Center Policy Handbook
www.nmeducationcenter.org ~ (860) 354-2941
The Education Center
07/15/2015
A place where children can GROW, LEARN, and EXPLORE
Index
Behavior Management
3
Child Abuse and Neglect
7
Confidentiality
11
Discipline
12
Medication
13
Sick
14
Supervision
15
Volunteer Policy
16
Field Trip Policy
17
Playground Plan
17
Bus Plan
18
Transition Plan
18
Allergy Alert
18
2
Behavior Management Policy
Revised 3/2014
Children’s development and behavior is taken seriously at the Center. It is the responsibility of our staff
to provide a safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate program to all children. The following
policy on the management of children with challenging behaviors will be adhered to without exception.
Challenging behaviors shall be defined as aggression such as biting, hitting, pushing, kicking or other
potentially dangerous acts toward other children or staff. Also, foul language, inability to follow rules
and comply with directives, escaping from the classroom or designated childcare areas, outbursts and
tantrums, disruption of classroom activities or any act which endangers the health and safety of self or
others, damages property, or disrupts program quality. Included in this category are children with other
developmental concerns regarding physical, language, motor, self-help, cognitive, and/or
social/emotional. The step-by-step process for assessing, referring, and accommodating children with
challenging behaviors is as follows:
1.
2.
3.
Teachers will bring concerns about a child’s development immediately to the attention of the
Director who will document those concerns and place them in the child’s confidential file.
Caregivers will be notified when any behavior of the child is in question. At the Director’s
discretion, an education, health, or mental health consultant who has contracted with the
program can be contacted for the purpose of advice on assessing, referring, managing and/or
accommodating the behavior/development of concern. In many cases, such informal guidance is
enough to handle those concerns satisfactorily. Caregivers will be informed about how these
issues will be addressed at the Center before there are any modifications to the child’s program
and to share the recommendations of any consultant.
In the event that the child’s development remains of concern, the Caregiver will be informed by
the Director. At this time it will be the responsibility of the Caregiver to seek evaluation services
through one of the following choices:
 Health care specialist (if a physical concern) of the Caregiver’s choice
 Mental Health professional (if a behavioral concern) of Caregiver’s choice
 Public school early intervention/special education programs (children over 3) Excel
 Connecticut’s Birth to Three System (for children under 3)
 Public services (Help Me Grow, Early Childhood Consultation Partnership, etc.)
 Center’s Educational Consultant.
Any fees related to such evaluations shall be the sole responsibility of the family unless otherwise
agreed upon in advance by the child care program. Caregivers will be required to submit
evidence of contact/appointment with such services within one week of the referral or the child’s
attendance may be suspended until the evidence of contact has been made. The program agrees
to cooperate with consultants and professionals in allowing them to make assessments of the
child and his/her educational environment on-site. No information about the child will be
provided to these agencies or individuals without Caregivers signed consent.
3
4.
The Caregiver agrees to provide the results and recommendations of assessments to the Center
for the purpose of appropriate program planning for the child. This information may be
presented in writing or in a personal meeting between the Caregiver, Center staff, and outside
agency or professional. Any cost associated with such planning meetings will be the
responsibility of the Caregiver unless otherwise agreed upon. The Center agrees to follow
professional recommendations regarding the accommodation and support of the child’s
development to the greatest extent possible while maintaining program integrity and within
budgetary, regulatory, or building restrictions that would prohibit making modifications or
accommodations to the program. The Caregiver agrees to provide a copy of an IFSP or IEP and
grant permission for the program to communicate with special education personnel and
therapists for the purpose of consistency and support in a detailed plan of care as required by
DPH.
- *The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health requires that any child
with identified special needs provides the center with a detailed plan of care, to
include an IEP or IFSP. All such information will be kept confidential and only
be shared with permission from the caregivers*
5.
A re-evaluation of the success of any recommendations will take place at a time set by the
Director, generally 7 to 30 days from implementation of any recommendations. At that time, a
determination will be made to continue successful programming, modify programming for
another 7 to 30 days, or recommend an alternative placement for the child. In such cases, or in
the case of non-compliance with this policy, Caregivers will have 2 weeks to make new
arrangements unless the child is a danger to himself or others, or disruptive to program quality
in which case dismissal from the program shall be immediate.
6.
The method and schedule for continual monitoring of the child’s growth and development will
be determined by the Director and will be dependent on the effectiveness of the program for the
child. Caregivers have the right to access any information regarding their child’s program and/or
development and will be immediately informed should any issues of concern occur. Caregivers
have the right to make on-site visits at any time the program is in session.
4
Behavior Management Philosophy & Policy
It is the philosophy of the Center to use behavior management techniques to enhance a child’s selfesteem, social development, and problem solving skills. Our goal is to teach children self-control and
pro-social behaviors through positive behavior support procedures. In this process, we support the child
in learning to function both as an individual and as part of a group. Staff will:
 Guide children by setting clear, consistent and fair limits for behavior:
We don’t hurt ourselves
We don’t hurt others
We don’t hurt things
 Include children in deciding classroom rules.
 Use mistakes as a learning tool.
 Acknowledge positive behavior whenever observed; use descriptive praise that ties approval to a
specific action rather than “good girl” or “good job.”
 Redirect a child to a more acceptable behavior or activity rather than using punishment.
 Use “do” instead of or in addition to “don’t” to teach the child a replacement behavior.
 Listen to a child when they are hurt or frustrated and reflect and support their feelings.
 Set simple rules that are consistent, fair, impartial, enforced and clearly communicated.
 Communicate with the child that you are disappointed with the incident and not with the child
himself.
 No corporal or physical punishment may be used at any time.
 No isolating or humiliating punishment may be used at any time – children are to be fully
supervised during any disciplinary action.
 Use physical restraint only when needed to protect the child or others from physical harm under
the Department of Children and Families (DCF) training guidelines.
 Refrain from using consequences that involve restriction of food, outdoor play, and special
activities.
 Consider the communicative value of a child’s challenging behaviors such as
escape from a disliked or uncomfortable situation
need for attention
to gain access to something he can’t get in a more acceptable way
for self-stimulation or gratification
 Ignore minor misbehavior that is not harmful or potentially harmful to avoid giving too much
attention to negative behavior.
 Consider and plan to address factors that negatively affect child behavior such as health, over
stimulation in the environment, developmental disorder, family situation, etc.
 Use a variety of appropriately applied strategies such as redirection, natural consequences, sitand-watch, and conflict resolution procedures when children need behavior support.

Unsafe or disrespectful behavior will be handled by leading the child away from the situation to
calm down. The teacher states the rule that was broken firmly and without emotion. The child
must sit, under the teacher’s supervision until ready to re-enter activities. The teacher then
prompts the child about the rule, and what he will do instead or next time. The teacher then
facilitates re-entry into classroom activities. Removal from a particular activity for the remainder
of the day may be necessary, but the child must be reassured that he will have another chance the
5
next day. Reward the child soon after he/she demonstrates any appropriate behavior in a
descriptive, genuine manner.
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Conflicts between children will be resolved using the following steps
- Position yourself between the children in conflict
- Allow each child to state his side of the story and express his feelings
- Reflect what each child says so they know they have been understood
- Ask the children to suggest solutions to the problem
- Repeat those solutions as choices and help the children negotiate the most workable
and fair choice
- Ask for agreement from each child and restate the solution chosen
- Facilitate and supervise the children until the new behavior occurs
- Use descriptive praise to acknowledge cooperation
Consult a child behavior expert before implementing behavior modification techniques such as
sticker charts and other token reward systems.
Document all challenging behavior using an ABC behavioral log and bring it to the attention of
the Director for behavior management planning using Positive Behavior Support Procedures.
Bring to the attention of the Director any child whose development, in any domain is of concern
for referral to a consultant or outside agency.
Inclusion of Children with Special Needs
 The Center is compliant with the ADA in matters related to the admission and accommodation of
children with disabilities. It is important that Caregivers disclose the nature and extent of the
disability to the Director prior to enrollment. When indicated, a meeting between staff,
Caregivers, and relevant support service providers will be held to determine the child’s needs
and to design program modifications necessary for the child’s comfort, functioning, and access to
equipment, activities, and materials. An individual plan of care is required by DPH and will be
completed prior to admission. Children whose behavior is a risk to themselves, others, or
property or whose accommodations significantly disrupt the nature of the program may be asked
to leave program but the Center will work cooperatively with support services and agencies to
the greatest extent possible.
6
Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
Revised February 2012
Who is a mandated reporter?
Connecticut law requires certain citizens to report suspected child abuse and neglect. These mandated reporters are
people in professions or occupations that have contact with children or whose primary focus is children. The law
requires that they report suspected child abuse or neglect to the police and/or to The Department of Children and
Families (DCF). This includes any person paid to care for a child in any public or private facility, child day care
center, group day care home or family day care home which is licensed by the State of Connecticut.
As mandated reporters; it is the responsibility of The Education Center and its’ employees to prevent child abuse and
neglect of children enrolled in the program or at the facility. It is the policy of The Education Center that all
employees must first report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Director and then to DCF. The
Education Center has a zero tolerance policy for Abuse and Neglect.
What Must Be Reported
Mandated reporters are required to report or cause a report to be made when, in the ordinary course of their
employment or profession, they have reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child under the age of 18 has been
abused, neglected or is placed in imminent risk of serious harm.
Definitions of Child abuse and Neglect:
Child Abuse: Child abuse is the non-accidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or neglect of a child under the
age of 18 by a person responsible for the child’s health, welfare or care, or by any person given access to the child by
the responsible person.
The forms of child abuse include:

Physical abuse: injuring a child by shaking, beating, burning or other similar acts.

Sexual abuse: engaging in sexual behavior with a child or allowing sexual exploitation of a child.

Emotional abuse: excessive belittling, teasing or berating which impairs a child’s psychological growth.

At-Risk abuse: placing a child in danger of abuse or neglect (e.g. threatening a child with bodily harm).

Neglect: failing to provide for a child’s basic needs (i.e. food, clothing, shelter, hygiene, education,
medical care and supervision).
7
Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
Revised February 2012
Reporting Requirements:
Employees who suspect, witness, or become aware of abuse or neglect will immediately discuss any suspected case
with the Director. Reporters do not have to be certain there is abuse and neglect, only suspect. In the case of
uncertainty about whether a situation is reportable, the employee or director will phone DCF and without divulging
the child’s identity, describe the situation and ask for guidance. The director will then inform all reports of neglect
and abuse to the board of directors who will keep such a report in strict confidence.
When making a report, a mandated reporter is required to provide the following information, if known:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The names and addresses of the child and his parents or other person responsible for his care;
The age of the child;
The gender of the child;
The nature and extent of the child's injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect;
The approximate date and time the injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect occurred;
Information concerning any previous injury or injuries to, or maltreatment or neglect of, the child or his
siblings;
7. The circumstances in which the injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect came to be known to the reporter;
8. The name of the person or persons suspected to be responsible for causing such injury or injuries,
maltreatment or neglect;
9. The reasons such person or persons are suspected of causing such injury or injuries, maltreatment or
neglect;
10. Any information concerning any prior cases in which such person or persons have been suspected of
causing an injury, maltreatment or neglect of a child;
11. Whatever action, if any, was taken to treat, provide shelter or otherwise assist the child (PA 11-93 §15).
How to Report
Mandated reporters must report orally to the Department of Children and Families' (DCF) Hotline (1-800842-2288) or a law enforcement agency within 12 hours of suspecting that a child has been abused or neglected and
must submit a written report (DCF-136 form) to DCF within 48 hours of making the oral report. Mandated reporters
are required to give their name when they make a report to DCF, however, reporters may request anonymity to
protect their privacy. This means that DCF would not disclose their name or identity unless mandated to do so by
law. If DCF suspects or knows that the reporter knowingly makes a false report, his or her identity shall be disclosed
to the appropriate law enforcement agency and the person may be subject to the penalty described in the next
section.
8
Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
Revised February 2012
Per CT State law; The Education Center may not discharge, discriminate or retaliate against an employee for
making a good faith report or testifying in an abuse or neglect proceeding.
Informing the Family
Mandated reporters are under no legal obligation to inform parents that they have made a report to DCF about their
child. However, depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary and/or beneficial to do so.
 When a child is suspected of being abused, neglected or placed at imminent risk of serious harm by a
member of the staff. Health care professionals may need to talk with parents to assess the cause of the
child’s injury (ies). And the Mental health professional may want to talk with the parents in order to offer
support or guidance.
 Sincere discretion will be used when making the decision as to whether or not the families will be informed.
Suspected Abuse By a Member of the Staff:
Mandated reporters are also required to report when they have reasonable cause to suspect or believe that any child
has been abused or neglected by a member of the staff. DCF must notify the Director or facility providing child care
that a report has been made, except in circumstances when such person is the alleged perpetrator.
If an allegation concerns an employee the following steps will be taken:
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The Education Center has a zero tolerance policy for suspected Child abuse or neglect. Therefore, once an
allegation has been made the suspected perpetrator will immediately be placed on an unpaid suspension
until the investigation has been completed.
Any employee who witnesses the alleged abuse/neglect will notify the Director immediately. Failure to do
so will result in the employee being placed on suspension for failure to follow policy/procedure. The
director will immediately speak with the witness staff member to gather all necessary
information/documentation.
The Director will check the child to assure the child is safe and unharmed. The child will be placed with
another staff member or local health facility until the director can discuss the matter with the accused staff
member.
The director and the witness will place a call to the DCF hotline and make the report.
The Director will then notify the parent/guardian of the child what had taken place, that the child was safe
and unharmed or on their way to the local health facility.
Pending an investigation and the decision of DCF regarding the accusations, would determine whether or
not the accused staff member would be allowed to return to their duties or have them terminated.
9
Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
Revised February 2012
Investigation of Abuse or Neglect Report
DCF is responsible for immediately evaluating and classifying all reports of suspected abuse/ neglect/imminent risk.
If the report contains information to warrant an investigation, DCF must make its best effort to begin an investigation
within two hours if there is an imminent risk of physical harm to a child or another emergency; and within three
days for all other reports. In all cases, DCF must complete the investigation in 30 calendar days.
When conducting a child abuse or neglect investigation, DCF or a law enforcement agency must coordinate activities
to minimize the number of interviews with any child.
DCF must obtain consent from the parent, guardian or person responsible for the child's care for any interview,
unless DCF has reason to believe such person or a member of the child's household is the alleged perpetrator. When
such consent is not required, the interview must be conducted in the presence of a 'disinterested adult' (typically, a
person who is impartial and has no self-interest in the case). If a disinterested adult is not available after reasonable
search and immediate access is necessary to protect the child from imminent risk of serious harm, DCF or a law
enforcement agency will still interview the child.
If, after the investigation has been completed, serious physical abuse or sexual abuse is substantiated, DCF must
notify the local police, and either the Chief State's Attorney/designee or a state's attorney in the judicial district in
which the child resides or in which the abuse occurred. A copy of the investigation report must also be sent.
TRAINING
DCF provides mandated reporter training to all providers in the state of Connecticut upon request. All employees
and volunteers of the Education Center will receive annual training on the subject of Abuse and Neglect by a DCF
personnel as part of their conditions of employment. Failure to attend such training in a timely manner will result in
immediate termination from the center.
WHERE TO CALL
The Department has a single point of contact statewide for the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect. This
Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline operates 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Anyone who suspects that a child
has been abused or neglected or is in danger of abuse or neglect is strongly encouraged to call the Hotline.
All families will receive a copy of this policy upon registration and all currently enrolled families will receive one
annually and upon revisions.
10
Confidentiality Policy
Revised February 2012
A confidential file for every child is maintained in a locked file cabinet in the Director’s office.
That file contains registration information, health records, emergency contacts, individual care plans, and
other information pertaining to the child and family. The confidential file is available to the Director and
will be shared with teaching staff as necessary. Medical records are also accessed by the school nurse for
the purpose of immunization tracking and meeting individual needs as in the case of allergies or medical
restrictions. This information is shared with teaching staff as necessary. Caregivers have the right to
access their child’s confidential files at any time upon request.
Developmental assessments, documentation, and portfolios are kept by classroom teachers and
shared with Caregivers at scheduled conferences. Caregivers can request additional conferences to
discuss this information at any time. No progress summaries or developmental information, written or
verbal, will be shared with agencies or personnel outside of the Center without specific written
permission from Caregivers.
All staff agrees to follow the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and refrain from any action which
may negatively affect the reputation or comfort of a child or family, not limited to gossip and sharing of
confidential information outside of the Center or the child’s own family. Staff will share developmental
records and information with co-workers when it is for the benefit of the child or continuity of the child’s
program. Staff will prepare written information to be shared outside of the Center as requested by
Caregivers or Director, only with specific written permission from the Caregivers. Caregivers have the
right to review all information before it is shared with outside agencies or individuals.
11
Discipline Policy
Revised February 2012
It is the philosophy of The Education Center to have a discipline policy that enhances and
improves a child's self-esteem and problem solving skills while building on their social behavior. In this
process we aid the child in developing themselves as individuals and as part of a group. Children learn
self-control when adults treat them with dignity and use positive discipline techniques such as:
1. Guiding children by setting clear, consistent, and fair limits for class room behavior or with
older children aiding them to set their own limits.
2. Using mistakes as a learning tool.
3.
Redirecting children to a more acceptable behavior or activity.
4.
Listening to a child when they are hurt or frustrated about their feelings.
5. Aid children in resolving their conflicts amongst themselves with very little teacher interference.
6. Setting simple rules that are developmentally appropriate consistently enforced and
clearly communicated.
7. Corporal or physical punishment is STRICTLY forbidden. No child may be
physically restrained in any way' unless required to protect the immediate child or
others.
8. Punishment may not involve the taking away of food items, staying in from outside play, or
toilet training.
9. In a severe situation remove the child from the group with minimal disruption, state quite
clearly the rule that has been broken, place the child with the director or other staff where the
child can dearly be supervised at all times, discuss with the child other ways of handling the
situation and by what means could they have handled themselves differently, inform the
patent/guardian and return the child to the group if possible in a timely manner.
12
Medication Policy
Revised February 2012
All medications regardless of prescription or over the counter will be administered in accordance
with the state regulations and center procedures. Medication administration will only be
permitted when a medication administration form is completed and signed by the child’s
physician and parent/guardian. Parent/Guardians are asked to notify the staff when their child is
medicated, even if dosing is not required during center hours.
All prescriptions must be in the original container with proper labeling to include: child's name,
name of medication, dosage, and number of administrations per day. No child may share another
sibling's medication. All medications must be brought to the center by a parent/guardian and
given to the child’s teacher or the director. All medication will then be placed in a lockbox inside
the director's office or the child’s classroom and all necessary paperwork will be reviewed with the
parent/guardian. State health regulations require that any medication administered to a child must
be dispensed by an individual with medication administration training. The center will keep a
record of administration that includes date, time, dose, and who administered the medication as
required by regulation. The center under no circumstances will administer any medication that
has not been properly labeled, delivered, and authorized by a doctor. NO exception of any kind
can and will be made.
Medication of any kind; prescription or over the counter, may NOT be stored in a child's lunch
box, backpack, or cubby.
Staff receiving medication from parents will be required to ask when the last dosage was given in
the event medication is to be administered on a periodic hourly schedule.
For reasons of emergency accessibility, Epi-pens will be stored in the child’s classroom,
protected from children’s reach, in accordance with state regulations.
Non-prescription topical medication; i.e. sunscreen, lip balm, diaper cream, may only be applied
with the proper form completed. Forms are available in the Directors office.
13
Sick Policy
Revised December 2013
Children need to be in good health in order to get the most out of their school day and to protect others from illness.
Children who have symptoms of illness and cannot fully participate in both indoor and outdoor activities will not
be allowed to attend the program. The following symptoms will exclude the child from participation:
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Fever of 100.5 or above: the child will be sent home and may not return to the Center until the child is
without a fever for 24 hours WITHOUT the use of fever reducing medication.
Green or yellow nasal discharge with or without a fever or cough: any discharge other than clear may be a
sign of infection. The child may return to the Center when they are symptom-free.
Vomiting and/or diarrhea: the child will be sent home if they have had three episodes of diarrhea or have
vomited once (this excludes infants who have a documented pattern of vomiting after feedings)
Conjunctivitis/pink eye: a child who exhibits redness, itching, or discharge from the eye will be sent
home. The child may return 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment.
Chickenpox: symptoms of chickenpox or a fever accompanied by a rash or blisters. The blisters take
several days to appear and to scab over. The child may return to the Center once ALL blisters have
scabbed over. All cases of chickenpox must be reported to the health department.
Head Lice: children may return to school once the child has been treated with a specific shampoo
designed for lice and all the eggs are removed from the child’s hair. Staff or the Director will recheck the
child’s hair upon return to the Center.
Skin rashes and cold sores: Children will be sent home due to any type of rash/sores that is in question.
The child may not return to school unless they have a physician’s note stating that the condition is noncontagious, or until symptom-free.
Children with open sores on their hands will not be permitted to participate in water play.
All antibiotics must be given for a period of 24 hours before your child may return to school;
this is to reduce the risk of contagiousness for all children.
Caregivers will be immediately notified of their child’s illness. If the Caregiver cannot be reached, the emergency
contact will be notified. It is expected that the child will be picked up within an hour after notification. The child
will be separated from the other children, with supervision, to prevent possible spread of infection. Children
returning after illness must see the teacher or Director upon arrival and provide any pertinent information regarding
the illness as well as leave medication and instructions if needed. As childcare providers it is our responsibility to be
fully aware of your child’s daily health.
Teachers will report all injuries and illness to the Director immediately. In the case of head injuries and bites, the
Director will notify Caregivers immediately.
14
Supervision Policy
Revised 2/2013
Infant & Toddler Supervision
Teaching staff supervise infants and toddlers by sight and sound at all times.
 During meal times in the infant room, one person will supervise the children
who are eating while another person prepares and serves food.
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At least one staff member will be able to see infants and toddlers at all times.
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Staff is aware of the entire room and rotate position when necessary.
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Toddler teachers stand in the door way of the bathroom as the children toilet. If
help is needed the teacher will do so keeping the door open at all times.
Preschool and School Age children
Teaching staff supervise children primarily by sight and sound and are aware of where
children are at all times.
 Teachers scan and walk the entire perimeter of the playground, inside the play
houses, climbing equipment, sand boxes and hard-to-see areas.
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Teachers position themselves in order to see the entire classroom.
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Teachers are aware of each child in order to maintain a safe environment.
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Children will toilet independently but if they need help a teacher will do so
keeping the door open at all times.
Sleeping Children
Teaching staff position themselves so they can hear and see all sleeping children at all
times.
 Infants are placed on their backs in a crib. Infants may not sleep in a swing,
bouncy seat, car seat or any apparatus that is in the prone position.

Staff checks napping infants and toddlers every 10 minutes without disruption to
ensure safety.

Sleeping children of any age will not have their heads covered.
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Blankets are placed on sleeping infants and reach only to the infant’s chest.

Children who awake early or do not sleep are supervised and provided quiet
activities.
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Infant/Toddler nap times for each child are recorded for parent information.
15
Volunteer Policy
Volunteers at the Education Center will sign a Volunteer Agreement and will adhere to the
following rules:
 Untrained volunteers will not be counted in ratio numbers.
 Volunteers will not be alone with children at any time.
 Trained and background checked volunteers may count in ratio but not left alone with
children.
 Anyone volunteering on a regular basis will submit to a background check.
 Volunteers will not initiate touch with the children.
 Volunteers will not allow children to sit on their lap.
 Volunteers will not take pictures or video of the children.
 All behavior issues will be brought to the teacher’s attention.
 All first aide needs will be brought to the teacher’s attention.
 All conflicts between children will be brought to the teacher’s attention.
 Volunteers will not change diapers.
 Volunteers will not help with toileting needs.
 Volunteers will interact positively with the children.
 Volunteers will follow the teacher’s instructions.
 Volunteers will sign in and out of the visitor’s log.
 Volunteers will dress appropriately.
 Volunteers will behave in a professional manner at all times with both children and
adults.
 Volunteers will maintain confidentiality of children and families.
Teachers will closely supervisor all volunteers and their interactions with children. If there are
any concerns teachers will immediately bring concerns to the director’s attention. The director
will then ask the volunteer to leave the center. All volunteers must be approved by the Director
and Lead Teacher prior to volunteering.
16
Field Trip Policy
The Education Center’s Ready Set for Kindergarten and School Age programs do go on field
trips throughout the year. Parents will be given written notice of the field trip in advance and
sign permission slips allowing the children to participate in the field trip. Parents will be given
the opportunity to volunteer as chaperones to help with the field trip. The permission slip will
include the destination and the form of transportation being used along will departure and
expected return times.
The following guidelines will be followed in preparation for and on the field trip:
 A full first aid kit will be brought including water and liquid soap.
 A reliable communication device and emergency contact numbers for each child will be
brought.
 Any medications, as needed will be taken.
 Plastic bags for storage will be brought.
 Normal staff to child ratios will be maintained throughout the trip.
 When children are swimming or wading as part of the trip, preschool ratio will be at least
one teacher for every four children (1:4). For school age children the ratio will be at least
one teacher for every six children (1:6).
 Children will be supervised at all times.
 At least one staff member will be in attendance that is CPR, first aid, and Medication
Administration certified.
 Attendance and a head count will be taken at each transition during the field trip.
Playground Plan
While on the playground teachers will:
 Maintain age appropriate ratios (4:1 for children under three, 10:1 over three).
 Check the playground for hazards prior to children entering playground. (ex. Glass,
debris, holes, etc)
 Provide drinking water at all times.
 Supervise the children by sight and sound at all times.
 Engage children while they play.
 Scan and walk the entire perimeter of the playground, to see all hard-to-see areas.
 Bring first aid kits out to playground and place it out of reach of children.
 Conduct counts of the children during each transition and at least every 15 minutes while
on the playground.
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Bus Plan
While transporting children to and from the school bus teachers will:
 Maintain age appropriate ratios (4:1 for children under three, 10:1 over three).
 Wait for the bus with children at a safe location away from the street.
 Use bus logs to sign children out as they leave on the bus and in as they arrive off of the
bus.
 Walk children to the bus doors and wait for them to be fully on the bus before walking
away.
 Meet children who are coming off the bus at the bus door.
 Supervise children by sight and sound at all times getting on and off the bus and while
waiting for the bus.
 Sign children in and out on the classroom clipboard and in computer.
 Communicate with the bus driver about the children’s time on the bus.
Transition Plan
When children are moving from one classroom to the next the director will introduce the parent
to the new teachers and classroom and discuss the following with them:
 New classroom schedule
 Things the child will need in the new classroom
 Any applicable rate changes
 Any concerns the parents may have
The child(ren) will be given a chance to visit the classroom and get to know the teachers and
other children prior to their first day. If needed, they will be allowed to visit more than once to
help make the transition smooth. Every effort will be made to help the child(ren) adjust to the
new environment.
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Allergy Alert Zone
Please be aware that we are a
Peanut Free
Center
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children safe and healthy
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Please initial that you have received, read, and had the following policies and plans discussed with you:
____Behavior Management
____ Child Abuse and Neglect
____ Confidentiality
____ Discipline
____ Medication
____ Sick
____Supervision
____Volunteer
____ Field Trip
____ Playground Plan
____ Bus Plan
____Transition Plan
____ Allergy Alert
I have received, read and reviewed the Center Policy Handbook of the Education Center. I have no
questions and agree to abide by the centers’ policies as set forth:
Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ________________
Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ________________
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