Post on 07-Jun-2018
1 www.flaschools.org/ce | (651) 982-8300
Early Childhood Programs
Parent Handbook
Forest Lake Area School Community Education
Early Childhood Programs
200 SW 4th Street
Forest Lake, MN 55025
Office Hours
8am - 4pm Monday – Friday
Office: 651-982-8300
Fax: 651-982-8375
www.flaschools.org/ce
2 www.flaschools.org/ce | (651) 982-8300
Welcome to Early Childhood
Our programs include: Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
School Readiness
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Early Childhood Screening
Little Rangers Preschool: ½ day Preschool, Full Day Preschool, Preschool w/Parents
Family Learning Program
Table of Contents
Staff …………………………………………………………. 3
General Information ………………………………… 4 Class Locations
Parking
Age Guidelines
Calendar
Parent Advisory Council
Volunteers
Funding
Grievance Procedure Smoke Free Environment
Our Policies ................................................. 5 Non-discrimination
Attendance
Early Childhood Screening
School Closing
Refunds
Medications/Health Plan
Under-immunized Children
Child Abuse Reporting
Forms/Illness ........................................... 6 Sibling Care ............................................... 7
Diapering Procedure
Drop-off and Pick-up
Early Childhood Family Education .......... 8-9 Arrival and Departure
Snacks
Fees Class Components
Little Rangers Preschool ........................10-11
Coming to school
Drop-off and Pick-up
Snack Time
Curriculum & Assessment
Teacher Web Pages
Conferences
Toilet Training
Fees
Integration
Toys from home Resources ..................................................12
Early Intervention Networks
Proactive Intervention Services
Home Visits
Family Learning
Busing
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Our Goals To support children’s optimal physical, mental, social and emotional development during the important
years of early life. To encourage parent involvement in children’s learning, development, and education.
To help parents and other adult caregivers develop informed, realistic attitudes and expectations
about raising children.
To promote effective communication between parents or caregivers and children.
To encourage healthy relationships between parents or caregivers and children.
To help parents strengthen support networks which enhance effective parenting.
To encourage development of, and cooperation with, community resources which promote healthy
families.
To help prevent child abuse, family violence, and other negative family outcomes.
Early Childhood Programs Staff
All staff are friendly, caring people. Early Childhood teachers, Parent Educators and the Coordinator are
licensed by the Minnesota Board of Teaching and hold, at minimum, a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Our
trained para- professionals assist in classrooms and staff our sibling care..
Program Coordination
Kate Andersen, Early Childhood Programs Coordinator kandersen@flaschools.org 651-982-8315
Cheryl Smoczyk, Program Support Manager csmoczyk@flaschools.org 651-982-8318
Amy Larsen, Senior Office Assistant alarsen@flaschools.org 651-982-8349
Kathy Dagastino, Receptionist kdagastino@flaschools.org 651-982-8300
Parent Educators Vicki Bohling-Philippi vbohlingphilippi@flaschools.org
Carissa Waite cwaite@flaschools.org
Early Childhood Teachers Robin Bigelow-Anderson rbigelowanderson@flaschools.org Gena Nally gnally@flaschools.org
Heather Callander hcallendar@flaschools.org Sara Sauter ssauter@flaschools.org
Kayla Clarke kclarke@flaschools.org Ashley Steek asteek@flaschools.org
Anna DeRaad aderaad@flaschools.org
Ruth Endthoff rendthoff@flaschools.org
Marianne Matlon mmatlon@flaschools.org
Jill Meyer jmeyer@flaschools.org
Paraprofessionals
Tracy Barron MaryAnn Neeser
Diann Checkalski Taeko Raczkowski
Renée Hansen Barb Rowley
Shelley Heppner Anne Tessier-Schak
Pat Joesting Cher Stoffels
Sara Locke Kathy Stuber
Angela Lundblad Jill Waldren
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General Information
Class Location
Most classes are held at the Early Childhood Center located in the Central Learning Center (CLC), 200 SW 4th Street,
Forest Lake. Some class options are available at designated elementary schools within the Forest Lake Area School
District and Wargo Nature Center. Please reference these classes on our web page, www.flaschools.org/ce then Early
Childhood, or the Forest Lake Area Schools Community Education catalog.
Parking Parking at CLC is located on the west side of the building. Parking for drop off and pick up is located along the south side
of the parking lot. Please do not park in designated bus lanes. Please park only in designated parking spots.
Age Guideline Our program follows Forest Lake Area School’s guideline regarding eligible age for school attendance. September 1st is
used in determining age limits for classes unless otherwise noted. Classroom activities are geared to the developmental
levels of the children in attendance.
Calendar You will be given a calendar at the beginning of the school year designating important dates ( i.e. start of classes, holidays,
breaks, end of classes).
Parent Advisory Council The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is comprised primarily of parents with children enrolled in Early Childhood
Programs. Community professionals are also involved and serve as resources. PAC offers support to the staff in program
development, evaluation, advocacy and community outreach. If you are interested in becoming a member, or want more
information, please call (651) 982-8300.
Volunteers Volunteers are very special people. They play a vital role in our program. Volunteer opportunities are varied and may
include helping with publicity, assisting in the classroom, serving on the Advisory Council, assisting at special events or
repairing toys. Parent involvement is key to your child’s success in school. Let us know if you have a talent to share.
Funding Funding for Early Childhood Programs is provided through a
combination of state aid, local levy, and participant fees.
Early Childhood Program funding does not rely on, or impact,
the K-12 general fund.
Grievance Procedure A parent who has a grievance or complaint about some aspect of the
program should first try to settle the grievance directly with the teacher
or other adult involved. If the conflict is not resolved, the grievance
should be discussed with the Early Childhood Program Coordinator.
Smoke Free Environment Forest Lake Area Schools prohibits smoking in school buildings and on school grounds.
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Our Policies Non-Discrimination
The Early Childhood Program is committed to the policy that all persons shall have access to programs,
facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, marital status,
sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, age or disability.
Attendance
On scheduled parent-child days, children must be accompanied by an adult (one or both parents, an adult family
member or other caregiver). All other arrangements must be approved by the program’s coordinator prior to the
day of class.
Please contact the Early Childhood Program’s front desk at (651) 982-8300 if your child will not
be at school. Visitors are welcome with prior approval from staff.
Early Childhood Screening
Minnesota’s mandatory Early Childhood Screening Program is available through our center. Children must be
screened before entering district preschool or kindergarten classes. Screening is best done before your child
turns four years of age. The screening includes vision, hearing and development assessments in addition to an
immunization/health history review and a parent interview. If you need an appointment for screening, please
call (651) 982-8301.
School Closings School closings can happen due to weather or other non-weather emergencies. Forest Lake Area Schools list
school closings on channels 4, 5, and 11, on WCCO-830 radio and on the website www.flaschools.org/ce. If we
are closed for a non-weather related emergency we will make every effort to contact participants using E-news,
Constant Contact or Blackboard Connect. Please be sure we have the best number and email address on file for
you. School closing announcements for Forest Lake Area Schools include Early Childhood Programs.
2 hour late start; indicates no morning classes, all classes beginning after 12 noon, start at the normal time.
School closed; indicates no morning, afternoon or evening classes.
Refunds
If you have to drop a class, please let the office know as soon as possible by calling (651) 982-8349. If you
cancel your registration before the first day of class, a 75% refund will be given. After the second class, a 50%
refund will be given. No refund will be given after the third week of class. Class fees will not be refunded for
classes canceled due to weather. If you encounter special circumstances, please call (651) 982-8349.
Medications/Health Plan
Generally, medication will not be given to students while attending an Early Childhood Program. If it is
absolutely necessary a child receive medications while at the school, a school nurse will work with parents to
create a health plan for the child. Please let your child’s teacher know if your child has any health concerns.
Under-immunized Children
If a case of measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, polio, or diphtheria occurs at school, children who are not fully
immunized will be excluded for the communicable period of the disease.
Child Abuse Reporting
School District employees are mandated by state law to report suspected child abuse or neglect to county social
services or the local police department. If you are concerned you may abuse your child, staff can suggest
resources for help.
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Forms: Parents will be asked to complete the following forms at the time of registration: all information
collected is confidential
Immunizations: Schools are required by Minnesota State Statues 1980, Section 121A.15 to have up-to-date
immunization forms on all children attending the Center’s programs. Completed immunization forms are
due at the time of registration.
Emergency Information: Each family is asked to fill out an Emergency Information form to be kept on file
at the site. When information changes during the school year please update the emergency form.
Enrollment Form: Each family completes an enrollment form for inclusion in district census and
participation in programming.
Confidential Health Form
Evaluation: At the end of each semester we will ask for feedback from parents. This information helps
us to continually monitor and adjust our programming. Feel free to contact any of the staff with your
ideas, suggestions or compliments. We value your input.
Transportation Agreement: Provided only if a student is accessing the transportation option.
Getting to Know You: Used to learn about our students from the family perspective.
Illness It is disappointing for parents and children to miss class, but for the health of your child and others at the Center, please keep your child home if s/he is sick or has any of these symptoms:
Fever - Axillary or oral temperature: 100 degrees F. or higher especially if accompanied by other
symptoms such as vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck or undiagnosed rash.
Respiratory Symptoms - Severe coughing and discolored discharge from nose or discharge from the
ears.
Respiratory Illness (with fever) - Until child is without fever for 24 hours and is well enough to
participate in normal daily activities
Diarrhea - An increased number of abnormally loose stools in the previous 24 hours.
Fifths Disease - A rash that moves from face to arms, legs and body - may have a “slapped cheek”
appearance on face. Once the fifth disease rash appears the child is no longer contagious.
Vomiting - Two or more episodes of vomiting within the previous 24 hours.
Chicken Pox - Until all the blisters have dried in scabs; about 6 days after rash onset.
Impetigo - Until sores are healed, or can be covered with bandages, or until child has been treated with
antibiotics for at least a full 24 hours.
Lice (Head) - Until first treatment is completed and no live lice or nits are seen.
Measles - Until 4 days after the rash appeared.
Streptococcal Infection (Sore Throat/Scarlet Fever) - Until at least a full 24 hours after treatment begins
and child is without fever for 24 hours.
Parents will be informed if children have been exposed to a communicable disease.
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Sibling Care In order for a parent to give their full attention to the child registered for class we ask that other children, who need care on parent-child days, be registered in Sibling Care.
If you find that you need child care and have not previously
registered for the service, you must call at least a day before
the class to check on availability. Drop-in care during class
may be accommodated only if there is space available, please
call 651-982-8300. Please notify the office if you have a child
registered for sibling care and s/he will not be coming on a
particular day.
If you have a child in Sibling Care, please refer to sections in
this booklet on separation, snacks, illness, immunization
records, diapering procedures and other information which is
pertinent to your situation. In addition, you should be aware of
the following:
o Label all personal belongings (i.e. bottles,
pacifiers, blankets, diaper bags, etc.)
o Let us know if this is your child’s regular
feeding time and if we are to give him/her any
bottles or food.
o You know your child best. Let us know how his/her day is going. If your child is consistently
crying or uncomfortable for an unknown reason, we may ask you to help assess the child’s needs.
Diapering Procedures
Guidelines for diapering children are posted above the changing tables located in the bathrooms. These
guidelines are recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health. Please read and follow the
recommendations. If a child needs diapering during a class or sibling care, you will be called from the
classroom. Please bring an extra diaper for your child.
Drop off and Pick up
At the time of enrollment, parents must provide the Early Childhood Center with the names of persons
authorized to pick up the child. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to inform the staff of any changes in
this list throughout the year. If necessary, photo identification or other official identification will be required
prior to releasing the child with any emergency contact.
The safety of your child is very important to us. Sibling Care staff must be informed if for some reason your child is being picked up by someone other than the person who has dropped the child off.
If someone other than an authorized person (as indicated on the Emergency and Authorization form) is to pick up your child, notification must be in writing.
We will only release children to authorized persons.
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Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
Arrival and Departure
Classrooms will only be open five minutes before class begins. Our teachers like to have the room fully
prepared for the children before they arrive. Also, we need your cooperation in leaving on time so we can
prepare for the next class or program. Be sure your child does not enter or leave the children’s classroom before
you do. Remember staff and children are working throughout our building. Please help your child use respectful
behavior in the hallways (walking quietly, talking softly). Children are the responsibility of the parent before
and after class. This includes children in Sibling Care. Please drop siblings off before you come to class.
Snacks
Snack time provides a valuable learning experience for the children. They experiment with taste, smell, color,
texture, taking turns, making choices and self-help skills. Please inform staff about any diet restrictions your
child may have. Diet restrictions will be clearly posted in the classroom. For the child requiring a rigid diet,
food must be brought from home. Snacks are provided by the Forest Lake Area Schools Food Service and will
not be served at every class. Please make sure your child is not hungry before class time.
Fees
ECFE fees are determined using a sliding fee scale. Sliding fees are based on a family’s gross income. All
families are welcome. No Forest Lake Area School District resident will be turned away due to inability to pay
the class fee. If you have questions about fees or payments, please contact The Registrar at (651) 982-8349.
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Class Components Most ECFE classes consist of the following three components:
1. Parent-Child Interaction Time
During the first part of each weekly class, parents and
children will explore learning stations designed to help
children’s overall growth. This is a special time for you to
focus on and interact with your child. Our staff will gladly
assist or answer any questions you may have. Observe
your child carefully. Let this be your time together. Follow
your child’s cues. Talk with your child about what is
happening in the room. It’s a great way to develop
language and cognitive skills and to help your child feel
good about him/herself. Your interest will encourage your
child to try new things. Visit areas your child is interested
in and share the activity. During parent-child interaction
time if your child behaves inappropriately and you cannot encourage acceptable behavior, it is all right for you
to remove your child from the classroom until he/she feels ready to play. This teaches children that certain
behaviors are not acceptable. Inappropriate behaviors include hurting other children, throwing or severely
misusing equipment and supplies, loud crying or temper tantrums and repeatedly ignoring a request.
2. Child Activity Time
While parents are in a nearby room for parent discussion, the Early Childhood teacher and a paraprofessional
provide opportunities for children to interact with others their age and to experience a variety of activities which
promote overall growth. Adjusting to new places and people can be scary for children and their parents as well.
The staff will respect your judgment on how soon you and your child will feel comfortable separating for parent
discussion. Here are some ideas that might make the transition easier:
Talk to your child at home about what happens at Early Childhood so s/he will know what to expect.
Bring a favorite item from home to comfort your child.
Establish a going away routine. Let your child know you are leaving, hug and depart quickly.
Leave something personal (such as a sweater or gloves) behind to reassure your child.
The teachers will comfort and work with your child if separation is difficult; however, staff may choose to come
and get you if your child becomes too upset or remains upset for an unusually long time. Remember, it is a
normal part of child development for children to become upset about separation from parents and other loved
ones. Early Childhood Programs provide a safe place for your child to accept and handle separation in a positive
way.
3. Parent Education
While children stay in their classrooms, parents are involved in a
discussion led by a licensed Parent Educator. Topics related to
child development and parenting issues such as discipline, self-
esteem, and communication are selected by each group for
discussion. The support and knowledge parents gain from each
other is rewarding and helpful. Parent Educator rooms, (along
with all classrooms), are a cell phone free zone.
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Little Rangers Preschool Coming to School Please send a backpack or bag with your child each day. This bag and all clothing, shoes, and outerwear must
be labeled with the child’s first and last name. Children should be dressed in washable, comfortable clothes so
they are free to take part in activities which could be messy or wet. We use washable materials, but we cannot
guarantee they will come out of all fabrics. Children should wear tennis shoes to assure their comfort and safety
indoors. Outdoor clothes and footwear, suitable to the weather, are required as children often go outside. If you
feel your child needs a change of clothes or other supplies, please bring them with you every day your child
attends school.
Drop off and Pick up
The safety of your child is very important to us. Children must be escorted to the classroom and signed in at the
time of drop off. Please sign your child out when you pick up. Remember staff and children are working
throughout our building. Please help your child use respectful behavior in the hallways (walking quietly, talking
softly). Children are the responsibility of the parent before and after class.
At the time of enrollment, parents must provide the Early Childhood Program with the names of persons
authorized to pick up the child as well as the names of any person not authorized for pick up. It is the parent or
guardian’s responsibility to inform the Center of any changes in this list throughout the year. If necessary, photo
identification or other official identification may be required by the Center prior to releasing the child.
If someone other than an authorized person (as indicated on the Emergency and Authorization form) is to pick
up your child, please notify the Center in writing.
We will only release children to authorized persons.
Snack Time Snack time provides a valuable learning
experience for the children. They experiment
with taste, smell, color, texture, taking turns,
making choices and helping themselves. Children
will wash their hands before snack and all sit
down together to eat.
Staff sit with the children during snack time and
children are encouraged, but not forced, to try
new foods. Please inform staff about any diet
restrictions your child may have. Diet restrictions
will be clearly posted in the classroom.
Snack will be provided by Forest Lake Area
Schools Food Services. For the child requiring a
rigid diet, please discuss this with your child’s
teacher.
Curriculum and Assessment
The curriculum used is Creative Curriculum a
play based model of exploration and discovery.
Handwriting Without Tears is also implemented
in classrooms. Assessment of development is
ongoing throughout the school year using the
DRDP (Desired Results Developmental Profile)
and IGDI (Individual Growth and Development Inventory)
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Teacher Web Pages
All teachers have a web page for parent’s to access important classroom information and browse photos taken
during special events.
Conferences Parent/teacher conferences are an integral part of our program. The classroom teacher will set up a time for
these meetings. Of course you may come to the teacher at any time with questions, concerns, or information
concerning your child. Please note we are uncomfortable discussing your children in their presence. A portfolio
containing samples of a child’s papers will be compiled by the classroom teacher and the parent. A summary
report will be given to you at the spring conference and will accompany the child to kindergarten.
Toilet Training
Children do not need to be toilet trained to attend parent/child classes at the Center. Please speak with your
child’s teacher if your child needs help toileting. Children attending a Community Preschool, child only session must
be proficient at using the toilet. In the event of a toileting accident a parent will be required to return to the school and attend
to the child.
Fees
We rely on the fees you agree to pay when you register your child for classes. Preschool class and Sibling Care
fees are due the first of each month through May. September tuition is due at parent orientation. There is a $10
fee for late payments. Monthly payments can be automatically charged to your credit card if indicated on your
registration form or requested at any time during the year. A sliding fee scale and fee assistance are available for
preschool classes with parent participation. If you have any questions regarding fees or payments, please call
(651) 982-8349.
Integration
All classes are integrated with Early Childhood Special Education. Children learn side by side in the classroom
setting. Early Childhood Special Education staff are an integral part of the teaching team in all the Center’s
preschool classes.
Toys from Home
Toys brought from home present special
problems for children, parents and staff. Prized
possessions are very difficult to share and may
get broken or lost. We urge you to bring only
those items which can be shared by a group, or
have been requested by a teacher (i.e. book, CD,
special items related to the unit of study). Please
label all items with your child’s name.
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Resources
Early Intervention Networks
Area counties have Early Intervention Networks which serve children from birth to age 5 with special needs.
They provide services in cooperation with local school districts and other service providers. Here’s how the
Early Intervention Program works: 1) You (a parent) call the Early Intervention Program. 2) A specialist
contacts your family. 3) Information is gathered by telephone. 4) The local school district does an assessment.
5) The needs of your child are determined and a plan is developed. (The program will tailor services to meet the
needs of your child and family as well as offer resources and support to your family.) 6) Services begin.
7) Follow-up is done.
Contacts for area counties are:
• Washington County - (651) 430-6700
• Anoka County - (763) 323-KIDS (5437)
• Chisago County - (651) 982-8366
A Forest Lake Area Schools Infant and Preschool Speech/Language Pathologist is available to answer your
questions about language development. Call Loretta Monson at (651) 982-8322 for more information.
Proactive Intervention Services
If you have concerns regarding your child’s behavior, a referral can be made to the Proactive Intervention
Program (PIP).
• A staff member will meet with you at the Center, or in your home, to learn more about your child.
• We will assist you in developing a proactive strategy.
• Our goal is for every child’s early years to be positive and successful.
• This service is free for families who desire a personal consultation.
• Visits to child care providers are also available
Call us at (651) 982-8300 for more information.
Home Visits
A licensed teacher is available to make home visits. If a family is unable to attend site based classes, the teacher
will bring a variety of toys, activities, and parenting ideas for you and your children at home. Visits are free of
charge. Families may call the Center to schedule a convenient day and time.
Family Learning
A program for parents with young children who want to work on English language skills, prepare for a GED,
earn an adult diploma, learn to read, explore career options or build computer skills. For information call (651)
982-8300 or (651) 982-8302.
Busing
School District transportation is available for children ages 4 & 5. Students can ride the bus in the morning (9:15
am) and/or ride the bus home at the end of school (3:30 pm.) parents or care givers will have to transport in the
middle of the day. There must be an adult at the bus stop with the preschooler and available at drop off as well.
Children, who enroll in the full day preschool, have the option of riding the bus to and from school.
Our hope is by providing this convenience it will be easier for families to participate in a high quality early
learning experience. Space is limited and dependent on availability of existing bus routes.
This service is offered free of charge. Please call (651) 982-8300 for further information.