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1 www.flaschools.org/ce | (651) 982-8300

Early Childhood Programs

Parent Handbook

Forest Lake Area School Community Education

Early Childhood Programs

200 SW 4th Street

Forest Lake, MN 55025

Office Hours

8am - 4pm Monday – Friday

Office: 651-982-8300

Fax: 651-982-8375

www.flaschools.org/ce

http://www.flaschools.org/ce


Welcome to Early Childhood

Our programs include: Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

School Readiness

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Early Childhood Screening

Little Rangers Preschool: ½ day Preschool, Full Day Preschool, Preschool w/Parents

Family Learning Program

Table of Contents

Staff …………………………………………………………. 3

General Information ………………………………… 4 Class Locations

Parking

Age Guidelines

Calendar

Parent Advisory Council

Volunteers

Funding

Grievance Procedure Smoke Free Environment

Our Policies ................................................. 5 Non-discrimination

Attendance


School Closing

Refunds

Medications/Health Plan

Under-immunized Children

Child Abuse Reporting

Forms/Illness ........................................... 6 Sibling Care ............................................... 7

Diapering Procedure

Drop-off and Pick-up

Early Childhood Family Education .......... 8-9 Arrival and Departure

Snacks

Fees Class Components

Little Rangers Preschool ........................10-11

Coming to school

Drop-off and Pick-up

Snack Time

Curriculum & Assessment

Teacher Web Pages

Conferences

Toilet Training

Fees

Integration

Toys from home Resources ..................................................12

Early Intervention Networks

Proactive Intervention Services

Home Visits

Family Learning

Busing


Our Goals To support children’s optimal physical, mental, social and emotional development during the important

years of early life. To encourage parent involvement in children’s learning, development, and education.

To help parents and other adult caregivers develop informed, realistic attitudes and expectations

about raising children.

To promote effective communication between parents or caregivers and children.

To encourage healthy relationships between parents or caregivers and children.

To help parents strengthen support networks which enhance effective parenting.

To encourage development of, and cooperation with, community resources which promote healthy

families.

To help prevent child abuse, family violence, and other negative family outcomes.

Early Childhood Programs Staff

All staff are friendly, caring people. Early Childhood teachers, Parent Educators and the Coordinator are

licensed by the Minnesota Board of Teaching and hold, at minimum, a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Our

trained paraprofessionals assist in classrooms and staff our sibling care..

Program Coordination

Kate Andersen, Early Childhood Programs Coordinator [email protected] 651-982-8315

Cheryl Smoczyk, Program Support Manager [email protected] 651-982-8318

Amy Larsen, Senior Office Assistant [email protected] 651-982-8349

Kathy Dagastino, Receptionist [email protected] 651-982-8300

Parent Educators Vicki Bohling-Philippi [email protected]

Carissa Waite [email protected]

Early Childhood Teachers Robin Bigelow-Anderson [email protected] Gena Nally [email protected]

Heather Callander [email protected] Sara Sauter [email protected]

Kayla Clarke [email protected] Ashley Steek [email protected]

Anna DeRaad [email protected]

Ruth Endthoff [email protected]

Marianne Matlon [email protected]

Jill Meyer [email protected]

Paraprofessionals

Tracy Barron MaryAnn Neeser

Diann Checkalski Taeko Raczkowski

Renée Hansen Barb Rowley

Shelley Heppner Anne Tessier-Schak

Pat Joesting Cher Stoffels

Sara Locke Kathy Stuber

Angela Lundblad Jill Waldren

mailto:[email protected]











General Information

Class Location

Most classes are held at the Early Childhood Center located in the Central Learning Center (CLC), 200 SW 4th Street,

Forest Lake. Some class options are available at designated elementary schools within the Forest Lake Area School

District and Wargo Nature Center. Please reference these classes on our web page, www.flaschools.org/ce then Early

Childhood, or the Forest Lake Area Schools Community Education catalog.

Parking Parking at CLC is located on the west side of the building. Parking for drop off and pick up is located along the south side

of the parking lot. Please do not park in designated bus lanes. Please park only in designated parking spots.

Age Guideline Our program follows Forest Lake Area School’s guideline regarding eligible age for school attendance. September 1st is

used in determining age limits for classes unless otherwise noted. Classroom activities are geared to the developmental

levels of the children in attendance.

Calendar You will be given a calendar at the beginning of the school year designating important dates ( i.e. start of classes, holidays,

breaks, end of classes).

Parent Advisory Council The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is comprised primarily of parents with children enrolled in Early Childhood

Programs. Community professionals are also involved and serve as resources. PAC offers support to the staff in program

development, evaluation, advocacy and community outreach. If you are interested in becoming a member, or want more

information, please call (651) 982-8300.

Volunteers Volunteers are very special people. They play a vital role in our program. Volunteer opportunities are varied and may

include helping with publicity, assisting in the classroom, serving on the Advisory Council, assisting at special events or

repairing toys. Parent involvement is key to your child’s success in school. Let us know if you have a talent to share.

Funding Funding for Early Childhood Programs is provided through a

combination of state aid, local levy, and participant fees.

Early Childhood Program funding does not rely on, or impact,

the K-12 general fund.

Grievance Procedure A parent who has a grievance or complaint about some aspect of the

program should first try to settle the grievance directly with the teacher

or other adult involved. If the conflict is not resolved, the grievance

should be discussed with the Early Childhood Program Coordinator.

Smoke Free Environment Forest Lake Area Schools prohibits smoking in school buildings and on school grounds.



Our Policies Non-Discrimination

The Early Childhood Program is committed to the policy that all persons shall have access to programs,

facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, marital status,

sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, age or disability.

Attendance

On scheduled parent-child days, children must be accompanied by an adult (one or both parents, an adult family

member or other caregiver). All other arrangements must be approved by the program’s coordinator prior to the

day of class.

Please contact the Early Childhood Program’s front desk at (651) 982-8300 if your child will not

be at school. Visitors are welcome with prior approval from staff.


Minnesota’s mandatory Early Childhood Screening Program is available through our center. Children must be

screened before entering district preschool or kindergarten classes. Screening is best done before your child

turns four years of age. The screening includes vision, hearing and development assessments in addition to an

immunization/health history review and a parent interview. If you need an appointment for screening, please

call (651) 982-8301.

School Closings School closings can happen due to weather or other non-weather emergencies. Forest Lake Area Schools list

school closings on channels 4, 5, and 11, on WCCO-830 radio and on the website www.flaschools.org/ce. If we

are closed for a non-weather related emergency we will make every effort to contact participants using E-news,

Constant Contact or Blackboard Connect. Please be sure we have the best number and email address on file for

you. School closing announcements for Forest Lake Area Schools include Early Childhood Programs.

2 hour late start; indicates no morning classes, all classes beginning after 12 noon, start at the normal time.

School closed; indicates no morning, afternoon or evening classes.

Refunds

If you have to drop a class, please let the office know as soon as possible by calling (651) 982-8349. If you

cancel your registration before the first day of class, a 75% refund will be given. After the second class, a 50%

refund will be given. No refund will be given after the third week of class. Class fees will not be refunded for

classes canceled due to weather. If you encounter special circumstances, please call (651) 982-8349.

Medications/Health Plan

Generally, medication will not be given to students while attending an Early Childhood Program. If it is

absolutely necessary a child receive medications while at the school, a school nurse will work with parents to

create a health plan for the child. Please let your child’s teacher know if your child has any health concerns.

Under-immunized Children

If a case of measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, polio, or diphtheria occurs at school, children who are not fully

immunized will be excluded for the communicable period of the disease.

Child Abuse Reporting

School District employees are mandated by state law to report suspected child abuse or neglect to county social

services or the local police department. If you are concerned you may abuse your child, staff can suggest

resources for help.



Forms: Parents will be asked to complete the following forms at the time of registration: all information

collected is confidential

Immunizations: Schools are required by Minnesota State Statues 1980, Section 121A.15 to have up-to-date

immunization forms on all children attending the Center’s programs. Completed immunization forms are

due at the time of registration.

Emergency Information: Each family is asked to fill out an Emergency Information form to be kept on file

at the site. When information changes during the school year please update the emergency form.

Enrollment Form: Each family completes an enrollment form for inclusion in district census and

participation in programming.

Confidential Health Form

Evaluation: At the end of each semester we will ask for feedback from parents. This information helps

us to continually monitor and adjust our programming. Feel free to contact any of the staff with your

ideas, suggestions or compliments. We value your input.

Transportation Agreement: Provided only if a student is accessing the transportation option.

Getting to Know You: Used to learn about our students from the family perspective.

Illness It is disappointing for parents and children to miss class, but for the health of your child and others at the Center, please keep your child home if s/he is sick or has any of these symptoms:

Fever - Axillary or oral temperature: 100 degrees F. or higher especially if accompanied by other

symptoms such as vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck or undiagnosed rash.

Respiratory Symptoms - Severe coughing and discolored discharge from nose or discharge from the

ears.

Respiratory Illness (with fever) - Until child is without fever for 24 hours and is well enough to

participate in normal daily activities

Diarrhea - An increased number of abnormally loose stools in the previous 24 hours.

Fifths Disease - A rash that moves from face to arms, legs and body - may have a “slapped cheek”

appearance on face. Once the fifth disease rash appears the child is no longer contagious.

Vomiting - Two or more episodes of vomiting within the previous 24 hours.

Chicken Pox - Until all the blisters have dried in scabs; about 6 days after rash onset.

Impetigo - Until sores are healed, or can be covered with bandages, or until child has been treated with

antibiotics for at least a full 24 hours.

Lice (Head) - Until first treatment is completed and no live lice or nits are seen.

Measles - Until 4 days after the rash appeared.

Streptococcal Infection (Sore Throat/Scarlet Fever) - Until at least a full 24 hours after treatment begins

and child is without fever for 24 hours.

Parents will be informed if children have been exposed to a communicable disease.


Sibling Care In order for a parent to give their full attention to the child registered for class we ask that other children, who need care on parent-child days, be registered in Sibling Care.

If you find that you need child care and have not previously

registered for the service, you must call at least a day before

the class to check on availability. Drop-in care during class

may be accommodated only if there is space available, please

call 651-982-8300. Please notify the office if you have a child

registered for sibling care and s/he will not be coming on a

particular day.

If you have a child in Sibling Care, please refer to sections in

this booklet on separation, snacks, illness, immunization

records, diapering procedures and other information which is

pertinent to your situation. In addition, you should be aware of

the following:

o Label all personal belongings (i.e. bottles,

pacifiers, blankets, diaper bags, etc.)

o Let us know if this is your child’s regular

feeding time and if we are to give him/her any

bottles or food.

o You know your child best. Let us know how his/her day is going. If your child is consistently

crying or uncomfortable for an unknown reason, we may ask you to help assess the child’s needs.

Diapering Procedures

Guidelines for diapering children are posted above the changing tables located in the bathrooms. These

guidelines are recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health. Please read and follow the

recommendations. If a child needs diapering during a class or sibling care, you will be called from the

classroom. Please bring an extra diaper for your child.

Drop off and Pick up

At the time of enrollment, parents must provide the Early Childhood Center with the names of persons

authorized to pick up the child. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to inform the staff of any changes in

this list throughout the year. If necessary, photo identification or other official identification will be required

prior to releasing the child with any emergency contact.

The safety of your child is very important to us. Sibling Care staff must be informed if for some reason your child is being picked up by someone other than the person who has dropped the child off.

If someone other than an authorized person (as indicated on the Emergency and Authorization form) is to pick up your child, notification must be in writing.

We will only release children to authorized persons.


Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

Arrival and Departure

Classrooms will only be open five minutes before class begins. Our teachers like to have the room fully

prepared for the children before they arrive. Also, we need your cooperation in leaving on time so we can

prepare for the next class or program. Be sure your child does not enter or leave the children’s classroom before

you do. Remember staff and children are working throughout our building. Please help your child use respectful

behavior in the hallways (walking quietly, talking softly). Children are the responsibility of the parent before

and after class. This includes children in Sibling Care. Please drop siblings off before you come to class.

Snacks

Snack time provides a valuable learning experience for the children. They experiment with taste, smell, color,

texture, taking turns, making choices and self-help skills. Please inform staff about any diet restrictions your

child may have. Diet restrictions will be clearly posted in the classroom. For the child requiring a rigid diet,

food must be brought from home. Snacks are provided by the Forest Lake Area Schools Food Service and will

not be served at every class. Please make sure your child is not hungry before class time.

Fees

ECFE fees are determined using a sliding fee scale. Sliding fees are based on a family’s gross income. All

families are welcome. No Forest Lake Area School District resident will be turned away due to inability to pay

the class fee. If you have questions about fees or payments, please contact The Registrar at (651) 982-8349.


Class Components Most ECFE classes consist of the following three components:

1. Parent-Child Interaction Time

During the first part of each weekly class, parents and

children will explore learning stations designed to help

children’s overall growth. This is a special time for you to

focus on and interact with your child. Our staff will gladly

assist or answer any questions you may have. Observe

your child carefully. Let this be your time together. Follow

your child’s cues. Talk with your child about what is

happening in the room. It’s a great way to develop

language and cognitive skills and to help your child feel

good about him/herself. Your interest will encourage your

child to try new things. Visit areas your child is interested

in and share the activity. During parent-child interaction

time if your child behaves inappropriately and you cannot encourage acceptable behavior, it is all right for you

to remove your child from the classroom until he/she feels ready to play. This teaches children that certain

behaviors are not acceptable. Inappropriate behaviors include hurting other children, throwing or severely

misusing equipment and supplies, loud crying or temper tantrums and repeatedly ignoring a request.

2. Child Activity Time

While parents are in a nearby room for parent discussion, the Early Childhood teacher and a paraprofessional

provide opportunities for children to interact with others their age and to experience a variety of activities which

promote overall growth. Adjusting to new places and people can be scary for children and their parents as well.

The staff will respect your judgment on how soon you and your child will feel comfortable separating for parent

discussion. Here are some ideas that might make the transition easier:

Talk to your child at home about what happens at Early Childhood so s/he will know what to expect.

Bring a favorite item from home to comfort your child.

Establish a going away routine. Let your child know you are leaving, hug and depart quickly.

Leave something personal (such as a sweater or gloves) behind to reassure your child.

The teachers will comfort and work with your child if separation is difficult; however, staff may choose to come

and get you if your child becomes too upset or remains upset for an unusually long time. Remember, it is a

normal part of child development for children to become upset about separation from parents and other loved

ones. Early Childhood Programs provide a safe place for your child to accept and handle separation in a positive

way.

3. Parent Education

While children stay in their classrooms, parents are involved in a

discussion led by a licensed Parent Educator. Topics related to

child development and parenting issues such as discipline, self-

esteem, and communication are selected by each group for

discussion. The support and knowledge parents gain from each

other is rewarding and helpful. Parent Educator rooms, (along

with all classrooms), are a cell phone free zone.


Little Rangers Preschool Coming to School Please send a backpack or bag with your child each day. This bag and all clothing, shoes, and outerwear must

be labeled with the child’s first and last name. Children should be dressed in washable, comfortable clothes so

they are free to take part in activities which could be messy or wet. We use washable materials, but we cannot

guarantee they will come out of all fabrics. Children should wear tennis shoes to assure their comfort and safety

indoors. Outdoor clothes and footwear, suitable to the weather, are required as children often go outside. If you

feel your child needs a change of clothes or other supplies, please bring them with you every day your child

attends school.

Drop off and Pick up

The safety of your child is very important to us. Children must be escorted to the classroom and signed in at the

time of drop off. Please sign your child out when you pick up. Remember staff and children are working

throughout our building. Please help your child use respectful behavior in the hallways (walking quietly, talking

softly). Children are the responsibility of the parent before and after class.

At the time of enrollment, parents must provide the Early Childhood Program with the names of persons

authorized to pick up the child as well as the names of any person not authorized for pick up. It is the parent or

guardian’s responsibility to inform the Center of any changes in this list throughout the year. If necessary, photo

identification or other official identification may be required by the Center prior to releasing the child.

If someone other than an authorized person (as indicated on the Emergency and Authorization form) is to pick

up your child, please notify the Center in writing.

We will only release children to authorized persons.

Snack Time Snack time provides a valuable learning

experience for the children. They experiment

with taste, smell, color, texture, taking turns,

making choices and helping themselves. Children

will wash their hands before snack and all sit

down together to eat.

Staff sit with the children during snack time and

children are encouraged, but not forced, to try

new foods. Please inform staff about any diet

restrictions your child may have. Diet restrictions

will be clearly posted in the classroom.

Snack will be provided by Forest Lake Area

Schools Food Services. For the child requiring a

rigid diet, please discuss this with your child’s

teacher.

Curriculum and Assessment

The curriculum used is Creative Curriculum a

play based model of exploration and discovery.

Handwriting Without Tears is also implemented

in classrooms. Assessment of development is

ongoing throughout the school year using the

DRDP (Desired Results Developmental Profile)

and IGDI (Individual Growth and Development Inventory)


Teacher Web Pages

All teachers have a web page for parent’s to access important classroom information and browse photos taken

during special events.

Conferences Parent/teacher conferences are an integral part of our program. The classroom teacher will set up a time for

these meetings. Of course you may come to the teacher at any time with questions, concerns, or information

concerning your child. Please note we are uncomfortable discussing your children in their presence. A portfolio

containing samples of a child’s papers will be compiled by the classroom teacher and the parent. A summary

report will be given to you at the spring conference and will accompany the child to kindergarten.

Toilet Training

Children do not need to be toilet trained to attend parent/child classes at the Center. Please speak with your

child’s teacher if your child needs help toileting. Children attending a Community Preschool, child only session must

be proficient at using the toilet. In the event of a toileting accident a parent will be required to return to the school and attend

to the child.

Fees

We rely on the fees you agree to pay when you register your child for classes. Preschool class and Sibling Care

fees are due the first of each month through May. September tuition is due at parent orientation. There is a $10

fee for late payments. Monthly payments can be automatically charged to your credit card if indicated on your

registration form or requested at any time during the year. A sliding fee scale and fee assistance are available for

preschool classes with parent participation. If you have any questions regarding fees or payments, please call

(651) 982-8349.

Integration

All classes are integrated with Early Childhood Special Education. Children learn side by side in the classroom

setting. Early Childhood Special Education staff are an integral part of the teaching team in all the Center’s

preschool classes.

Toys from Home

Toys brought from home present special

problems for children, parents and staff. Prized

possessions are very difficult to share and may

get broken or lost. We urge you to bring only

those items which can be shared by a group, or

have been requested by a teacher (i.e. book, CD,

special items related to the unit of study). Please

label all items with your child’s name.


Resources

Early Intervention Networks

Area counties have Early Intervention Networks which serve children from birth to age 5 with special needs.

They provide services in cooperation with local school districts and other service providers. Here’s how the

Early Intervention Program works: 1) You (a parent) call the Early Intervention Program. 2) A specialist

contacts your family. 3) Information is gathered by telephone. 4) The local school district does an assessment.

5) The needs of your child are determined and a plan is developed. (The program will tailor services to meet the

needs of your child and family as well as offer resources and support to your family.) 6) Services begin.

7) Follow-up is done.

Contacts for area counties are:

• Washington County - (651) 430-6700

• Anoka County - (763) 323-KIDS (5437)

• Chisago County - (651) 982-8366

A Forest Lake Area Schools Infant and Preschool Speech/Language Pathologist is available to answer your

questions about language development. Call Loretta Monson at (651) 982-8322 for more information.

Proactive Intervention Services

If you have concerns regarding your child’s behavior, a referral can be made to the Proactive Intervention

Program (PIP).

• A staff member will meet with you at the Center, or in your home, to learn more about your child.

• We will assist you in developing a proactive strategy.

• Our goal is for every child’s early years to be positive and successful.

• This service is free for families who desire a personal consultation.

• Visits to child care providers are also available

Call us at (651) 982-8300 for more information.

Home Visits

A licensed teacher is available to make home visits. If a family is unable to attend site based classes, the teacher

will bring a variety of toys, activities, and parenting ideas for you and your children at home. Visits are free of

charge. Families may call the Center to schedule a convenient day and time.

Family Learning

A program for parents with young children who want to work on English language skills, prepare for a GED,

earn an adult diploma, learn to read, explore career options or build computer skills. For information call (651)

982-8300 or (651) 982-8302.

Busing

School District transportation is available for children ages 4 & 5. Students can ride the bus in the morning (9:15

am) and/or ride the bus home at the end of school (3:30 pm.) parents or care givers will have to transport in the

middle of the day. There must be an adult at the bus stop with the preschooler and available at drop off as well.

Children, who enroll in the full day preschool, have the option of riding the bus to and from school.

Our hope is by providing this convenience it will be easier for families to participate in a high quality early

learning experience. Space is limited and dependent on availability of existing bus routes.

This service is offered free of charge. Please call (651) 982-8300 for further information.

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