Charles R. Drew 

​Early Learning Centers 

​109-45 207th Street, Queens Village, NY 11429 | (718) 740-2400

2804 Glenwood Road Brooklyn, NY 11210 | (718) 434-1693

Parent Handbook 2024-2025

Charles R. Drew Early Learning Center’s History

The Charles R. Drew Early Learning Center was established in June of 1971 for the purpose of educating children with special needs.   Operated by the Queens County Educators for Tomorrow, Inc., the Center was the only fully funded center in Queens funded by the Administration for Children’s Services which provided special education services for preschool students and was an evaluation site with the capability of evaluating children to determine psychological, educational, social and emotional difficulties.  The Center is still dedicated to serving children with special needs and low-income children.  The Center has always offered an excellent preschool education to all the young children that have attended.

 

Charles R. Drew Early Learning Center’s Mission Statement

Our mission is to ensure that all preschool children who attend our program are on a solid path to college and career readiness. We are committed to providing educational equity for all children, specifically historically marginalized and low-income children by ensuring they get the same or better preacdemic background as their middle- and upper-income peers. Our agency engages parents and families in the process of educating their children. The Center provides a safe, developmentally appropriate environment to all preschool children. Our focus is to provide a stimulating early childhood experience, which promotes each child's social/emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development. We appreciate the differences found amongst our families and our colleagues. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive environment in which diversity, distinction and merit are affirmed, celebrated and enhanced.

 

Charles R. Drew Early Learning Center’s Vision Statement

The Charles R. Drew Early Learning Center is a successful early childhood school that continues to produce superior preschool students.  The Center has made quality childcare accessible and affordable to working parents and redefined what parent engagement means for all parents. We have an inclusive environment that welcomes all children and families to our center.  Now, as an early childhood school serving prekindergarten children, it provides superior instruction that empowers children and their families from diverse communities to create college graduates of the future!

 

 GENERAL CENTER GUIDELINES

Adjustment Period

School is a new experience for your child.  We want to make certain that it is a pleasant, positive experience.  For some children an adjustment period is beneficial. While not required, for many children a 3-day transition of 1-hour the first day, 3 hours the third day and a full day on the third day is recommended. Parents are advised day-by-day how their children are adjusting.

Unless you are requested to stay longer by the teacher, it is recommended that you stay only for a few minutes (at all drop-offs) to convey your confidence that school is safe and that you trust his/her experience will be a good one.

 Fees

You will be advised if you must pay a fee for childcare services and the amount of the fee.  Fees are not calculated by the center. They are based on childcare guidelines and cannot be adjusted by the center. Similarly, the fee must be paid every week. If for any reason your child is out, the fee must be paid to maintain his/her seat in the program.   Fees cannot be voided. Failure to keep fees current may also result in termination of services.  Fees should be paid through the online website for MyProcare. Cash and checks will not be accepted.

Instructions for MyProcare

 

·         Go to MyProcare.com

·         Enter your email address (the email you have on file with Charles R. Drew) and
choose Go.

·         Enter the confirmation code sent to your email, choose a password, and press Go.

·         Then you may:

            a. View your child’s schedule, time card, immunizations and more.

            b. Use the Pay button to make a payment with your card.

 

Extended Hours Fees: 3-K and Pre-K students are entitled to attend for free from 8:30 am to 2:50 pm. Special education students are also entitled to attend for free from 9:00-3:00. The opportunity for extended AM or PM hours for a fee may be offered dependent on availability.

 

Recertification

Families in the extended day program must be mindful of their expiration date. Prior to that day, you can send/upload in your application and documents independently; however, we recommend that you make an appointment with the family worker to ensure you have all the appropriate documentation. Failure to complete recertification will result in immediate termination of your day care services.

 

Arrival and Departures of Children/Lateness

  • Children cannot arrive to school before their program time
  • Drop-off and pick-up times are dependent on your child’s assigned program. No child can arrive before their program hours or be picked up later than their program hours. Parents will be charged a fee of $1.00 per minute late after 6:00pm.
    • Extended day hours are from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm 
    • School day hours are from 8:30 am until 2:50 pm 
    • Special education program hours are from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm
  • Children must be present and accounted for attendance by 9:30 a.m.  If you will be late for a valid reason, please notify the center before 9:30 a.m.  If you are late on more than three occasions within a month, we will not be able to accept your child after 9:30am.
  • Late arrivals affect the child and the class. Students must arrive to school no later than 9:30. (For UPK 8:30 and for Special Education Classes 9:00). It is important for students to be in school on time for consistency and to ensure he/she is receiving the full benefits of the program.
  • If there is an emergency and your child will be late, you must call the front desk prior.
  • Depending on the time of your lateness, your child may be sent back home for the day.

 

Attendance

  • It is important for students to attend school every day for consistency and to ensure he/she is receiving the full benefits of the program.
  • It is mandatory that children attend regularly and that absences be reported to the office in advance.
  • Childcare services may be terminated after absences of 12 days in one month or 24 days in a six-month period. Once dropped, if you would like to enroll your child again, you would have to go through the initial steps again.

 

Holidays and School Closings

  • Each program has its own calendar. Be sure to check with your family worker or site director if you are uncertain about which calendar your child should follow.

Escort Policies

The best way to ensure that your child is safe while going to and from school is to follow our escort policies. All of our preschool programs share the same escort policies.

  • Parents or an escort designated by parents are required to sign their child into and out of the Center each day, using both first and last name (mom, dad, aunt are not acceptable).  The sign-in sheet is located in your child’s classroom.
  • Parents or an escort designated by parents are required to accompany their child into the classroom.
  • Children are only released to persons whose names appear on the Center records as an escort.  If you are sending a new escort, please add that person to the child’s contact card located at the front desk or in the classroom.  In an emergency situation, a new temporary escort can be called into the front desk.
  • Escorts must show picture identification, for example, a driver's license or employer or school ID.  If requested and an escort does not have ID we will not be able to release your child. The escort will have to come back with an ID.
  • Escorts must be at least eighteen (18) years old.  The Center must have a signed and notarized waiver if the escort is under 18. No one under the age of 14 can be an escort.
  • As part of our security plan, video cameras are placed throughout the building.
  • It may be necessary for a parent, guardian or escort to be contacted during the day. Make sure that your child's records always include updated addresses and telephone numbers of three escorts who are willing to be available during school hours to care for your child if necessary. It is important that your child know the escort.

 

Emergency Cards

  • The center must have on file, up-to-date emergency contacts for all children.  At least three emergency contacts, in addition to parents, are required to be on file for each child.  An emergency contact may be a relative, neighbor or friend with a home and/or business phone number. 
  • All emergency contacts must be aware of the fact that they are registered with us as emergency contacts, must have working phone numbers and must be available to come to the center when called upon. Please make sure that your child knows anyone listed as an escort or emergency contact.
  • Any changes in names, addresses, or phone numbers of emergency contacts must be reported to the center immediately.

 

Confidentiality

All information regarding children and families is confidential and is kept in locked files.  Upon request, parents may have access to the children’s records.  Records will not be released to other programs or agencies without signed permission from the parent.

 

Attire

·         Children should come to the center dressed in comfortable attire that allows for safe play (climbing, crawling, and exploring).

·         No open-toe shoes, sandals or flip-flops please. Children must wear socks.

·         To support independence, particularly for those being toilet-trained, we discourage the use of onesies, one-piece jumper/rompers or overalls.

·          Jewelry Policy:The Charles R. Drew Early Learning Center will not be responsible for any loss or damage done to jewelry that a child may bring or wear or for an injury caused by wearing jewelry.  Accessories worn by young children also can be hazardous.  Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings may catch on equipment causing injury. There are two major choking hazards associated with jewelry. First, any item that can come apart into pieces small enough to fit into a child's mouth represents a choking hazard.  Most jewelry items are small enough to fit in a child's mouth, don't give jewelry to children under age 3. We highly discourage jewelry.

 

Change of Clothing

·         Children must have two (2) changes of clothing (seasonal underwear and outerwear, socks, etc.) to be kept in the cubbies in case of accidents (even if your child is toilet-trained).

·         Check your child’s cubby daily for soiled clothing and return a new clean set the next day.

·         During the summer months (July & August) children play in the outdoor water sprinkler.  Please bring a swimsuit, towel and extra sandals that may be kept in your child’s cubby for summer use.

·         If your child needs a change of clothing and does not have one, you will be contacted to bring 2 clean sets of clothing. We do not put other children’s items.

·         Extra changes of clothing should be changed to reflect the season.

 

Toilet Training

            We accept children who are not toilet-trained. We work with parents to support independence with all self-help skills, including toilet-training but meet you where you are in the process.

·         For those children still in diapers, we request that parents bring in a bag/case of pull-ups which will be labeled and only used for your child. Teachers will notify you when to bring in another bag/case.

·         If you and your teacher are working on toilet training, we recommend that you send your child in with 4-5 changes of underwear as well as 3-4 changes of clothing. You may want to consider sending in an extra set of shoes.

·         Check your child’s cubby daily for soiled clothing and return a new clean set the next day.

 

Nutrition

Your child/children will receive nutritious meals such as the following:

·         Breakfast  9:00-9:30  

·         Lunch  12:00-12:30

·         Snack   2:00-2:20

The menu for the week will be posted on the parent’s bulletin board in the front lobby and follows CACFP nutritional guidelines.

 

Health Eating Policy

·         The children at the center cannot be served unhealthy snacks (chips, cookies, cakes) that come from outside the program.

·         We are unable to accept food prepared outside of our program.

·         For birthdays and other celebrations, families are welcomed to speak to the classroom teacher at least one week in advance to plan for a healthy snack. A healthy snack could be a fruit salad, a cake or cupcakes prepared with applesauce rather than oil or butter, cut vegetables with a dip, etc..

·         The center is mandated to follow health-eating guidelines since we are funded by the City of New York.

 

Food Allergies

  • Prior to enrollment your pediatrician will complete a medical. It should contain any environmental or food allergies. You should also provide us with anything else that indicates an allergy (bloodwork, notes for an allergist or ENT).
  • If there is a food allergy, we must have a doctor complete the food allergy plan detailing the allergy, reactions and the food substitute.
  • Our kitchen will order and prepare the food substitute as indicated by the food allergy plan.
  • NO OUTSIDE FOOD IS PERMITTED!

 

Staff Requirements for Health and Safety

  • All day care employees are required to be fingerprinted and cleared by the Department of Investigation (DOI), Department of Education (DOE), and the State Central Register for Child Abuse (SCR). 
  • Employees must also submit to a biannual physical examination signed by a licensed physician.
  • All day care employees must keep their mandated reporter (child abuse) training current.

 

CHILD ABUSE POLICY

ALL CHILD CARE WORKERS ARE MANDATED REPORTERS OF CHILD ABUSE AND MALTREATMENT.

Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse

·         All employees are mandated to report suspicions or allegations of child abuse, maltreatment, neglect, or corporal punishment.  Our policy is consistent with ACS guidelines that require such reports immediately be made to the State Central Registry.

·         If an employee suspects that a child is being abused or neglected, they MUST call 1-800-635-1522 to report the suspected abuse/neglect to the state.  An ACD 1149 and LDSS2221 forms must be completed to document the report.  The ACD 1149 and LDSS2221 must be submitted to ACS as soon as the incident report is completed. 

 

Daily Health Check

Upon arrival at the center, all children are required to be inspected by the teacher in the presence of the parent or adult escort. Any injuries or accidents that occurred at home (minor or major bruises, welts, cuts, scratches, lacerations, burns etc.) must be reported to the school by the parent.  We do not accept sleeping or lethargic children. Your child must be awake and alert prior to you leaving at arrival.

 

Accidents and Incidents

From time to time children get injured during the school day. When a child is injured the following occurs:

◦         Emergency first aid care is administered

◦         The parent is contacted immediately

◦         An accident report is completed and sent home on the same day

In case of a serious injury:

◦         If necessary, the child is given CPR or life-saving assistance

◦         911 is called

◦         The child is placed in the isolation room or the other children are removed from the classroom

◦         The parent is called to come immediately

◦          Staff administers any care that they can

Note: Should medical professionals deem it necessary for a child to go to the hospital and the parent/ escort has not yet arrived, the center cannot deny medical treatment;  a staff member will accompany the child to the emergency room until the parent/ escort arrives at the hospital

 

 

Illness

  • If a child has a fever, vomiting or diarrhea, they must remain home for 24-hour after the last incident, even with a doctor’s note. 
  • If fever, vomiting or diarrhea occurs at school, parents will be contacted to come and pick up the child immediately and the child will remain at home for at least a 24-hour period.  The school has the authority not to accept a child that is returned to school after being sent home for less than 24 hours to recover. 
  • The Director has a right to request a doctor’s note if the center is concerned about your child’s health or persistent, reoccurring symptoms.  A child may not return to school until the requested doctor’s note is obtained by the parent and given into school. 
  • If a child is absent for a period of three or more consecutive days, the center must be notified of the nature of the illness.  A doctor’s note is required for readmission.  The note must state:

·         The nature of the illness

·         The doctor’s approval for the child to return to school

·         The specific date that the child may return to school

 

Health and Medication

  • Children are required to have a complete physical examination and update of immunizations prior to admission to the program and each year thereafter. YOURCHILD MAY BE DENIED ACCESS WITHOUT A CURRENT MEDICAL ON FILE.
  • The center will request your child return to the doctor if they are missing immunizations or health screenings, including lead, hearing, vision and/or dental screenings.
  • Department of Health requires that all students enrolled in our program receive a yearly flu shot for the flu season yearly.  YOUR CHILD MAY BE DENIED ACCESS WITHOUT A THE FLU SHOT.
  • All health records are confidential and are maintained at the center under lock and key.
  • The center must be advised of your child’s allergies or special medical problems. Food allergies require a food allergy plan to be completed by a physician.
  • The center should also have written records of the child’s emergency contact physician.
  • The center cannot administer medication, with the exception of prescribed nebulizer or asthma pump in the case of asthma and EpiPen for severe allergic reactions, given prior authorization and doctor’s note.
  • If your child is in need of medication:

·         If possible, medication schedules will be arranged so that medications will not need to be given during school hours.

·         You can arrange for someone to come and administer medication

·         Staff members will not be allowed to administer prescription or nonprescription medication to a child.

·         No medication should be sent in a child’s backpack. This jeopardizes the health and safety of all children.

 

Nebulizer- Asthma Pump/ EpiPen

  • If your child requires a nebulizer/ asthma pump or an EpiPen it should be noted on the medical.
  • Once it is noted on the medical, your doctor will be required to complete an asthma plan or an allergy plan. A STUDENT MANDATED TO HAVE AN EPIPEN OR ASTHMA PUMP BY A DOCTOR MUST HAVE A CURRENT ONE IN SCHOOL. YOUR CHILD MAY BE DENIED ACCESS WITHOUT THE MANDATED EPIPEN OR PUMP.
  • You will also need to complete a consent for medicine administration in case of an emergency.
  • A new asthma pump/ nebulizer with medication or EpiPen can be brought in and handed to the family worker. The family worker will ensure that the teacher places the medication in a safe place within the classroom. NO MEDICATION SHOULD EVER BE SENT IN WITH A CHILD OR IN A CHILD’S BACKPACK.
  • All medication should have its original labeling with dosage, expiration date and prescribing doctor. Expired medication and medication without a label will not be accepted. 
  • Teachers will periodically check to ensure that medication has not expired.
  • Should there be any changes to the medication, notify the family worker immediately.

COVID-19 Symptoms

·         Symptoms include but are not limited to fever (99.9 or higher), cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

·         If your child displays any of these symptoms do not bring them to school, as he/she may not be allowed in school or will be sent home.

·         While we recognize that COVID-19 symptoms can also be symptoms of other illnesses; based on the risks, any child or adult displaying the following symptoms may be asked to take a COVID-19 test.  

· Parents are expected to pick up children immediately after being contacted; please double-check the emergency card to make sure that all contacts and escort information is accurate and current.

Positive COVID-19 Cases

·         If a student or adult tests positive for COVID, they may return to school on the 6th day after testing positive with a mask.

 

Continuity of Learning Plan 2024-2025

In the event of an extended school closure, Charles R Drew Early Learning Centers will transition to virtual learning to ensure continuity of learning. Parents will be contacted via email and Call-em-all, our system for informing parents of any changes in our programming. Each classroom has its own Zoom login which is provided to parents during orientation and as new parents enroll in our program. Given the nature of preschool instruction and the development of preschoolers, learning will be both synchronous and asynchronous, with teachers blocking out parts of the day to instruct children via Zoom, with no more than 20 minutes at a time. Students will be provided with supplemental activities to complete asynchronously. Parents will be sent home with a book bag of materials typical of a preschool classroom such as markers, crayons, construction paper, scissors, playdough and like supplies. Students with related services will receive their mandated services via Zoom. Parent consultation from both teachers and therapists will also be provided.

Should an individual child need to be quarantined, that child will be given asynchronous activities with the appropriate material. The child’s teacher will work collaboratively with parents to determine a time during the school day to provide a session of virtual learning. Students with related services will receive their mandated services via Zoom, alongside parent consultation. Parents in need of technology, such as Chromebooks or Wifi, will directed to the protocol of the Department of Education.

Positive Climate Policy

Aligned with the mission and values of the Charles R Drew Early Learning Center, we want to maintain a positive atmosphere that supports the well-being of all members of the community, including children. We encourage staff and parents to maintain collaborative and positive relationships. If there is a concern or disagreement, parents should contact administration. As part of our positive climate policy parents and staff are prohibited from gossiping, cursing, threatening, bullying, and from any form of aggression. Any of these acts will jeopardize work status for employees and childcare for families.

 

Cell Phone Usage

When in a classroom, parents are asked to put their phones away. If you have to take a call, please do so outside of the classroom. As part of our efforts to maintain confidentiality, parents are prohibited from photographing, FaceTimeing, video-recording or audio-recording in the center.

  

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

It is the philosophy of the Charles R. Drew Early Learning Center that children are supported to grow and learn by providing a foundation of developmentally appropriate experiences where all children can thrive and succeed in a safe and encouraging environment. We believe that all children can learn. Our program provides a setting that acknowledges the wide range of children's abilities, needs and learning styles. It is our belief that children learn through meaningful play.

 

Our program is play-based, and our instruction is child-centered and incorporates cognitive, physical, language, social-emotional and self-help skills for the complete development of the child. We encourage curiosity, discovery, and problem-solving, which fosters individual growth and a positive self-image. The overall goal of our early childhood program is to provide children with an environment that will support them during a critical period of their development. Research supports the idea that young children learn through active involvement in play by using all their senses and through representing concepts in play. Children explore, discover, and classify their experiences as they play. The values of play are increased by informed guidance and teacher support.  While we encourage parents to engage in the educational process through play-based activities and ideas for the home.

 

The Charles R. Drew Early Learning Center uses the Creative Curriculum, which is a comprehensive early childhood educational system that allows for a practical, easy to understand approach to working with children. The use of interest areas is a way of providing experiences that promote cognitive, social, physical, and language development. The Creative Curriculum for Preschool is fully aligned with the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework and state early learning standards. Children are provided with opportunities to explore and discover as a way of learning. The Creative Curriculum enables children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking.

 

Our early childhood program also values the importance of strong partnerships with parents and families to foster a child’s success. Children learn best when parents are a part of their educational program.  Parents are encouraged to volunteer through stay-and-play, reading books or sharing your talents. Teachers send home a weekly newsletter that includes the current study topic and upcoming activities. Students are not given daily homework; we encourage parents to ask questions about their child’s day and incorporate some of the key concepts at home. Family projects are given throughout the year.

 

Behavior Management

Occasionally children can be disruptive or require redirection.   Sometimes such behavior is for the purpose of gaining attention and should be handled by responding with positive attention (looking for something positive in even the worst situation).  Teachers utilize positive redirection to address such behaviors.

 

Charles R Drew Centers employ a 3-Tier PBS/ Pyramid Model

  • Tier 1: High Quality Supportive Environments/ Emotionally Responsive Practice.
    • As part of emotionally responsive practice, teachers must ensure that develop positive and meaningful relationships with their students and amongst their students.
  • Tier 2: Targeted Social-Emotional Supports
    • Through thoughtful lesson planning, teachers target social-emotional skills. The Creative Curriculum has specific objectives correlated with the level of development in the domain of social-emotional growth. In addition, teachers are required to select targeted skills through individualizing planning. Students in needs of additional supports are identified and specific goals and activities are created for them.
  • Tier 3: Targeted Intervention
    • For students with persistent challenging behavior more intensive intervention may be required. At this level, students are referred for comprehensive evaluations to determine the underlying cause of behaviors and if he/she would benefit from additional support services.

Screening

  • Every child receives a screening within 45 days of entering our pre school program.  The screening is used to document a child’s developmental status.  It can also provide information in helping to determine if a child has any unique needs. 
  • If the screener and teacher observation indicate that a child has cognitive, language, physical, and/or social-emotional delays, the teacher will meet with the parent. The results of the screening and concerns about the child will be discussed. This meeting will include the parent, teacher and the special education director.

·         When the above assessments show that a child would probably benefit from some special education services, the director and teacher will meet with the parent to recommend that the child be evaluated.

·         Charles R Drew offers special education services at Queens Village. When we cannot provide the appropriate service or if you are at our Brooklyn site, we work with you and the district to ensure your child receives the appropriate services.  

 

Parent’s Role in Assessment

Parents are the experts about their children. Your perspective is a critical part of understanding your child’s interests, strengths, learning styles, and needs. All parents will be asked to a complete an ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire) within the first few weeks of school, that can help teachers understand children holistically.

 

Right to Inspect

Parents have the right to inspect their child’s educational file, including special education and evaluation documents. All requests for copies must be made in writing.

 

Field Trips

Occasionally, classrooms may take field trips that support the curriculum’s study unit. Parents may be asked to volunteer as chaperones. Chaperones are selected by order of request. Each chaperone may be 2-4 children to their group. Parent chaperones are responsible for the safety and protection for all the children assigned to their group for the entirety of the trip. Each child must be in the chaperone’s physical presence at all times. During a field trip parent chaperones are required to carry out our Always Count policy below:

The ALWAYS COUNT policy where an adult in charge is required to do a head and face count, identifying every child by name and face, is expanded during a trip to include:

·         Prior to leaving the school building

·         While boarding the bus

·         On the bus, prior to departure from the school

·         While exiting the bus at the trip destination

·         Upon arrival to the venue

·         Upon transitioning from any point of the trip to the next

·         Transition to and from the restrooms

·         Before, after and during mealtimes

·         Prior to leaving the venue

·         Prior to returning to the bus

·         While boarding the bus

·         On the bus, prior to the departure from the trip destination

·         When exiting the bus upon return to the school

·         Upon returning into the school building

·         A name and face head count at all transitions and periodically throughout the day

If at any time, the face and head count does not match the roster, the chaperone must immediately report the missing child to the director or teacher-in-charge, who will notify the establishment and CRD leadership immediately, as well as give directions for a search for the child. Failure to follow this policy can result in a lost child, who may be injured or abducted or may result in the death of a child.

While on the trip, parent chaperones are prohibited from:

·         Leaving the children in their care for any reason without the approval of the director or teacher-in-charge

·         Leading their group to a different exhibit without the approval of the director or teacher-in-charge

·         Using their cell phones unless related to an emergency regarding the children in their care

·         Taking personal pictures

·         Purchasing personal items or items for children in their care, including their own children

·         Purchasing or eating meals/snacks outside of the meals provided by the center, including for their own children

 

Walking Field Trips

There are times during the school year when the children will have the opportunity to participate in a walking field trip around the neighborhood, to nearby libraries, or other local businesses and community resources. These trips will be related to the unit of study that our class is exploring. This is a wonderful way to expose the children to local resources and relationships between curriculum and community.  Your written permission is required for your child to participate. Each parent will be given a walking trip consent form to complete at the beginning of the year or when they enroll. No child will be permitted to participate in a walking field trip without parental consent.

  

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

  • Parents are always welcome at the center. We encourage all parents to volunteer time and share their talents (stay and play).
  • There are at least three parent-teacher conferences, at which time parents are urged to come out and take advantage of the opportunity to share and exchange pertinent information concerning the academic and social development of the child with the teacher.
  • A conference with the child’s teacher may be requested at any time that is mutually convenient for the parent and teacher. Parents may also request a conference.

 

Family and Community Engagement Plan

The Charles R. Drew Early Learning Center prides itself on knowing the value and importance of parental and family involvement. We believe that family involvement is the responsibility of every staff member and that every interaction between staff and families should convey the importance of parent and family involvement. We develop family partnerships by creating an on-going and evolving relationship between staff and parents/families. By getting to know each parent, we can become aware of the challenges they may be facing and are equipped to help their child become successful. We recognize that each family is unique and diverse, and we respect all cultures and religions which support successful family involvement.  

        

There is no one approach to working with families so our staff individualize family involvement opportunities in order to meet the varying needs and interests of each family. We provide different opportunities for parents to become involved in their child’s education. We encourage families to become involved by including them in the planning process of our family involvement activities in order to give parents a sense of ownership. Also, involvement in program activities is acknowledged by staff and positively reinforced to further encourage parent and family involvement.  We break barriers they may be facing. Children benefit when parents are involved and kept informed about what is going on in their education. Our goal is to instill a habit of involvement in parents that will last throughout their child’s school career. Parents who are involved in decision-making develop skills that they will use throughout their lives and obtain increased self-esteem and positive behaviors, which then positively affect the child.

 

Charles R Drew has a Family and Community Engagement Plan dedicated to strengthening family and community participation in the improvement of student achievement which focuses on: 

·   implementation of family and community engagement initiatives

·   collaborating with the community and working with local businesses

·   connecting families to community resources, including learning opportunities

·   empowering families and helping them become advocates for their children

 

The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is an important structure within the Family and Community Engagement Plan. The PAC provides an opportunity for parents with enrolled children in The Charles R. Drew Early Learning Center to be involved in their child’s education. Our PAC is composed of parents along with community representatives. Parents are given a voice where they can express their opinions and give input regarding our program. The PAC functions as a support system that encourages and enhances parent engagement to improve student achievement and well-being. In working towards this purpose, members of the PAC should foster open, positive, inclusive and effective communication at all levels of parent involvement. The PAC plans parent participation in program activities with the school leadership, assists staff in identifying and establishing program goals, and helps with fund raising efforts that support special programs. The PAC plays a vital role in decision-making to enhance the school.