Introduction Latona 3-5s Cooperative Preschool Standing Rules Approved 09/21/2009

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Latona 3-5s Cooperative Preschool Standing Rules
Approved 09/21/2009
Introduction
This document is meant to be used as a supplement and in association with the Latona 3-5 Cooperative Preschool By-Laws. The Latona 3-5 Cooperative Preschool shall be known as “The Preschool” throughout this
document.
ARTICLE I. Affiliation and Education
The preschool shall be affiliated with the Child and Family Division Parent Education Program and with the
Parent Advisory Council (PAC) of North Seattle Community College (NSCC). The preschool is a Washington
Corporation organized pursuant to RCW 24.03 et. seq.
The members shall be provided with three types of parent education: member education, business meetings
(parent meetings), and participation in the children’s laboratory (preschool).
This preschool is organized and will be operated exclusively for educational purposes within the meaning of
Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The preschool will not carry on any activities precluded by
the Internal Revenue Code for an organization exempt from taxation under this section.
Because of our affiliation with NSCC and the use of their laboratory preschool, there may be occasions when
students from NSCC will ask to observe in the classroom. Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Nursing
students often observe as part of their college coursework.
ARTICLE II. Membership
Section 1. Eligibility
Children may be enrolled if they will be between three and five years of age by August 31 of the enrollment
year. Exceptions to the age limit may be permitted after September 1 at the discretion of the Board, Parent
Educator, and Teacher. Eligibility of children kindergarten age and beyond shall be decided by mutual
agreement between teacher and the members. We have a 3- and 4-day program. The 4th day is an option for
children who are 4 years of age by August 31st of the enrollment year.
A member may enroll more than one child at the discretion of the Board and Teacher. The member shall be
expected to bear full member responsibility for each child.
Section 2. Non-Discriminatory Policy
NSCC Parent Education Cooperative Classes do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national
origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. However, in order to provide gender and
age equality and a quality learning environment for the member and child, the preschool reserves the right to
enroll a minimum of five children of either sex and/or a minimum of five children for either the 3- or 4-day
program. Also, due to the nature of preschool co-op, there shall be no more than two families with multiple
children enrolled in the class.
Section 3. Registration Process
Membership registrations shall be received and processed by the Parent Coordinator. Prospective members
must observe a Latona 3-5s class to complete registration. Children may not accompany the observing
parent(s). Certain parents shall have priority in enrolling their children into the preschool. Priority shall be
given in the following order:
A) Children enrolled in Latona 3-5s the previous school year.
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B) Children joining a sibling who is continuing in Latona 3-5s from the previous school year.
C) Children whose sibling graduated from Latona 3-5s.
D) Children enrolled in Latona Pre-3s the previous school year.
E) Crossover within NSCC Cooperative system for children currently enrolled.
F) All other children are enrolled through open registration and thereafter on a first-come, first-served basis.
Active participation in the Latona Pre-3s group is required for Pre-3s to be eligible to enroll in 3-5s. Those
joining the Pre-3s group after crossover registration are eligible to join only through open registration and
thereafter. A waiting list, maintained by the Parent Coordinator, will follow the eligibility guidelines set down by
NSCC and these bylaws.
In any priority category, if there are more children than slots available, those slots will be filled by lottery. The
remaining children after the lottery will be placed on the waiting list according to the results of a lottery in each
priority category.
Names can be added to the general waiting list by contacting the Parent Coordinator on or after open
registration, except those names automatically added by lottery. The general waiting list is valid only for the
current school year.
Section 4. Voting
Each member shall have one vote per child enrolled in the preschool. The parent(s) or designated participant
may be joint members of the preschool, sharing responsibilities and having one vote per child.
Section 5. Size
Enrollment of children in the preschool shall be a minimum of eighteen and a maximum of 23, with an
optimum size of 20. The preschool will be considered full when 20 children are enrolled.
Section 6. Grievance Procedure
Grievances shall be handled in the following manner: the aggrieved party shall contact the Parent Coordinator
(or Chairperson, if the Parent Coordinator is an involved party) and explain the problem. The Parent
Coordinator shall immediately inform all involved parties and the Chairperson of the problem. The Parent
Coordinator may act as a mediator between the parties. At the discretion of the Parent Coordinator, or at the
request of any party to the grievance, the Board shall be informed of the dispute and appoint a grievance
committee (Grievance Committee) to investigate it. The Grievance Committee shall consist of one member of
the Board other than the Parent Coordinator, one mutually-agreed upon member not involved in the dispute,
and the Parent Educator from NSCC. If the Parent Educator is an involved party, then the Parent Education
Coordinator will be involved. The Grievance Committee shall evaluate the dispute and make a
recommendation to the Board regarding its settlement. The decision of the Board shall be final and binding
and must comply with any employment agreements in force at the time.
Section 7. Contract for Change/Dismissal Procedures
This procedure will be invoked when a member and/or child are not fulfilling the duties and responsibilities
outlined in the Membership Contract and bylaws or not abiding by general classroom rules and procedures.
A) Specific problem(s) will be identified and brought to the attention of the Parent Coordinator. All related
information will be kept confidential except to those individuals directly involved in the Contract for
Change/Dismissal procedure.
B) The Parent Coordinator will make sure the member is aware of these procedures in the standing rules.
C) Problem(s) will be discussed by Parent Educator, Parent Coordinator, and Chairperson to define the
problem(s), the severity of the problem, and possible solutions. The teacher will be included if there is a
child involved or if the problem is related to classroom procedures. If there is gross misconduct on the
part of the Member or child, and all three or four board members listed above agree that immediate
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dismissal is appropriate, or if they cannot agree, this group will bring their recommendations to the Board
in an emergency Board meeting. The Board will determine if it is necessary to invite the Member to share
their perspective, and the board will vote whether or not to dismiss the family from the co-op.
D) If the problem(s) has the potential for resolution or is not gross misconduct, Parent Educator and Parent
Coordinator or Chairperson (and Teacher, if appropriate) will conference with Member (and child, if
deemed necessary by the Teacher). During this conference, the problem(s) will be discussed and
methods for resolution will be addressed. Dates for weekly evaluations of the Member’s progress will be
set up.
E) Parent Coordinator or Chairperson, Parent Educator, (Teacher) and Member will draw up and agree upon
a written contract including the following:
i.
definition of the problem(s) to be resolved
ii.
specific procedures and timeframes for resolution of the problem(s)
iii.
consequences if problems are not resolved in agreed upon time frames (e.g. dismissal)
iv.
dates for weekly evaluation of Member’s progress
v.
date for completion of this contract (it is recommended that the contract extend no longer than a 30day period). The member may wish to submit a retractable 30-day notice of withdrawal to Parent
Coordinator in order to have partial tuition refunded, if possible.
vi.
the contract for change is signed by the Member, Parent Coordinator, and Parent Educator (and
Teacher, if involved).
F) Individuals cited in E. above will confirm compliance with the specified procedure each week.
G) If the Member successfully meets the terms of the contract, thereby resolving the problem(s), the member
will remain as an active member of the co-op. If the member is unable to meet the terms of the contract,
the agreed upon consequences will be effective immediately. If the Member wishes to appeal the
decision, s/he may take the issue to the board, in which case, the following appeals process shall be
used.
H) Appeals Process. If a Member has been dismissed from the co-op via the Contract for Change process or
is subject to any other consequence(s) as agreed upon in the Contract for Change and wishes to appeal
the decision, s/he may bring the issue before the board within one week. The board will use the following
process in deciding the appeal:
i.
Board will review all written documentation of the case, looking for breaches of due process, lack of
clear agreements, or other reasons why the decision should be rescinded.
ii.
As soon as possible, Board will hear the Member’s perspective in a special board meeting held for
this purpose.
iii. Without the Member present, the board will have further discussion and vote whether to uphold the
original decision or to initiate a second Contract for Change. The Member will be notified
immediately of the board’s decision and the basis for it.
ARTICLE III. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENT MEMBERS
Section 1. General Responsibilities
Collectively, and working through their officers and committees, the members hire and supervise the teacher,
work cooperatively with the teacher on the children’s curriculum and activities, and are responsible for the
financial management of the organization. Each member shall enroll in the Parent Education Child Study Lab
course offered by North Seattle Community College, abide by the standing rules and Membership Contract,
and attend parent meetings.
A member may enroll more than one child at the discretion of the Board and Teacher. The member shall be
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expected to bear full member responsibility for each child.
If both parents in a family wish to assist in school sessions, routinely alternating in the classroom, they both
must enroll and abide by the Membership Contract and standing rules.
If a person other than the parent or guardian routinely assists in school sessions (i.e. twice a month or more
on a regular basis), that person, along with parent or guardian, is required to enroll and abide by the
Membership Contract and standing rules.
Members are allowed six (6) weeks maternity/paternity leave from preschool responsibilities in the classroom.
Member is responsible for informing the Parent Coordinator as soon as possible of the need for
maternity/paternity leave. Additional time may be taken if substitutions (among 3-5s preschool parents) are
arranged by the member.
Section 2. Teaching Assistance
Assistant Teacher. As scheduled, each member shall participate as an assistant teacher (“working parent”)
under the supervision of the preschool teacher. Workdays will be chosen or assigned during Spring
Orientation. Those members enrolling after Spring Orientation will work with the Parent Coordinator to agree
on a regular workday. If a member is unable to attend a regular workday, it is her/his responsibility to find a
qualified substitute.
Teacher’s Aide. One of the working parents will be designated as the Teacher’s Aide (T.A.) for each school
session, and will be certified in current First Aid and CPR. The role of teacher’s aide is one of the committee
positions.
Section 3. Sibling Policy
Only children enrolled in the 3-5s are covered by Latona Preschool’s insurance; therefore, siblings (including
infants) and other non-enrolled children are not allowed in the classroom, except at drop-off and pick-up.
Special events are open to siblings when so designated (see Secretary for designations). Adult visitors are
welcome on an occasional basis.
Section 4. Committees
Each member shall serve either as an officer or as a member of one of the committees that carry on the work
of the preschool. After electing officers, members shall have an opportunity to choose their committee position
at the Spring Orientation meeting. Those members enrolling after Spring Orientation will work with the Parent
Coordinator either to choose one of the remaining positions or trade positions with another willing member.
Section 5. Meetings
Each member shall attend an Annual Meeting held in spring and Fall Orientation meeting and monthly
member education/business meetings (“parent meetings”). Those enrolling after the orientation meetings will
be given all necessary information and material by the Parent Coordinator and Vice Chair. In the event that a
member is unable to attend any scheduled meeting, a member shall notify the secretary in advance, if
possible (the secretary can collect an extra set of handouts). If unable to attend, the member is responsible
for obtaining all information regarding the business meeting and contacting the Parent Educator regarding
making up the parent education portion of the meeting. Make-up projects will be required beginning with the
second absence. Repeated absences from parent meetings will be cause for a Contract for Change.
If both parents in a family wish to assist in school sessions, routinely alternating in the classroom, only one
parent is required to attend monthly parent meetings.
If a person other than the parent or guardian routinely assists in school sessions, that person, along with the
parent or guardian, is required to attend monthly parent meetings.
Section 6. Attendance
A member shall build up working days prior to any foreseeable absence from preschool by trading workdays.
The Board, in cases of illness or other emergency, may grant leaves of absence. Repeated unexcused
absences, constant tardiness, or lack or participation at preschool sessions, parent meetings, or committee
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meetings will be cause for a Contract for Change and/or dismissal of both member and child from the
preschool.
Section 7. Snack
Each member shall provide a nutritious snack for preschool as part of the scheduled rotation.
Section 8. Cleaning
Each member, except the officers, shall participate in the weekly cleaning of the preschool facility as part of
the scheduled rotation.
Section 9. Set Up and Clean Up
Each member shall participate in setting up preschool at the beginning of the year and cleaning up at either
mid-year or close of the year.
Section 10. Transportation
If any member transports a child other than his or her own on a field trip for which the preschool organizes
carpools, then s/he shall maintain a valid WA State Drivers License; an automobile insurance policy providing
the liability requirements as specified by the Washington State Department of General Administration, Risk
Management Office; and shall make proof of these available to the Health and Safety Committee (Vice Chair)
as requested. In addition, that member shall provide and use a seat belt for each child and an authorized car
seat for those children who still need one, according to Washington State law.
Section 11. Health and Safety
The following records shall be submitted to the Health and Safety Committee (Vice Chair) prior to attending
the first day of school: emergency medical release forms, child immunization form, and confirmation of
negative TB status from a health professional (e.g. TB test). Proof of negative TB status must be submitted on
admittance as required by the Risk Management Manual NSCC Policy. Each member is responsible to send
his/her child to school in good health, and may not send him/her to school with a fever, diarrhea, vomiting or
contagious disease. The Teacher may send the child home for illness or other valid reasons.
A non-vaccinated child will be excluded from class during declared communicable disease outbreaks.
Section 12. Fund raising
Each member shall assist with fund-raising projects administered by the Board and Committees.
Section 13. Early Withdrawal
A member shall give at least four weeks written notice to the Parent Coordinator before withdrawing from
preschool and must fulfill all normal preschool obligations, including tuition, during that period unless a
replacement undertakes these responsibilities. Failure to give such notice when withdrawing from the
preschool may result in forfeiture of all paid tuition (see Article X, section 1, Fees). In the event that the
preschool chooses not to replace the withdrawing member, the member will be relieved of all normal
preschool obligations as soon as agreed upon with the board. The withdrawing member will be refunded all
pre-paid tuition, with the exception of any of May’s tuition already collected.
ARTICLE IV. PRESCHOOL CALENDAR
Section 1. School Year
The preschool year shall run from September through May. Set up shall take place the week before or of
Labor Day and clean up the week before or of Memorial Day. The calendar shall follow that of the Seattle
Public Schools regarding school holidays. Preschool will be open during the Seattle Public School in-service
days.
Section 2. Preschool Hours
The Board and the Teacher shall set preschool hours.
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Section 3. Inclement Weather Policy
When Seattle Public Schools are closed, due to inclement weather, the preschool shall close, and evening
parent meetings shall be rescheduled.
One free closure day is allowed per year. Additional days may be made up at the discretion of the teacher
and board. Special events may qualify as make-up days, and the teacher shall not be paid extra for make-up
days.
When the Seattle Public School District is running late (either one or two hours) because of weather
conditions:
1) The morning preschool will be closed.
2) Afternoon preschool and evening parent meetings may meet. A decision to cancel afternoon preschool
should be made in joint consultation between the teacher and chairperson. A decision to cancel parent
meetings should be made in joint consultation between the parent education instructor and the
chairperson.
ARTICLE V. OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers
The officers of the preschool shall be the Chairperson, the Vice Chair/Health and Safety Officer, Parent
Coordinator, Treasurer, Secretary, and Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Representative (Note: It is highly
recommended that PAC be a two-year position and Chairperson be a returning Latona 3-5s Preschool
member).
In the event that the PAC representative holds the vice-chair position of the PAC Board, she/he will be
reinstated as PAC representative the following year.
Section 2. Eligibility
Any member shall be eligible to serve as an officer.
Section 3. Selection Process
The outgoing Chair and/or Parent Coordinator will notify incoming pre-registered members of the open board
positions to be filled at the Spring Orientation Meeting.
At the Spring Orientation Meeting the chair will invite incoming members to nominate themselves or other
members to fill board positions. If more than one person is nominated for a position, the chair will seek to
resolve the dilemma though discussion. If the multiple members still seek the board position, each will have
the opportunity to give a two minute speech. At the conclusion of the speeches, the entire membership will
vote by confidential ballot to decide who fills the position.
Section 4. Term of Office
Preschool officers shall serve a one-year term. New officers shall meet with the outgoing officers to arrange
for the transfer of responsibilities at the end of the school year, normally in May or June.
Section 5. Duties of the Chairperson
A) Signs the annual Parent Education Agreement between NSCC Child and Family Division Parent
Education Program and the Preschool.
B) Oversees the business details of the Preschool and coordinates the planning that is necessary for the
operation of the cooperative.
C) Prepares agendas and presides at board and membership meetings.
D) Serves as liaison between the preschool and North Seattle Community College.
E) Oversees committees necessary for the operation of the preschool.
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F) Coordinates pertinent activities and communicates with Latona Pre-3’s Preschool and Northgate Pre 3 to
5’s
G) Ensures the preschool is responsive to and supportive of the teacher.
H) Coordinates preparation of letter of intent to the Teacher in February, stating the Preschool’s intent and
requesting input from the teacher if appropriate (see Article VIII, Section 5).
I)
Attends parent education leadership workshops and classes when possible.
J) Knows and ensures compliance with the Risk Management requirements as defined in Section 10. Duties
of the Vice Chair.
K) Co-signs checks/contracts on behalf of the preschool.
Section 6. Duties of the Parent Coordinator
A) Facilitates registration according to Article III, Section 3 of the bylaws and as trained by PAC.
B) Provides information about the nature of the program and assists parents with specific concerns.
C) Maintains waiting lists and responds in a timely manner to community inquiries.
D) Provides orientation and information to new members during the year (e.g. committee notebooks, parent
packets).
E) Provides information to and arranges observations for prospective members.
F) Keeps a current roster of members and children and provides updated copies to members as needed.
G) Serves as a liaison between members and the teacher. If conflicts arise, carries out action with involved
parties as determined by the Grievance Procedure outlined in the bylaws.
H) Initiates Contracts for Change/Dismissal proceedings if necessary.
I)
Is available to assist individual parents if problems arise which affect the performance of their
responsibilities.
J) Coordinates efforts with Pre-3’s Parent Coordinator (e.g. recruiting, advertising, telephone accessibility).
K) Serves as part of the nominating committee for new officers as outline in Article VII, Section 3. Selection
Process.
L) May co-signs checks.
Section 7. Duties of the Secretary
A) Takes minutes of all Board meetings, prepares, copies, posts, distributes them to officers and maintains
them on file.
B) Takes minutes of all membership meetings, prepares, copies, prints, distributes them to officers and
members, and maintains them on file.
C) Prepares, reviews, and maintains files of correspondence.
D) Maintains attendance records of membership meetings and forwards to the Parent Educator. Notifies
members of make-up requirements for missed meetings.
E) Maintains good communication and coordination with the Pre-3’s group.
F) Issues notice of proposed amendments to the standing rules to all members.
G) Arranges, with Board input, for a location for Board meetings.
H) Keeps board updated on any correspondence dealing with the use of the preschool room. Responsible
for any further correspondence as necessary (e.g. thank you notes for excursions or presentations, other
official amenities [e.g. gift purchasing]), and informing NSCC of special events using said form.
I)
May co-signs checks.
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J) Collects handouts for absentees who gave advance notification.
Section 8. Duties of the Treasurer
A) Signs the annual Parent Education Agreement between NSCC Child and Family Division Parent
Education Program and the Preschool.
B) Maintains accurate financial records following the guidelines of the PAC and NSCC.
C) Maintains checking and savings accounts for the preschool. Sets up signature and contract forms with the
bank at the beginning of the term of office.
D) Co-signs checks on behalf of the preschool with another officer as designated by the bylaws.
E) Collects all fees and tuition, making timely deposits at least once per month. Responsible for following up
with any families who are not paying tuition as required.
F) Provides scholarship forms to members upon request and assists members in completing them according
to the guidelines of PAC and NSCC.
G) Promptly pays all bills and fulfills all tax requirements.
H) Provides a written monthly financial report to the Board, posts at preschool, and presents it to members at
each parent meeting.
I)
Maintains good communication and coordination with the Pre-3’s group, billing the Pre-3s Treasurer for
agreed upon expenditures as described in the Working Agreement Between Latona 3-5s and Latona Pre-3s.
J) Prepares an annual budget at the beginning of the school year and a financial report at the close of the
preschool year. Prepares a projected budget in February for the following year for distribution at the
Spring Orientation meeting to be voted on by the parent group prior to distribution at Spring Orientation.
K) Pays insurance coverage through WA State’s group policy.
L) Maintains a current inventory of preschool equipment for the purpose of clarifying ownership and providing
accurate data for insurance coverage. The inventory is updated in coordination with the vice chair.
M) Attends all Treasurers’ Workshops sponsored by PAC and/or NSCC.
N) Arranges for an audit as needed or recommended by membership or NSCC.
O) Co-signs checks.
Section 9. Duties of the Parent Advisory Council Representative (PAC Rep)
A) Represents Latona 3-5s in the NSCC System.
B) Attends one PAC meeting each month to promote quality education for parents of preschool children and
to provide a communication network among other preschools in the system. Arranges an alternate if
unable to attend.
C) Assumes Board or Committee Position in PAC.
D) Brings any Latona parent concerns before PAC.
E) Explains to our preschool membership PAC decisions affecting us.
F) Assists the treasurer in providing PAC scholarship information to members.
G) Acts as liaison between the preschool and NSCC, PAC, and other affiliated preschools.
H) Coordinates appropriate activities with the Pre-3’s PAC Rep.
I)
May co-signs checks.
Section 10. Duties of the Vice Chair
A) Assumes the Chairperson’s responsibilities and substitutes in chairperson’s absence.
B) Acts as Health & Safety person with the following responsibilities:
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i. Oversees the fulfillment of Preschool’s compliance with Risk Management manual, presenting an
overview of the requirements at the beginning of the school year to both the Board and the membership.
ii. Distributes, collects, and maintains files of various health related forms, specifically, WA State
Immunization form, (Parental) Consent for Emergency treatment, proof of negative TB. Note: All
emergency consent forms must have original signatures.
iv. Collects and maintains emergency information cards showing parent’s phone numbers, child
allergies, physician and phone number, emergency contact person(s).
v.
Maintains current CPR and First Aid certification.
C) Instruct parents on the current health regulations requiring a TB test, chest X-ray, or other confirmation of
negative TB status from a health professional.
D) Oversees auto insurance forms for excursions by Field Trip Committee as required by Risk Management.
E) Conducts parent education at the beginning of the school year regarding toy safety, fire and earthquake
drills, and location of phones and fire extinguishers..
F) Discusses first aid at school. Shows the first aid kit and emphasizes its location for quick access.
G) Maintains First Aid and Emergency Supply Kits by checking kit monthly and replenishing supplies.
H) Informs all new preschool members of all of the above when they join.
I)
Attends PAC meetings when PAC Rep is unable to attend.
J) Arranges a telephone tree system within membership so all parents are relayed information and reminders in a
timely fashion. Initiates the phone tree when necessary.
K) Works with Treasurer to maintain a current inventory of preschool equipment.
L) May co-signs checks.
ARTICLE VI. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Composition
The Board of Directors shall consist of the Officers plus two ex-officio (non-voting) members (the Teacher and
the Parent Education Instructor).
Section 2. Resignation
An officer shall give at least two weeks notice of resignation from the Board.
Section 3. Vacancies
Any vacancy in office shall be announced to the membership, and candidates shall be solicited from the
group at large. The Board shall fulfill the officer’s responsibilities until the next regular membership meeting,
when members shall elect a new officer.
Section 4. Responsibilities of the Board
In addition to duties indicated by the By-Laws and standing rules, the board:
A) Serves as a clearinghouse for preschool business, determining which issues need to be brought to the
membership for consideration at monthly or special meetings. Conducts all routine business at monthly
membership meetings. Conducts the routine business of the preschool between meetings and during the
summer.
B) May make emergency decisions on behalf of the membership, including emergency closures; or
suspension of the teacher, an officer, or a preschool member due to gross misconduct.
C) Works closely with the Teacher and Parent Education Instructor to plan and implement a quality-learning
environment for members and children.
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D) Is responsible for a written performance evaluation of the Teacher in January and recommends
employment agreement renewal/salary or termination to the membership in February. Submits a letter of
intent to the Teacher in February, stating the Preschool’s intent and requesting input from the teacher if
appropriate. Prepares and signs the Teacher’s employment agreement by March 31st.
E) Is responsible for appointing and supervising a teacher selection committee, if needed, to recruit,
interview, and hire a new teacher.
F) Encourages members, officers, and teacher to attend professional development workshops and classes.
Resolves all disputes brought to it. Participates in Grievance Procedures and Contract for
Change/Dismissal Procedures as outlined in Article III, Sections 6 and 7.
G) Is responsible for setting up the Spring Orientation meeting, at which members enrolled for the coming
year elect a Board.
H) Coordinates all necessary communication and activities with Pre-3’s.
ARTICLE VII. EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Section 1. Teacher
Through its Board of Directors, the Teacher is hired, supervised, evaluated, and paid by the preschool
membership to teach the children’s preschool program affiliated with NSCC. The general duties of the
Teacher are as follows:
A) Plans, organizes, and teaches developmentally appropriate children’s activities with assistance of the
members and Parent Education Instructor.
B) Supervises assistant teachers (“working parents”) in the preschool.
C) Attends all Board meetings, parent membership meetings, and appropriate committee meetings.
D) Reports on curriculum at Parent meetings and upon request at Board Meetings.
E) Recommends and/or selects curriculum materials for purchase, subject to the budget.
F) Attends professional development workshops and meetings scheduled by NSCC.
G) Complies with all terms of the Teacher’s Contract.
H) Coordinates appropriate changes and activities with Pre-3’s Teacher and members.
Section 2. Parent Education Instructor
The Parent Education Instructor is assigned to the preschool by North Seattle Community College, Child and
Family Division, Parent Education Program for three hours per week. The instructor’s duties are as follows:
A) Plans, organizes, and/or provides parent education at monthly parent meetings.
B) Attends membership meetings and Board meetings, serving as a resource to the preschool regarding
business and organizational concerns.
C) Models early childhood teaching and guidance techniques in the classroom.
D) Consults with and advises the teacher on classroom organization and management, curriculum, goalsetting, and specific problems or needs of individual parents and/or their children.
E) Serves as a resource to individual parents regarding child and family concerns.
F) Serves as a liaison between the parents and teacher and the college.
ARTICLE VIII. FEES AND FINANCES
Section 1. Fee
Each member shall pay a non-refundable registration fee.
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Monthly tuition for 3- and 4-day programs is due one month in advance at monthly parent meetings, regardless
of school attendance; however, September tuition is due at Spring Orientation, and May tuition shall be paid in
four installments (at the Spring Orientation Meeting, as well as at September, October, and November parent
meetings) in order to guarantee May expenses. In the event of withdrawal on or before August 31st, all tuition
paid for the coming school year is refunded. For withdrawal notices received after August 31 st, no May tuition
paid for the coming year is refundable but other monthly tuition paid for classes beyond the 4 weeks written
notice period will be reimbursed on a prorated basis, determined by a per diem cost. In the event that the
preschool chooses not to replace the withdrawing member, the member may be reimbursed for paid tuition
within the four week period, as stipulated in Article III, Section 15, Early Withdrawal.
Each member shall be responsible for paying NSCC tuition each quarter.
Section 2. Non-sufficient fund charges
All bank charges for returned checks shall be billed to the member. If more than one check is returned, the
member will be required to pay with cash or money order subsequently.
Section 3. Late payments
The Board will handle late payments on an individual basis. Tuition one month in arrears is grounds for
dismissal.
Section 4. Financial Procedures
All checks issued on behalf of the preschool shall be co-signed by two officers as designated in Article VII.
Any non-budgeted preschool expenditures over $5.00 shall be Board approved. All expenditures over $50.00
shall require membership approval. An annual financial review shall be completed during the summer, after
the treasurer completes the financial report to the college, due at the end of June, and before September/the
responsibilities of the new treasurer begins.
Section 5. Scholarship Funds
Scholarship funds are available through both PAC and Latona 3-5s. See “How to Apply for Scholarship
Funds” in parent orientation packet.
Section 6. Fiscal Year
The preschool’s fiscal year shall run from July through June.
ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDING RULES
Any member may propose changes to the Standing Rules. The Standing Rules may be amended at a
membership meeting. A 2/3 majority vote of the full membership shall be required. Proposed amendments to
the standing rules must be distributed in writing to all members at least two weeks (14 days) prior to the date
of the meeting.
ARTICLE X. DISAFFILIATION
In the event of disaffiliation with North Seattle Community College (at the college’s or preschool’s initiative)
and if the preschool continues to function as a non-profit program, the equipment shall remain with the
preschool.
Revised 9/09
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