2017 GSRP Parent Handbook

HANDBOOKGSRP PARENTCHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

WELCOME TO
THE YMCA GSRP
PROGRAM!

Licensed Child Care to prepare
your child for kindergarten and
beyond!

WHAT IS GSRP?

The Michigan Department of Education funds the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) to provide
children with a high quality preschool experience. The YMCA Child Development Center GSRP program
serves qualifying children who are four years old by September 1st of the year enrollment is sought.

The curriculum is child-centered and aligns with state kindergarten curricula. This tuition-free program
provides family style lunch and nutritious snacks for the students each day. Research supports that
children served by this preschool program show significant, positive developmental and academic
achievement when compared to children who have not attended a program.

OUR PHILOSOPHY AREAS OF
DEVELOPMENT
We believe that all children develop emotionally, intellectually,
physically and socially. All areas of development are equally
important and affect one another.

We also believe that children develop as a result of their Emotional Intellectual
interactions with adults, other children and the materials
around them. Based on these beliefs, we provide opportunities
for children to develop in all domains through interactions
individually, with the teacher, other children, and with materials.

Our curriculum is designed to enhance the development of
children, to extend their skills and levels of understanding as
well as foster positive self-esteem and positive feelings
about school.

We believe that parents are the primary educators of their Physical Social
children and strive to enhance parent knowledge about child
development and the specific development of their child. We
encourage parent involvement in their child’s education.

2 CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

CURRICULUM

We use Creative Curriculum to guide our daily activities. The act of play is important in the development
of young children and is the strong base for our program. The children will be learning to take turns,
communicate wants and needs, increase creativity, and enhance social skills. We will be introducing
areas of study that are based around the interest of the children in our class. All activities are age
appropriate and engage your child to want to learn.

DEVELOPMENTAL AREAS OF
SCREENING SCREENING

We use Early Screening Inventory Revised (ESI-R) as our Speech Language
screening tool. ESI-R is a brief developmental screening
instrument that is individually administered to children aged Cognition Perception
3-5 years. It samples performance in the areas of speech,
language, cognition, perception, and motor coordination. Motor
coordination
ONGOING CHILD
ASSESSMENT

We use Teaching Strategies GOLD as our assessment tool.
Teaching Strategies GOLD is an authentic, observational
assessment system for children from birth through kindergarten.

It is designed to help get to know children well – what they know
and can do, and their strengths, needs, and interests. With
this information, we can guide children’s learning by planning
engaging experiences that are responsive to individual and group
needs.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER 3

WHAT TO
EXPECT IN THE
GSRP PROGRAM

We want you and your children to
be comfortable knowing what to
expect right from the first day.

OUTDOOR PLAY

Physical activity is also an important part of a child’s health and development. Our GSRP preschool
program dedicates at least 30 minutes per day outdoor physical activity. Please send appropriate
clothing for outdoor play, i.e., warm jackets, snow pants, boots, mittens, hats, and proper shoes
for recess. Please label your child’s clothing with their name. Children will be using the CDC’s natural
playground.
During inclement weather, students will play in the YMCA GSRP gymnasium.

CLOTHING

To ensure your child’s safety please send appropriate footwear and clothing. During winter months, your
child should bring a jacket, snow pants, hat, mittens, and boots each day, as we will go outdoors as
weather permits.
Situations do arise in the school day where a child’s clothing becomes wet and/or soiled. Having extra
cloths at the Center is helpful. Please send the items in a Ziplock bag clearly marked with the child’s name
and replace them in the event they are worn home.

REST TIME

In school-day GSRP programs, a daily 1-hour rest time is offered each afternoon. You are welcome to
send in a small pillow, blanket and special comfort item for your child to use at rest time. Because
each child’s needs are different, not everyone will sleep, but all are asked to “rest quietly” in their rest
space. These will be long days for the preschoolers and a rest time may be necessary for most.

4 CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

MEALS

Meals and snacks will be served family style in seating that is
appropriate for small children. Children are encouraged to try new
foods and serve themselves to help develop independence. They
will learn social skills like passing food to one another and having
conversations.

We serve breakfast, lunch and two snacks, including milk/juice,
inside our classroom. The cost of the breakfast, lunch, and snack
are included as part of the GSRP program. Menus are sent home
monthly. The YMCA GSRP adheres to the Child and Adult Care Food
Program nutritional guidelines: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/care/
ProgramBasics/Meals/Meal_Patterns.htm.

In addition, YMCA GSRP uses the guidelines of the DHS Bureau of
Children and Adult Licensing. Foods served should reflect the home
and community cultures and be high in nutrients and low in fat, sugar, and salt.

If your child has allergies, please notify the teacher during registration and bring in
documentation from the doctor stating the allergy. Child allergies will be posted in each classroom
as well as be documented on their Emergency Information card.

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE

8:00am: Arrival/Greeting time 5
8:35am: Clean up/Bathroom break
8:45am: Large group
9:00am: Planning time
9:10am: Choice time/Open snack
10:10am: Clean up
10:20am: Recall time
10:30am: Small group
10:45am: Bathroom/Outside time

*Poor weather: child directed play/centers

11:30am: Lunch prep/Wash hands

L1u1n:4ch0a+mB:ooks/Puzzles

12:25pm: Quiet/Resting time
1:25pm: Wake/bathroom/

Snack/Gym time
1:55pm: Plan/Choice time
3:00pm: Recall/Music/Dismissal

*Times may slightly vary

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

2017 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR

Calendar - Preschool start and end dates will be announced each year. Parents will be notified of any
additional changes that occur in the schedule.

Hours - Our GSRP preschool is a Monday-Thursday program from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Extended
care information available upon request.

Snow days and/or school cancellations - In the event that the Traverse City Area Public Schools is
closed due to weather or other emergency situation, our GSRP preschool will also be closed. Please listen
to your radio or local TV station for announcements of closings.

GSRP program Drop-in care ($)

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

Su M T W Th F Sa Su M T W Th F Sa Su M T W Th F Sa
12 12 3456 7 1234

3456789 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31

DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY

Su M T W Th F Sa Su M T W Th F Sa Su M T W Th F Sa
12 123456 123

3456789 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

24/31 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28

Su M MARCH Su M APRIL F Sa MAY
12 6 7
T W Th F Sa T W Th Su M T W Th F Sa
123 345 12345

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
29 30 27 28 29 30 31

6 CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Children who are successful in school have many healthy interconnections between family, school, and
community. Parent involvement in the learning process strengthens learning at home and is directly linked
back to positive child outcomes at school.

Communication and strong relationships are the keys to successful parent involvement. Parent
involvement is a very important part of our program and parents are welcome visitors in the classroom at
any time. You may come to observe any part of the day or eat lunch with your child.

FAMILY CONTACTS: WHAT TO EXPECT
Home visits: Twice during the year, we will schedule a home visit with your

family. One is prior to the start of school and one at the end of the year,

and visits will last approximately one hour.

The goal of home visits is to better meet the needs of your child and Home visits
family. In promoting a partnership between parents and teachers, home x2/year
visits provide a time to share the interests of your child and family,
information about the program, and how the program can best serve the
needs of each family.

For example, the home visit prior to the start of the school year is an

excellent time to get acquainted with one another and the spring home

visit helps to provide a smooth transition to kindergarten. Parent

Conferences: parent/teacher conferences are held twice a year (winter and conferences

spring) at the Center. During the conference, you will discuss your child’s

progress, have an opportunity to ask questions and give input as well as

set goals for your child that both you and the teacher can work toward together. Teachers will work with

parents to schedule a time for the conferences.

ADDITIONAL PARENT INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meetings – Regional meetings are held twice a year
(fall and spring) and are held at the YMCA GSRP or another local GSRP elementary school. Additionally,

there will be one PAC meeting held in an online format.

Those who attend the Advisory Committee Meetings include, but are not limited to: parents, GSRP
teachers, GSRP administrators, Early Childhood Specialist, Head Start teachers, Title I preschool teachers,
Kindergarten teachers, School specialists, Department of Human Services, Community Health Services,
Head Start and local early childhood programs, elementary principals, and school superintendent.

OTHER IDEAS FOR PARENT INVOLVEMENT:
· Share special interests with children such as fishing,

photography or sewing
· Provide recyclables and help to make play materials
· Assist with classroom lending library
· Create displays of child initiated work
· Meet with teachers at parent/teacher conferences to set

developmental goals and discuss children’s progress
· Support children’s learning at home

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER 7

GET INVOLVED!

Word Word games Visit your Cook Use voices Play memory Help a
recognition in the car local library together! when reading games teacher!

· Read or contribute to a parent newsletter
· Storytime (read aloud to your child before bedtime, nap

time)
· Have child write their own story and read it back to you
· Word recognition, touching words
· Word games during road trips
· Visit your local library
· Cook with your child – have your child read the recipe
· Use animated voice when reading to your child
· Memory games
· Help a teacher – volunteer to make copies, cut crafts,

read to students, or assist at toy and game tables

DATA ANALYSIS

Data analysis is an integral part of our program and early childhood system. There are multiple ways in
which we do this including: GSRP Parent Advisory Committee, 5toOne Friends and Neighbors, Great Start
Collaborative, Great Start Parent Coalition, School Readiness Advisory Committee, and regular
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support meeting.

Our preschool program participates in monthly Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) meetings. This
is a process that uses data-based problem-solving to integrate academic and behavioral instruction and
intervention for students who are in need of additional supports within the classroom.

If a parent or teacher has concerns about a child’s academic, behavior, or social progress at any time
throughout the year, this child may be brought up at MTSS in order to put in place helpful interventions.
Your permission is required for your Center Director to highlight your child at these meetings. Student
names are kept confidential.

TUITION

GSRP is funded by the state of Michigan and is a free preschool program offered to children who are four
years of age by September 1st of the current school year and who meet eligibility requirements. No fees
will be incurred for families enrolled in the program below the 250% FPL (Federal Poverty Level).
An annual fee of $10 will be incurred for families enrolled in the program above the 250% FPL (Federal
Poverty Level). Tuition due the first week of school.

8 CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

COMMITTEES TO GET INVOLVED WITH

Great Start Collaborative (GSC)

Every county in Michigan is part of a Great Start Collaborative. Every Collaborative includes parents,
service providers, partners and stakeholders who contribute their time and expertise to help make
sure children receive the best care and education we can provide.
Locally the Great Start Collaborative Traverse Bay consists of: Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse,
Kalkaska and Leelanau counties.

If you would like to be involved in this committee, please contact TBAISD Early Childhood Office by
the methods below.

231-922-6437 www.facebook.com/greatstartparents.

Great Start Parent Coalition (GSPC)

The GSC Parent Coalition is a volunteer group of parents working to ensure that all families have
access to information, programs and services in their communities.

If you would like to be involved in this committee, please contact TBAISD Early Childhood Office by
the methods below.

231-922-6437 www.facebook.com/greatstartparents.

School Readiness Advisory Committee (SRAC)

Due to the rural nature of the 5 county region, this committee consists of multiple collaborative
efforts of existing groups including: Great Start Collaborative, 5toOne Parent groups, Great Start
Parent Coalition, Great Start Readiness Program Parent Advisory Committees, Great Start to Quality
Northwest Resource Center and continuous opportunities for feedback using technology. The School
Readiness Advisory Committee meets as needed for special issues not currently addressed within
existing structures.

If you would like to be involved in this committee, please contact TBAISD Early Childhood Office by
the methods below.

231-922-6437 www.facebook.com/greatstartparents.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER 9

POLICIES OF
THE YMCA GSRP
PROGRAM

For the best experience for both
you and your child, please be
sure to read all program policies.

ADMISSIONS POLICY

To apply, please contact the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) at 1-800-443-
5518. Following the application process at NMCAA, your application will be forwarded to the YMCA Child
Development Center (CDC). Openings in the program are filled by income and risk factor criteria rather
than on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority is given to highest need families. If your child is
placed in the program, parents must complete the CDC’s enrollment paperwork by the required deadline
to finalize the enrollment process.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

We would appreciate two weeks notification before withdrawing your child from the program
either by calling the CDC office at (231) 346-4968 or by giving written notice. The advance notice allows
us to give your child some closure to the program, gather all papers and belongings, and say goodbye to
their classmates. This two-week period also allows for a smooth transition for your child.

REFERRAL TO MTSS POLICY

If you have a concern about your child’s development, begin by contacting your child’s lead teacher.
The lead teacher will partner with the family to incorporate various at home and at school strategies to
meet the child’s goals.

If your concerns persist, the lead teacher will initiate the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
process. If further interventions are needed, a team will be formed to discuss now to best meet the child’s
needs. The team may include: parent, lead teacher, Center Director, TBAISD Early Childhood Specialist, or
other special education staff.

If a child already receiving services for a disability, the GSRP program staff will join the IEP team and
continue services. For information about referring your child for a developmental evaluation, log onto:
www.ProjectFindMichigan.org

10 CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

Employees must not divulge confidential information contained in the records and files of all
children, except to other employees who may need such information in connection with their duties and
to authorize parties in accordance with proper departmental procedures.

If an employee is approached to provide information inappropriately, the employee must refuse to release
the requested information in accordance with applicable procedures, and should refer the requestor to
the employee’s immediate supervisor. Any employee who inappropriately releases information, or uses
confidential information for personal reasons, will be disciplined in accordance with established policies
and procedures.

Parent and family involvement is an integral part of the GSRP program. Any parents or family members
that choose to be part of our day and activities are asked to follow the same confidentiality policy as
employees and staff regarding what they learn and observe about children and families.

STAFF/VOLUNTEER SCREENING POLICY

YMCA GSRP requires all staff and volunteers participating in State of Michigan licensed child care
programs to be cleared through the following screening processes:

· Signed screening statement regarding child abuse and neglect
· Department of Human Services registry clearance
· State of Michigan criminal background check

Staff and volunteers will not have contact with children in GSRP if:
· They have been convicted of child abuse or neglect
· They have been convicted of a felony involving harm or threatened harm

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular attendance is a requirement of GSRP in order to maintain your child’s placement within
the classroom. Valuing your child’s education during the first 5 years is a critical impression that will
impact your child’s success in school for years to come.

The program expectation is that your child attends all class sessions throughout the week. We feel
strongly that consistency is important for young children and regular attendance is an integral piece to
building a child’s self-confidence, language, peer relationships, independence, creativity, trust, problem
solving, and cognitive skills. We are happy to offer assistance to help resolve issues that may stand in the
way of your child’s attendance. If your child is absent, or has a planned absence, please call the school
office at 231-346-4968.

EXCLUSION POLICY

Children will not be excluded or expelled because of the need for additional support, assistance with
toileting or staff attitudes and/or apprehensions.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER 11

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

Below is the standard child care weather index that determines whether it is safe for the students to
have an outdoor recess.

Wind-Chill Factor Chart (Farenheit)

Wind Speed (MPH)

Calm 5 10 15 20 25 30 25 40

40 40 36 34 32 30 29 28 28 27

Air temperature 30 30 25 21 19 17 16 15 14 13

20 20 13 9 6 4 3 1 0 -1

10 10 1 -4 -7 -9 -11 -12 -14 -15

00 -11 -16 -19 -22 -24 -26 -27 -29

-10 -10 -22 -28 -32 -35 -37 -39 -41 -43

Comfortable for outdoor play Caution Danger

Heat Index Chart (Farenheit %)

Relative Humidity (%)

40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
80 80 80 81 81 82 82 83 84 84 85 86 86 87

Air temperature 84 83 84 85 86 88 89 90 92 94 96 98 100 103

90 91 93 95 97 100 103 105 109 113 117 122 127 132

94 97 100 103 106 110 114 119 124 129 135

100 109 114 118 124 129 130

104 119 124 131 137

Comfortable for outdoor play Caution Danger

12 CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

HEALTH POLICY

Each child must have a physical examination before starting in the GSRP program as required by Michigan
Child Care licensing. All children must be up to date or present an authorized waiver form prior to
attending the YMCA GSRP. Michigan recently revised the immunizations rules to require all individuals
who wish to waive one or more vaccines to:

1. Seek an authorized waiver for medical contradictions from your family physician.
2. Seek an authorized waiver for all non-medical concerns from a county health department.

Your family physician must complete a Health Appraisal form. The cost of the physical examination
and immunizations is the responsibility of the family. All medical forms must be signed by an authorized
physician.

ILLNESS POLICY

We cannot provide care for your child if s/he is ill. If your child should become ill while in our care, a
parent will be notified. Your child should not be sent to the program if s/he has symptoms of illness. To
protect themselves and others, children should be kept at home for at least twenty four hours (or until
he/she is completely recovered) if they have any of the following symptoms:

A CHILD SHOULD STAY HOME IF EXPERIENCING:

• Severe sore throat
• Temperature above 100o (Based on Health Department

recommendations, PLEASE wait 24 hours after
fever breaks before sending your child back to school to
prevent the spread of flu and other illness)
• Earache/discharge
• Head lice and/or nits from head lice
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin rash
• Swollen glands
• Overly tired
• Diarrhea
• Inflamed eye/discharge
• Sores on the skin such as impetigo, scabies, or
ringworm

If your child does not feel well, s/he will probably not have a good day at school. Please help your child
get rest and recover before sending them back to school.

If your child is sick, but you feel he/she can come to school as long as he/she stays inside, please
reconsider: a student well enough to attend school will be considered well enough to participate in
outside recess. Without a doctor’s note, children will be sent outside.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER 13

MEDICATION POLICY

ONLY prescription medicine will be administered to children, no over-the-counter medication is
administered unless you can provide a doctor’s note with permission and dosage amounts. All medication
must be in the original container with a medical form completed and on file. Staff must document the
date, time and dosage as well as sign their name on a medication administration form every time the
medication is given.

ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY POLICY

In the event of an accident or emergency, parents will be contacted immediately. If the staff is
unable to reach a parent, they will contact those listed on the child information sheet. If no one can
be reached, staff will seek emergency medical care if needed or as specified by the parent on the child
information card. This card, along with emergency medical numbers of any ambulance service and poison
control will be available by the classroom phone. For your child’s sake, please keep the program staff
updated on any change in emergency contact numbers and/or physical illness or conditions. The
parent will be responsible for any incurred medical expenses.

In the case of fire, tornado, lockdown, or other severe weather/emergency crisis, we will follow the safety
procedures as outlined by the YMCA Child Development Center Parent Handbook. Emergency procedures
are posted in the classroom. Teachers will take copies of the student’s emergency cards with them and
take attendance once the children reach the predetermined safety site.

DISCIPLINE/CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY

The YMCA GSRP program provides a warm, positive environment to meet children’s daily needs. There are
times when conflicts occur and need to be resolved. Teachers and assistants will support children as
they solve problems and conflicts with peers.

In the GSRP classroom, adults will:

• Encourage children to do things for themselves
throughout the day

• Treat conflict with children as everyday situations
• Approach children calmly and stop any hurtful actions

immediately
• Acknowledge children’s feelings
• Involve children in identifying the problem by gathering

information from children and restating the problem
• Ask children for solutions and encourage them to choose

one together
• Give follow-up support when children act on their

decisions

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

All YMCA staff are mandated by law to report any suspected abuse or neglect to the proper authorities.
It is not up to staff to determine if there is abuse or neglect. Each teacher has received a copy of the
child protection laws.

14 CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

GRIEVANCES

Should you have a complaint or concern, please discuss it with your child’s teacher and try to resolve the
issue as soon as possible. If you feel the situation is not resolved to your best interest, please contact
the Child Development Center Director, Courtney Kane, immediately at 231-346-4968. If the concern/
problem continues, the teacher can provide contact information for the appropriate TBAISD Early
Childhood Specialist.

PARENT NOTICE OF PROGRAM EVALUATION

The YMCA GSRP program is required to work with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to
measure the effect of the state-wide Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). Information is sometimes
collected about GSRP staff, enrolled children, and their families. Program staff or a representative from
MDE might:

1. Ask parents questions about their child and family
2. Observe children in the classroom
3. Measure what children know about letters, words, and numbers
4. Ask teachers how children are learning and growing

Information from you and about your child will not be shared with others in any way that you
or your child could be identified. It is protected by law.

Questions? Contact: [email protected] or 517-373-8483 or
MDE, Office of Early Childhood Education and Family Services
608 W. Allegan, P.O. Box
30008, Lansing, MI 48909

SUBJECT TO CHANGE NOTICE

Items in the GSRP Participant Handbook are subject to change due to state and federal policies/
mandates. Written notification of changes will be provided to parents and will supersede this handbook.

CHILD CARE LICENSING

The Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers Notebook is available in your child’s classroom. The following
are available in the licensing notebook:

• The licensing notebook contains all the licensing inspection and special investigation reports and
related corrective action plans since May 28, 2010.

• The licensing notebook is available to parents during regular business hours.
• Licensing inspection and special investigation reports from at least the past 2 years are available on

the child care licensing website at www.michigan.gov/michildcare.
• School­-age centers operating in school buildings approved by the Michigan Department of Education

are exempt from subrule (11) of rule R400.8170 (Outdoor play area), provided the licensee informs
parents, in writing at the time of enrollment, if the center plans to use a public school’s outdoor play
area and equipment that does not comply with rule R400.8170.

*These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education. 15

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

OUR LOCATIONS

Child Development Center West Y Central Y South Y
1027 McRae Hill Rd. 3700 Silver Lake Rd. 1213 W. Civic Center Dr. 3000 Racquet Club Dr.
Traverse City, MI 49685 Traverse City, MI 49685 Traverse City, MI 49686 Traverse City, MI 49684
231.943.1725 231.486.6357 231.922.4814 231.933.9622