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. Revised 9/09 Page 1 of 11 Latona 3-5s Cooperative Preschool Standing Rules 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 Revised 9/09 Page 2 of 11 Latona 3-5s Cooperative Preschool Standing Rules 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 Revised 9/09 Page 3 of 11 Latona 3-5s Cooperative Preschool Standing Rules 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 Revised 9/09 Page 4 of 11 Latona 3-5s Cooperative Preschool Standing Rules 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. Revised 9/09 Page 5 of 11 Latona 3-5s Cooperative Preschool Standing Rules 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. Revised 9/09 Page 6 of 11 Latona 3-5s Cooperative Preschool Standing Rules 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. Revised 9/09 Page 7 of 11 Latona 3-5s Cooperative Preschool Standing Rules 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: Revised 9/09 Page 8 of 11 Latona 3-5s Cooperative Preschool Standing Rules 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. Revised 9/09 Page 9 of 11 Latona 3-5s Cooperative Preschool Standing Rules 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. Revised 9/09 Page 10 of 11 Latona 3-5s Cooperative Preschool Standing Rules 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 Page 11 of 11