Lifelong Learning Center18900 Cedar Drive NWOak Grove, MN 55011

763-753-7170763-434-3821 FAXwww.isd15.org

• Parent/Child Sessions

• Common QuestionsSt. Francis Area Schools Community Education

Early Childhood Family Education division of St. Francis Area Schools Community Education

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

Family Handbook

Early Childhood Family Education is funded through state aids, local levy, and participant fees. Minnesota is a national leader in developing and funding these statewide opportunities for parents and their young children.

We believe that parents are the first and most influential people in a young child’s life. We believe that being a parent is rewarding but can be challenging, therefore everyone deserves support and information about parenting and child development. You are invited to join us in exploring all parts of parenting and family life.

St. Francis Area Schools Early Childhood Family Education Includes:

• Parent/Child Sessions • Advisory Council

• Places to Go, Things to Do • Parent Workshops

• Referral to Community Resources • One-on-One Visits

• Sibling Care • Family Resource Library

This handbook describes our program and provides information which will be helpful to you while participating in ECFE. The program is for families with children from birth to kindergarten entrance. It is affordable with LOW or NO fees, monthly payment schedules, and sliding fee scale. Waivers are also available.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) IS… …a place for babies, toddlers and preschoolers

…a place for all dads, moms, and others in a parenting role because you deserve:

• SUPPORT

• INFORMATION

• OPPORTUNITIES to be involved in your child’s learning

Questions? Call 763-753-7170

WELCOME TO EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY EDUCATION (ECFE)

division of St. Francis Area Schools Community Education

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What Are Parent/Child Sessions?Dads, Moms or others in a parenting role and their children—babies to kindergarten entrance—come to explore, play and learn together. In each session there is…

Time TogetherParents* and children explore a variety of activities planned by ECFE staff. Play with your child, watch your child, talk with other parents and educators; but most of all have fun! Get down at your child’s level and communicate through touching, smiling, and giving words of encouragement. Follow your child’s lead; it’s OK if your child does not want to do all the activities. Feel free to ask questions if something is unclear or if you want more information about an activity.

When children and parents are ready (usually beginning in the toddler groups), parents go to another room. ECFE is a safe place for parents and children to practice separation, explore their capabilities, and learn new skills.

Time for PlayChildren practice and learn about their own capabilities with a licensed early childhood teacher and an assistant while they learn to play with other children. The educators will encourage and guide the children while giving help when needed. Sometimes one or more parents will remain in the classroom during this time.

Time for ParentsWhile the children are busy playing, parents can meet together. A licensed parent educator will lead the group and share information about parenting issues. Parents set goals for their learning, share their ideas, and explore parenting techniques that work best for their family.

Time for SiblingsSibling Care is available with most age-specific sessions. Usually an instructor assistant, supported by an educator, plans this time. Occasionally, parents may be asked to assist. Sibling Care may take place in a room just for this purpose or it could take place in a corresponding classroom.

* Parents refer to parents, grandparents or others in a parenting role.

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Common questions about Parent Child SessionsWhen we arrive, what should I do?

1. When you arrive for your first class, you will be greeted by a staff member who will give you more information about entering the building. Exterior doors are locked at all times.

2. Please do not arrive more than five minutes before the session begins. Educators need time to prepare the rooms. You will be asked to wait until class begins; do not go into any other area to play.

3. Sign the attendance sheet and indicate which parent attended. Both parents and other important people in the child’s life are welcome to the group. Also indicate any other information we need to know such as allergies, recent illness, etc. Please call if you and your child won’t be attending a session. Children may not attend without a parent; however parents may attend without children. If you have children for Sibling Care, drop them off before coming to the classroom.

4. Put name tags on yourself and your child. Be sure items you bring from home are labeled (bottles, blankets, etc.)

5 Join the fun!

What should we wear?

Dress for water play, painting and other, sometimes, messy fun. Rubber-soled shoes are recommended.

How is the class organized?

All parent/child sessions have time for parents and children to play together and time for discussion. However, the breakdown will vary from class to class. Sometimes discussion takes place at the beginning of class, sometimes in the latter part. Sometimes discussion will be very short; in other classes it could be at least half of the class time. Staff often have more than one role, so may not be in the classroom during the entire interaction time. Sometimes parents will rotate as volunteers in the classroom or in Sibling Care during discussion time. In some age-specific classes siblings older or younger than the stated age may be included due to low Sibling Care enrollment. Sometimes Sibling Care may take place in a corresponding class. Early Childhood Educators and the Parent Educator plan together in preparing for classes. They determine the structure and pacing of the class, when and how separation will occur, and any unique circumstances which may exist. Usually there is an observation focus related to a discussion topic for you to take note of during parent/child interaction time. Conference time is scheduled once per semester in many classes.

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Why have a snack for children?

Snack provides a time for your child to experience their senses, take turns, make choices, follow rules, and help themselves. It is also a quiet time for socializing and re-energizing. Hand washing is part of snack preparation. Snacks will be offered to children, but it is not required that they accept.

What is served for snack?

Simple, nutritious snacks such as fruit, cheese, crackers, vegetables, and yogurt are provided. Drinks are 100% fruit juice, milk, or water. Because children love repetition; often the same snack is served over and over. Let one of the educators know if your child has a food allergy.

I’m worried about leaving my child!

Entering into a new environment requires adjusting time for both children and adults. Thus, when it’s time to separate, anxious and fearful feelings may occur in either you or your child. We are sensitive to those feelings. When the time is right for you and your child to separate, the staff will support you

both. Talk with one of the teachers about separation if you are concerned. You’ll find our educators very sensitive and supportive to the separation process. We know some children will cry when left, especially in the first weeks. That is very normal, and we’re prepared to handle it. If your child becomes unable to cope, we’ll come and get you. Here are some ideas you might find helpful:

1. Bring a favorite or familiar item from home for comfort. Sometimes one of your belongings will help a child stay “in touch” with you while you’re away.

2. Establish a “going away” routine.

3. Sneaking away doesn’t work; it just delays and often escalates your child’s anxiety when they realize you are gone which carries forward into coming weeks. Sneaking away hinders trust building for your with you child and your child with other adults. Tell your child you are leaving, and the educators are there to comfort her.

4. Once you are ready to leave, leave. It doesn’t help to prolong the procedure. Sometimes it helps to say, “I know you’re sad; I will be back soon.” Do not go back into the classroom unless you plan on remaining there for the rest of class time.

5. It takes time to build trust and develop coping skills. Remember that you are modeling confidence in your child’s abilities.

6. Do not give your child the option of deciding each week if you will attend ECFE or not; this sets an undesirable precedent for the future. Such a decision is not appropriate for young children to make.

7. Talk with your child at home and explain the routine you’ll follow at ECFE. This helps your child learn what to expect.

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What is “circle time”?

The teacher will let you know when circle time begins. All children are encouraged to participate in a “name song,” large group experience, finger plays, or movement activities. Some children prefer to watch or be outside the circle for a few weeks; that’s okay. Circle time is an option for children; we want it to be enjoyable.

What will my child learn in ECFE?

Teachers use The Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards (ECIPs) as a foundation for developing curriculum for the early childhood classroom. ECIPs detail widely held expectations for young children in the areas of Social and Emotional Development, Language Development and Communication, Cognitive Development, and Physical and Motor Development. Activities provided in the classroom are chosen to enhance skill development and concept understanding in these areas of child development. Talk to teachers about specific skills and learning. Some classes use all or parts of The Ounce Scale and/or Ages and Stages Questionnaires as structures for observing growth and development of young children.

What are the basic guidelines for Parent Discussion Time?• Respect ourselves and others• Keep this a safe place• Choose how to participate• Support rather than judge• Share responsibility

How is Parent Discussion Time developed?

Parent Educators use The Parent Education Core Curriculum Framework to guide curriculum development for parent groups. The Framework is a research based document that details learning objectives in the areas of Parent Development, Parent/Child Relationship, Early Childhood Development, Family Development, and Culture and Community. Parent Educators typically survey the group for their interests and together with their own knowledge and other requirements, develop the plan for parent discussion time using the Framework to guide learning objectives, activities, and content each week. Evaluation is done periodically and will vary from group to group.

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What is Sibling Care?

Sibling Care is available with some parent/child sessions. The environment is set up so that children can practice separation, explore relationships with other children and adults, and participate in a variety of experiences. Sometimes Sibling Care is in a separate classroom and, other times in a corresponding class. You can help make this a positive experience by:

• Preparing your child before coming to class.• Taking time to settle your child into Sibling Care.• Leaving once you say goodbye to your child.

(You will be called if your child cannot be soothed.)• Picking up your child promptly after class ends.• We cannot accept children on a drop-in basis. Register for Sibling Care when

you register for a session; there is limited space. If you find you need to bring a child who is not registered, call one of the teachers for your class as far ahead of time as possible to check on space availability. There is a fee for this option.

• Fee payments for Sibling Care are handled with registration for classes.• Sign the attendance sheet each week and note any concerns such as teething,

sleep needs, recent illnesses, allergies. Make a name tag for your child.• Call us whenever your child won’t be in Sibling Care for any reason.• Sibling Care is part of the ECFE program and as such staff follow the same

procedures, expectations and guidelines as in class.• Mark your child’s name on all bags, bottles, blankets, etc. Consider sending

an extra change of clothing for your child. School Board Policy 402 has more information about personal possessions, visit www.isd15.org to view the policy.

• Be sure your baby has been fed before leaving them in Sibling Care. Staffing ratios do not allow for bottle feeding of babies on a regular basis.

• We ask that you not check-in once you have left the Sibling Care room. Staff will call for you if your child cannot be soothed. If you take your child from the room, we ask that you do not attempt leaving him or her again. Talk with one of the educators to plan a process for separation.

• Snack is provided to children in Sibling Care. Be sure to tell staff of any food allergies.

• Diapers are changed by the parent. Make sure your child is dry or has been taken to the bathroom before class begins. Staff will call you to diaper your child if the need arises. Follow diapering guidelines and place the soiled diaper in a plastic bag and place it in the diaper pail. Bring your own supplies; there is a bottle with disinfectant to spray down the changing table. Wash your hands and your child’s hands after diapering. You may also be called if your child needs to use the toilet.

• When class is over, please pick up your child immediately.

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Who are the people working in the program?

All educators in ECFE are teachers licensed by the Minnesota Department of Education. Instructor assistants and Sibling Care providers receive training and in-service opportunities including CPR.

When are the toys cleaned?

Cleanup is part of each session; it usually occurs near the end of the session time. It helps the group prepare for closure and teaches many skills. All children are expected to participate in some way. We sanitize tables, toys and equipment after sessions. Let us know which toys have been mouthed so that they can be thoroughly washed.

How does the session end?

• The group sings a good-bye song before leaving. Remember to take home art work, handouts, and belongings.

• If you have children in Sibling Care, remember they have been away from you for a long time and that the staff need to prepare the room.

• If you need to talk with a teacher about your child, that can be arranged. Discuss your concerns when your child is not present.

I have ideas about the session; what can I do?

We do evaluations of most events and sessions. We are interested in your ideas and thoughts. By honestly telling us your opinion, we can make changes so that our program fits your needs. Just as you grow and change as a parent, we want to grow as professionals. We also appreciate those comments that tell us we are doing a good job! You might also consider joining the Advisory Council.

I’d like to know what my child does when I’m not there!

There is usually an opportunity for observation during parent/child sessions. Observing children is one way to see children as separate individuals. We can learn about their interests, how they interact with others, and how they are away from their parents. Sometimes observations will be done through video-taping. These videos will be used only for discussion purposes and be erased after three weeks, unless you are otherwise notified. Conferences are a part of many ECFE parent/child semester classes usually for children who are toddlers and preschoolers. Some educators may plan other ways to communicate with you about your child’s learning.

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What information is required?

• State law requires an immunization record to be filled out for every child enrolled in parent/child sessions and Sibling Care. We will review these periodically and notify you if they need updating.

• Each family needs to fill out an emergency card listing contact persons, preferred physician, and hospital. Please help us keep these up-to-date. Inform us of any allergy or health concerns.

• We may take photographs or videos for publicity purposes so you will be asked to sign a permission form. If you wish to photograph for personal use during your session, ask for group permission the week before.

• From time to time, surveys may be distributed to parents. The purpose of such surveys will be explained to participants. Parents will be notified of any out of district testing or research project the program is involved in.

• Information is collected and maintained for the district or Minnesota Department of Education, educational and administrative purposes. The Data Privacy Policy declares that “directory information may be made public unless written requests to the contrary are completed.” See the secretary in the Early Childhood office for a request form if you wish to complete one. School Board Policy 415 provides more details related to pupil records, visit www.isd15.org to view the policy.

Can I bring visitors to class or Sibling Care?

Please check with one of your teachers before bringing a visiting child to a session or to Sibling Care. Many sessions are filled to capacity, however absences may allow some room for visitors. Visitors may be charged a fee.

How do I notify you if we’re absent?

Please call us if you, your child, or a child in Sibling Care cannot attend a session due to illness or for any other reason. The Absence Line number is 763-753-7183. Remember, parents can attend sessions without a child. However, children cannot attend without an adult.

When are we too ill to attend?

For the health of your child and others in the session, please stay at home if you or your child have any of these symptoms:

• a fever of 100°F or more within the past 24 hours• severe coughing• thick nasal discharge• strep throat diagnosis - 24 hours after antibiotic• vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours• pink eye diagnosis - 24 hours after antibiotic• undiagnosed rash or one that is oozing or spreading

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Staff will ask a family to leave if a child appears ill; we need to insure a healthy environment for everyone. Please notify us within 24 hours if your child has a communicable disease (lice, impetigo, strep throat, hand/foot/mouth disease, fifth disease etc.) and has exposed other children in the program. For more information, check out the St. Francis Area Schools website www.isd15.org and click on the Health Services section.

Does ECFE ever close due to weather or other emergencies?

Our program follows St. Francis Area Schools calendar and school closings. When a decision is made to close school, all district personnel and households with students are notified with a call from the School Messenger system. Please do not disable the messenger preferences within the student information system.

School Messenger and the district website are updated immediately after the decision has been reached to close school.

Sources of information about school closing are:• Local television stations — Channels 4, 5, 9 and 11 or WCCO 830 AM and

KBEK 95.5 FM radio• Check the district website at www.isd15.org

If schools begin late, our morning sessions will not meet; if schools dismiss early, afternoon and evening sessions will not meet. If school is closed for the day, morning, afternoon and evening sessions will not meet. On occasion, evening sessions may be cancelled even though school has been in session. However, use your own best judgment in attending sessions during inclement weather.

Where are the diapering facilities?

Public diapering facilities are located in the bathrooms in the main hall and near the commons at Lifelong Learning Center. Please use the fold-down diapering station. Check with educators if your class is at another site. Parents will take care of their child’s diapering needs. Follow diapering guidelines and place the soiled diaper in a plastic bag and place it in the diaper pail. Bring your own supplies; there will be a spray bottle with disinfectant to spray down the changing table. Wash your hands and your child’s hands after diapering.

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Other things to know

• All hot drinks and soft drinks are limited to the parent room. If you bring water bottles into the classroom, ask an educator where to place them.

• St. Francis Area Schools is a tobacco-free school district. This means smoking is not permitted in buildings, on the grounds, or in the parking lots of district buildings. School Board Policy 535 provides details on the district’s tobacco-free environment, visit www.isd15.org to view the policy.

• Bring your purses into the children’s classroom. A storage place is provided.• Groups may choose to exchange names and phone numbers amongst

themselves; let the educators know how they can assist you. • District procedures do not allow any type of fur bearing animal or reptile to be

in the facility. The district also reduces the use of latex in buildings• Safety rules and emergency procedures are established for each building in

the district. State law requires that unannounced emergency drills, including fire drills and lockdowns, be held in school buildings. Please follow the procedures as guided by staff or public officials and do not go to other rooms to get your children. Often there are loud sounds and flashing lights associated with emergency drills. Let an educator know if you or your child has adverse reactions to flashing lights and/or loud sounds.

• There are many levels of parent involvement available in ECFE. You are involved by attending ECFE events or classes. The Advisory Council welcomes new members. Indicate your interest in helping with events or projects on volunteer forms. We also accept used books or toy donations. You can be involved by attending school board meetings or participating on school district committees.

• Our program is committed to multi-cultural, gender-fair and ability-sensitive education. We strive to create a program that reflects the lives of our children, families, staff, local community, and the world. We celebrate and respect human differences and recognize the impact culture makes on all of us.

• Notify us when you have an addition to your family or if you move. Then we can update the district census and you can be sure to get important information pertaining to your child’s education. Let friends and neighbors know this too. You can complete a district census yourself, find the form at www.isd15.org/forms and follow the instructions for returning it to the district.

• In Minnesota, anyone who works with children is required by law to report suspected physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect of children to authorities.

• St. Francis Area Schools policies and procedures forbid racial, religious, and sexual harassment and violence. They provide for reporting, investigation and disposition of such incidents. Incidents are to be reported to the district’s Human Rights Officer at 763-753-7040. School Board Policies 414, 532 and 588 cover harassment and violence, hazing and bullying, visit www.isd15.org to view the policies.

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What else does ECFE offer?• Places to Go, Things to Do

We plan a variety of enrichment activities and trips for the family to enjoy together. They are offered at the early childhood site, or out in the community. All are chosen with families of young children birth to kindergarten, in mind.

• Parent Workshops These events are designed to provide information on a specific topic. Presenters are chosen for their expertise and experience in a particular field.

• One-on-One Visits An individual session may be available to families with young children who are experiencing particular transitions or could benefit from additional information or support. Each visit lasts about an hour and usually takes place in your home. Talk to your parent educator if you are interested in these visits.

• Oh Baby! ECFE offers a Celebrating Baby event for babies and parents several times each year. Baby Resource home visits are an option for all families with infants to acquaint them with ECFE and other community resources. Call 763-753-7170 for more information.

• Accessing other early childhood services Talk to one of the teachers if you have questions or concerns about your child’s development or behavior. Keep in mind that there is a wide span in which typical development occurs; staff can provide you with information in this area. Educators can also assist you with finding resources to address family situations or circumstances. The Student Intervention Team is one resource for staff to get guidance with such questions and to bring requests for home visits or more intensive services. Early Childhood Special Education provides services to children birth through Kindergarten who have identified special needs. When your child is about three years old, you will be asked to schedule an Early Childhood Screening appointment. This is a free check of your child’s health and development. Preschool Place 15 School Readiness provides several options for children 3-5 years of age. The Early Childhood Programs have a Family Advocate and a school nurse as resources as well.

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• Family Resource Library A lending library is located off the commons at the Lifelong Learning Center. The library is supported by the Early Childhood Advisory Council and is maintained by volunteers. In addition to books, there are toys, puzzles, puppets, and take-home parent/child activity kits available for check-out. Families must register to use the library. The library is open to all families with young children who reside within the St. Francis Area Schools attendance area. The library is typically open when classes are in session.

• Advisory Council The Early Childhood Advisory Council is made up of parents and other community members interested in families with young children. The purpose of the Council is to offer suggestions and monitor the program. Members also volunteer by planning special events, providing outreach to the community, surveying other parents, and sharing ideas with the coordinator. Care is provided for children during the meeting. Call if you are interested in the Council or volunteering your time for the program.

• Publications The listing of ECFE program events and sessions is available online at www.isd15.org and in the ECFE brochure. St. Francis Area Schools will publish a quarterly newsletter distributed to all stakeholders. In addition, other flyers and newsletters may be published and mailed to all families residing in the district who have children under five years of age and are on the district census. eNews reminders and announcements are also sent via email periodically to participating families. Follow us on Facebook.

• In the Community Besides programming at the Lifelong Learning Center, ECFE cooperates in offering classes and events in the community. We can also provide presenters to local groups.

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Registration

Registration for ECFE parent/child classes begins in late-summer for the next school year. You may register online, by mail, in person or by fax. Registrations received by the announced Registration Day are processed through a random draw on that day. After that registrations are processed as they are received. All adults and children, no matter what the age, need to be registered for classes and events they plan on attending. Register early since many classes fill quickly. This also allows us to make enrollment decisions if minimum numbers aren’t enrolled in special events by the deadline or in classes two weeks before the first day. Register online at www.isd15.org, by mail, in person, or by fax. There is a drop box in the commons at the Lifelong Learning Center; the building is open, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Friday.

Fees

Fees for parent/child classes are based on family income. A payment plan and fee waivers are available for parent/child classes. There is a $10 late fee for payments received more than five days after the due date. If monthly payments are not paid in a reasonable amount of time, family members will not be enrolled in any St. Francis Area Schools Community Education activity or event until they are paid in full. There is a $25 cancellation fee per child for parent/child sessions if cancellation is made less than three weeks before first day of class. No refunds after two class sessions. Check Special Event descriptions for fee assistance availability. Refunds for Places to Go, Things to Do events will only be issued if the cancellation is received before the deadline date and those refunds will be in the form of a credit voucher for a future event/class. Non-sufficient funds checks are collected electronically along with the state-allowed fee. If this occurs more than once, future payments must be made in cash.

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1. St. Francis High School ..........................................763-213-1500 Adult Community Education .................................763-213-1640 Rec Department .....................................................763-213-1823

2. St. Francis Middle School .......................................763-213-8500

3. St. Francis Elementary School ................................763-213-8670

4. Sandhill Center ......................................................763-213-1640

5. East Bethel Elementary School ...............................763-213-8900

6. Cedar Creek Elementary School .............................763-213-8780

7. St. Francis Learning Center ....................................763-753-7120

8. Lifelong Learning Center .......................................763-753-7170

9. District Office .........................................................763-753-7040

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ECFE Family Handbook 8_18

A Note To My Parents about ECFE time:While you and I interact together please try to remember some things that are important to me:

• While we are here, it is okay to laugh, relax and enjoy what is happening. I am here for the experience and whatever I do or make happen.

• Follow me. You can let go of some control because here it is okay. Please, share the activity I am involved in with me.

• Slow down. Some days I may not want to do or be ready for all the activities offered to me. I have much time in other sessions and at home to do and try new things.

• Please, stay down at my level. I get tired of looking at adult legs and my head is tired of looking up. I feel special when you come down to my level.

• Be with me. Talk to me. Do with me. Watch me. You and the other parents will be able to talk together before you go home.

• Tell me what you see, what you are going to do, and what has happened. I like to hear words to help me learn language skills. Also, when I’m told what’s happening, I feel good.

• Notice things that you like. I like to know when I’m behaving appropriately.

• Spend some time watching the staff. They are my friends who know about child development. They have many skills for helping to reinforce my appropriate behavior.

• Dress me appropriately. I need play clothes that can become wet and/or soiled. I also need clothes that allow me to move freely.

• Stop. Wait. See if I can solve my own problem. I am capable. Sometimes I do not know how to solve the problem and may harm someone or something. Stop me before that, if you can. But, remember, I always do something for a reason which I see as “right” for that time. So, console me and remind me to be gentle. Watch the staff. They have skills in helping us resolve conflicts.

Most importantly, remember to let me be a developing person. I have successes and I make mistakes, but I am still a person just like you!

Your Child