Yuba City Unified School District
Transcription
Yuba City Unified School District
Yuba City Unified School District Child Development Programs Parent/Provider Handbook Child Development Office 445 Bernard Drive Yuba City, California 95991 (530)822-5235 Full & Part Day State Preschool & Migrant Program discovering the joy of learning... Celebrating over 40 years of service to the families of our community! Table of Contents: Program Philosophy & Goals………………………………………………Page 1-2 Program Self-Evaluation Process…………………………………………..Page 3 Nondiscrimination Policy Open Door Policy Determination of Eligibility Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Refrain from Religious Instruction Ages Served Enrollment Priority Program Descriptions……………………………………………………….Page 4-6 Quality Staffing/Ratios Curriculum & Assessments……………………………………………….. Page 6-9 Activities & Daily Schedule…………………………………………………Page 9-11 Patriotic Exercises Ready for School Daily Sign in & Out Procedures Late Pick-Up Fees Attendance & Absence………………………………………………………Page 12-13 Excused Absence Policy Unexcused Absence Policy Best Interest Day Fraud Policy..…………………………………………………………………Page 13 Parent Involvement.………………………………………………………….Page 13-15 School Board Meetings Parent Advisory Parent Concerns & Conduct Confidentiality………………………………………………………………..Page 15 Nutrition………………………………………………………………………Page 16 Food Allergy Positive Discipline…………………………………………………………….Page 18 Mandated Reporters/Child Abuse…………………………………………..Page 18 Health & Medication at School………………………………..…………….Page 19-20 Child Incident/Accident Reporting……………………………...…………..Page 21 Hand Washing………………………………………………...………………Page 21-22 Universal Precautions Environmental Health & Pest Control Policy…………………………..…Page 23 Site Emergency………………………………………………………………Page 24 Eligibility Requirements………………………………………………........Page 24-27 Family Size Gross Income Need Due Process Parent Appeal Enrollment…………………………………………………………….…….Page 28-29 Health & Social Service Resources Full Day Program…………………………………….…………………….Page 29-34 Recertification Process Parent Fees Nap Time Leave of Absence Seeking Work Student Parents Swing Shift & Sleep Hours Travel Time Parent Rights……………………………..…………………………………Page 35 Personal Rights………………………………..…………………………….Page 36 Caregiver Background Check Process……..……………………………...Page 37 YCUSD Sexual Harassment Policy…………..…………………………….Page 38 YCUSD Uniform Complaint Procedures……….…………………………Page 40 YCUSD Internet Acceptable Use Policy>……….…………………………Page 43 This program is funded by the State of California and follows the constitution of the State. The program provides no religious worship or instruction. The Yuba City Unified School District Child Development Programs 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 served. Yuba City Unified School District Child Development Programs 445 Bernard Drive Yuba City, California 95991 (530) 822-5235 Board of Education Lonetta Riley, President Fred Northern, Vice President Herbert W. Cooley, Clerk John Amarel, Member Sharman Kobayashi, Member Paul Broughton, Member Steve Scriven, Member Administration Nancy Aaberg Superintendent Doreen Osumi Deputy Superintendent Kimberly A. Butcher Program Director Child Development Programs Welcome Welcome to Yuba City Unified School District, Child Development Programs. We trust your participation in our programs will support your child’s educational experience, as we work together. According to the Perry Preschool Study, children who participate in high quality early education programs are more likely to graduate high school and a greater number attend college. Choosing quality preschool for your child now is a great future investment. Parents are key to our program’s success and each child’s educational growth. We have developed this handbook to help prepare and guide parents through our participation process and to familiarize parents with the State’s eligibility requirements and regulations for Child Development Programs. At any time, if you have questions or concerns, please contact our office at (530) 822-5235, so that we may help you. Again, welcome and thank you for the opportunity to serve your family. About Us The Yuba City Unified School District, Child Development Programs (YCUSD-CDP) provide preschool and child care services subsidized by the California Department of Education, Early Education and Support Division. We currently offer the following programs: State Preschool, PreKindergarten Family and Literacy, General Child Care, Child Development and Federal Block Grant, and Migrant Child Care. Because of our successful history in child development services, families have come to know and rely on our staff to provide quality early education for their children. Many of our families have had their children with us for years, and they continue to refer us to their friends and family. We are thankful for established trust and working partnerships with families and the community. Program Philosophy We believe that all children are eager to learn and when given developmentally appropriate opportunities, they flourish. We create an environment where children can develop positive attitudes about school, and develop respect for themselves and others. Developmentally appropriate activities promote exploration and build the self-confidence, independence and responsibility necessary for future success in school and in life. We believe in providing children a safe, clean and healthy physical environment. Our classrooms are arranged to offer challenging play and learning choices at a range of developmental levels. Our learning centers and activity areas are planned to allow children the opportunity to explore, experience, and succeed at their individual paces, at the same time ensuring that staff are able to easily supervise. Additionally children are exposed to many of the future concepts that they will fully learn in kindergarten and 1st grade, and given every opportunity to prepare and practice. 1 We feel that children develop a healthy and positive self-image through participation in a variety of activities that promote success and joy. Social skills are developed as children are given opportunities to cooperate, share and negotiate. Verbal skills help them articulate their needs. We believe children learn to respect and appreciate others, including those whose cultures are different from their own. We understand that children develop an understanding of language through various verbal and nonverbal experiences. We feel that creative experiences, such as art, music, dance and role-playing, help children develop self-expression. In providing a balanced curriculum, we are fostering children’s language development in all areas. We are aware of the linguistic diversity of the children and understand that English learners require us to gather as much information as possible to know them better, their family and their community. We feel that there is an important relationship between language, culture, and learning. We understand that language development and learning are shaped by children’s experiences. Our learning activities are planned to ensure that children are getting a wide variety of experiences. We believe in building and supporting the child’s language acquisition through classroom planning and a language rich environment. We believe in the individual uniqueness of each child and are committed to providing for all areas of their development: social, emotional, intellectual, and physical. The staff participates regularly in staff development training to ensure that curriculum and activities presented in the classroom are appropriate for the children, and aligned with the State preschool guidelines. Finally, YCUSD Child Development Programs believe that soliciting community support and involvement through awareness and participation in community events, such as “Day of the Young Child” is a valuable way to care for families. We provide information to the community regarding the services available through appropriate use of media and other forms of communication, as a way to reach as many children as possible with preschool services. Program Goals The administration works with program staff to establish working partnerships with parents at the earliest stage of their introduction into the public education system to help build the foundation for the child’s continuing school years. The staff will provide appropriate activities that meet the developmental needs of each child, including but not limited to activities for social, emotional, cognitive, linguistic and physical development. The program will provide opportunities for families to access community resources. Parents will have every opportunity to become personally involved in their children’s education. Staff and parents will work together to inform the community about the program. Local agencies will be utilized to provide services for the children. 2 Program Self-Evaluation Process YCUSD Child Development Programs conduct an annual program self-evaluation. We use the Categorical Program Monitoring Review instrument to determine compliance. An assessment of the program includes parent input through the Desired Results Parent Survey; information from the Desired Results Developmental Profiles, input and recommendations of teachers, and the use of an environment rating scale in every classroom. The director, with support from the staff, reviews all this information and produces a written list of tasks and equipment/supplies needed to modify the program in order to address all areas that need improvement. This process helps us ensure that areas of the program that are satisfactory continue to meet standards and areas requiring modification are addressed in a timely and effective manner. Submission of the agency’s annual report which includes the summary of the findings for the program’s self-evaluation is due to the State in June. Nondiscrimination Policy Our programs 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 served. Open Door Policy Our program offers an open door policy giving parents access to their children and the program during normal hours of operation. These hours may vary based on the program in which the family is enrolled. We operate in accordance with established BP1250 Community Relations. Determination of Eligibility The determination of eligibility shall be without regard to the immigration status of the child or the child’s parent(s) unless the child or the child’s parent(s) are under a final order of deportation from the United States Department of Homeland Security. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act The YCUSD Child Development Programs support the national implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and welcome children with varied abilities. We offer a full inclusion program ensuring that children with disabilities and their families receive and benefit from high quality, culturally and developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities. Refrain from Religious Instruction The Child Development Programs refrain from religious instruction and/or worship in accordance with Title 5 of the Education Code and the Constitution of California, Article XVI, Section 5. 3 Ages Served Our facilities are licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing. Our California State Preschool Programs serves eligible three (3) and four (4) year-old children. Eligible children need to be three (3) or four (4) by: September 1 of the 2014-15 fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter If the family continues to meet eligibility and need for child care, the child can remain in the full day program until the day before he/she begins Kindergarten. Enrollment Priority First priority: Families whose age eligible children are receiving child protective services or families whose age eligible children are at risk of being abused, neglected, or exploited. Second priority, All CSPP eligible four-year-old children shall be admitted before CSPP eligible threeyear-old children in accordance with family income ranking, with the lowest income ranks being admitted first. For purposes of determining the order of admission, public assistance grants are counted as income, and shall be ranked accordingly. When two or more families have the same income, the family that has a child with exceptional needs shall be admitted first. If none of the families with the same income ranking has an exceptional needs child, the family that has been on the waiting list the longest shall be admitted first. Program Descriptions The following is a brief description of our programs and their locations. The district is currently unable to provide transportation to and from these programs. Full Day Preschool & Migrant Program Bernard Drive Children's Center 445 Bernard Drive This program operates year round, 244 days, and serves children three (3) to four (4) years of age. It is available to families meeting income, work, and/or training eligibility requirements. It is funded by the California Department of Education Early Education and Support Division, California State Preschool Program Full Day and Part Day. Fees are based on the California Department of Education, Family Fee Schedule and are applicable to full day preschool programs. Bernard Drive Children’s Center Full-day Programs 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Year Round Migrant Child Care and Preschool Program Bernard Drive 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Seasonal (May-September) To receive the State based services of the Migrant Child Care Program, in addition to the eligibility and need criteria, the family must have earned at least fifty percent (50%) of its total gross income from employment in fishing, agriculture, or 4 agriculture related work during the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the date of application for child care and development services. Prioritization is as follows per the State’s Funding Terms and Conditions: First Priority: Second Priority: Third Priority: The family moves from place to place The family has migrated within the past five (5) years, is currently dependent upon seasonal agricultural work and is settled near agricultural areas. The family resides in a rural agricultural area and is dependent upon seasonal agricultural work. The programs are designed to prepare children for kindergarten, foster all areas of their development, and to strengthen parental involvement and participation. Programs include breakfast, preschool curriculum, lunch, rest time, and afternoon snack. State Preschool Program (CSPP) Part Day These programs are three hours per day and operate during the school year. The programs are designed to prepare children for kindergarten, foster all areas of their development, and to strengthen parental involvement and participation. Breakfast(a.m.) and snack(p.m.) is served daily. Our Part Day Preschool classrooms operate at the following locations and times: Andros Karperos State Preschool 1700 Camino de Flores Road 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. April Lane State Preschool 800 April Lane 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bridge Street State Preschool 500 Bridge Street 8:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. 12:15p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Bernard Drive State Preschool 445 Bernard Drive 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. King Avenue State Preschool 630 King Avenue 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lincoln State Preschool 1582 Lincoln Avenue 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Park Avenue State Preschool 100 Morton Street 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 5 Quality Staffing & Ratios YCUSD Child Development Programs are licensed under the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing (CCL). Teacher qualifications and staff-child ratios are maintained according to regulations established by the California Department of Education Child Development Division(CDE) and the CCL. Our teaching staff holds Child Development Permits through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Our staff receives incentives for education and all staff participates in an annual staff development plan . The CDE regulations require the following adult to child ratios: One (1) adult to every eight (8) children; One (1) teacher to every twenty four (24) children. In our part day programs the daily parent volunteer in included in the ratio. YCUSD Child Development Programs: Curriculum Language Development and Early Literacy The Yuba City Unified School District Child Development Programs embrace the philosophy that children learn through a variety of experiences. We understand that language development and early literacy are crucial to the success of children in later years. The staff has been trained in Early Steps to Reading Success, the Pre-Kindergarten Learning and Development Guidelines, California Preschool Learning Foundations, Desired Results Developmental Profiles-Revision 2 (DRDPr-2) and Preschool English Learners Guide. Language Development takes place through the use of English and the child’s primary language, when applicable. The program has bilingual Spanish and Punjabi staff that is available to children who do not speak English. The staff gathers information about the child’s family and their community to help with planning needs. Staff builds and supports the child’s language acquisition through curriculum development and a language rich environment using a variety of open-ended question techniques and by modeling proper use of language during large and small group times, at children’s play, during meal and snack time, the children gain language knowledge and skill. The staff implements the Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Little Treasures, Language & Literacy Program in the classrooms. This curriculum is the pre-k addition of a pre-k through 5th grade program used throughout our district. The focus of the program is classification, phonemic awareness, communication, vocabulary, alphabet knowledge, and awareness of print. The kits include a photo library, puppets, charts, big books, posters, and manipulatives. To enhance the Language & Literacy 6 Program, we also have available a variety of big and small books, tapes, flannel board story kits, computers, and other materials. Language development and early literacy is further promoted in each of the learning areas by using the Early Language & Literacy Classroom Observation tool kit. This tool provides a guideline for creating a literacy-rich environment. For example, the playhouse includes writing materials for children, menus and “groceries” with labels that the children can “read.” Computers are available for children to use, with a variety of preschool software. Mathematics The staff implements the Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Math Connects curriculum in the classroom. This curriculum is the pre-k addition of a pre-k through 5th grade program used throughout our district. The curriculum covers the most important mathematical topics for preschool children. It comprises related ideas, concepts, skills and procedures that form the foundation for understanding and lasting learning. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to build their understanding of mathematical concepts and ample practice to master important skills. Most importantly, all concepts are taught through and practiced with a strong problem-solving environment, ensuring that students become lifelong problem solvers. The program also provides a wide variety of materials and manipulatives to enhance the mathematics curriculum. The staff uses valuable information from the Desired Results Developmental Profiles to group children according to their varied abilities and to help them gain success in the areas most needed. Flexibility is instrumental for supporting children’s individual development. These are the types of manipulatives that support development of math concepts: Assorted Counting boxes Assorted Patterning Kits Graphing Activity Kits Puzzles Shapes & Sizes Activity Kits Geo-Boards Lacing Kits Sorting Kits Literature-Based Math Packets Mathematics is incorporated into everyday activities, such as circle time counting and singing. There are math manipulatives in each of the learning areas. Outside play activities include the use of measuring cups in the sand box, cooking toys in the outside playhouse, and a variety of manipulatives for outside use. Field Trips Parents will be notified when field trips are scheduled. Educational field trips may be planned to enhance the curriculum and the children’s development. Field trips may also be used as a way to ease the transition to kindergarten, visiting classrooms, where children will attend kindergarten the following 7 year. YCUSD transportation will be utilized for field trips. Impromptu walking field trips may also be taken. Should there be a cost associated with a field trip, donations will be asked of our families. Field trip costs will not exceed $25.00 in any given year. A child shall not be denied field trip participation due to the parent/guardian’s inability or refusal to donate the fee. Developmental Assessments Children that attend our programs for at least 10 hours a week are assessed using the Desired Results Developmental Profiles-Revision 2 (DRDPr-2). Each child’s first DRDPr-2 is completed within 60 calendar days of his/her first day of enrollment. When doing the assessment, staff will use a combination of assessment tools to complete the DRDPs. Methods used may include: Observation Notes Work Samples Checklist Parent Input Rating Scales Photos The staff uses the results of the DRDPr-2 to plan small group activities that focus on the individual needs of each child. Observations and records are kept on children’s progress, and lesson plans are designed to incorporate each child’s individual needs into the daily routine. Additionally, utilizing the DRDP-r2 Guide for Assessments includes the following: Staff creates a learning environment that supports the developmental levels of all children. Staff is consistent with the routine and learning environment to allow for optimal observations of children. Each child will have a DRDP-r2 completed every six months, after the first initial assessment. The teachers meet a minimum of two times per year with parents to conduct parent/teacher conferences. More conferences or meetings may be scheduled, at the request of the teacher or the parent. Informal conversations with parents take place daily. Parents are encouraged to provide input and suggestions regarding their children’s developmental progress. Student Study Team Student Study team meetings may be scheduled for a variety of reasons to support a child’s education. For example, if a child’s behavior interferes with his/her daily routine and development or that of other children, or when behavior becomes a safety concern, a Student Study Team (SST) meeting is planned. This meeting is an excellent tool, bringing all the people together that support the child. The group discusses the child’s strengths, area of concerns, known information and modifications. Parents share pertinent information, as part of this process. A plan is developed to meet the child’s needs. Through this process it may be determined by the group that the school psychologist or other behavior experts will need to come and observe the child in their school setting. Parents will be asked for permission. Staff members will work with the school psychologist to develop a consistent plan which will help the child adjust to the setting, develop social 8 skills, and communicate needs in a more positive and effective manner. The teacher will follow up with the parent and discuss any new ideas for improvement. Additional Developmental Support The Sutter County Preschool Intervention Program (PIP) may be consulted should a parent or teacher feel that a child needs additional support to meet their educational goals. If such a need is indicated, a parental consent form will be provided to sign and give permission for an initial screening. If through this initial screening, it is determined that a more in depth assessment is necessary, staff will seek parent permission, and upon completion of the assessment, set up an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meeting. The parents, teacher, Child Development Director and appropriate special education staff will comprise the IEP team meeting. Once an IEP plan is developed, district and/or county staff is then scheduled to work with the child who has been identified with special needs. These individuals may include, but are not limited to our school nurse, school psychologist, occupational therapist, and speech and language specialist. Individualized Education Plans are reviewed annually, or more often if necessary. Activities and Daily Schedule Daily activities vary between classrooms, but do include the following components: Child Choice Time (Expanding learning through child’s interests) Meals and/or Snacks Circle Time (Literacy, ABC Lessons, Math Concepts, Calendar/Time) Outside Play (Large Motor, Math, Problem Solving Skills) Small Group Activities (Language, Literacy, Writing, Early Math & Science) Clean-up Story Time Rest/Nap Time (Full Day Program Only) Patriotic Exercises Each school shall conduct patriotic exercises daily. These patriotic exercises shall consist of the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and may also include instruction that promotes understanding of the concepts of "pledge," "allegiance," "republic," and "indivisible" and understanding of the importance of the pledge as an expression of patriotism, love of country, and pride in the United States. (Education Code 52720, 52730) 9 At elementary schools, such exercises shall be conducted at the beginning of each school day. (Education Code 52720) At secondary schools, such exercises shall be conducted during the homeroom period. Individuals may choose not to participate in the flag salute for personal reasons. Ready for School Below, please see what will make each child’s time at preschool, comfortable & happy: A backpack with two extra sets of labeled clothing, and a pair of spare shoes. Dressing in layers will give the children the option of staying bundled up when cold, or removing layers, if hot. Keep toys from home at home. It’s sad when special items are lost or broken. For children's safety, please no flip-flops or loose shoes. Sandals should have a back strap. If wearing a dress to school, remember shorts underneath. We do not recommend that children wear dangling earrings or any loose jewelry, for their own safety. The program cannot be responsible for the loss or damage of any of these items should they be worn, or injury caused by such items. For safety, parents please keep your child(ren) close beside you as you arrive and depart. Daily Sign-In/Sign-Out Policy and Procedure Daily Sign-In & Out Daily sign-in & out with full signature is required in blue or black ink by the California Department of Education. These documents are used as a primary source for audit and state reimbursement for our services. Parents designate individuals eighteen (18) years of age or older who may pick up and drop children off. All individuals should be prepared to show picture identification. In the event that the parent requires an under-age designee proper arrangements must be made on a case by case basis through the Director of Child Development Programs. Any agreement will be documented in writing. While a biological parent may not have authorization from the enrolling parent for pick up, we cannot legally prevent a biological parent from picking up his/her child unless we have a restraining or custody order in the child’s file that restricts the parent from the child. If the child is brought to a YCUSD Child Development Programs facility by an individual not authorized on the emergency card, maximum efforts will be made to contact the parent for verbal authorization. a. Parent(s) will be called at home and/or place of employment. 10 b. Emergency contacts will be called to verify the individual not on the emergency contact list. Failure to get verbal or written authorization will be handled following the process below: c. The child will be signed in by authorized program staff. d. The parent will be notified to come to the classroom and/or program office to update the emergency card. e. If all efforts to contact and assure proper verification of an authorized person to pick up child are unsuccessful and a child has been left at the center for more than one (1) hour past closing time and/or the contracted pick up time, Child Protective Services or the Yuba City Police Department will be contacted. These are the only authorities to whom a child will be released in these circumstances. Parent failure to pick up children in a timely fashion is considered abandonment. The program recognizes that from time to time a parent may have to make alternative transportation arrangements for his/her child. If this is the circumstance, the program will accept the occasional verbal authorization for that date only. The parent should contact the Child Development Programs Office at (530) 822-5235. The family can make changes to the emergency card at any time. Please call or come by the Child Development office to make changes. Our office specialists will forward new information to the classroom teacher. Late Pick-Up Fees 1. Parents are required to pick their child(ren) up by the hour designated on the contract. Failure to do so will result in a late fee of $5.00 per child per ten (10) minute increment. (Ten minute increments begin at contracted end time and include each minute past that time. For example: contracted time ends at 11:00AM, but the child was picked up at 11:04AM. A late fee will accrue at the rate of $5.00, for the four-minute tardiness. If the child is picked up at 11:12AM the fee will be $10.00 because the next increment of 10 minutes has begun). 2. Late pick up payment arrangements or payment in full need to be paid made directly to the YCUSD Child Development office at 445 Bernard Drive, before the child may return to the program. It is our intent to not disrupt the child’s daily attendance routine. A written receipt will be provided for the parent to present to the teacher the next school day, or the teacher will be notified by the office that payment arrangements have been made. 3. Families with three (3) late pick-ups occurring in a fiscal year may be required to meet with the Director of Child Development Programs to determine a correction plan. 11 Attendance & Absence 1. Children are required to attend according to the contracted days and hours of enrollment. 2. All changes to the contract must be approved and documented on a Notice of Action through the Child Development Programs Office. 3. Reasons for all absences must be recorded. When a child is absent, the parent must call the teacher or the office before 9:00 a.m. with the reason for the absence. If a child will not attend the center on a day scheduled, the parent should notify the teacher in advance or call the office. 4. After three (3) consecutive days of unexcused absence, without parent notification, the Child Development Programs office will issue a “notice of action” for termination based on the assumption that there is no longer need for part day or full day preschool services. Excused Absences The following reasons for absence are considered excused: illness, medical, dental, vision, or counseling appointments for the child, parent or siblings; family emergency, court ordered visitations with another parent and/or other individuals. A copy of the court order specifying visitation, needs to be on file with the Child Development Office. A family emergency is defined as a situation or catastrophe that creates a hardship or impossibility for the child to attend on a contracted day. Following an absence, parents indicate on the sign-in/sign-out sheet, the exact reason for the absence -chicken pox, flu, cold, cough, etc. Parents verify by putting their full signature next to the reason. We understand that some children may contract illnesses more frequently than others. If this is the case with your child, please contact your case worker and let her know. We can provide information regarding a school-based clinic or other community resource that may help. YCUSD CDP reserves the right to request medical return-to-school notes from a licensed medical professional after 3 consecutive days of absence or when the child has an unidentified rash. Any established pattern or excessive use of excused absences will be subject to Program review. In the event that it is determined that the absence is actually an unexcused absence, the absence will be subject to the unexcused absence policy below. Unexcused Absences Absences not categorized in the above mentioned Excused Absences, as well as unverified absences, will be considered unexcused. Accumulating five (5) unexcused absences will result in a case by case evaluation of circumstances by Director. Which may result in a change of case status. 12 Best Interest Days Best interest days are defined as days used for the social or emotional benefit of the child deemed to be in the "best interest” of the child. Each child is allotted up to ten (10) best interest days during the fiscal year, July 1 to June 30. Days used beyond ten are considered unexcused. Examples of best interest days include: visits with parents or grandparents, family vacation, parent elects not to go to work/school, child visits another parent and we do not have a court order, school/scout field trips. Fraud Policy The California Department of Education requires Yuba City Unified School District Child Development Programs (YCUSD-CDP) to inform all families receiving STATE or FEDERAL child care assistance that if child care assistance is obtained by providing fraudulent or incomplete information, YCUSDCDP shall actively pursue recovery of the funds due for child care services. Fraudulent, false, deceitful or misleading information provided to YCUSD-CDP regarding employment status, income, status as a student, enrollment in a training program, or eligibility relating to medical incapacitation, will be grounds for termination. Should you have any questions regarding reportable income, please don’t hesitate to ask our office staff. We are happy to provide clarification and guidance. Additionally we need families to report the following within five (5) calendar days: Changes in wages, including commissions, overtime, bonuses, SSI/SSP Child support or other income received Loss of employment Change in employment due to temporary lay-off and/or medical leave Changes in family size including: marriage, separation, or birth or an older child leaving home If services are terminated for any of the reasons above and the termination goes to a fair hearing (appeal) the parents will be liable for any services YCUSD- CDP provided during the time the appeal was being heard should the appeal be lost. Parents will not be eligible for further child care assistance for at least twelve (12) months and the termination will be effective immediately. YCUSD-CDP will attempt to recover funds by developing a repayment plan. If the parent misses the payments, as outlined in the repayment plan, then the family shall be terminated for non-payment of delinquent fees. The family shall be ineligible for child care and development programs until all delinquent fees are paid unless said delinquent fees are paid before the effective date indicated on the NOA. Parent Involvement Parents are offered opportunities to build and reinforce confidence in their role as their child’s primary educator and to create a strong home to school partnership. Parents are encouraged to participate in the classroom promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of all cultures, families traditions, and children’s varying abilities. To maximize your ability to participate with the children, please turn cell phones to vibrate and refrain from using cell phones unless an emergency arises. 13 Parent participation is critical in our part-day preschool programs. In order to ensure that parents are an integral part of their child’s preschool experience and to ensure programs are financially solvent, the State allows us to count our parent volunteer in our adult to child ratios. We ask that families with children in our part-day programs volunteer, in the classroom, at least one day a month. If a parent is unable to participate due to pregnancy, because they are caring for younger siblings, or other extenuating circumstances, they may choose to elicit the help of a relative or friend, who is at least 18 and would like to work with children. The children love it when grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other extended family participate in the classroom. The staff will develop a parent volunteer schedule and will expect parents on their scheduled day. If for any reason a parent cannot make their schedule time, they are asked to please find another family member to substitute or ask another parent from the class to trade days. Please communicate these changes to the teacher in advance. Because parents are working during our full day preschool program, volunteering hours monthly in the classroom is not expected. If a parent chooses, they may use vacation or personal necessity time to volunteer during our core curriculum hours. Additionally, we welcome other family members that may be available to volunteer. We encourage and seek parent input and suggestions through daily contact during drop off and pick up times. Parents are strongly encouraged to provide input through scheduled meetings with staff, by attending parent meetings, and by completing parent surveys. School Board Meetings The Yuba City Unified School District Board Meetings are open to the public and we encourage parents to attend. The meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the District Board Room at 750 Palora Avenue, Yuba City. Parent Advisory Committee The Parent Advisory Committee (P.A.C.), is composed of parent representatives that meet quarterly and as needed to assist the total program. The functions of the P.A.C. are the following: Promote parent participation and include parents in the development of curriculum. Plan and promote participation in parent education meetings and family social gatherings. Plan and promote program improvements and organize fundraisers to support change. 14 Parent Concerns We encourage parents to communicate any concerns, complaints, or disagreements about services directly to the classroom staff. Our classroom staff is committed to working with families, and wants to know each family personally. If the concern is in regards to billing issues, please contact our office staff. If after expressing concerns to our classroom or office staff, a satisfactory resolution is not achieved, the issue may be presented to the Program Director by calling (530) 822-5235. Our Program Director has an open door policy, and will make herself available when possible should parents stop by. In the event she is unavailable, she is happy to schedule a meeting time. The State of California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing licenses the Child Development Programs. All parents are given LIC 623 Personal Rights and LIC 995 Parents' Rights to complete at the time of enrollment. Parents who believe these rights may have been violated, and not satisfactorily resolved by the classroom teacher and/or Program Director may contact the Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing, 520 Cohasset Road, Suite 170, Chico, California, (530) 895-5033. In addition, any concern or information pertaining to child abuse and/or neglect should be relayed to the director, who will communicate directly with child protective services (police, sheriff, probation, and/or welfare department). Parent Conduct On rare occasions, parents express concerns in the classroom. We ask that parents express concerns in ways that will not disturb or frighten children or cause anyone to feel threatened or uncomfortable. It is best if parents make an appointment to meet and discuss concerns with the teacher or staff before or after class. We operate under the Board Policy 3515.2 Business & Non-instructional Operations. Any verbal or physical misconduct is a violation of the State Education Code 32210, 32211, 35160, 44810, 44811, 51512 and Penal Code 243.5, 415.5 which protects teachers and children in these situations. All adults, our staff included, are expected to exhibit these basic behaviors during our programs: 1. Demonstrate cooperation, act with honesty and take responsibility for behavior. 2. Show respect and concern for the program, others and their property. 3. Know and carry out the rules and regulations in the classroom and in this handbook. 4. Refrain from displaying rudeness, defiance or disrespect through words or gestures. 5. Use acceptable language. 6. Show respect for cultural and ethnic differences. 7. Communicate without threats and/or harassment. Any visitor that fails to exercise these basic behaviors will be asked to leave the classroom or the child development office. Confidentiality There may be times when parents hear information or see an incident that is confidential. This may be information that pertains to another person's private life, but is normally not public knowledge. This 15 information may injure, unjustly sadden, or defame another person if revealed. If parents hear or see something which was not intended for their knowledge, they should not share this information with other parents, children, family, or friends. If the nature of the information is such that the parent cannot keep it to himself/herself, they should discuss the concerns with the classroom teacher. The teacher will then work with the Program Director who will address the situation. The use or disclosure of any information pertaining to a child and his/her family shall be restricted to purposes directly connected with the administration of the program. Our program shall permit the review of the family data file by the child’s parent(s) or parent’s authorized representative, upon request and at reasonable times and places. Authorized YCUSD personnel will have access to child and his/her family files, individual child screening and assessment results for programmatic purposes. Such files may be reviewed but are not limited to review by the Program Director, Office Specialists, School Nurse, Teacher, Speech and Language Specialist, School Psychologist, or other authorized personnel. All family/children’s files are stored in locked file cabinets. Our Child Development Programs participate in the National Food Program and provide breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack in accordance with the National School Lunch Program requirements. Full day programs offer morning snacks, as well. Our programs, in collaboration with the National School Lunch Program, do their best to avoid sugary snacks/treats like candy, cake, ice cream, and sugary cereals. They are costly and provide very little nutritional value. We encourage and support healthy eating. All meals and snacks are provided to the child at no cost to the family regardless of its National School Lunch Program status. Family copay for the National School Lunch Program and morning snack are provided for families by program funds. The programs recognize that children’s proper nutrition is a matter of the highest priority for the State. There is a demonstrated relationship between the intake of food and good nutrition and the capacity of children to develop and learn. The teaching of good nutrition principles in schools is urgently needed to assist children from all socio-economic backgrounds in developing the proper eating habits essential for lifelong good health and productivity. We support the mission of the National School Lunch Program, offering children nutritious meals and snacks daily. Food Allergies Please list any allergies on your child’s emergency card and verbally inform our staff. Our cafeteria requires a doctor’s note documenting the child’s food allergy. This will assist them as they prepare 16 appropriate food choices for your child. Parents whose religious beliefs prohibit certain foods may submit a written statement to be kept in the child’s classroom and office file. Upon receipt of a written request, our program will accommodate your child’s food needs. Parents fill out a pre-admission health history report as part of the enrollment process. Our office specialists ask parents specifically about any allergies indicated and provide a “special meal request form” to be filled out by the child’s physician. Our office then tracks the return of this form from the parent prior to the student attending the program. Once the form is received from the doctor, the office specialist provides a copy to the classroom teacher before scanning the form and forwarding to food service and verifying their receipt. Should a student develop an allergy following the enrollment appointment parents should notify their teacher immediately. The teacher will contact the office immediately to receive an emailed copy of the “special meal request form” that the parent will have completed by physician and return to the child development office for processing. Our classroom teachers are responsible to communicate allergies to all staff & parents in the classroom. An allergy list should be located in a central location for easy reference. If student names are included in the list, then it must be located in a confidential location. No Outside Food Policy Children will not be allowed to eat food in the classroom that is not provided by our program. Exceptions may be made for children with severe food allergies. Food/Snacks provided by the Federal School Lunch program and the Child Development Programs may not leave our food serving area. You are invited to stay with your children until they complete their meal or snack, but they cannot leave the campus with food. Special Events and Celebrations We recognize the need to celebrate special events where food, snacks and/or beverages might part of the celebration. Accommodations will be made to celebrate such events through catering services available from YCUSD Food Services Department, whenever possible. A child’s birthday is special and a day of celebration. Your child’s teacher can provide a variety of alternatives to sugary snacks. Parents are invited to participate and stay during the celebration. Please make arrangements with the child’s teacher and inform her of plans at least one (1) week before the birthday. Parents should express any concerns regarding celebration of their child's birthday to the teacher. Our no-sweets policy does not allow us to accept any birthday cakes, cupcakes, candy, or other sugary sweets or drinks. However, parents can make arrangements with the cafeteria for a party lunch, snack or low sugar alternatives. You are encouraged to use the cafeteria whenever possible. They offer party lunch menus, snack parties and other alternatives. Ask your child’s teacher for an order form or contact our main office at 530-822-5235. Supervised Cooking Activities Your child’s teacher may schedule a designated class time for cooking activities or nutrition lessons. The teacher may request certain items to need to facilitate the cooking activities. We appreciate your help and support of these activities, as the staff work to enhance the curriculum. 17 discovering the joy of learning... 1. The Child Development staff is committed to working with parents to provide an environment that is developmentally appropriate for all children. When working with children, the staff does not use or condone corporal punishment, humiliation, or intimidation. Redirecting is used as an effective method to avoid behavior problems and as a way to offer children choices and empower them to problem solve. If necessary, a "cooling-down" period or "thinking time" is encouraged and staff communicates with parents upon pick-up. Parents needing assistance with child behavior and positive discipline may contact our office for information and resources available within the community. 2. Inappropriate behavior will be discussed with the child. If the behavior continues, the teacher, parent(s), and/or the program director, will work together to identify modifications that will create situations where children experiencing behavior difficulties can feel successful. This meeting is called a “Child Study Team”. The child’s hours or days of attendance may be temporally adjusted to meet his/her development of appropriate behavior. 3. If a child’s behavior is severe and interfering with the immediate safety and security of other children and/or the adults, their parent(s) will be contacted for immediate pick-up. 4. In rare cases, we may determine that it is in everyone’s best interest, to terminate the child’s contract for child development services. Mandated Reporters/Child Abuse Policy The Child Development Programs staff is mandated by law to report suspected child abuse. Parents experiencing serious behavior problems with their child should contact the Director of Child Development Programs for support and assistance. Please be advised that the following are possible signs of child abuse, neglect or exploitation: A child who is frequently absent or late. A child who is unkempt and/or inadequately dressed. If he/she is dressed inappropriately for the weather; if his/her clothing is dirty and torn; if he/she is habitually unwashed; if other children don’t like to sit near him/her because they think he/she smells bad, or he/she is clearly neglected. 18 A child who more than occasionally bears bruises, welts and other injuries. Will he/she say how he/she got them? Does he/she complain of being beaten at home? Is he/she always fighting? A child who displays hyperactive, aggressive, disruptive or destructive behavior. A child who is withdrawn, shy, passive or uncommunicative. A child who needs, but is not getting medical attention. A child who is undernourished. A child who is always tired and tends to fall asleep in class. The indicators of possible child sexual abuse are: Child may be reluctant to go to a particular place, or to be with a particular person. Child may show unusual interest in genitals of other people or of animals. Child may show affection in inappropriate ways. Child may be diagnosed as having venereal disease. Signs are vaginal, bloody discharge, urinary tract infections, and/or vaginal itching. Loss of appetite, or a sudden increase in appetite. Lots of new fears – needing more reassurance than in the past. Return to younger, more babyish behavior. Suddenly turning against one parent. Withdrawn – regression. Using inappropriate “sexual language”. U Y C S D Health We trust that each parent will be responsible to monitor the daily health and physical condition of his/her child and to determine the child's ability to actively participate in the program. As a precaution, a daily health check will be made by the classroom teacher. After the teacher determines that the child is without obvious signs of illness, the parent or authorized adult may sign the child in. If the teacher determines that the child is not well enough to stay in the program, the parent or the person who brought the child will be asked to take the child home and monitor their health. Excused absences will be allowed to resolve this health issue. Our health history form contains a space for parent to determine a plan for staff to follow if their child becomes ill. Children who become ill at during the program shall be provided an isolation area for illness. It will be equipped with an appropriate mat, cot, couch or bed for each ill child. Isolation area shall be located to afford easy supervision of children by center staff. A child’s authorized representative shall be notified immediately when the child becomes ill enough to require isolation. We ask that parent make every effort to pick up their child quickly. 19 Observation of the ill child shall continue while he is at the center. Any unusual behavior, any injury, or any signs of illness requiring assessment and/or administration of first aid by staff shall be reported to the child’s authorized representative and recorded in the child’s record. (Child Incident/Accident Report Form). Illness/Health Procedures Children who are ill with cold or flu like symptoms must be free from fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea for twenty four (24) hours before returning to the program. Following any unidentified rash parents will be required to provide a health care provider note verifying that the student is not contagious. In the event of Head Lice (Pediculosis) students may return to the classroom following proper medically approved shampoo/treatment. 1. Head Lice-(Pediculosis) - May return after treatment . Medication at School Classroom staff must be aware of all medication given. Only medication that is ordered by the child's physician and is documented on the YCUSD Medication Administration Authorization Form can be given by the staff. This includes over-the-counter medications. Staff can not administer any type of over-the-counter medications at any time, for example: aspirin, cough drops/cough syrup, or Tylenol. We ask that whenever possible, medications be given at home. For safety reasons, please do not put medications in the child’s back pack or with other belongings. Parents please hand all medications directly to staff. Sun Exposure/Protection YCUSD Child Development Programs will provide as much natural shade protection to children as possible during outdoor activities. All efforts will be made to provide mature shade trees and sun protective shade structures. In efforts to reduce sun exposure parents are encouraged to dress their child in appropriate sun protective clothing, including hats. We encourage families to apply a minimum of 15% Sun Protection Factor (SPF 15/UVB & UVA) protection lotion or product to children prior to sun exposure. If a parent requests that a second a sunscreen application take place at our full day program, staff will follow EC35183.5. With signed parent permission, sun protective lotion will be applied to a child, as requested. 20 Child Incident/Accident Reporting Policy It is the policy of YCUSD Child Development Programs to document and report child incidents/accidents. The following form will be given to the parent upon his/her arrival: Child Incident/Accident Form - This form indicates any visible sign of injury, including minor skin cuts, bruises or abrasions. The form includes verification of discussion with parent by his/her signature. Incident/Accident that Requires that the Child be Picked Up For any accident that requires a child’s parent/guardian be called to pick up the child, we will also have the following forms completed and ready for the parents upon arrival: YCUSD Student Accident Form (lists all witnesses to the accident, including any children who saw the accident or the child’s account of the incident) Licensing Form (LIC 624) Unusual Incident/Injury Report (when applicable). In all cases of injury or illness, attempts will be made to contact parents immediately and involve them in the decision regarding treatment. If the staff is unable to locate the parents or an emergency contact, they will secure appropriate treatment at the nearest medical facility. If a major injury or illness is involved, the child will be transported by ambulance (at the parent's expense) to a hospital. Hand Washing To prevent the spread of germs in the YCUSD Child Development Programs, our staff wash their hands and assist and teach children good hand washing practices. Hands Washing Times: Children: Upon arrival at the program, while assisted by a parent or guardian. Immediately before and after eating. After using the toilet or having a diaper changed. After contact with body fluids, including diapers, runny noses, spit, vomit, etc. Before and after using water tables Before and after using play dough. After playing on the playground. After handling pets, pet cages, or other pet objects. Whenever hands are visibly dirty. Hand Washing Procedures Use liquid soap and warm running water. Rub hands vigorously for at least ten seconds. Rub the back of hands, wrist, between fingers, under and around any jewelry, and under fingernails. Rinse well. Dry hands with paper towel and avoid touching the faucet with just-washed hands. Use a paper towel to turn off the water. 21 Hand Rub/Hand Sanitizer Products YCUSD Child Development Programs will make available, and encourage the use of alcohol/alcohol free hand rub products when hands are not visibly soiled. These products will not be used in lieu of proper hand washing procedures but we reserve the right to use in the event that running water and soap are not available, such as when we are on field-trips. Universal/Standard Precautions Universal precautions are a set of precautions designed to prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus, and other blood borne pathogens. They apply to blood and body fluids containing visible blood, and involve the use of protective barriers such as gloves, gowns and masks to prevent contact with blood and body fluids. YCUSD Child Development Programs will follow the guidelines for standard precautions adopted for licensing community care facilities with the assistance of the California Department of Public Health. Universal precautions are not limited to use with individuals known to be carrying a specific disease. Precautions must be used in all situations and instances when blood or body fluids are handled. Precautions should be used daily as part of good hygiene practices in all classrooms. In the school setting, universal precautions should include: hand washing using gloves placing gloves and other clean up items into a clear plastic bag and tying it off careful trash disposal using disinfectants modification of CPR technique care when diapering if the blood and body fluids get on the carpet, blot with paper towel and clean carpet with disinfectant (use carpet machine) It is critical that universal precautions be used in every instance when handling blood and body fluids (e.g., drainage from scrapes and cuts, feces, urine, vomitus, respiratory secretions such as nasal drainage, saliva, blood, semen, and vaginal secretions) because there may be situations where it is not known that a person is infected. Child Development Programs Staff will not wait until a student or adult is identified as infected or ill before practicing universal precautions. For legal reasons related to confidentiality, there is no requirement that health officials notify school authorities of the results of blood test for antibodies to the HIV/AIDS virus. It is everyone's responsibility to continually use good disease prevention techniques based on thorough hand washing. Standard Precautions Both universal precautions and standard precautions assume that anyone may be infected with a virus. Standard precautions are very similar to universal precautions, but more comprehensive. The Center for Disease Control recommended that standard precautions be used in place of universal precautions in 22 hospitals. Standard precautions have since been adopted as common-sense guidelines to prevent disease transmission in a variety of settings, including congregate-living facilities, child care facilities and schools. Standard precautions combine the major features of universal precautions (which apply to blood and other body fluids) and body substance isolation (a set of precautions that apply to moist body substance), and apply to: 1) blood; 2) all body fluids, secretions and excretions (except sweat) whether or not they contain visible blood; 3) non intact skin (including cuts, scratches and badly chapped skin); and 4) mucous membranes. Thus, like universal precautions, standard precautions apply to blood and body fluids, but standard precautions also apply to body substances and fluids such as urine, feces, wound drainage, gastric drainage, nasal, mouth and eye secretions, and open lesions or wounds on the skin. Plan for Infection Control Hand-washing procedure for staff and children posted by all bathroom sinks and classroom sinks. Staff will use commercial disinfectant or prepare 1¼ cup bleach to one gallon of water solution or 1 tablespoonful of bleach to 1 quart of water, labeled, and placed out of children’s reach. Director provides janitorial staff with directions for daily and monthly cleaning: daily disinfecting of toilets, toilet seats, sinks, faucets and floors. All mops disinfected with approved solution and the mop is stored in janitorial room. Teaching staff will clean all table top surfaces and kitchen counters. All cleaning supplies are stored out of reach of children in a locked cabinet. All staff disinfects table tops before and after any snack or meals are served. Water play equipment is disinfected and properly stored after daily use. Water is changed before new group uses table. Staff washes all sheets and blankets weekly. Staff sanitizes all toys weekly or when one becomes contaminated. Environmental, Health and Pest Control Policy The YCUSD Child Development Programs facilities are entirely smoke free. The programs maintain facilities so they are free from harmful animals, insect pests and poisonous plants. Staff comply with all occupational safety and health standards issued by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) that apply to its own actions and conduct on the job. Written notice will be posted at least 48 hours in advance of all pesticide or herbicide application. This notice will included the date, time and general area(s) scheduled for treatment along with the brand name of the pesticides(s) or herbicide(s) to be used. Air Pollution The YCUSD Child Development Programs will lower health risks from air pollution as follows: Pay attention to the Air Quality Index (AQI) given by local news sources. 23 Have children play outside at the time of day when pollution levels are at the lowest. In extreme AQI the children will stay inside for play. Monitor for symptoms of coughing, wheezing, pain when breathing and chest tightness. Site Emergency The YCUSD Child Development Programs utilizes all efforts to keep children safe. This includes, but is not limited to ensuring all children signed in daily to our program, are present. We use a classroom ratio tracking sheet and count children every 30 minutes whether inside or out. Our program collaborates with Lifetouch photography to provide each family with a picture identification card for the enrolled child. This collaborative agreement includes basic missing child data including issue date, age of child, height, weight, hair color, eye color and other identification-specific information. In addition, the telephone number for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is included. Digital access to the child’s photograph is available to appropriate law enforcement and school officials. A copy of this identification card is kept in the administrative office. In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, these procedures will be followed: 1. Children will remain at the site until they can be picked up by the parent or other authorized adult. Staff will remain with the children until every parent or authorized adult arrives. 2. If a site is evacuated, children will be taken to a designated emergency center. The location will be posted on the site door and will be announced on the local radio station handling the emergency broadcasting (KUBA AM 1600 or SUNNY FM 95.5). If possible, efforts will be made to contact parents via the district’s auto-dialer, if an evacuation is necessary. 3. In the event there is an emergency where the authorities say that no one can enter or exit the programs – “lock down” – the children will remain in the classroom and will not be released to anyone, including their parents, until the proper authorities have lifted the “lock down” command. Information regarding the lock down will be available to parents on the emergency broadcasting (KUBA AM 1600 or SUNNY 95.5 FM) Eligibility for Child Development Programs Documentation is required to determine eligibility for State funded child development programs in the following categories: Family Size Determination is made based on the number of adults and children related by blood, marriage, or adoption that comprise the household in which the child is living. 24 When an adult living in the household is neither the parent of the child nor the spouse of the parent, the adult and the adult’s children shall be excluded from the family size when it is in the benefit of the child. (For example, grandparents, adult siblings, aunts, uncles and boy/girlfriends.) “Family” means the parent(s) and the child for whom the parents are responsible who comprise the household in which the child receiving services is living. For purposes of income eligibility and family fee determination, when a child and his or her siblings are living in a family that does not include their biological or adoptive parent(s), “family” shall be considered the child and related siblings. The definition of family in the regulations parallels the definition of parent found in the regulations and Education Code (EC) Section 8208(u) which states: “’Parent’ means a biological parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, foster parent, caretaker relative, or any other adult living with the child who has responsibility for the care and welfare of the child.” However, domestic partners and legal guardians were added to correspond with other legal provisions governing the definition of parents. “Any other adult living with the child who has responsibility of the care and welfare of the child” can include a neighbor who is temporarily entrusted by the parent to care for the child if the parent has been incarcerated. This includes any person standing “in loco parentis” (in place of the parent) while the parent is away from home for more than one day at a time. Parents whose work takes them away from the home for 24 hours or more need to identify the person who is acting “in loco parentis”. One factor used in determining whether two adults living together are considered a family is if they have a child in common, regardless of marital status and whether or not the child in common is receiving subsidized child development services. A parent shall provide the names of the parents and the names, gender and birthdates of the children identified in the family. This information shall be documented on a confidential application for child care and development services and used to determine family size. The parent shall provide supporting documentation regarding the number of children and parents in the family. The number of children shall be documented by providing the following documents, as applicable: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. Birth certificates Court orders regarding child custody Adoption documents Records of Foster Care placements School or medical records County welfare department records, or Other reliable documentation indicating the relationship of the child to the parent. When only one parent has signed the application and the information provided above indicates the child or children in the family have another parent whose name does not appear on the application, then the presence or absence of that parent shall be documented by providing any one of the following documents, as applicable: a. Records of marriage, divorce, domestic partnership or legal separation; 25 b. Court-ordered child custody arrangements; c. Evidence that the parent signing the application is receiving child support payments from his/her ex-spouse or ex-partner, has filed for child support with the appropriate local agency, or has executed documents with that agency declining to file for child support; d. Rental receipts or agreements, contracts, utility bills or other documents for the residence of the family indicating that the parent is the responsible party. If, due to the recent departure of a parent from the family the remaining applicant parent cannot provide any of the documentation above, the applicant parent may submit a self-declaration signed under penalty of perjury explaining the absence of that parent from the family. Within six months of applying or reporting this change in family size, the parent must provide the documentation stated above. If the information provided by the parent is insufficient, YCUSD Child Development Programs may request additional documentation necessary to verify the family composition and family size and eligibility. “Family of One” is when a child is living with an adult or adults other than a natural or adoptive parent. "Family of one" documentation will include at least one of the following: 1. A copy of a court order; or 2. A statement from a private placement agency; or 3. A notarized parental statement if placement is directly from the parent. Gross Monthly Income A family is deemed eligible if their total countable, gross monthly income, adjusted for family size, is equal to or less than 70% of the state median income. Documentation of employment will include current pay stubs for part day preschool and current pay stubs plus an employment verification form(s) signed by the employer, for full day preschool/migrant. Each type of monthly income requires back-up documentation. Need Need for child care is determined according to each parent’s work verification, school schedule, and/or incapacity. Parents may utilize child care service according to their need eligibility. Children that require care beyond part day preschool will be enrolled in our full day preschool program. For example, if a parent’s child care need is due to employment, they may use child care for days they are working. Parents are responsible for maintaining eligibility and a current need status. Please report changes in your need and/or gross monthly income, immediately. Examples of need criteria are as follows: 1. Child Protective Services/At risk of Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation, written referral by a legally qualified professional from a legal, medical, or social services agency or emergency shelter verifying that the family requires child care and/or preschool as part of the service plan. 26 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Seeking Permanent Housing due to Homelessness Employment Seeking Employment Vocational Training leading directly to a recognized trade, para-profession or profession Parental Incapacity Documentation of Child’s exceptional needs Due Process Parent Appeal Notice of Action Whenever an agency makes changes to child care services (for example, by approving or denying services, by changing the approved hours of care, or by terminating services), the agency must notify parents through a “Notice of Action” (NOA) form. The NOA will: Describe for parents what action will be taken, the reasons for the action and the date on which that action will be effective. The NOA will specify that parents have a right to appeal the action described on the NOA should parents disagree with the action, and provide parents with instructions for appealing. The Appeal Process: There are two levels of appeal: 1. A local hearing conducted by a hearing officer who is not involved with the decision; and 2. A state review conducted by the California Department of Education (CDE) of the local hearing decision. Child Protective Service (CPS) At Risk Referral Policy If eligibility and need are based on Child Protective Services, our office staff will need a written referral. This referral from a County Welfare Department Child Welfare Services worker must be dated within the six months immediately preceding the date of application for services, certifying that: 1. The child is receiving child protective services and 2. Child care and development services are a necessary component of the child protective services plan. 3. The probable duration of the child protective services plan and the name, address, telephone number, and signature of the child welfare services worker who is making the referral. . 4. A family may be eligible for child care services for up to 12 months if a County Welfare Department child welfare services worker certifies that the child is receiving protective services or family maintenance services, and if the case plan documents that the family requires care for the child. The 12-month time limit can be extended if the child welfare services worker issues another referral authorizing child care services. If there is no subsequent referral, the family will need to provide documentation that verifies that the family meets other need and eligibility 27 criteria in order to continue to receive services. Families are required to recertify before the referral expiration date. The period between referrals should not exceed twelve (12) months. All families are subject to the family fee requirement unless waived in writing by the referring agency. Families may be exempt from paying a fee for up to 12 months (cumulative), if determined to be necessary by a County Welfare Department child welfare services worker. For families with a fee waiver, income information will not be required and fees will not be assessed or collected. Enrollment Children living within Sutter County boundaries are given priority enrollment. YCUSD Child Development Programs shall maintain and use an Eligibility Waiting List in accordance with admission priorities of the California Department of Education and stated within the Funding Terms & Conditions for the current fiscal year. Applicants will be contacted in priority order. Once contacted from the waiting list, each family will be scheduled for an enrollment appointment, including an overview of the parent handbook. Documentation required for enrollment in the YCUSD, Child Development Programs: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Documentation/Verification of income eligibility. Documentation of need, for children requiring care beyond our part day preschool. A signed Child Care Data Collection Privacy Notice and Consent, Form CD9600A. Immunization records: all immunizations must be up to date within 30 days of enrollment. Birth certificates or their equivalent for all children counted in the family size. Physical examination done within the past year, preferably thirty [30] days prior to enrollment, and no later than 30 days following enrollment. 7. All immunizations need to be current at the time of enrollment or within 30 days of enrollment. The following immunizations are required for children 18 months of age and older: Polio DTP MMR HIB Hepatitis B: Varicella Three (3) doses Four (4) doses One (1) dose on or after first birthday One (1) dose but must be after first birthday Three (3) doses One (1) dose In situations where physicals and/or immunizations are contrary to a family’s religious beliefs, (Education code 8263), the family may submit a Personal Beliefs Exemption to Required Immunizations, (CDPH 8262). The form must be signed and dated within 6 months before entry to child care or school. 8. A completed YCUSD Child Development Programs enrollment packet. 28 Health and Social Services YCUSD Child Development Programs are committed to connecting families with appropriate providers of health and social services. We provide a packet for parents during the enrollment process with contact information for health and social services and other important resources. If anytime during the year, a family requires additional information or assistance, they are encouraged to contact our office. We will provide information and work to conduct follow up procedures with the parent to ensure that their needs have been met. Following Enrollment: 1. The program shall provide: a. A Classroom Orientation, at the beginning of the school year, Part Day Preschool and Back to School night for Full Day Preschool b. At least two (2) teacher/parent conferences per year c. An "open door" policy encouraging parents' participation in daily activities and/or involvement in parent/teacher organizations and preschool advisory committee d. Family documentation/records kept confidential and in secured files. 2. The Parent(s) shall notify the Child Development Office: a. When their child will be absent from preschool. b. If circumstances arise that prevent the child from continuing their enrollment. c. Within five (5) calendar days, when there is any change which affects their child care needs, for example: family size, work site, income, or need for services (loss of job or change in schedule). This requirement doesn’t apply to part day preschool. d. When they have new or disconnected telephone/cellular numbers, a new address, or other personal information changes Pages 29-33 of our parent handbook applies only to our Full Day Preschool/Migrant Programs: Recertification The YCUSD Child Development Programs are required to recertify family eligibility at intervals not to exceed twelve (12) months. Families with children enrolled in our part day preschool who are age eligible for a second year of preschool, will be recertified in the spring, for the following school year. In our Full Day Preschool Programs, recertification will be done when changes occur in family size, employment, income, or child care service needs. All recertifications are at the agency’s discretion to uphold the integrity of the program and/or to meet funding requirements or changes and/or at parent request. Families enrolled through Child Protective Services are recertified every six (6) months or more often. Families qualifying for services because of incapacity are also recertified every six (6) months, or more often if necessary. Parents working for a temporary agency are required to update their file monthly. For migrant families and other seasonally employed families, the application shall be updated within thirty (30) days whenever there is a change in family size or need, if need is based on 29 training or incapacity of the parent. The applications of all families shall be updated within thirty (30) days whenever there is a change in family size, income, public assistance or need. If during the recertification process it is determined that a family exceeds income guidelines, we will issue a Notice of Action terminating services. Families will be provided 19 day notice if mailed, and 14 days notice, if hand delivered to the parent. Monthly Parent Fees 1. Depending on a family’s gross income level, monthly fees may apply in full day programs. These fees will be assessed in accordance with the current Family Fee Schedule issued by the California Department of Education, Early Education and Support Division. 2. Fees are based on contracted days of service. No refunds will be made for absences of any kind. 3. Please bring payments in or mail to the Child Development Programs Office at 445 Bernard Drive, Yuba City, 95991. Check or Money Order payments are preferred, and payable to "Yuba City Unified School District." A receipt will be provided. 4. If your check is returned, any subsequent payments must be paid by money order, certified check or cash. Please note that bank fees for returned checks will be passed on to parents. 5. Child development parent fees are payable by the 1st of the month and are delinquent after seven (7) days from the date the fees were due. A ten-dollar ($10.00) late fee will be charged on all payments received after the tenth (10th) of the month. Failure to pay by the tenth (10th) will result in a 14 day (hand delivered) or 19 day (mailed) “Notice of Action”. Failure to submit payment and late fee within the notice time period will result in enrollment termination. If termination of services occurs for nonpayment of delinquent fees, the family shall be ineligible for child care and development services until all delinquent fees are paid. 6. Parents pay the contracted fee until a new contract is executed. 7. If fees are a family hardship, arrangements for payments can be made through the Child Development Programs office. Together, we will develop a contract for payment that meets the financial needs of the family and keeps regular payments forthcoming to the Program. This parent/agency contract agreement will be temporary and kept on file. A maximum of two (2) payment agreements per fiscal year may be requested. Approval of such agreements will be granted at the full discretion of the program director. 8. When our program cannot meet all of the family’s needs for child care for which eligibility and need has been established, we shall grant a fee credit equal to the amount paid to another provider(s) of these services. We will apply the fee credit to the family’s subsequent fee billing period. The family shall not be allowed to carry over the fee credit beyond the family’s subsequent fee billing period. The parent/family will provide copies of the receipts for the siblings receiving other child care services. Receipts shall be pre-numbered, show amount paid, 30 date of payment, daily rate and period of services. Together, it will be determined when the receipts can be provided, and when any remaining monthly fees are due. Nap Time Full day programs include a nap/rest period. Children do not have to sleep during the scheduled napping time. A child may remain awake and resting during this period. If a child wakes up early from a nap or becomes restless, that child may engage in a quiet activity (e.g., look at a book, draw, etc.) If a child disturbs other napping /resting children and the teacher supervising the napping children needs assistance, one of the other teachers required to be immediately available at the center per Section 101330(c) shall be asked to assist with supervising the child creating the distraction or disturbance. Our facility offers a rest period and provides or is equipped with appropriate furniture and equipment including but not limited to cots or mats placed in appropriate places and accommodations for preschool children. All napping equipment shall be washed with detergent/disinfectant routinely after use as specified by regulation and health procedures. Non-Attendance Days A non-attendance day is defined as a non-contracted day and/or a day when the parent is not scheduled to work because the employer cancelled work, or the parent is not attending school because the school is closed. Leave of Absence A limited term service leave may be granted when subsidized child development services will temporarily not be needed. The leave of absence does not apply to the State Preschool program. Reasons for a limited term service leave shall include medical and family leave and may include, but are not limited to, the birth of a child, breaks in employment, school breaks, the child’s visit with a non-custodial parent that is not ordered by the court, or family vacation in excess of best interest. A limited term service leave shall not exceed twelve (12) consecutive weeks in duration. With the exception being a limited term service leave from employment or training, the leave shall not exceed sixteen (16) consecutive weeks in duration if the leave is for a medical or family leave or a period when the vocational training program does not take place in the spring, fall or winter sessions. Administrative approval is required for any of these leaves. Parents must request a leave of absence at least two weeks in advance. The request must identify the reason for the leave and the length of the leave, which must be at least three weeks in duration. Limited term service leave request forms are available in the office. A leave of absence will be granted when the request does not pose any adverse effects on the Child Development Programs 31 _____________ Seek Work Policy Parents who are eligible for child development services and are not employed will be eligible for “seek work time” for a maximum of 60 working days per fiscal year, not to exceed 6 hours a day. Some days may be for 6 or more hours a day; some may be just a few hours, but overall the services cannot exceed part-time care. This need criterion is per parent, not per family. Since this a part time benefit, if both parents are unemployed and requesting services, then care could only be provided to the extent that the parents cannot take turns caring for the child(ren) while the other person seeks employment. Verification/documentation of the parent’s plan for seeking work will be required including a statement of how the parent plans to gain employment. In the plan the parent can identify whether he or she wants a set pattern of time or a variable schedule. To comply with this policy a “seek work” form must be completed and submitted to YCUSD-CDP. This form will document date, time, person contacted, phone number and interview/search. YCUSD Child Development Staff will contact all entries made to verify and justify child care hours. The Job Search Report will be taken weekly to the Child Development Programs Office. This service is also available to parents who are between jobs. Student Parents Student parents must be working towards a recognized vocational goal and provide written documentation of their progress. Progress reports must be submitted upon registration, changes in class schedule, and completion of semester. Parents meeting this qualification for services must recertify each semester. They are responsible for reporting all types of financial aid/loans received. Student parents will be limited to service for a 6 year training period toward a vocational goal. For the 6 year limit, the agency only has to keep track of the start date. If a parent discontinues training, resuming after several years, the original start date is the date to which 6 years is added to identify the end date. If the basis of need is training, the documentation in the family file shall include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Name of the school or organization where training is received Dates that current training activities will begin and end A statement of the parent’s(s’) vocational training goal(s) The anticipated completion date(s) of all required training activities to meet the vocational goal Class schedule which includes: 32 a. The courses that the parent is currently enrolled in b. Day(s) of the week and time(s) of day of the courses 6. Signature of parent along with the date the application was signed 7. Signature or stamp of the training institution’s registrar. In most cases the parent should be able to get an electronic printout of the class schedule. 8. Report cards, transcripts or other records to document that the parent is making progress toward the attainment of the vocational goal in accordance with funding regulations. A GED or English as a second language cannot be the vocational objective; they are a means of achieving the vocational goal. Study Time On a case by case basis, the maximum study time for any academic class is two (2) hours per week per academic unit in which the parent is enrolled. Students will be eligible for “student leave” between continual school sessions. Student leave provides the opportunity to remain eligible for services when the new semester begins. Online Classes Policy Online or televised instructional classes that are unit bearing classes from an accredited training institution shall be counted as class time at one hour a week for each unit. The parent shall provide a copy of the syllabus or other class documentation, as applicable, and the Web address of the online program. The accrediting body of the training institution must be among those recognized by the United States Department of Education. Adequate Progress Continuation of services based on training is contingent upon making adequate progress. The first time the parent does not meet the conditions of adequate progress, he/she may continue to receive services for one additional quarter, semester, or training period, as applicable to improve his/her progress. At the conclusion of that session, the parent must, in the classes for which subsidized care was provided, have made adequate progress minimum (2.0 grade point average or meeting institution’s standard for making adequate progress). If the parent has not made adequate progress, services for this purpose shall be terminated. No later than ten calendar days after the training institution’s release of progress report for the quarter, semester, or vocational training period, as applicable, the parent shall provide the YCUSD Child Development Programs with a copy of his/her official progress report. As it deems appropriate, YCUSD Child Development Programs may require the parent to have an official copy of a progress report sent directly from the training institution. In addition YCUSD Child Development Programs may request a release of information to enable YCUSD CDP to verify the parent’s progress with the institution. Swing Shift/Sleep Hours Sleep time is not granted automatically. Sleep time would be appropriate when the parent has a child or children to care for during the time needed for sleep. It would not be appropriate to authorize sleep time if both the parent and child would be sleeping at the same time. Sleep time will be considered when a parent makes the request and meets the qualifications. Parent’s work and travel time must fall 33 between 10:00PM and 6:00AM. Sleep time will be calculated based on the number of hours worked and commute time that occur between those hours. Example: A parent works from 8:00PM until 2:00AM and has a half hour commute: 4 ½ hours of the parent’s work/travel time fall between 10PM-6AM, so the parent could have up to 4 ½ hours of sleep time. Travel Time Policy It is the intent of YCUSD Child Development Programs to provide necessary services that coincide with the parent’s weekly work hours. This is referred to as “travel time” and is intended to be used to support employment (travel to and from the location at which services are provided and the place of employment). This amount of time shall not exceed half of the daily hours authorized for employment to a maximum of four hours per day. In addition to the above, “reasonable commute” will contribute to determining the amount of commute/travel time allowed. 34 STATE OF CALIFORNIA—HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION CHILD CARE CENTER NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS’ RIGHTS PARENTS’ RIGHTS As a Parent/Authorized Representative, you have the right to: 1. Enter and inspect the child care center without advance notice whenever children are in care. 2. File a complaint against the licensee with the licensing office and review the licensee’s public file kept by the licensing office. 3. Review, at the child care center, reports of licensing visits and substantiated complaints against the licensee made during the last three years. 4. Complain to the licensing office and inspect the child care center without discrimination or retaliation against you or your child. 5. 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. 6. Receive from the licensee the name, address and telephone number of the local licensing office. Licensing Office Name: Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Licensing Office Address: 520 Cohassett Road Suite 6 Chico, CA. 95926 Licensing Office Telephone #:(530)895-5033 7. Be informed by the licensee, 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. 8. Receive, from the licensee, the Caregiver Background Check Process form . NOTE: CALIFORNIA STATE LAW PROVIDES THAT THE LICENSEE MAY DENY ACCESS TO THE CHILD CARE CENTER TO A PARENT/AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IF THE BEHAVIOR OF THE PARENT/AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE POSES A RISK TO CHILDREN IN CARE. LIC 995 (9/08) (Detach Here - Give Upper Portion to Parents) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS’ R I G H T S (Parent/Authorized Representative Signature Required) I, the parent/authorized representative of ________________________________________________, have received a copy of the “CHILD CARE CENTER NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS’ RIGHTS” and the CAREGIVER BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS form from the licensee. _YCUSD Child Development Programs__ Name of Child Care Center ______________________________________________ Signature (Parent/Authorized Representative) Date NOTE: This Acknowledgement must be kept in child’s file and a copy of the Notification given to parent/authorized representative. 995 (9/08) For the Department of Justice “Registered Sex Offender”database, go to www.meganslaw.ca.gov LIC 995 35 STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES PERSONAL RIGHTS Child Care Centers Personal Rights, See Section 101223 for waiver conditions applicable to Child Care Centers. (a) Child Care Centers. Each child receiving services from a Child Care Center shall have rights which include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) To be accorded dignity in his/her personal relationships with staff and other persons. (2) To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs. (3) To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse, or other actions of a punitive nature, including but not limited to: interference with daily living functions, including eating, sleeping, or toileting; or withholding of shelter, clothing, medication or aids to physical functioning. (4) To be informed, and to have his/her authorized representative, if any, informed by the licensee of the provisions of law regarding complaints including, but not limited to, the address and telephone number of the complaint receiving unit of the licensing agency and of information regarding confidentiality. (5) To be free to attend religious services or activities of his/her choice and to have visits from the spiritual advisor of his/her choice. Attendance at religious services, either in or outside the facility, shall be on a completely voluntary basis. In Child Care Centers, decisions concerning attendance at religious services or visits from spiritual advisors shall be made by the parent(s), or guardian(s) of the child. (6) Not to be locked in any room, building, or facility premises by day or night. (7) Not to be placed in any restraining device, except a supportive restraint approved in advance by the licensing agency. THE REPRESENTATIVE/PARENT/GUARDIAN HAS THE RIGHT TO BE INFORMED OF THE APPROPRIATE LICENSING AGENCY TO CONTACT REGARDING COMPLAINTS, WHICH IS: NAME Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing 520 Cohassett Road Suite 6 Chico, CA. 95926 (530)895-5033 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DETACH HERE TO: PARENT/GUARDIAN/CHILD OR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE: PLACE IN CHILD'S FILE Upon satisfactory and full disclosure of the personal rights as explained, complete the following acknowledgment: ACKNOWLEDGMENT: I/We have been personally advised of, and have received a copy of the personal rights contained in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, at the time of admission to: YCUSD Child Development Programs 445 Bernard Drive Yuba City, CA 95991 36 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS CAREGIVER BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES The California Department of Social Services works to protect the safety of children in child care by licensing child care centers and family child care homes. Our highest priority is to be sure that children are in safe and healthy child care settings. California law requires a background check for any adult who owns, lives in, or works in a licensed child care home or center. Each of these adults must submit fingerprints so that a background check can be done to see if they have any history of crime. If we find that a person has been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation or a marijuana related offense covered by the marijuana reform legislation codified at Health and Safety Code sections 11361.5 and 11361.7, he/she cannot work or live in the licensed child care home or center unless approved by the Department. This approval is called an exemption. A person convicted of a crime such as murder, rape, torture, kidnapping, crimes of sexual violence or molestation against children cannot by law be given an exemption that would allow them to own, live in or work in a licensed child care home or center. If the crime was a felony or a serious misdemeanor, the person must leave the facility while the request is being reviewed. If the crime is less serious, he/she may be allowed to remain in the licensed child care home or center while the exemption request is being reviewed. How the Exemption Request is Reviewed We request information from police departments, the FBI and the courts about the person’s record. We consider the type of crime, how many crimes there were, how long ago the crime happened and whether the person has been honest in what they told us. The person who needs the exemption must provide information about: • The crime • What they have done to change their life and obey the law • Whether they are working, going to school, or receiving training • Whether they have successfully completed a counseling or rehabilitation program The person also gives us reference letters from people who aren’t related to them who know about their history and their life now. We look at all these things very carefully in making our decision on exemptions. By law this information cannot be shared with the public. How to Obtain More Information As a parent or authorized representative of a child in licensed child care, you have the right to ask the licensed child care home or center whether anyone working or living there has an exemption. If you request this information, and there is a person with an exemption, the child care home or center must tell you the person’s name and how he or she is involved with the home or center and give you the name, address, and telephone number of the local licensing office. You may also get the person’s name by contacting the local licensing office. You may find the address and phone number on our website. The website address is http://ccld.ca.gov/contact.htm. STATE OF CALIFORNIA—HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY LIC 995 E (10/09) 37 Yuba City USD | 5000 | BP 5145.7 Students Sexual Harassment The Governing Board is committed to maintaining an educational environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. The Board prohibits sexual harassment of students by other students, employees, or other persons, at school or at school-sponsored or school-related activities. The Board also prohibits retaliatory behavior or action against persons who complain, testify, assist, or otherwise participate in district complaint processes. Instruction/Information The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all district students receive age-appropriate instruction and information on sexual harassment. Such instruction and information shall include: 1. What acts and behavior constitute sexual harassment, including the fact that sexual harassment could occur between people of the same sex 2. A clear message that students do not have to endure sexual harassment 3. Encouragement to report observed instances of sexual harassment, even where the victim of the harassment has not complained 4. Information about the district's procedure for investigating complaints and the person(s) to whom a report of sexual harassment should be made Any student who feels that he/she is being or has been sexually harassed by a school employee, another student, or a non-employee on school grounds or at a school-related activity (e.g., a visiting athlete or coach) shall immediately contact his/her teacher or any other employee. An employee who receives such a complaint shall report it in accordance with administrative regulation. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that any complaints regarding sexual harassment are immediately investigated in accordance with administrative regulation. When the Superintendent or designee has determined that harassment has occurred, he/she shall take prompt, appropriate action to end the harassment and to address its effects on the victim. Disciplinary Actions Any student who engages in sexual harassment of anyone at school or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity is in violation of this policy and shall be subject to disciplinary action. For students in grades 4-12, disciplinary action may include suspension and/or expulsion, provided that, in imposing such discipline, the entire circumstances of the incident(s) shall be taken into account. Confidentiality and Record-Keeping All complaints and allegations of sexual harassment shall be kept confidential except as necessary to carry out the investigation or take other subsequent necessary action. (5 CCR 4964) The Superintendent or designee shall maintain a record of all reported cases of sexual harassment to enable the district to monitor, address, and prevent repetitive harassing behavior in the schools. Legal Reference: EDUCATION CODE 48900 Grounds for suspension or expulsion 200-262.4 Prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex 48900.2 Additional grounds for suspension or expulsion; sexual harassment 38 48904 Liability of parent/guardian for willful student misconduct COURT DECISIONS Donovan v. Poway Unified School District, (2008) 167 Cal.App.4th 567 48980 Notice at beginning of term CIVIL CODE Flores v. Morgan Hill Unified School District, (2003, 9th Cir.) 324 F.3d 1130 51.9 Liability for sexual harassment; business, service and professional relationships Reese v. Jefferson School District, (2001, 9th Cir.) 208 F.3d 736 1714.1 Liability of parents/guardians for willful misconduct of minor Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education, (1999) 526 U.S. 629 GOVERNMENT CODE 12950.1 Sexual harassment training Gebser v. Lago Vista Independent School District, (1998) 524 U.S. 274 CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5 Oona by Kate S. v. McCaffrey, (1998, 9th Cir.) 143 F.3d 473 4600-4687 Uniform Complaint Procedures Doe v. Petaluma City School District, (1995, 9th Cir.) 54 F.3d 1447 4900-4965 Nondiscrimination in elementary and secondary education programs Management Resources: UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 20 OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS PUBLICATIONS 1681-1688 Title IX, discrimination Sexual Harassment: It's Not Academic, September 2008 UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 42 Revised Sexual Harassment Guidance, January 2001 1983 Civil action for deprivation of rights WEB SITES 2000d-2000d-7 Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964 California Department of Education: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ 2000e-2000e-17 Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 34 Policy YUBA CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 106.1-106.71 Nondiscrimination on the basis of sex in education programs adopted: April 13, 2010 Yuba City, California 39 Yuba City USD | 1000 | BP 1312.3 Community Relations Uniform Complaint Procedures The Governing Board recognizes that the district is primarily responsible for complying with applicable state and federal laws and regulations governing educational programs. The district shall investigate complaints alleging failure to comply with such laws and/or alleging discrimination and shall seek to resolve those complaints in accordance with the district's uniform complaint procedures. (5 CCR 4620) The district shall follow uniform complaint procedures when addressing complaints alleging unlawful discrimination against any protected group as identified under Education Code 200 and 220 and Government Code 11135, including actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, or mental or physical disability, or age, or on the basis of a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics in any district program or activity that receives or benefits from state financial assistance. (5 CCR 4610) Uniform complaint procedures shall also be used when addressing complaints alleging failure to comply with state and/or federal laws in adult education programs, consolidated categorical aid programs, migrant education, career technical and technical education and career technical and technical training programs, child care and development programs, child nutrition programs, and special education programs. (5 CCR 4610) (cf. 0410 - Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities) (cf. 6178 - Career Technical Education) (cf. 6200 - Adult Education) (cf. 1312.1 - Complaints Concerning District Employees) Complaints related to sufficiency of textbooks or instructional materials, emergency or urgent facilities conditions that pose a threat to the health or safety of students or staff, and teacher vacancies and misassignments shall be investigated pursuant to the district's Williams uniform complaint procedure (AR 1312.4). (cf. 1312.2 - Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials) (cf. 3553 - Free and Reduced Price Meals) (cf. 4031 - Complaints Concerning Discrimination in Employment) (cf. 1312.4 - Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures) (cf. 5141.4 - Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting) The Board encourages the early, informal resolution of complaints at the site level whenever possible. (cf. 5148 - Child Care and Development) The Board acknowledges and respects every individual's right to privacy. Discrimination complaints shall be investigated in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and the integrity of the process. This may include keeping the identity of the complainant confidential, as appropriate and except to the extent necessary to carry out the investigation or proceedings, as determined by the Superintendent or designee, on a case-by-case basis. (cf. 6159 - Individualized Education Program) (cf. 6171 - Title I Programs) (cf. 6174 - Education for English Language Learners) (cf. 6175 - Migrant Education Program) 40 (cf. 4119.23/4219.23/4319.23 - Unauthorized Release of Confidential/Privileged Information) 49490-49590 Child nutrition programs 52160-52178 Bilingual education programs (cf. 5125 - Student Records) 52300-52490 Career-technical education (cf. 9011 - Disclosure of Confidential/Privileged Information) 52500-52616.24 Adult schools The Board prohibits any form of retaliation against any complainant in the complaint process, including but not limited to a complainant's filing of a complaint or the reporting of instances of discrimination. Such participation shall not in any way affect the status, grades, or work assignments of the complainant. 52800-52870 School-based coordinated programs The Board recognizes that a neutral mediator can often suggest a compromise that is agreeable to all parties in a dispute. In accordance with uniform complaint procedures, whenever all parties to a complaint agree to try resolving their problem through mediation, the Superintendent or designee shall initiate that process. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the results are consistent with state and federal laws and regulations. 54440-54445 Migrant education Legal Reference: PENAL CODE EDUCATION CODE 422.6 Interference with constitutional right or privilege 54000-54028 Economic impact aid programs 54100-54145 Miller-Unruh Basic Reading Act 54400-54425 Compensatory education programs 54460-54529 Compensatory education programs 56000-56867 Special education programs 59000-59300 Special schools and centers 64000-64001 Consolidated application process 200-262.4 Prohibition of discrimination CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5 8200-8498 Child care and development programs 3080 Application of section 8500-8538 Adult basic education 4600-4687 Uniform complaint procedures 18100-18203 School libraries 4900-4965 Nondiscrimination in elementary and secondary education programs 32289 School safety plan, uniform complaint procedure UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 20 35186 Williams uniform complaint procedure 6301-6577 Title I basic programs 41500-41513 Categorical education block grants 6601-6777 Title II preparing and recruiting high quality teachers and principals 48985 Notices in language other than English 49060-49079 Student records 6801-6871 Title III language instruction for limited English proficient and immigrant students 41 7101-7184 Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act 7201-7283g Title V promoting informed parental choice and innovative programs 7301-7372 Title V rural and low-income school programs Management Resources: WEB SITES CSBA: http://www.csba.org/ California Department of Education: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OCR Policy YUBA CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT adopted: May 2007 Yuba City, California reviewed: August 26, 2008 42 Rev. 8/2010 1 INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE Yuba City Unified School District Yuba City Unified School District offers an Internet network, YCUSDnet, accessible by students, teachers, and staff. The Internet, an electronic highway, connects thousands of computers, computer networks and individual subscribers around the world. YCUSDnet users will sign an "Internet Acceptable Use Agreement" prior to being given access to YCUSDnet. This agreement will define the educational objectives and guidelines for use as well as unacceptable uses which will lead to revocation of access and possible legal action. YCUSDnet will install centralized software to control, monitor, and filter inappropriate material. Students under age 18 must have written parental permission before being given access to YCUSDnet. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Yuba City Unified School District Internet Policy Internet provides access to computer systems located all over the world. Users (and parents of users, if the user is younger than age 18) must understand that YCUSD cannot control the content of the information available. Some of the information is controversial and, sometimes, offensive. However, the valuable information and interaction accessible on this worldwide network outweigh the possibility that users may find inappropriate material. YCUSD does not condone the use of such materials and takes all reasonable precautions to filter access to these materials, however it can not be guaranteed that the user will not access inappropriate material . The responsibilities accompanying freedom of speech and access to information will be taught. School employees, students, and parents must be aware that access to the Internet will be withdrawn from users who do not respect the rights of others or who do not follow the rules and regulations established by YCUSD. Following is a listing of YCUSD goals and the types of information students will be able to access: YCUSDnet Goals: 1. To support the implementation of YCUSD Schools' Performance Standards and the California Standard Course of Study. 2. To enhance student learning opportunities by focusing on the application of skills in information retrieval, searching strategies, research skills, and critical thinking. Internet Access: The District Internet system has a limited educational purpose. The system will be provided to students to assist them in supervised classroom and career development activities, and for high-quality self-discovery activities. Additionally, the system will be used to increase District intra-communication and to enhance productivity. Teachers and personnel who, due to the nature of their jobs, directly forward the educational goals of the district, will also be provided access. I.. ACCEPTABLE USE - YCUSDnet will be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner and must be in support of the educational objectives and the student behavior guidelines of Yuba City Unified School District. Transmission of any material in violation of any federal or state regulation is prohibited. Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to the following: A. Violating copyright laws B. Forwarding personal communications without the author's prior consent C. Using threatening or obscene material D. Distributing material protected by trade secret E. Utilizing YCUSDnet for commercial purposes F. Providing political or campaign information II. RESTRICTIONS - YCUSDnet will employ web filtering hardware and software that will provide central Internet control, monitoring, and filtering. This hardware/software is a critical component of the Internet protection package since it allows valuable online Internet access while restricting access to specific unwanted categories including pornography, gambling, illegal drugs, weapons, online merchandising, hate speech, criminal skills, alternative journals, and games. The program filtering will be updated on a regular basis to keep the restriction list as current as possible. Rev. 8/2010 2 III. NETIQUETTE RULES - Users must abide by network etiquette rules. These rules include, but are not limited to the following: 43 A. Be polite; rudeness is never acceptable B. Use appropriate language; do not swear, use vulgarities or other abusive or inappropriate language C. Do not reveal personal addresses or phone numbers D. Do not disrupt the use of the network E. Assume that all communications and information accessible via the network is private property. IV. PRIVILEGES - The use of YCUSDnet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in limitation or cancellation of user privileges and possible disciplinary actions. V. DISCLAIMER - YCUSD will not be responsible for any damages suffered, including loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, service interruptions, or inaccurate information. The user accepts personal responsibility for any information obtained via the Internet. VI. SECURITY - Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. Attempts to tamper with or access the system as any other user or to share a password will result in cancellation of user privileges. Electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private; system operators have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities, and disciplinary action will follow. VII. VANDALISM - Vandalism will result in cancellation of user privileges and disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy equipment and/or data of anyone connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to uploading, creating, or transmitting computer viruses. VIII. UPDATES - YCUSD may occasionally require new registration and account information from you to continue providing services. You must notify the system administrator of any changes in your account information. All Terms and Conditions as stated in this document are applicable to the Yuba City Unified School District. These Terms and Conditions reflect the entire agreement of the parties and supersede all prior oral or written agreements and understandings of the parties. These terms and conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States of America. IX. AGREEMENT - Students must sign the acceptable use policy below. Parent or guardian must also sign the acceptable use policy prior to students under age 18 accessing Yuba City Unified School District Internet. I, _____________________________________________ (typed or printed name), understand and will abide by the Yuba City Unified School District Internet Acceptable Use rules and regulations. I further understand that any violation will result in the loss of access privileges and school disciplinary action. Staff or Student Signature:__________________________________________________ Staff or Student ID#: ___________________________ Date: ___________________________ I, _____________________________________________ (typed or printed name), have read the Yuba City Unified School District Internet Acceptable Use rules and regulations for Internet use and understand that this access is designed for educational purposes only. I also recognize that it is impossible to restrict access to all inappropriate materials. However, I accept full responsibility for my child's compliance and, hereby, give my permission for my child to use the Internet. Parent/Guardian's Signature:__________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________ Handbook Revised March, 2015-KAB 44