Parent Handbook 2023-2024

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

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 pre-school 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. Our agency is committed to providing educational equity for 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 is dedicated to providing 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 committed 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 re-defined 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.  Therefore, we have set aside the first week of attendance as an adjustment period.  On the first day your child will attend for one hour.   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. The second day of attendance is usually a half-day from 9:00-12:00, depending upon the child’s reception of the new environment on the day before.  The teachers will advise you, day to day, regarding your child’s progress in adjusting.  By the end of the week (sometimes sooner) your child should be lunching, napping and enjoying his/her new friends, new toys and games and the beginning of his/her school days.

Fees
You will be advised if you must pay a fee for childcare services and the amount of the fee.  Fees are based on ACS 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 app Tuition Express or via money order. Cash and checks will not be accepted.

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 and/or PM hours for a fee of $75 may be offered dependent on availability.

Recertification
Periodic appointments are made by ACS for you to be recertified as eligible for childcare.  Failure to keep your scheduled appointments will result in immediate termination of your day care services.

Arrival and Departures of Children
Our center hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 5:45 p.m.  No child may arrive before 8:00 a.m. nor may any child be picked up after 5:45 p.m.  Parents will be charged a fee of $1.00 per minute late after 6:00pm.

Children must be present and counted 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.

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 and authorized escort are required to sign in children at arrival and sign out children at departure, every day. The sign-in sheet is located at the front desk at each site. 

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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 called to bring 2 clean sets of clothing. We do not put other children’s items.

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.

The center is reimbursed on the basis of children’s attendance; a child will be dropped from the rolls 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.

Lateness
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.

Nutrition
Your child/children will receive hot, nutritious meals such as the following:.

A.M. Snack (Breakfast) – 9:00-9:30  cereal and milk and a fruit
Lunch – 12:00 Four course meal with milk (preplanned and prepared on premises)
Snack – Approximately 2:00 protein sandwich, raw or cooked vegetable, fresh fruit and milk.

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 celebration, 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 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 (D.O.I.) 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.

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 indication of injury (minor or major-bruises, welts, cuts, scratches, lacerations, burns etc.) must be explained 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
During the day any and all accidents or incidents involving children are dealt with as follows:

Emergency First Aide Care if indicated.
Notify Parent

The parent is contacted immediately.  A note is sent home on the same day for less serious accidents involving minor scratches etc.

Call 911.  Remove child to Emergency Care Facility

Fill out form # ACD 1068 and call in the information to A.C.D.  Queens Resource Center.  All accidents no matter how small or seemingly insignificant must be reported the same day.

Illness
If a child has a fever, vomiting or diarrhea, they must remain home for 24-hour after the last incident.   The classroom teacher 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 issue.  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 in most cases.  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

Check your child each morning before coming to school for signs of illness (i.e... rash, runny nose, fever, coughing, sore throat, etc.)
If the child has any of the above or other symptoms of a communicable disease, keep him/her home and notify the center.
Some illnesses such as conjunctivitis, ringworm, and hand foot and mouth disease require that the child remain at home under a doctor’s care.  If there are any symptoms of such illnesses, a doctor’s note must be brought showing clearance for readmission to school. Your child will not be accepted without a doctor’s note. Should you provide a doctor’s note and the symptoms return at a later time, you will need a new doctor’s note.

Head Lice:  The center has a “no nit” policy. Parents of students found to have live head lice or nits will not be accepted. If the lice or nits are discovered after a student has been dropped off, parents will be called to pick up their child. The child will not be able to return to school without a doctor’s note stating that he/she is lice-free. Students will be reexamined in 14 days to confirm that they have remained nit and lice free. 

Health and Medication
Charles R Drew employs the services of a registered nurse monthly.
Children are required to have a complete physical examination and update of immunizations prior to admission to the program and each year thereafter. YOUR CHILD 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.  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 only administers medication in event of emergency, specifically 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 it’s 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 SAFETY PLAN
Our top priority is the safety and health of all children, families and staff. Below is a summary of safeguards put into place to meet our goal.

Hygiene, Cleaning and Disinfection
Employees/staff and children must perform hand hygiene immediately upon entering the program.
Items from homes, such as toys or food will be prohibited. The only items from home allowed are clothing, a sheet, and a blanket.
Soiled clothing will be bagged and must be brought home to be cleaned. Each child must have an additional set of clothes.

Physical Distancing
All staff, parents and visitors must maintain a 6-foot physical distance; 6-foot markers will be placed throughout the building. 
The center will have one entrance path and one exit path.
Parents and visitors will not be allowed to congregate within the building, hallways or directly outside the building.

Personal Protection Equipment
All employees, parents and visitors will be required to wear face coverings at all times; a face mask will be provided for those in need.
Employees will also be provided with gloves, goggles/ face shields, and aprons.
Masks, gloves and aprons will be changed upon entry to the school and in between personal care tasks, care of a child, meals or whenever the PPE is contaminated.
Frequent hand-washing is required.  

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 will require a negative COVID-19 test to return to school or work

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 in accurate and current.

Daily Health Check/ Safety Procedures

Immediately upon entering the building every person, including children, will be required to sanitize their hands.
Each person entering the building, including escorts, will be required to do a temperature check. Should a person (child, parent/ escort or staff member) have a reading of 99.9 or higher, will be not be allowed to continue with the health check.

The child and parent/escort or staff member will be prohibited from the building until a negative COVID-19 test is submitted.

Each person will be required to complete a mandatory daily health screening assessment to include a questionnaire regarding COVID-19 symptoms in past 10 days, positive COVID-19 test in past 10 days, and/or close contact with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case in past 10 days.

Any child exhibiting signs of COVID-19 while already at school will be placed in an isolation location with a staff member and required to be picked up immediately. The child will not be able to return to school and will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test to return.

If any member of a child’s household is being quarantined as a result of a positive COVID-19 test, displaying COVID-19 symptoms or has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, the child must quarantine and may not return or attend the child care until after quarantine is complete and is required to produce a negative COVID-19 test prior to returning.

Positive COVID-19 Cases
If at least one student or teacher reports having a positive coronavirus case, the Department of Health may close that classroom. Children and staff in that classroom, as well as other students and staff members who were in close contact with the person, may be prohibited from returning to the school for up to a 10-day period and be required to quarantine.

In some cases, the Department of Health may decide to close the entire school for up to 10 days.

Parents will be notified of any positive coronavirus cases in the building via our Call-Them-All system. Parents of students of a classroom with a positive coronavirus case will be notified directly, through a phone call. (Please be sure to have accurate and current phone numbers on file/emergency card).

Communication/ Collaboration

Directors at each site will be the designated representative for the school, responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns and employee and parent questions.

We value your input! Please feel free to voice your concerns, ask questions and share your suggestions at any time. Together we can and will get through this period successfully.

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. 

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. We believe 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. 

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 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 in order 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 display disruptive behavior.  Usually 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 Positive Behavioral Support System

Tier 1: High Quality Supportive Environments/ Emotionally Responsive Practice.
As part of emotionally responsive practice, teachers must ensure that develop positive and meaningful relationship 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 special 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.

Evaluations
The Charles R Drew Early Learning Center is an evaluation site and provides monolingual evaluations for pre-school children.  There is no cost to families for evaluations. Evaluations are coordinated by the special education director.

After a parent signs consent for an evaluation, we are able to perform all evaluations on site.
After all evaluations are complete, the DOE will make recommendations.
Parents can accept or decline special education services.

Charles R Drew offers special education services at Queens Village and Jamaica sites. If we are unable to provide the services, we work with you and the district to ensure your child receives the appropriate services.  

Right to Inspect
Parents have the right to inspect special education files. All requests for copies must be made in writing.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parents are always welcome at the center. We encourage all parents to volunteer time and share their talents.
There are at 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 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.

Family and Community Engagement Plan
The Charles R. Drew Early Learning Center prides itself in 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 are able to 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 make 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 affects the child.

Charles R Drew has a Family and Community Engagement Committee dedicated to strengthening family and community participation in the improvement of student achievement. The committee focuses on: 
Implementation of family and community engagement initiatives
Collaborating with the community and working with local businesses, community
Connecting families to community resources, to include 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 role of the PAC has several duties. The PAC plans parent participation in program activities with the Board and staff, assists staff in identifying and establishing program goals and helps with fund raising efforts that support special programs. It also assists in resolving disputes another parent may have within the program and works as a mediator.  

Volunteer Policy

The Charles R. Drew Early Learning Center program is based on the premise that all children share certain needs and can benefit from a comprehensive developmental program to meet those needs.  Our philosophy maintains that a child can benefit most from a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program to foster development and remedy problems with a broad range of services.  A child’s entire family, as well as the community must be involved maximizing the strengths and unique experiences of each child.  The family, which is perceived as the principal influence on the child’s development, must be a direct participant in the program.

Definition of a Volunteer
“Volunteer” means an unpaid person who is trained to assist in implementing ongoing program activities on a regular basis under the supervision of a staff person in areas such as health, education, transportation, nutrition, and management.

Definition of a “Regular Volunteer”
For the purpose of volunteer policies a “regular volunteer” is described as any individual who volunteers more than one episode per month, regardless of the length of time.  Each facility needs only to maintain a register of such persons that includes name, address, telephone number, date and time in the center.

Regular Volunteer Requirements
Regular volunteers may be subject to the same requirements of employees.

Volunteers are not permitted to discipline children. Any matter requiring discipline should be brought to the attention of the teacher in the room. Discipline shall not be associated with food, rest, toilet training or isolation.  Physical punishment shall not be administered to children.  The following activities are forms of punishment, not discipline, and are not to be used for children.  These include, but are not limited to; restraints, harsh treatment, washing mouth out with soap, taping or obstructing child’s mouth, placing unpleasant or painful tasting substances in mouth, on lips, etc., and verbal or abusive language, isolation without supervision, placing child in dark area inflicting physical pain; e.g., hitting, pinching, pulling hair, slapping, swatting, spanking, kicking, twisting arm, etc.)


It is the responsibility of everyone at the center to help keep children safe.   Regular volunteers are required to complete an online child abuse-training course before you begin as a regular volunteer. New York State laws requires that any individual working in a licensed childcare facility that suspects a child has been abused or neglected MUST REPORT to the proper authorities.  Staff and regular volunteers are required to obey that law by reporting suspected incidences of abuse or neglect.  All reports are kept confidential.
Regular volunteers are subject to the same policies that apply to staff regarding appearance and attire.

Confidentiality
All regular volunteers are expected to adhere to our confidentiality policy, as it relates to children, families, staff members and the organization.  In connection with your volunteer commitment, you may make use of certain confidential and/ or proprietary information of the Agency.  The terms “Proprietary” or “Confidential Information” mean any information that could provide an advantage or benefit to a competitor of the Agency or harm to the Agency if disclosed, including any data or information not reasonably known outside the Agency, whether prepared or developed by or for the Agency or otherwise developed or received by the Agency under such circumstances that warrant classification as Proprietary Information. Volunteers may not use Proprietary or Confidential Information except in connection with the performance of volunteer duties.  Moreover, discussions regarding confidential information/ matters with non- agency personnel are prohibited.  This obligation of confidentially is not extinguished by termination of volunteer duties.  Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and, including dismissal, and may, depending upon the severity of the breach of confidentiality, result in legal action against the active or past volunteer.

Field Trip Parent Participation Policy

Parents are encouraged to join us as chaperones for field trips. It is important to remember while on trips that we represent the Charles R. Drew Early Learning Center. Please note the following expectations:

You may be responsible for 2-3 children.
You are required to know the bus number and parking location.
Please refrain from cell phone usage (talk or text) during this time; children require complete adult supervision.
Please refrain from discussing non-trip related issues in the presence of the children in our care.
Lunch will be provided for your child so please do not bring or buy other foods.
In the event of an emergency, consult with the group leader/teacher. Do not try to solve problems on your own.
Do not leave the group and go off on your own (i.e. shopping). This can jeopardize the safety of children, group dynamics, and departure time.
The use of corporal punishment, harsh language or displays of frustration/anger toward children is not permitted. Ask staff for assistance with behavior management issues.
If you have any concerns, please see the director before or after the trip.

Note- Due to COVID, field trips are temporarily suspended.

PARENT GRIEVANCES

Charles R Drew encourages parents to share their concerns and suggestions. If you and the Program staff disagree on certain issues, the best way to resolve your differences is through communication.  The following chart represents the order of steps to be taken in resolving parent grievances. 

Speak with day care staff involved OR

Parent Advisory Committee Chairperson

IF NOT RESOLVED

Speak with the Director

IF NOT RESOLVED

Submit a formal written grievance to the Sponsoring Board

IF NOT RESOLVED

Call/submit grievance to ACS Resource Area Consultant (with a copy to the Resource Area Director)

IF NOT RESOLVED

Call/submit written request for Administrative Review to ACS Program Development Bureau

THEN

Administrative Review Investigation may determine that the hearing is not necessary and mediates situation

OR

Administrative Review Investigation determines the hearing is necessary and schedules a meeting of all parties

THEN

ACS submits written decision of hearing or mediation to all parties

IF NOT SATISFIED

The parent/Sponsoring Board may submit a written appeal to the Assistant Deputy Commissioner of ACS Program Operations

 

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