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Responsibility to the Program

Student Employee Obligations

As a team with the Director, Lead Teacher and other Student Employees the following procedures, precautions and duties must be performed in order to help ensure the health, safety and quality of care we provide to the children at The Early Childhood Center. 

1.  Interactions with Children

    Employees are responsible for all interactions with children, parents, fellow staff members and the community while working in or representing The Early Childhood Center.  These interactions include but are not limited to the following: 

a.           Treat all children equally with respect and consideration

b.          Encourage and model cooperation, helping, and turn taking to solve problems

c.           Retain a cheerful, bright, inviting atmosphere filled with laughter of children and staff, rather than harsh, stressful noise or enforced quiet

d.          Keep rules simple and consistent, reminding children of these rules often

e.           Never use a child’s name and the word “no” as a sentence

f.            Remember: the children who seem to deserve it the least, need it the most including love, praise, understanding and attention

g.           Interact with children frequently, at their eye level by talking, playing smiling and holding

h.           Be available and responsive to children, listen with attention and respect

i.             Encourage children to talk, ask open-ended questions that cannot be answered with a yes/no response

j.            Disciplinary methods are positive guidelines to help the child develop self-control and assume responsibility for their acts

k.          Discipline does not mean punishment – instead it means to teach.  These measures are positive techniques including redirection, and positive reinforcement – only in the most extreme situation will the child be placed in “time-out” or excluded from participating in activities with the other children.  In these cases the “time-out” will never exceed one minute for each year of the child’s age

l.             Children should be reminded of the rules and informed of the consequences when they display destructive behavior toward other children, the staff, the center or the center’s equipment

m.         No loud or demeaning language will be used at any time when disciplining a child

n.           Make every effort to be generous with praise and love, ensuring that each child is aware of his/her own self-worth.  Many discipline problems are a cry for attention.  If positive attention is given first, the need for discipline is alleviated 

2.      Interactions with Parents

1. We have an open door policy meaning parents are welcome to visit at any time throughout the day
2. Parents are personally and cordially greeted upon arrival and departure
3. If you are informed of a parental concern you must notify the Lead Teacher and the Director
4. A verbal or written system of sharing information with parents is established with the classroom teacher.  Any correspondence with parents about concerns with a child’s behavior, skills or other sensitive subject areas must first be discussed with the Lead Teacher and/or Director
5. All information disclosed by parents/guardians is to be kept strictly confidential and is only to be discussed with the classroom teacher or other staff on a need to know basis

3.      Physical Environment

a.       The indoor environment is kept clean with floors swept, mopped (if necessary), tables and chairs disinfected after messy activities and before meal or snack times, bathrooms are to be checked periodically for unflushed toilets and messy floors

b.      Electrical outlets are to be covered

c.       All chemicals and potentially hazardous materials are stored in an area inaccessible to children

d.      All equipment is maintained in safe, clean condition and in good repair

e.       The outdoor environment is clean, safe and attractive and is to be used as a learning environment

f.        Dishes are washed or bathroom is cleaned on assigned day and time

4.      Health and Safety

a.       Children are under adult supervision at all time – at a minimum following the child to adult ratios established by the state of Kentucky (ratios posted in each classroom and in the office)

b.      Children are only released to persons authorized by the parents/guardians (always check the Child Release Policies located in the office and ask for a photo ID)

c.       Medications (including lotion and/or other topical ointments) are stored in a locked box (Director’s Office) and are only administered by the Director or Lead Teacher.  Should a parent give you medicine for a child, direct them to a lead teacher or the Director to fill out the proper paperwork and for medicine storage

d.      Emergency evacuations are practiced frequently.  It is necessary to be familiar with the procedures for each emergency evacuation

e.       Adequate first aid supplies are readily available (each class has an emergency backpack)

f.        Proper use of equipment is to be taught and expected

g.       Employees and children are to thoroughly wash hands before handling food, after toileting and/or between assisting a child with toileting

h.       Arrangements with a parent for private child care must not have any involvement with the Center (i.e., using the facilities or materials) 

5.      Diapering/Potty Training

Standing Diaper Changes

1. Bring the following supplies into the bathroom with you:

a.       clean diaper

b.      wipes (remove from container and leave on shelf)

c.       plastic bag to dispose of diaper

d.      disposable gloves if desired.

2. Have the child help you pull their pants down.
3. Remove the wet diaper (all BM’s should be changed at changing table).
4. Place the wet diaper in the plastic bag.
5. Have the child sit on the toilet. Have them wipe when they are finished then you wipe after them.  If they don’t urinate, have them sit for a minute or two, then wipe.
6. Clean your hands with a baby wipe and place in bag with wet diaper. 
7. Have the child flush the toilet (they may need some help).
8. Place clean diaper on child.  Have them pull their pants up.
9. Dispose of wet diaper in diaper pail.
10. Take the child to a sink and help them wash their hands for 20 seconds. You can sing the ABC’s to help you gauge time.
11. Wash your hands.
12. Spray sink and faucets with bleach water and let air dry.

Changing Table Procedures

1. Gather the following supplies:

a.       clean diaper

b.      wipes (remove from container and leave container on shelf)

c.       plastic bag to dispose of diaper

d.      disposable gloves if desired

2. Remove the child’s pants and dirty diaper.

3. Place dirty diaper in a plastic bag and dispose of in trash can.
4. Clean the child, wiping from front to back.  Place used wipes in trash.
5. Clean child’s hands with a baby wipe.
6. Clean your hands with a baby wipe.
7. Place clean diaper on child. 
8. Spray changing table with bleach water solution and leave for 2 minutes.
9. Take the child to a sink and help them wash their hands for 20 seconds.  You can sing the ABC’s to help you gauge time.
10.  Wash your hands.
11.  Spray sink and faucets with bleach water and let air dry.

These guidelines are also posted at the changing table.

6.      Playground Guidelines

Supervising the children on the playground is as important as supervising children in the classroom.  These basic safety guidelines have been established to prevent unnecessary injuries and optimize supervision on the playground.  Please make yourself familiar with these procedures so that we can provide a consistent set of rules for the children.

1.      Do not congregate into groups with other adults.  Spread out throughout the playground, with each adult supervising a specific area.

a.       1^st adult should be positioned at the shed to view whole playground

b.      2^nd adult positioned at slide begins monitoring grassy area and specifically climber 1^st adult concentrates on sandbox and bikes

c.       3^rd adult positioned at the basketball hoops and monitors basketball, door into Center, doll house and outdoor block and ½ bike area

2.      Stand so that you are in a position to forestall possible accidents.  If you are engaged in helping one child, position yourself so that you can see the rest of the group, you do not want your back to the rest of the group.

3.      When equipment is in use, show the children how to use it properly and safely.  Use clear and positive statements to redirect children.

4.      Children should not be permitted to go into the building for the restroom or into the classroom if another adult is not able to supervise.

5.      If you must go into the building with a child or for other reasons, notify the other adults on the playground so that they ca reposition themselves to properly supervise the children your were responsible for.

6.      Remember, outdoor play is also a learning experience.  Interact with the child when he needs help, act as an observer, give feedback during the children’s play.

Keep these basic things in mind:

Swing

·        Only teachers push (children could be injured in the mouth or neck if swing comes back too quickly)

·        No more than three children on the swing at one time

·        Sit only, no laying, kneeling, standing

·        Children should stay out of swing area unless swing is stopped and they are preparing to get on it

Water Table

·        For hands only, not feet

Gravel Box/Table

·        For trucks only

·        Gravel and trucks stay in the box

Slide/Climber

·        Go down on bottom, feet first

·        Down the slide – up the steps

·        No body trains, first child needs to be off of slide before next child goes down

Basketball

·        Children should not be standing under the basket

·        Keep smaller, red basket near the full size hoop, do not move to bike area

Balls (baseball, kickball, football)

·        Always on grass

·        Should be thrown towards grass and building

Concrete Borders

·        In or out, do not allow children to walk around the boxes

Bikes

·        No crashing

·        If a child chooses the bike with the extra seat, that child must take a rider

·        Encourage children to watch where they are going

·        Keep bikes on the concrete

·        Stop at the playhouse, bikes should not go behind it and around the sandbox

·        Stop at red lines

Sandbox

·        Sand and toys stay in the sand box, not to be dumped in the grass, in the playhouse or on the concrete

·        Encourage child to not throw sand and to dig appropriately

7.      Record Keeping

a.       Students must sign-in and sign-out in the classroom each day in order to be paid for time worked.  Timesheets are considered legal documents.  Therefore, they must be accurate and reflect actual time worked.  Students are not permitted to work during regularly scheduled class time, even if a class is canceled for that day.  In the case that time worked is inaccurately claimed, criminal charges may be filed against the student

b.      An accurate account of children’s attendance must be recorded daily (this is used for tuition charges, meal planning and record in case of emergency/disaster)

c.       Classroom Teacher and/or Director must sign medication sheets at the time the medicine is administered.  If a child leaves before the medication is given it is to be indicated on the medication sheet

d.      Classroom Teachers and/or Assistants must keep an accurate record of meals served.

8.      Curriculum

a.       The curriculum is not only planned activities but also daily routine (see samples posted in each classroom)

b.      Diversity is to be reflected in the entire classroom through materials and activities

c.       Daily schedules are planned to provide a balance of activities including indoor/outdoor, quiet/active, individual/small group, large/small muscle, teacher/child initiated

d.      Curriculum is designed to be developmentally appropriate

e.       Daily schedules must reflect a routine that is set, yet flexible to the individual needs of the children

f.        Children’s toys and materials are to be arranged neatly on low, open shelves.  All staff will model appropriate use of materials and encourage independence through play and cleaning up

g.       Children are given choices of learning centers throughout the day

h.       Children are given notice of transitions before they occur

i.         Television is only to be used as an enhancement to the curriculum or on occasion as entertainment but must be scheduled with Lead Teacher or Director

9.      Nutrition and Food Service

a.       All children’s meals are to be served when children are seated.  Children are not be walking around with food

b.      Menus are posted and distributed to parents at the beginning of the school year

c.       Meals are served family style, meaning food is put in bowls on tables with children serving themselves as much as possible, an at least one adult sitting at each table modeling good nutrition habits and table manners

d.      Discipline is never to be associated with meal or snack time
 

Confidentiality

Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g), all information pertaining to the children and families served by The Early Childhood Center, as well as issues relating to fellow staff members is considered confidential.  Access to, duplication of, or release of information is not permitted without the written consent of the parents or legal guardians.  Individual records are available for review by families or legal guardians or other individuals or agencies as provided by law if that individual is:

• Staff of The Early Childhood Center with legitimate interest for educational, health or safety, or program planning
• Authorized representatives of federal, state or local agencies as mandated by law
• Licensing and accrediting organizations in carrying out their functions
• Compliance with judicial order or subpoena

·         Authorized parties in health or safety emergencies

This information is only to be released by the Director or Lead Teacher.

Who relays information to parents?

Reports to parents on children’s behavior or special difficulties should be done only by the Lead Teachers or the Director, unless they delegate this responsibility to someone else.  All sharing of information done by staff should be reported to the Director as soon as possible to maintain continuity.  Part-time staff, students, and volunteers should never communicate sensitive information to parents.  This especially includes reporting to parents on children’s negative behavior.  If a parent asks you for information please redirect them to the Lead Teacher or Director.

 When and where is it appropriate to discuss families?

Any observation you make or information a child shares with you may be discussed in your class or with staff at the Early Childhood Center, but should never be discussed elsewhere.  Sensitive information may, at times, need to be shared with staff so that they can better plan for a particular child.  Such sharing should only be done in a private place, where children, parents and/or other staff are not present.  This sharing should never be done in places where the conversation might be overheard by children or other adults.  Staff will try to make themselves available to answer any questions you might have after you observe. Please approach a Lead Teacher or the Director for interpretation of an incident or teacher strategy observed which you question, or with which you disagree.  We appreciate your cooperation in protecting the privacy of all parents and children served by the Early Childhood Center.
 

Children of Staff Enrolled in the Program

Involving parents is our best avenue for improving the quality of The Early Childhood Center as well as enhancing the skills of the parents we serve.  We encourage NKU students who enroll their children in The Early Childhood Center to apply for available positions through Federal Work Study.  The following guidelines have been established to ensure the best possible experience for both the parent and the child.

• To the best of our ability staff will not be placed in the same classroom as their child.

• Children of employees are not to receive special treatment or attention but shall be treated with the same respect as non-related children on the procedures of discipline, napping, mealtimes, and other child development issues.
• If a concern arises regarding a staff person’s child, the concerned employee, or parent must address the lead teacher through a conference, phone conversation or e-mail.  Staff are not to approach other staff during working hours regarding concerns with staff children.
• Each child’s care needs to be attended to by his or her classroom staff.  Parents are not to leave their classroom to warm up lunches, change diapers or put a child down for a nap.  Nor, is a staff person permitted to request that the parent do these things.
• Staff parents must be addressed and treated with the same respect as any other parent in the Center.  They are a customer and should be treated as such.

Parents and Children’s Rights

Kentucky state legislation requires that all parents and children served by an early childhood program, facility or home, have and be made aware of these basic rights:

Children’s Rights:

1. The right to be free from physical or mental abuse
2. The right not to be subjected to abusive language or abusive punishment
3. The right to be in the care of adults who shall meet their health, safety, and developmental needs

Parent’s/Guardian’s Rights

1. The right to have access to their children at all times the child is in care and access to the provider caring for their child during normal hours of operation and whenever the children are in the care of the provider
2. The right to be provided with child care regulatory standards, if applicable; where to direct questions about regulatory standards; and how to file a complaint
3. The right to file a complaint against a child care provider without any retribution against the parent, custodian, guardian or child

4.      The right to review and discuss with the provider any state reports and deficiencies revealed by such reports.

Child Abuse and Neglect Policy

It is imperative that the Lead Teacher and Director be informed of all suspicions of child abuse or neglect so that proper documentation and reports be made.  All employees will comply with the Kentucky State Revised Statutes, which states (in paraphrase):

• Any person who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a child is neglected or abused by a parent, guardian or any person who has control and/or supervises a child shall immediately cause an oral or written report made to the local or state law enforcement agency, or the Cabinet for Families and Children
• Anyone who is a witness of any child abuse or life threatening situation must call the authorities immediately
• The telephone number for the Northern Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children is (859) 292-6340
• Once a call has been made to the proper authorities a written and signed statement of the report including but not limited to: the date, nature of the abuse, pictures of any identifying markings, statements made by the child, and/or other persons involved; shall be made by the staff member suspecting the abuse, the Lead Teacher and the Director and kept in the child’s file.

Incident/Injury Reports

In the event of an accident or injury, care is to be provided to the injured child or adult by a person certified in first aid and/or CPR and following the basic first aid or CPR guidelines.  After initial treatment occurs, the injured party is to be monitored periodically to insure that effect from the injury are properly documented and or treated.  The Early Childhood Center requires that all unusual incidents, accidents or other injuries of a child, employee, and any other person at The Early Childhood Center be documented on the specified form.  If the injured person is a child in the care of The Early Childhood Center or a staff person, a copy of the documentation is to be given to the parent of the child or the staff person as well as a copy kept in the child or staff person’s file.  If the injured person is other than those listed above, documentation shall be made and kept on file in the Director’s office.
 

Emergency Disaster Plan

In order to insure the safety of children and staff it is the policy of The Early Childhood Center to take immediate action in the case of a natural or man-made disaster.  An evacuation plan for fire, tornado, and earthquake is drawn and posted in each classroom.  It is your responsibility to be familiar with these escape routes and the following procedures.

Procedures

Fire

1.      The Early Childhood Center conforms to all fire regulations as designated by the State Fire Marshall

2.      Monthly fire drills are held.  Fire extinguishers are checked annually for proper function.  All employees know how to use the fire extinguisher

3.      In the event of a fire, The Early Childhood Center is to be evacuated immediately Staff members are to escort the children outdoors, line each class up against the playground fence, and take attendance of each class

4.      Staff are to take attendance sheet as well as emergency backpack for each class

Tornado and Earthquake

1.      Tornado drills are held throughout the year. 

2.      In the event of a tornado warning or earthquake, the staff shall tune to the local radio station for emergency information. 

3.      Children are escorted calmly by the staff into the first floor hall outside of the Center and sit along the wall

4.      Children are to sit, with heads covered by arms until emergency is over

5.      Staff are to take attendance sheet as well as emergency backpack for each class

Missing Person

In the event that a child is missing, all staff not responsible for the supervision of other children will search The Early Childhood Center, the playground, and the areas immediately surrounding the center and playground.  If the child is not found, the Department for Public Safety and parent/guardian will be notified while available staff begins to search the surrounding area.

Threatening Person or Persons

Should a person or persons pose a threat to the physical or emotional wellbeing of the children or staff, that person will be asked to leave the Center and/or surrounding area.  If the person or persons continue to create a threatening environment, the children will be removed from the area and taken to a secured location, the Campus Police will be notified and the person or persons will be escorted off the premises.  Further action may occur if the Campus Police deem it necessary.  

Field Trip Transportation Policy

Vehicles transporting children are appropriately licensed, insured, inspected and maintained by University personnel.

When vehicles are transporting children, a backup vehicle is always be available and will be dispatched immediately in case of emergency.

Use of Child Safety Seats and Restraints

·        When University vans are used; children will use age and size appropriate vehicle child restraint systems for children under 80 pounds and 4 feet 9 inches. Vehicle child restraint systems shall be secured in back seats only. A booster child safety seat shall be used when the child has outgrown a convertible child.  All children, who weigh at least 80 pounds are at least 4 feet 9 inches in height, will wear seatbelts. 

·        When University ‘Tour’ bus is used; children will sit in mid-ship of the bus, maintaining separate seats for preschool children.

Requirements for all Bus and Van Drivers

·        All drivers will have a commercial driver’s license and receive the driver’s training provided according to current Kentucky requirements.

·        Driving records are checked regularly by University personnel

·        A lone driver shall not supervise more than four children under the age of five years.

Health and Well-Being of all Children While Being Transported

·        The same child to adult ratios established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children will be maintained while transporting children.

·        A vehicle containing a child will never be left unattended.

·        A vehicle transporting children will always have headlights on.

·        Children will remain seated at all times.

·        Transportation options are available which enable children with disabilities to attend the program.

·        Children receive developmentally appropriate training in bus safety.

·        Children less than 5 years of age have a minimum of one transportation assistant on the bus.

·        Staff and volunteers are trained in safety and health issues.

·        All staff maintain current child CPR and First Aid certification.

·        Each vehicle shall be equipped with a first aid kit, emergency identification and contact information for all children being transported, and a means of immediate communication to summon help (such as a cell phone).

·        When transporting children with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or seizures), their emergency care plans and supplies or medications shall be available. The responsible adult shall be trained to recognize and respond appropriately to the emergency.

·        The interior of vehicles used to transport children shall be maintained at a comfortable temperature to children. When the vehicle’s interior temperature exceeds 82 degrees F and providing fresh air through open windows cannot reduce the temperature, the vehicle shall be air-conditioned.  When the interior temperature drops below 65 degrees F and when children are feeling uncomfortably cold, the interior shall be heated.

·        No vehicle will transport children and hazardous materials at the same time.

·        In the event the vehicle needs to be refueled or maintenance performed, it will be done when children are not in transport.  If emergency refueling or repair is necessary during transporting, all children will be removed and supervised by staff following the NAEYC child to adult ratios.

·        When the driver is not in the driver’s seat, the engine will be turned off, the keys removed, and the brake set.

Preventative Maintenance of Vehicles

·        University personnel shall assure that preventive maintenance of the vehicles is carried out according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Vehicles the facility operates shall be cleaned and inspected inside and out at least weekly.

·        Vans and Busses will display a current certification of inspection form the Transportation Cabinet on a designated window.

Personal Responsibilities

Workshops/Training Requirements

All child care employees are required by the State of Kentucky, to complete a minimum of 12 hours of training approved by the Cabinet for Families and Children every 12 months to remain employed at The Early Childhood Center.  With the help of the Lead Teacher, staff will choose workshops that best fit their needs to increase the skills needed to provide the highest quality of care.  In addition to training required for licensure, The Early Childhood Center may also require that you attend workshops, presentations, speeches or other types of training if the Lead Teacher feels the topic will improve the quality of care offered at The Early Childhood Center. 

The Early Childhood Center pays for all workshops and training required by The Cabinet for Families and Children for licensure, with the approval of the Director.  In the event The Early Childhood Center pays for a workshop or training and you do not attend, it will be your responsibility to pay for the subsequent session.  Because the majority of workshops are offered during non-operational hours, student employees are also paid for time spent in training.  This may however, affect the maximum number of hours you are allowed to work in a week.  The Director will discuss this with you on an individual basis. 

Licensing requires that each staff member not only attend 12 hours of approved training but that they also have certificates of attendance on file at the time of The Early Childhood Center’s annual inspection.  Therefore, The Early Childhood Center requires that all staff provide the Director with a copy of the certificate of attendance the day following the workshop attended. 

Orientation.  All child care personnel are required to attend the six-hour state mandated orientation training within the first 90 days of hire.  The workshop includes: Health, Safety and Sanitation; Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect; and Developmentally Appropriate Practice

• The Lead Teacher will give you information on dates and location and allow you to choose the most convenient time and place. 
• The Director will then make arrangements for you to attend. 

The six-hour orientation training applies to the required 12 hours for the first 12 months.  

First Aid and CPR.  Licensing requires that a staff person currently certified in First Aid and CPR be on site at all times.  In the event that you are required to complete this training, the above-mentioned procedures will apply.  

There are many opportunities for workshops and training available in our area.  If you hear of an opportunity that the Director may not be aware of, and would like to attend you must request 2-4 weeks in advance in order for the Director to verify Cabinet approval and request and submit payment.  

The Early Childhood Center recognizes and applauds each staff member for continuing efforts to increase your knowledge about quality child care practices.  We hope to support you in this effort in any way we can.
 

Attendance/Punctuality

In order to provide a safe and productive environment for children, families and fellow staff, it is the policy of The Early Childhood Center to expect all employees to be reliable and punctual.  Chronic absenteeism and tardiness places a hardship on other employees and may place The Early Childhood Center over the maximum child to adult ratio.  Therefore a maximum of four absences is permitted per semester (this includes scheduled days off).  Excessive absences will result in disciplinary action.

Requesting Time Off

Staff is allotted time off for personal, medical, or academic reasons.  All requests must be filled out on the designated Request for Time Off form at least two weeks in advance so that other scheduling arrangements can be made.  You may request a minimum of one hour to a maximum of 10 consecutive days.  Requests may be denied if the Lead Teacher feels that the leave will interfere with program operations.  In the event that multiple requests are submitted, and there will not be adequate staff, decisions on approval will be considered on a first come first serve basis.  Less than 24 hours notice of needed time off for either personal, medical or academic reasons, is considered unexcused unless written documentation is produced by a doctor, teacher or other professional.

In the event of an unexpected emergency, you must call your lead teacher as soon as you know that you will not be able to work your regularly scheduled hours so that she can make appropriate arrangements to cover your schedule.  Your lead teacher will either provide you with her home phone number or you can request it. 

Time Keeping

Federal and state laws require an accurate record of time worked.  It is the responsibility of each staff person to accurately record time worked on sign in/sign out sheet in the office.  Staff cannot be paid for time spent in class or for work completed at home.  Payment for work completed during non-operational hours at The Early Childhood Center is for training only.  Staff is expected to be punctual, arriving in their work area at the specified time, knowing that the children, their families, and co-workers are dependent upon your promptness.  Falsifying, altering or tampering with time records will result in disciplinary action which may include dismissal and criminal prosecution. 

Personal Possessions

The Early Childhood Center will not be held responsible for lost or damaged personal items that a staff member wishes to bring in and or use.  All personal items including purses, coats, backpacks and cell phones must be kept in the designated teacher area.  Often times these items contain things that can be harmful to children such as medications, fingernail clippers or files, cigarettes, lighters.  Check with the Lead Teacher for the location for your personal items.

 Use of Equipment and Supplies

Equipment, supplies, and food available at The Early Childhood Center are to be used expressly for the programs offered by The Early Childhood Center.  Adequate food, supplies and properly functioning equipment are essential for the program’s efficient operation.  Staff should notify the Classroom Teacher if any equipment needs repaired or supplies replenished.  Negligent use or use of equipment, supplies or food for personal reasons is prohibited. 

Personal Appearance and Dress Code

It is the policy of The Early Childhood Center to project a professional image through the staff’s personal appearance and dress. 

Personal Appearance

Staff must report to work with well groomed hair, hands, and body.

Dress Code

Employees must dress appropriately for engaging in (sometimes messy) activities with children.  Often times trending clothes are not appropriate apparel for a professional work environment.  The following examples of appropriate and inappropriate dress include but are not limited to:

1.                  Wear your ECC staff shirt at all times while at work

2.                  Appropriate – casual jumpers; knit outfits; wind suits; slacks; loose fitting jeans; ¾ length shorts or skorts; sweat shirts; sweat pants.  You must be able to bend, squat sit on the floor and climb in whatever you wear.

3.                  Inappropriate – jeans with frayed edges, holes or tears; clothing with advertisements such as concert promotions or inappropriate language; halter or crop tops showing midriff; scooped neck shirts showing cleavage; excessively stained or dirty clothing; low ride shorts, skirts, jeans (anything that is too short to cover your underwear or butt crack); high cut shorts or skirts.

Appropriateness of other questionable clothing will be at the discretion of the Lead Teacher and/or Director.

Staff /Team Meetings

Staff Meetings are held each month.  Additional team meetings may be scheduled at the discretion of the Lead Teacher.   You are required to attend these sessions.  Failure to do so is considered an unexcused absence (refer to attendance policy, page 19 and/or disciplinary action policy, page 27).  The meetings will discuss current research, staff issues and concerns, regulations, quality improvement, committee reports, new projects, and topics presented by parents and staff.