to be completed by and received from the employer directly.
Income documentation is for the month preceding certification or recertification. Current and on-going income
documentation may be requested to verify income.
Employed Parent Documentation
Release of Information authorization and payroll check stub;
Release of Information authorization and letter from employer; or
Other record of wages issued by the employer.
Provide copies of the documentation of all non-wage income.
Provide self-certification of any income for which no documentation is possible.
Self-Employed – as many of the following types of documentation as necessary to determine income:
Letter from source of income
Copy of the most recently signed and completed tax return
Other business records; such as ledgers, receipts, or business logs
Homelessness Documentation
Written referral from an emergency shelter or other legal, medical or social service agency or written parental
8|Pagedeclaration that the family is homeless and a statement describing the family’s living situation.
Child Protective Services Documentation
Written referral, dated within six months of application for services and includes:
Statement from the local county welfare department, child welfare services worker, certifying that the
child is receiving Child Protective Services and that child care and development services are a necessary
component of the CPS service plan.
Probable duration of the CPS service plan.
Name, address, phone number and signature of the county child welfare staff.
“At Risk” Documentation
A written referral, dated within six months of application for services and includes:
Statement by a legally qualified professional (someone licensed in the state to perform legal, medical,
health or social services for the general public) that the child care and development services are needed
to reduce or eliminate that risk.
Probable duration of the at-risk situation.
Name, address, phone number and signature of the legally qualified professional.
Family Size Documentation
The parent must provide supporting documentation regarding the number of children and parents in the family.
Supporting documentation for the number of children shall be at least one of the following:
Birth certificate
Child custody court order
Adoption documents
Foster Care placement records
School or medical records
County welfare department records
Other reliable documentation indicating the relationship of the child to the parent
Special Need Students
Students with special needs will be allowed to enroll based on a “best appropriate learning environment” as
determined by the student’s IEP Team. Families with a child with special needs are not required to meet the
financial eligibility criteria.
Absent Parent
When only one parent has signed the Application for Service and the information provided indicates the child in
the family has another parent whose name does not appear on the application, then the presence or absence of
that parent shall be documented by any one of the following:
Records of marriage, divorce, domestic partnership or legal separation
Court-ordered child custody arrangement.
Evidence that the parent signing the application receives child support payment.
Any other documentation excluding a self-declaration to confirm the presence or absence of the parent
of the child in the family.
If due to the recent departure of a parent from the family, the remaining applicant parent may submit a self
declaration under penalty of perjury explaining the absence of that parent from the family. Within six
months of applying or reporting the change in family size, the parent must provide one of the above
supporting documentation.
9|PageEnrollment Process
1. Parents are to complete the State Preschool application packet and must include all required documents:
Proof of income from a prior month or statement of unemployment
Up to date immunization record
Birth certificates for ALL children in the household
Proof of physical residence
Release of Information from employer(s)
Documentation of unemployment, homelessness, at-risk/CPS referral (if applicable)
2. Contact the Director to schedule an enrollment appointment
3. Bring all documents to the enrollment appointment to determine eligibility
4. Families may enroll at any of the four sites. Once a site is full, a waitlist will be established and families
will be contacted when there is an opening.
The first priority for services shall be given to recipients of Child Protective Services (CPS), ages three to five
(without regard to income) or students determined to be ‘at risk” from the County Department of Social
Services or homeless families. Second priority is then given to income-eligible four-year-old children and then
to income-eligible three-year-old children. Families with the lowest gross monthly income will be admitted first
according to a ranking scale from the Department of Education.
After all eligible children have been enrolled children who are not otherwise eligible for participation my be
enrolled. This includes five-year olds and families who exceed the income cap for their family size. Families
exceeding income caps who are enrolled will be charged the current daily reimbursement rate set by the
Department of Education.
Contents of the Family’s Basic Data File
A file for each family receiving Preschool program services shall be established and maintained. The basic data
file shall contain an application for services; documentation of total countable income; documentation of
exceptional need, if applicable; Notice of Action, Application for Services and/or Recipient of Services, and all
child health, immunization, Physician’s report, and emergency information required by Title 22 California Code
of Regulations, Community Care Licensing Standards.
Application for Services
The application for services shall contain the following information:
1. The parent/guardian (hereafter known as “parent”) full name, address, and telephone number;
2. Proof of the names and birth dates of all children under the age of eighteen (18) in the family, whether or
not the program serves them; Family size and income;
3. The parent or guardian’s signature and date of the signature; and
4. The signature of the Director certifying the eligibility.
Transfer of Confidential Preschool Information
Pertinent assessment information concerning the growth and development of the child may be discussed or
forwarded with parental permission to: other family members or caregivers, Schools, School Districts, or local
agencies. A “Release of Information” form is required (see your Teacher to sign this form) unless a Court
Order is issued.
10 | P a g ePolicy for Re-Enrolling or Recertification of Child
When children have been dropped from the program for any reason, and the parents/guardians then desires to
re-admit them, the family must put themselves back on the CEL (see page 2), and they will be notified when an
opening occurs. They will be considered a new enrollee. New income and other paperwork may be required.
All children must be toilet-trained. Re-admission will require a new Preschool contract with the program (i.e.,
income verification, emergency information, Notice of Action, etc.). Children who wish to attend preschool for
a second year, and are too young to enter Kindergarten must be re-enrolled using the same process as described
above.
Parent Volunteers: You Make Our Program Complete
We have an Open Door Policy that allows you, as a parent, to visit at any time. You are always welcome
and encouraged to participate in your child’s day.
A Parent who would like to volunteer in the classroom on a daily basis needs to be fingerprinted and
provide program proof of TB clearance. They must also have a record showing immunizations for measles,
pertussis (whooping cough) and either a flu shot or personal statement declining the flu shot. .
Parents are welcome in our program and are a vital part. We encourage each parent to take an active role in
their child’s class. Parents are welcome as classroom volunteers, parent committee, field trip chaperones, and
translators, to serve as advisory council members that will have a voice in program evaluation, goal setting, and
program planning. Those who speak languages other than English are especially encouraged to volunteer.
Volunteers serve snacks, assist in planned activities, read and sing with children in their home language, assist
children in art activities, and help plant gardens. They also help with community field trips. The children, staff,
and program need you. Volunteering allows the program the opportunity to give children one-to-one interaction
with an adult. It shows your child you support them in their learning adventure and school experiences.
Parent Policies and Responsibilities
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Attendance is important!
When a child is absent from the program, it is the parent’s responsibility to call or notify the Preschool
each day when the child is absent. After the parent/guardian calls the Preschool to inform the staff of the
absence, the parent must note the reason the child was absent on the days absent on the sign-in sheets. Staff will
decide which category listed below that the absence falls into. Our programs report all absences to the
California Department of Education and are audited for legitimacy.
Reasons for excused absences include:
Illness, quarantine, or medical appointment for the child enrolled in the program or their parent.
Excessive medical absences may warrant a doctor’s note explaining the reason for ongoing or excessive
absences.
11 | P a g e Family Emergencies that can include, but are not limited to other family or sibling illnesses and Dr.
appointments, transportation, moving, death in the family (including close family pets) and funerals.
Best Interest days – 10 per year. These may be used for but are not limited to vacations, out of town with
family, visits with mother, father or relatives, stay at home with parents/relatives, field trip, camping, child
or family birthday, sibling school program or field trip, or other activities that are in the best interest of the
child.
Court-ordered visitation. Court documents must be included in the student’s file.
All other absences are listed as un-excused. Oversleeping or temper tantrums are NOT excused.
Please call your child’s school every morning if your child will not be attending that day. If after three
days of either consecutive or random absences where there has been no contact from the parent, the staff will
contact the Director and a (Notice of Action or NOA) for termination of service may be sent. When irregular
attendance is becoming disruptive to the child or program, a NOA for termination of serves will be sent.
Late Pick-Ups at Site
It is your responsibility to ensure that your child is picked up before the end of the program day. If you find
that you will be late, you are required to make arrangements for an authorized adult to pick up your child and
notify the teacher regarding that change of person to pick up the child. This person must be prepared to show
proof of identification with a picture before the child will be released. Should you or your authorized adult
arrive late to pick up your child more than three times in a 30-day period, services may be discontinued.
Please be considerate of our teaching staff.
Late pick-ups will be recorded on a Late Pick-Up form and a copy will be given to you, the Director of the
program and a copy will be placed in your child’s central file. Adults must be 18 years or older to pick up
children (CDD, CDE Regulations).
Children Unclaimed after Closing Time
If, after site personnel have exhausted all known means to locate you or a responsible party to come for your
child, and no one can be located after the better part of a half an hour after the program’s closing time, Local
Police or Child Protective Services (CPS) will be called for assistance. If a child needs to be taken into
protective custody and removed from the center, only a police officer can do that. The officer may turn the
child over to CPS for further action. Please help us avoid this action.
Program Policies
Emergency Cards
Each child enrolled in the Preschool program must have a current emergency card on file at the site. It is the
responsibility of the parent to secure names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the persons authorized to
remove the child from the site and to keep this information current. Children will not be released to anyone
unless they have been authorized by the parent.
The people listed on the emergency card must be prepared to show photo identification, and sign out the child.
This emergency card must be updated whenever there is a change of information by the parent or guardian. In
order to abide by policies, procedures and program requirements families/parents must notify us of any
changes in address or phone number within 5 days
12 | P a g eAllergies All food allergies must be documented with a note from the Physician. Because either a breakfast or lunch is served at all locations, allergy considerations will be based on the needs of each individual child. Our Food Service Department will work with each child’s needs to accommodate allergies as best they can. On the rare occasion where it is determined that food should be brought from home, staff will work with the family. Any food brought from home must be of nutritional value. Allergies need to be documented and posted, with an action plan, in a visible place on-site so that staff can take appropriate action. Illness Children who have been running temperatures of 100 degrees or more, or who have been suffering from diarrhea or vomiting must remain at home until all symptoms have disappeared for a 24-hour period without medication. HELP US KEEP ALL THE CHILDREN HEALTHY! If a child becomes ill while at the site, they are isolated from the other children and the parent or guardian is contacted. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to make immediate arrangements to have their sick child picked up. Emergency cards must be current and kept on file, and if the parent or guardian cannot be reached, an alternate adult, whose signature is on the card, will be contacted. If no authorized adult can be contacted and the child needs immediate medical services, the staff will contact 911 or transport the child to the hospital emergency room as indicated on the emergency card. Injury If any child is injured while at the site, the teacher will assess if the injury is such that the parent or guardian be immediately contacted or if the injury can be reported to the parent or guardian, in writing, at the end of the enrollment day. Accident forms will be completed by the teacher for any injury requiring medical attention and forwarded to the program central office for processing. Copies are sent to the Department of Social Services/Community Care Licensing and our insurance carrier. Meals State Preschools are required to provide a meal or snack at no additional charge. Our preschool works collaboratively with Amador County Unified School District Food Service and children receive a nutritional balanced meal from each site's cafeteria. Children with allergies will be accommodated to the best of the program’s abilities. Only families whose children have severe allergies will be allowed to bring food to replace the meal. Children with allergies are required to bring a note from the Doctor to allow the ACUSD Food Service Department to accommodate the allergy. Nutrition §18278 State Preschool Programs are mandated to provide a meal or snack for each child enrolled. We use the Amador Unified School District Food Service to provide a Breakfast or Lunch for your child. The ACUSD follows State Nutritional Guidelines. Medication Policy Asthma medication will only be administered with written permission from the child’s Physician, and the parent or guardian. Since our program is only three (3) hours long, we do not usually dispense medication. The medication that absolutely needs to be administered must be in the original prescription bottle, must come with a note from the Dr., signed permission from the parent, and instructions for administering the medication must be given to the Teacher. The Teacher must document any dispensing of medication that is administered. 13 | P a g e
Attendance: Sign In/Out You are responsible for signing your child in and out each day with actual arrival and departure times. Please refrain from talking or texting while dropping off or picking up your child. This is a time that the Teachers use to discuss your child’s daily happenings or situations that need attention. Only an adult (18 years old or older) may assume this responsibility – this is a State Requirement. When signing out a full legal signature is required for audit purposes. Any adults signing the child out must be listed on the emergency card and picture identification will be required before they are allowed to take the child from the center. There are NO exceptions, your child’s safety, and well -being is our highest priority. Transportation The Preschool program does not provide transportation and unfortunately, this includes Field Trips. The Parent Information Bulletin Board at your preschool site is available for posting carpool needs. Parents and Guardians are responsible for providing transportation for their child to and from school and Field Trips. Field Trips Field trips will be discussed at Parent Orientation and Monthly parent Committee Meetings. Parking Each site has parking areas for the delivery and pick-up of children. Each child is to be escorted to and from the classroom by an authorized adult, 18 years of age or older. Check with your teacher regarding specific procedures for parking. Please do not leave children of any age unattended in a parked vehicle. Children must be placed in a proper car/booster seat before transporting children from the premises and NEVER LEFT ALONE IN A CAR. Teachers and Assistants are mandated reporters and will notify authorites if they see any violations of the law relating to transporting children. Pets Families are discouraged from bringing pets/animals into the classroom out of respect for all children’s safety and possible allergies. Daily Schedule The daily schedule will vary slightly for each preschool site depending on the program hours of operation, what works best for each site. The daily schedule will be posted on the Parent bulletin board in each classroom. All children enrolled in the program will receive with a breakfast, lunch, or a snack and menus will be posted and are listed on the School District website: www.amadorcoe.org Clothing Needs and Dress Code Please send your child to school dressed to get messy and appropriate for the weather. Outdoor time is an integral part of our program and weather permitting, outdoor activities will be scheduled. All children will play outdoors, weather permitting. Additional clothing may be brought to school and kept in each child’s cubby (accidents do happen). Please do not send your child to school in flip-flops; they are not safe to run in. Remember to mark your child’s name inside all clothing, especially jackets or coats and dress your child for outdoor, fun, and messy play. All children and Staff must follow the Amador School District Dress Code outlined in the Amador Unified School District Annual Notification to Parents on page 23-24. 14 | P a g e
Emergency Evacuation Plans
Each site has developed a plan that will be used in the event of a disaster. The plans are posted and drills are
conducted to familiarize the children with the procedures at each site. In all cases, please use your best
judgment to safely move the children, should the need arise.
Contact Information for Emergency School Closures/Delays
In case of snow days or other types of school closure, please call Amador County Unified School District
General Snow/Information Line at 209-257-5355 to find out if your child’s school will be closed for a snow
day. It is the Parent’s responsibility to call this line to find out about school closures. If all of the schools are
closed for any reason, the State Preschools will also be closed.
Health and Medical Policies
Health & Social Services §18276
At the time of enrollment, families are given a “Family Needs Assessment”. This assessment
provides families the opportunity to ask for information about Health providers or Insurance, housing
information, counseling services, food or WIC resources, GED or College information, job training or
assistance, or parenting courses. If at any time during the enrollment period the need arises for this information,
please feel free to ask your Teacher.
Physicals
Each child shall be required to complete a well-child physical examination signed by a Physician within
30 days of being admitted into the program. Your child will be excluded from the program if immunizations
or Physician forms are not kept current. Parents must provide their child’s Immunization Record as proof of
immunization at the time of enrollment. Copies of the record are kept with their enrollment packet.
Required Immunizations
The chart below shows which immunizations are required for preschool entry, please check to see if your child
is up to date with their immunizations. If your child has not received all of the required immunizations, make an
appointment with your Doctor or the County Health Department’s Immunization Clinic. Take your records
with you to the appointment
Required Vaccinations for Child Care Centers and Preschool
Vaccine Polio DTaP or Measles, Hib Hep B or Varicella
(OPV or DTP Mumps, HBV (Chickenpox)
IPV) Rubella
# of
3 4 1 1 3 1
Doses
Beginning July 1, 2016, child care programs, public schools, and private schools shall not unconditionally admit
to any of those institutions for the first time, or admit/advance any pupil to kindergarten or 7 th grade, unless the
pupil has been immunized for his or her age as required by this law. Effective 1/2016, the new law no longer
15 | P a g epermits immunization exemptions based on personal beliefs for children in child care and public and
private schools. The law still allows for medical exemptions with proper documentation from a licensed
physician specifically statting the medical reason for a waiver.
Admission of Students with Infectious Diseases
The Amador County Office of Education and the Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to protect the
health of its students, as well as to uphold their individual rights. When requested to do so by a student’s
parent, the County Office of Education will consider admitting a student with an infectious disease to attend
classes contingent upon an evaluation of the situation. The decision will be based on recommendations from
the County and District Health Officials. A child excluded from the regular instructional program shall be
considered for home instruction, where such instruction would benefit the child.
The County Superintendent of Schools shall ensure that there will be no release of information regarding
students with infectious diseases in violation of the County Office of Education policy governing the
confidentiality of student records.
Parent Responsiblities and Conduct
It is important that the program provides an environment where children and families feel safe and
secure. Adults coming to the program shall treat others with respect and consideration. Adults shall
speak in a friendly calm voice, use positive language, supervise the safety of all children, and refrain from
negative behaviors such as yelling, swearing, smoking, etc. The adult responsible for the sign in/out
procedures of an enrolled child who brings other children with them (because they would otherwise be
left unsupervised) assumes total responsibility for their supervision. Always close and secure the gates
when you enter or leave
Parent/Guardian or Other Authorized Adult Appears Unable to Assume Responsibility for a Child
If the site staff needs to detain the child at the site because a parent or authorized adult appears unable to assume
responsibility for the child, another authorized adult from the emergency card may
be called to pick up the child. If the adult on site refuses the alternative arrangement and the staff feels the child
is in danger, 911 may be called. Being able to assume responsibility includes, but is not limited to, being free
from intoxication or under the influence of mind-altering substances. Our staff are Mandated Reporters and will
report any circumstance that appears threatening to the child.
Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Weapons
The carrying of a weapon, or drug, and alcohol or tobacco use is prohibited in all facilities owned or operated
by the Amador County Office of Education. This includes activities or field trips, indoor and outdoor activities,
and all program vehicles. This policy applies to employees, students, and the general public. Your cooperation
is greatly appreciated at all times.
Notification of Parent’s Rights/Personal Rights
Each family will be given a Notification of Parents’ Rights and Personal Rights. The parents will be required to
sign a receipt of the forms and the forms will be placed in the child’s file. Each of the forms will be posted on
the Parent’s Bulletin Board in each classroom. The law prohibits discrimination or retaliation against any child
16 | P a g eor parent/guardian that chooses to exercise their right to inspect the facility or to file a complaint against the
facility.
The law authorizes the person in charge to deny access to parent/guardian if:
a) The parent/guardian is behaving in a way that poses a risk to children in the facility. OR:
b) The adult is a non-custodial parent, and the custodial parent has requested the facility in writing
not to permit access to the non-custodial parent
Parent Rights
As a parent/Authorized Representative, you have the right to:
Enter and inspect the child care center without advance notice whenever children are in care.
File a complaint against Amador State Preschool with the licensee’s office
Review, at the child care center, reports of licensing visits and substantiated complaints against the
licensee made during the last three years.
Request in writing that a parent not be allowed to visit your child or take your child from the child care
center, provided you have shown a certified copy of a court order.
Complain to the licensing office and inspect the child care center without discrimination or retaliation
against your child.
The local licensing office
Department of Social Services
744 P Street
Sacramento, Ca. 95814.
Phone: (916) 651-6040
Be informed, by Amador State Preschool upon request, of the name and type of association to the child
care center for any adult who has been granted a criminal record exemption, and that the name of the
person may also be obtained by contacting the local licensing office.
Receive from Amador State Preschool, the Caregiver Background Check Process form.
General Policies
Community Care Licensing Authority Regulation §101200
Community Care Licensing has the authority to interview children or staff without prior consent, and shall
provide a private space for interviews with children or staff. The Department has the authority to inspect, audit,
and copy child or child care center records upon demand during normal business hours.
Records may be removed if necessary for copying. Removal of records shall be subject to the requirement in
Sections 10127(c) and 121221(d). The Department has the authority to observe the physical condition of the
children including conditions that could indicate abuse, neglect or inappropriate placement.
Sexual Harassment and Grievance Procedures
A form in regards to these procedures will be included in the Annual Notification to Parents.
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