SVDP FY23 Early Head Start Parent Handbook (1)

St. Vincent De Paul
Parent Handbook

Early Head Start 2022-2023

1



TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
4
Welcome from the EHS Director 4
Mission Statement 4
Philosophy Statement 5
Mission Statement for Staff Development 6
Program Staff 9
Program Calendar 9
Inclement Weather & Emergency Closings 10
Class Options 11
Key Partnerships 13
Family Services 14
Goals for Children & Families 15
Outcomes for Children & Families 15
Child Development Room 17
Disabilities Services 19
General Policies & Guidelines 20
Attendance Policy 21
Escort Policy 22
Food Policy 23
Standards of Conduct 24
Active Play & Screen Time 25
Field Trips 26
Parent Involvement &Volunteer Opportunities 27
Parents As Decision Makers 29
Child Abuse & Neglect
Immunization Charts

2

Welcome from the Early Head Start Director

I am excited to welcome our families to St. Vincent de Paul’s Early Head Start SY 2022-23. If this is your first-year
enrolling into SVDPEHS, I would like to say Welcome, again and Thank you for trusting us with your child's
development. To my families from previous years, I am so happy to have you back and thanks for allowing us another
opportunity to contribute to your child’s future successes. I look forward to seeing all your smiling faces and hearing
your laughter at our centers.
The first years of a child’s life are particularly important for the development of communication, motor, cognitive, social
and emotional skills. Here at St. Vincent de Paul Early Head Start, our role is to create a safe, healthy, and friendly
environment where your children can thrive. Our teachers will deliver services and instruction that caters specifically to
your child's development. We will continue to use our curriculum, The Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies GOLD
(TSG). We pair TSG with Ages and Stages-3 and Ages and Stages- SE to create goals for your child. As partners in your
family’s success, our Family Advocates will support you with creating family goals that support self-sufficiency.
We are eager to collaborate with you this new school year. We hope to play an important role in your family’s success,
but we will need your help. Please communicate with us regularly through Brightwheel. Connect with your child’s
teacher and Family Advocate daily and share any progress you’ve made towards your family goals or any new
developments. Take the opportunity to join our Parent Policy Committee to make this school year the best school year.
Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to your family’s future. I will see you all soon and I look forward to
strengthening our partnerships.

Respectfully,

Shainna Ashe
Program Administrator for Early Head Start

3

SVDP Mission Statement

St Vincent De Paul of Baltimore’s mission is to ensure those impacted by poverty have the skills, resources,
and opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Early Head Start Philosophy

The overall philosophy of the Early Head Start Program is to bring about a greater gradation of social competence in
children, while promoting school readiness for young children birth to three. Social competence means the child’s everyday
effectiveness in dealing with both the present environment and later responsibilities in school and in life. Early Head Start
considers the interrelatedness of cognitive and intellectual development, physical and mental health, nutritional needs as
well as other factors.

To achieve social competence and school readiness, Early Head Start:
1. Early Head Start is based on the premise that all children share certain needs and can benefit from a comprehensive
developmental program designed to meet those needs.
2. Early Head Start’s program approach is based on the philosophy that the child’s entire family, as well as the
community, must be involved. The family is seen as the principal influence on the child’s development and
therefore should be a direct participant in the program.
3. The overall goal of Early Head Start is to bring about a greater degree of social competence.
4. Early Head Start provides opportunities for the improvement of the child’s health and physical abilities and
opportunities to enhance every child’s access to an adequate diet.
5. Early Head Start provides activities which encourage self-confidence, autonomy and curiosity— all of which assist
in healthy social and emotional development.
6. Early Head Start provides professional personnel whose focus is the enhancement of the child’s cognitive
development, with particular attention to developing strong reasoning and problem-solving skills.
7. Early Head Start seeks to create opportunities for consistency and routine for each child. Stable, consistent learning
environments will engender confidence in each child, enhancing learning efforts and overall healthy development.
8. Early Head Start attempts to foster and maintain healthy relationships between the child and the family through a
myriad of support services.
9. Early Head Start provides an environment that nurtures and supports the growth of healthy self-esteem and the
development of a positive self-concept.

Mission Statement for Staff Development

St. Vincent de Paul Early Head Start is committed to encouraging and supporting efforts of employees to improve
skills, abilities and knowledge in a manner that will help them to be more productive in their current assignments and
to prepare for career advancement as opportunities arise. Provision for education, professional development events,
in-services training, conferences, professional and technical groups, staff meetings and conferences, and grantee-
sponsored training events or classes are offered to employees and is a high priority in our Early Head Start Program.

4

Program Staff John Schiavone
Jerrell McRae
President & CEO of SVDP of Baltimore Olutunde Clarke
Chief Operating Officer Shainna Ashe
Vice President of Childhood and Family Services Andrew Meister
Program Administrator of Early Head Start Shonda Ferguson
EHS Data Specialist Jayla Powers
Child Development Specialist Charda McQueen
Health Coordinator Consultant Shawnta Rivers
Family Advocates/Site Coordinators Heather Washington

Chakira Bush TEACHERS Latoya Rice
Nichelle Carter
Janesse Collins Keneice Fullard Val Richardson
Sophia Davis Kenyetta Hawkins Tiffany Robinson
Jovonna Hopkins Geneva Romano
LaTravia Dorsey Niesha Leggett Amanda Session
Sameya Epps Nakia Lewis
Kashawna Felman Ciara Pickney LaShaye Vereen
Ajee Fallias Chedonna Wilson * substitute teacher

5

St. Vincent de Paul Early Head Start

2022-2023 School Year Calendar

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday August 22, 2022 Staff Return Onsite

Monday -Friday August 22- Sept 2, 2022 Pre-Service Training

Friday- Tuesday August 26-30, 2022 Parent Orientations

Monday September 5, 2022 Labor Day-Program Closed

Wednesday September 7, 2022 1st Official Day of Class

Wednesday September 21, 2022 Policy Committee Virtual Meeting

SEPTEMBER 15– OCTOBER 15, 2022 HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATIONS

Wednesday October 12, 2022 Policy Committee Virtual Meeting

Wednesday October 19, 2022 Policy Committee Virtual Meeting (Elections)

Thursday October 20, 2022 MFN Policy Council Meeting
Early Childhood Quality Practices Select Classes Closed

Friday October 21, 2022 45-day Benchmark
Health & Developmental Screenings Completed
Family Partnership Agreements Completed

Wednesday October 26, 2022 MFN Policy Council Training

Friday October 28, 2022 EHS Parenting Session: Stress Management

Friday November 4, 2022 Professional Development Day- MFN Fall Conference
(School Closed for Children) BLOCK OUT DAY

Saturday November 5, 2022 60-day Benchmark
Family Partnership Agreement (FPA)- Process Initiated

Tuesday November 8, 2022 Election Day! Program Open

Tuesday- Wednesday November 8-9, 2022 MFN Policy Council Trainings

NOVEMBER 14-18, 2022 AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK

Wednesday November 16, 2022 Policy Committee Virtual Meeting

Thursday November 17, 2022 MFN Policy Council Meeting

Friday November 18, 2022 EHS Parenting Session

Thursday-Friday November 24 -25, 2022 Thanksgiving-Program Closed

Wednesday November 30, 2022 Health Services Advisory Council Virtual Meeting

Monday December 5, 2022 90-day Benchmark
Family Partnership Agreement (FPA) Process

6

Referrals & Services Initiated

Friday December 16, 2022 EHS Parenting Session

Wednesday December 21, 2022 Policy Committee Virtual Meeting
Friday December 23, 2022
Early Dismissal (12 noon) for Children/Prof Dev’t
Monday-Monday December 26 – Jan 2, 2023 FALL Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessments Due

Winter Holiday-School Closed

Tuesday January 3, 2023 School Re-Opens

Tuesday-Friday January 3-6, 2023 REMOTE WEEK(back onsite Monday Jan 9,2023)

Monday January 16, 2023 MLK Holiday- Program Closed

Wednesday January 18, 2023 Policy Committee Meeting (Virtual TBD)

Thursday January 19, 2023 Understanding & Using the ASQ/ASQ-E
Select Classes Closed MFN Policy Council Meeting

Friday January 20, 2023 EHS Parenting Session

FEBRUARY 1–28, 2023 BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS

Thursday February 9, 2023 The 100th Day of School!

Wednesday February 15, 2023 Policy Committee Meeting (Virtual TBD)

Friday February 17, 2023 Professional Development Day
Monday February 20, 2023 (School Closed for Children) BLOCK OUT DAY

Presidents Day – Program Closed

Wednesday February 22, 2023 Health Services Advisory Meeting -MFN
New Staff Orientation- Select Classes Closed

Thursday February 23, 2023 New Staff Orientation- Select Classes Closed

Friday February 24, 2023 EHS Parenting Session- Select Classes Closed

MARCH 1–3, 2023 DR. SEUSS WEEK

Wednesday- Thursday March 8-9, 2023 Leadership Institute for Parents

Wednesday March 15, 2023 Policy Committee Meeting (Virtual TBD)

Wednesday- Thursday March 22-23, 2023 Leadership Institute for Parents

Thursday March 23, 2023 MFN Policy Council Meeting

Friday March 24, 2023 EHS Parenting Session

APRIL 3 - 7, 2023 WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD

7

Monday - Monday April 3-10, 2023 Spring Break- School Closed

Tuesday April 11, 2023 School Re-Opens

Friday April 14, 2022 WINTER Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment Due

Monday-Friday April 17-21, 2023 Parent/Teacher Conferences

Wednesday April 19, 2023 Policy Committee Meeting (Virtual TBD)

Friday April 28, 2023 EHS Parenting Session

MAY 1 - 5, 2023 TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK, SVDP STAFF APPRECIATION

Wednesday May 17, 2023 Policy Committee Meeting (Virtual TBD)

Friday May 19, 2023 Professional Development Day
(School Closed for Children) BLOCK OUT DAY

Wednesday May 24, 2023 Health Services Advisory Meeting -MFN

Thursday May 25, 2023 MFN Policy Council Meeting

Friday May 26, 2023 EHS Parenting Session

Monday May 29, 2023 Memorial Day Observed- School Closed

Thursday- Friday June 8-9, 2023 Professional Development Days
(School Closed for Children) BLOCK OUT DAYS
Monday June 19, 2023 Juneteenth Observed- School Closed
Wednesday June 21, 2023 Policy Council Meeting (Virtual TBD)
Thursday June 22, 2023 MFN Policy Council Meeting
Tuesday June 27, 2023 EHS Parenting Session
Tuesday July 4, 2023 Independence Day Observed- School Closed
Wednesday July 19, 2023 Policy Committee Meeting (Virtual TBD)
Friday July 28, 2023 EHS Parenting Session
Friday August 4, 2023 SPRING Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment
Monday-Thursday August 7-10, 2023 Parent/Teacher Conferences
Monday-Friday August 7-11, 2023 Closing Ceremonies - 8/11 Last Day for Children

NOTES

BLOCK OUT DAY: On Block Out Days, no employee will be permitted to take off from work unless it’s a matter of extreme circumstance.

St. Vincent de Paul Head Start reserves the right to amend the 2022-2023 School Calendar based upon the needs of the program.
Virtual TBD Activities may be operated as 100% virtual or a virtual, onsite combo option to be determined by Program Management, per event.

The calendar will be adjusted accordingly to accommodate unscheduled closings due to inclement weather.

Revised: 08/26/2022

8

Inclement Weather & Emergency Closings

In the event that the Program closes due to inclement weather or other emergencies, St. Vincent de Paul will
announce closings on WBAL-TV Channel 11 or WBALTV.com beginning at 5:30 a.m. Additionally, updates
will be posted on Brightwheel. When the program is required to close prior to regular dismissal time, staff will
contact you via the telephone numbers listed on your child's emergency escort form. Please ensure that your
emergency numbers are current at all times.

Class Options

Each Early Head Start site has 3 types of classrooms for 3 age groups, Infants, Toddlers and Two-Year Olds.

Full Day Early Head Start

Children are assigned a classroom based on age and developmental readiness.
Infant Classrooms • Toddler Classrooms • Two-year old Classrooms
Newborn infants are not allowed to start center programming until they are a minimum of 6 weeks old, as required
by the Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care. Some pediatricians prefer infants to remain
at home until 8 weeks of age.
• Gradual return to full Capacity.

Capacities dependent on CDC and local Health Department determinations as well as neighborhood
infection and spread rates.
• 100% In-Person
•  Center-based
• 6.5hrs per day, 220 days per year
• September to August, Monday - Friday
• 8:30am -3:00pm

Quarantines and Closures

Although we are operating a Center -based option, there will be times when your child’s classroom or Center
will be closed for onsite services due to covid-19 or covid-19 related issues. During these instances, staff will
meet with you and your child virtually at a time that is convenient to you and within regular work hours for the
staff. Teaching staff will meet with each family daily for as long as the classroom or center remains closed.

9

Key Partnerships

Early Head Start is supported through many partnerships that share a common concern for child
development. Each partner plays an important role to ensure that infants and toddlers are growing and
thriving in the best way possible. We thank our partners and together we are the village that raises our

children.

U.S. Congress approves Head Start funding. Maryland Family Network: responsible
Health & Human Services: sets policies, for meeting regional/national policies,
gives funds to regions & grantee. gives funds to delegate Early Head Start

programs, has legal & fiscal responsibility
for Early Head Start Guidelines.

Families: participate in center-based activities; St. Vincent De Paul Baltimore:
nurture & advocate for their children; increase Delegate agency that operates the
skills, confidence, & professional growth; access Early Head Start Program according
to Head Start Performance Standards.
community resources’
10
Early Head Start: serves families with infants &
toddlers through center-based services; provides

support & education on child development,
parenting, safety, nutrition; assesses families &

help set goals and referral services.

Family Services

A WIDE RANGE OF FAMILY SERVICES ARE PROVIDED:
• Directly through Center staff - the Family

Advocate, the Family Service Coordinator,
• Child’s Teacher/Co-Teacher, and other Center staff.
• By other Community Agencies outside of the Center, and
• By other Community Agencies within the Center

HOME VISITS
Family Advocates
Home visits are completed with parents 2 times per year. The 1st visit is completed in the home and can include both
the Family Advocate (FA) and your child’s Teacher. The visit occurs prior to the beginning of the school year.
During the 1st visit, the Family Advocate follows up on enrollment paperwork and completes
additional required paperwork; the Family Partnership Agreement and Strengths & Needs
Assessment. In addition, the FA will review the services and resources offered through the
EHS program such as Dolly Parton Imagination Library (literacy program), Workshops
(Family Literacy, Finance Management) and Nurturing Parent Education, to name a few.
The 2nd home visit will be completed in February of the school year and provides the FA a chance to check in with a
parent to determine if support and resources are needed. It also gives the FA an opportunity to review and update the
Family Partnership Agreement and complete the 2nd Strengths & Needs Assessment.
Classroom Teachers/Co-Teachers
Home visits are completed with parents 2 times per year. The 1st visit is completed in the home and can include both
the Family Advocate and your child’s Teacher. The visit occurs prior to the beginning of the school year. During
the 1st visit, the teacher will complete Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire
Social Emotional (ASQ-SE) for your child. In addition, the teacher will discuss with you what you and your child
can expect in the center, specifically, the classroom curriculum, routines, what the classroom looks like and adults
working with your child.

11

The 2nd visit or the Parent/Teacher Conference is usually conducted in the center in January of the school year and
offers parents and teachers an opportunity to discuss your child’s development, their strengths and needs and any
concerns observed by either parent or teacher.

Emergency or Crisis Services
Your Family Advocate is available to help your family in a crisis. If you have a crisis, call your Family Advocate
directly or the Family Services Coordinator, if you need immediate assistance.

PARENT EDUCATION
Parents are offered a trainings on a wide range of topics around healthy child development throughout the program
year. Offerings may occur as single topic trainings, part of a parent education curriculum, or embedded in other
training opportunities.

These training topics include, but are not limited to:

▪ Motor Development ▪ Age-Appropriate Activities, Toys & Toy Safety
▪ Nutrition ▪ Attachment/Relationship Building
▪ Sensory Development & Book Making ▪ Separation & Anxiety
▪ Developmental Stages of Infants & Toddlers ▪ Structuring Environments
▪ Learning to Schedule & Plan ▪ Playing with Your Child
▪ Ways to Cope with Parent Stress ▪ Setting Limits, Building Routines, Managing Behaviors
▪ Language Development

CONFIDENTIALITY

▪ In order to create a safe environment for all families, confidentiality will be observed at all times by staff, parents,
and volunteers.

▪ Staff will not discuss or share unnecessary private information about your family with others in the program or
outside of the program.

▪ Staff will communicate with each other about families, as needed, so we are all aware of important life changes
or issues happening for each parent and child.

12

Goals for Children & Families

St. Vincent De Paul Early Head Start (SVDP EHS) works closely with families to address each family’s unique
needs, as well as the goals and objectives of the program:

PROVIDE FAMILIES WITH
EDUCATION, HEALTH, NUTRITION
SERVICES
• Provide children with age-appropriate,

developmentally enriching educational
environments.

• Ensure families receive needed
medical, dental, and mental health
services.

• Provide individualized services for
families, including children with
disabilities.

• Provide meals and snacks to meet daily
nutritional needs.

COLLABORATE WITH FAMILIES TO IDENTIFY GOALS AND NEEDED SERVICES
▪ Guide families to identify strengths and set/obtain goals.
▪ Link families to needed resources in the community: prenatal care services, social services, educational

services, health services, employment agencies.
▪ Help parents and children transition to Head Start or preschool programs.
▪ Partner with parents in creating school readiness goals.

DEVELOPMENT OF SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH FAMILIES
▪ Staff form nurturing relationships with children and parents in center settings
▪ Staff support and respect family’s cultures and language.

ENSURE WELL-MANAGED PROGRAMS MEET HIGH QUALITY STANDARDS
▪ SVDP EHS is compliant with all Head Start Performance Standards.
▪ Conduct program self-assessments for continuous improvement.
▪ Involve parents as decision-makers in program operations. Health Advisory, Policy Committee, and/or Policy

Council.
▪ Staff is qualified with many opportunities for training and development.
▪ SVDP EHS forms partnerships with local agencies and organizations in the community.

13

Outcomes for Children and Families

ENHANCE CHILDREN’S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
▪ Children show improved language, communication, and reading skills.
▪ Children show improved social behavior, positive attitude towards learning, and emotional well-being.
▪ Achieve developmental milestones based on individual rate of development.
▪ Maintain up-to-date dental screenings, immunizations and physicals and well-baby check-ups.
STRENGTHEN PARENTS AS THE PRIMARY NURTURERS OF THEIR CHILDREN
▪ Parents understand that they are their child’s first and most important teacher.
▪ Parents understand stages and milestones of their child’s development.
▪ Parents make progress towards their goals that they set for themselves.
▪ Parents develop relationships with family, friends, and community to strengthen their support systems.
▪ Parents advocate for their children.
ENHANCE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS
▪ Parents interact with their children in a supportive, nurturing, and responsive way.
▪ Children feel a sense of attachment and security with their parents.
▪ Parents use developmentally appropriate ways to discipline their children.
▪ Parents provide stimulating experiences and environments that enhance the child’s development.
▪ Parents read to their children.

14

Child Development (CD)Room

The CD Room is a learning environment for children ages 6 weeks up to 3 years old. Since young children learn through
play, we provide many engaging developmental activities for them throughout the day. Scheduled and planned activities
occur throughout the day based on the cues of the children. Every year, your child’s teacher/s will talk to you about
the CD Room and ask you questions about your child so we can provide the best possible care for him/her. Please let
the CD teachers know of any specific food allergies your child has and of any sleeping and eating routines that they
should follow.
New places are often scary for a young child, but unfortunately you will not be able to enter the center because of our
covid-19 safety protocols. Please, take the time to properly say goodbye to your child. Give your child a hug and say
goodbye. This way your child will learn to trust you. If your child cries, a teacher will be with him/her and will reassure
him/her that it will be okay, and that his/her parent will be back.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child, you can meet virtually with the teacher assigned to your child
or the Child Development Specialist. In rare circumstances, in-person meeting requests will be escalated to the EHS
Director for review, and possibly approval.
On-going observations of your child are made on a daily basis and an assessment of his/her development is completed
every 3 months. Teachers observe, plan and document your child’s growth and progress along multiple learning
trajectories, which include, but are not limited to Social Emotional Development, Language Development, Cognitive
Development and Fine & Gross Motor Development. Additionally, your child’s teacher will schedule a quarterly
parent/teacher conference to share goals and your child’s progress.

15

Disabilities Services

Within 45 days of enrollment, the CD staff, with each parent, will complete developmental, sensory, and behavioral
screenings. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Social Emotional (ASQ-
SE) will be used. A summary will be written and discussed with the parent, and the forms will be signed. The screening
may show that either the child is within normal limits, needs to be monitored and re-screened, or needs a referral to
another agency for further evaluation.
SVDP EHS provides services to children with disabilities in partnership with Baltimore City Infants and Toddlers
Program and other outside agencies specializing in services to children with disabilities. Children entering our program
with an IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) continue services as noted, or the parent may request that services
be administered in the early head start center during the regular school day. Children with suspected, observable, or
known health or developmental delays will be referred internally to our disabilities team and possibly externally to the
Baltimore City Infants and Toddlers Program for further evaluation. All referrals require parent consent.
The EHS program has access to a licensed Mental Health clinician who is available to provide consultative services to
families and children as well as staff. He/she is available to meet social-emotional wellness needs in the program.
This may include observing in the classrooms and suggesting teacher strategies for smooth classroom management,
consulting with parents about behavior challenges in the home, offering limited counseling to parents and referrals to
outside resources, providing parenting groups and other supports in the area of mental health.
The Mental Health Consultant is in the program as a support to children, families, and staff around social-emotional
wellness. You might see the Mental Health Consultant playing with children in the classrooms, getting to know
families at arrival or dismissal times or participating in Group Socializations.
If you feel your child has a need for more in-depth services from the Mental Health Consultant, you will be a part of
that discussion and decision, and you will be asked to sign a separate consent form for these services.

16

General Policies and Guidelines

1. Attendance
Children are expected to attend every day the program is open to children. When your child must be absent, parents
are strongly encouraged to call your FSC and let him/her and the teacher know that your child will be out and the
reason for the absence. If your child is sick for any reason, she/he should stay home and report any covid-like
symptoms to your FSC.
Excessive absenteeism will result in follow-up services from your FSC to determine the cause of the absenteeism
and to assess the need for resources/referrals. Staff will work with you to develop a plan to curb the absenteeism.
Please be advised that failure to uphold to the plan and a continuation of the excessive absenteeism may result in
your child being removed from the program and placed back on the waiting list. See Attendance Policy on pg. 20

2. Arrival and Pick-Up
All children are expected to be dropped off and picked up on time by an adult (18 years of age). Children will not
be admitted to class before the designated time. All arrival and dismissal will be at the center door. All adults are
expected to be masked at drop off and pick-up, adhere to physical distancing protocols. All children 2 years and
older, who are able to properly wear a mask, should wear a cloth mask daily. See Escort Policy on pg.21.

3. Medication Distribution
Medications may only be given by staff when the child’s physician and parent have both completed and signed of
on the medication administration form. The parent must give the first dose of any new medication before staff can
administer.
All medications should be in the original bottle and box with all labels still affixed and handed in to your child’s
teacher. All medications will be secured in a locked box in the refrigerator or on the counter out of the reach of the
children. Please do not leave medicine in your child’s diaper bag.
Please let us know of any illnesses or physical conditions your child is being treated for now, or any serious illness
your child has received treatment for in the past. Please also let us know of any regular medicine you give your
child so we may assist you in looking for side effects.

4. Exclusion due to Illness and/or Suspected Contagion
Children in a group setting often have frequent colds and coughs. The following are some reasons for sending a
sick child home according to the Department of Health, Division of Health Standards and Licensure, Licensing
Rules for Group Day Care Homes and Child Day Care Centers:
Covid-19 or Covid-like symptoms - sudden onset cough or shortness of breath, fever above 100.4, chills,
shivering, muscle pain, sore throat, headache, loss of taste or smell, or gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting
or diarrhea), Diarrhea – More than one (1) loose stool. If a child has one (1) loose stool, he/she shall be observed
for additional loose stools or other symptoms • Vomiting – Vomiting more than once • Pinkeye – Tears, redness
of eyelid lining, irritation, followed by swelling or discharge of pus • Unusual spot or rashes • Fever over 100
degrees Fahrenheit by mouth or 99 tympanic (ear) • Severe itching of body or scalp, or scratching of scalp. These
may be signs of lice or scabies • Head Lice can return after treatment). Guardian will be notified immediately if
any of the above are found. In case of an emergency, and the parent/guardian is unavailable, the emergency number
will be called.

A child may not be readmitted to care after an absence of 3 or more days, including 10-day quarantines, due to
illness without a written statement from the physician that the child may return to a regular schedule.

17

Please keep your child home if they have any of the following symptoms: • A fever of 99 degrees or higher • A
green discharge from the nose or eyes • The first 24 hours of diarrhea • The first 24 hours of vomiting • Any
symptoms of COVID-19 (fever 100.4, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, sore throat.
If you are unsure about whether or not to bring your child to the Center, you can call your doctor, your child’s
teacher, or the CDC for advice. We may ask you to take your child home if we believe your child is too sick to
attend classes at the Center.
If you take your child to the doctor for illness, please bring us a note. This may be a requirement to return to the
Center. If you keep your child home due to an illness, please notify your Family Advocate or classroom teachers.
5. Personal Items/Clothing
We ask that you dress your child in comfortable clothes for messy play. We use paints, play dough, and water,
clothes will get soiled. Please bring a second set of clothes, since young children frequently have food, play, and
bathroom accidents. These clothes (including underwear) should have their name on them, and they will be stored
in your child’s classroom. Open-toe shoes and flip flops are not permitted.
6. Outdoor Play
Children will go outside daily for gross motor play except under very severe weather conditions. Children will go
outside at 32ºF and higher. Please send your child in appropriate outerwear including sneakers/tennis shoes.
7. Toileting and Diapering

If your child is toilet trained, please let us know what words he/she uses for the bathroom. If your
child is in diapers, the center provides supplies if necessary. However, if you prefer, you may bring
your own.
If your child is wearing pull-ups or underwear, your child’s teacher will assist the child to the toilet.
To help Child Development staff, please check your child’s diaper before drop-off in the morning.
8. Health and Safety
For the safety of everyone’s child, please keep all medications, cigarettes, lighters, and matches out of the reach of
little hands. We ask that you do not keep these items in your child’s cubby or diaper bag.
All toys either mouthed or handled are cleaned and sanitized daily between each use by individual children.
The Early Head Start sites are smoke-free environments. There is no smoking in the building or in front of the
building. Smoking is permitted on the side of the building if you must smoke.
When you drop off or pick up your child from St. Vincent De Paul Early Head Start program, please turn off your
car engine when you leave your car. This will protect our children from dangerous toxins found in vehicle exhaust
fumes and improve the air quality outside and inside of our Early Head Start Center.
9. Social Media and Gifts
Participants may not “FRIEND” any staff member on any social media site such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
SnapChat, MySpace, etc.
Staff are not allowed to receive gifts from participants.

18

Attendance Policy

1. All children must attend their scheduled class at least 85% of the time. This is a Federal Head Start Performance
Standard requirement and is closely tracked by the Center. Additionally, all attendance is monitored by Maryland
Family Network.

2. ALL ABSENCES MUST BE DOCUMENTED. A note of explanation for all absences must be given to the Family
Advocate.

3. We understand that there will be times when illness or emergencies will prevent a child from coming to the center.
In fact, to stop the spread of germs, please keep sick children at home.

4. In cases of extenuating circumstances or emergencies, which prevent a child from attending the center, special
considerations may be made.

5. After two (2) absences and no contact, a staff member will attempt to make physical contact with you. A
meeting will be scheduled with you, your Family Advocate to assist with your child’s attendance. Staff will
work with you to develop a plan to curb the absenteeism. Please be advised that failure to uphold to the plan and
a continuation of the excessive absenteeism may result in your child being removed from the program.

6. Children who lose their center slot for any reason, including ongoing attendance issues, will be placed on the wait
list and may have to reapply for readmission.

7. If you have any questions about this policy or concerns about your child's attendance, please speak with your
Family Advocate.

19

Escort Policy

1. Childcare providers are legally responsible for each child enrolled in their programs. This includes ensuring that
children are only released to either an individual who has a legal right to the child, or someone whom the child’s
parent(s) or guardian has previously authorized.

2. This regulation applies to everyone, including grandparents, siblings and other relatives, neighbors, and family
friends.

3. Only previously designated adults will be allowed to pick-up a child, even if that adult dropped the child off for care,
they must be on the list and show picture identification to pick the child up at the end of the day.

Emergency Contact Information

4. Each parent must have on file a list of names and phone numbers of emergency contacts. The emergency contacts
are persons in the area who are authorized by the parent(s) to pick up and/or care for the child in case of illness or
emergency when the parent cannot be reached.

5. Please be sure the persons whose names you give are aware that they have been listed for this purpose and that staff
members will ask for identification of any person with whom they are not familiar.

6. In the case of legal issues, the registered parent must indicate who has legal custody and who may pick up the child
on the enrollment form.

7. If you do not have access to the number you have put on your Emergency Contact List, please leave a note with a
staff member and/or on the sign-in sheet with the number at which you can be reached.

8. Whenever there are changes to be made, it is your responsibility to update the emergency cards located in the Child
Development Room.

9. Children will only be released to a person(s) whose name appears on the emergency cards.

Special Circumstances

10. If a staff member suspects that the person picking up the child is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the child
will not be released. Another person authorized to pick up the child will be called. The safety and well-being of the
children in our care is of primary importance.

11. Please be aware that if staff of SVDP feels that releasing a child puts him/her at risk and the parent cannot be
contacted, the staff is required to contact the police and or Department of Social Services. To ensure this never has
to happen, parents must keep all contact information up to date and let staff know where they are at all times.

12. In the event that an escort has appropriate identification, but is not listed on the Emergency Contact Form, the
parent must provide written authorization for the release to the Family Advocate. The parent should update the
Emergency Contact form on their next visit to the site.

20

Food Policy

1. SVDP EHS participates in the Federal Free and Reduced Meal Program - Children and Adult Care food Program
(CACFP). By participating in Early Head Start, your child is automatically eligible for the Free Lunch program.
Because of our participation in this program, all participants must follow strict policies in order to comply with
the program requirements.

2. SVDP EHS gets reimbursed for each meal a child eats. This reimbursement then allows the Center to spend money
on other activities for the children. Your active participation in this program saves money for the Center and
ultimately for your child.

3. All children must eat the food program meals unless a special diet is required. SVDP
EHS provides all meals and snacks for the enrolled children.

4. Some of the children enrolled in the program are on STRICT diets due to severe
allergies. Please make sure the center staff are aware of your child’s food allergies and
medical needs.

5. Please do not bring extra food from home for a child’s breakfast or snack time, unless this supplement is physician
prescribed and has been documented in the child’s file.

6. For good nutrition, your child is given juice, water, or milk by Early Head Start staff, never soda or sugared drinks.
Please do not bring soda or sweetened drinks to the center for your child.

7. We ask that you not bring food or soda into your child’s classroom (even if it is your own). It is very hard to
explain to young children why they cannot have a “taste” of what someone else has.

8. Drinks offered at snack time must be kept at the table, and each child must be sitting at the table when eating or
drinking. Carrying around sippy cups and bottles causes frequent spills and leaks. The CD staff encourages family
meals, helping young children learn to eat at a table while sitting down. Please leave all sippy cups at home. CD
room will provide milk or juice as needed.

21

Standards of Conduct

Courteous and respectful behavior between and among all program participants is essential for SVDP Early Head Start
to achieve the program’s mission and to provide a safe and positive environment for the children, families and staff.
EHS Center staff know that parents can frequently experience high stress and frustration when raising young children in
an unpredictable and sometimes scary world, however employees, parents/guardians, volunteers, participants, and
anyone else involved with the program is expected to follow the Code of Conduct outlined below.

Standards of Conduct: All staff, volunteers, and participants involved with the program will:

1. Respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of
gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability.

2. Follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families, and other staff members.
3. Leave no child alone or unsupervised while under their care.
4. Use positive methods of child guidance and not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse,

humiliation; not employ methods of discipline that involve isolation, not use food as punishment or reward, not
engage in the denial of basic needs.
5. Conducts his/herself in a manner that reflects positively upon the program’s reputation and upon the children and
families the program serves.
SVDP Head Start will not tolerate behavior by employees, parents, volunteers, other participants or anyone else
involved with the program that violates the Code of Conduct. Examples of violations include but are not limited to the
following:
• Threats of violence against children, parents, or staff.
• Physical or verbal punishment of a child.
• Swearing or cursing that disrupts the flow of business or creates a disturbance in the program.
• Smoking on the school premises or within 20 feet of the school perimeter.
• Quarreling, verbal fighting, loud shouting, and displays of anger.
• Bringing drugs, alcohol or weapons to program centers or events.
• Physical violence.
• Inappropriate or excessive displays of physical affection between adults.
• Inappropriate dress, including, i.e. low-cut top, bare midriff or clothes with words or pictures inappropriate for

young children.

If a parent violates the Code of Conduct, Head Start reserves the right to:

• Contact the Division of Family Services.
• Contact the police.
• Take civil or criminal action.
• Restrict access to the school premises, online meetings and/or program

If a parent is listed on the Sex Offenders Registry, that parent must:

• Self-disclose to their assigned FSC
• Provide any school access documentation on school access received from the DOJ
Head Start Program staff will make the final determination around access to the school premises and program events.

22

Active Play & Screen Time

Gross motor development is important to overall health and is gained through regular play and movement, both indoors
and outdoors. Children need a rich learning environment, electronic media can get in the way of exploring, playing, self-
regulation and interacting with others.
1. Early Head Start classrooms will provide daily opportunities for children to engage in moderate to vigorous activities

indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. There should be a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor active playtime
with a goal of 60 minutes of combined indoor and outdoor active playtime per day.
2. Active play will never be used as reward or punishment.
3. Active play should be encouraged as part of self-regulation strategies to promote optimal learning and overall well-
being. You should encourage active play at home and limit screen time.
4. There will be no televisions in classrooms.
5. Screen time will be limited to two-year olds and occur under strict supervision of the CDS. Teachers will plan for
the appropriate integration of technology into the learning environment and limit all screen activities.
6. We expect that you will use the tablets provided by the program to meet with teachers and support targeted
engagement with your child.
7. For families with two-year olds, Teachers will also instruct you on how to incorporate Hatch Ignite learning into
your at-home routines in ways that will support healthy development in your child.

23

Field Trips

Parents are required to follow all Head Start Performance Standards when participating in programming sponsored by
SVDP EHS. This includes all Center programming and times when children and parents are outside of the Center.
Whenever a parent and child are on a field trip, using the playground, taking a walk in the neighborhood or within close
vicinity of the Center, the following regulations are in effect:
1. SVDP EHS will provide all transportation to and from the venue
2. SVDP EHS will provide admission to the venue
3. Lunch and drinks will be provided
4. Appropriate number of staff will chaperone the parents and children
Parents are responsible for the following:
1. Stay with their own child(ren) at all times
2. Purchase of any additional food from outside vendors, as desired
3. Stay with the group and return to the bus at the designated time
4. Remain smoke free at all times. This includes walks in the neighborhood and time on the playground.
5. Follow Standards of Conduct

24

Volunteer Opportunities

Parent Involvement

You are already your child’s first and most important teacher. Early Head Start recognizes the parent-child bond
as the child’s most significant relationship. Your child learns from what you say, what you do, and what you
believe and value. The relationship between staff and family is based on respect for the child and family’s home
culture.

The program provides a number of experiences and opportunities for family participation.
• Fatherhood: We encourage active fathering because fathers and males in the household play an active role in

the healthy development of self-confidence and characters. Fathers are welcome and understood to be an
integral part of our school community. The presence of fathers, grandfathers and uncles in the classroom and
at school events is significantly impactful for your child and the Program.

• Family Goals: Each family will have the opportunity to participate in developing a family action plan called
the Family Partnership Agreement. This plan will identify your family’s needs, interests, strengths and goals.
Your family will receive support throughout the year to meet these needs and goals.

• Parent Leadership: Parents of Early Head Start children are encouraged to give input into the program through
their participation in their Policy Committee and Policy Council.

• Child’s Education: Head Start invites the family to be involved with their child’s education by participating in
curriculum development, accomplishing take home activity plans, observing your child’s classroom, and
volunteering in the classroom to work with all the children. Input from parents is sought while implementing
lesson plans and individualizing for your child.

• Get Involved in Your Child’s Education:

➢ Listen to and talk with your child ➢ Attend your child’s Parent/Teacher Conferences
➢ Play with your child ➢ Volunteer in your child’s classroom
➢ Read with your child ➢ Participate in Home Visits and Family Events

• Child’s Care: All family members are encouraged to participate in the care of their child by attending
medical/dental sessions and learning the basics of raising a healthy child. Through home visits with staff,
families also participate in the prevention and detection of physical, emotional and developmental
concerns. You will be invited to attend training opportunities and learn more about your child’s health and
development.

Volunteers are needed to:

Serve on the Policy Committee Serve as Front Desk Coverage
Recruit families for the program
Serve on planning committees for program events
Assist with daily classroom activities
Serve as a chaperone on your child's field trips
Assist with office duties
Serve as language models for classrooms Attend local and national trainings
And the list goes on …

* All volunteers must complete an online application through Volgistics.

25

Parents as Decision Makers

Head Start and Early Head Start were designed to bring about a greater degree of social competence to the entire
family. One of the main ideals of both programs is that parents are their child’s first and most important teacher.
Parent involvement is crucial to the effective operation of this program. In accordance with federal Head Start
Performance Standards, SVDP provides opportunities for parents to be involved in the operation and oversight of
the program. Program Governance is an integral part of Early Head Start. As a head start parent, you have the
right to participate in this process. St. Vincent de Paul has three levels under the Program Governance structure:
Parent or Policy Committee, Policy Council and the Governing Board. These groups are comprised of parents of
currently enrolled children and community representatives and have various responsibilities in overseeing the
delivery of high quality services to children and families.

The Policy Council is required by the Federal government for all Head Start/Early Head Start Programs. As a
delegate program of Maryland Family Network (MFN), SVDP EHS is required to have a Policy Committee. All
parents are automatically members of the Policy Committee. Parents are chosen to serve on the agency Policy
Council from the various Policy Committees from Network partners across the state.
At it’s best, Policy Committee is organized and run by parents. It is a chance for you to have input into your child’s
education. It is also a chance for you to network and meet with other parents to discuss anything that is of interest
to you. The Head Start/Early Head Start staff may also share information with you, but this is your chance to take
ownership and lead. Consider this experience as leadership practice for things you will do in the future.

Members of the Policy Committee are held to standards similar to those applied to staff, including Standards of
Conduct and rules around Confidentiality.

POLICY COMMITTEE The Policy Committee is a group of parents and community partners that work in
partnership with program management staff to oversee business of the head start program. SVDP EHS Policy
Committee is a representation of parents from all (4) sites of St. Vincent de Paul Early Head Start. The
committee is formed by interested parents from each site with elected members acting as officers for the overall
program.

Some responsibilities include review & approval of the following:
• The operating budget for the program
• Program personnel policies and changes to those policies, including standards of conduct for program staff,

consultants, and volunteers
• Decisions to hire or terminate program employees
• Selection criteria used to determine enrollment of children in the early head start program

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I WANT TO JOIN THE POLICY COMMITTEE?
▪ Attend the scheduled meetings! Elections are held at the beginning of every program year for Committee

Officers.

26

Child Abuse & Neglect Policy

Maryland State law under COMAR Code 5-704 requires that, “each health practitioner, police officer, or educator or

human service worker, acting in a professional capacity, in this state, who has reason to believe that a child has been
subjected to abuse or neglect” must notify the appropriate authorities.

St. Vincent de Paul staff members are trained and required by law to report cases when there is a suspicion of child
abuse or neglect.

When reports of child abuse or neglect are made, St. Vincent de Paul Head Start reserves the right not to contact the
family when such contact may compromise the sensitivity of the alleged case. Staff will fully cooperate with the
authorities.

Specific signs and symptoms depend on the type of abuse and can vary. Keep in mind that warning signs are just that
— warning signs. The presence of warning signs doesn't necessarily mean that a child is being abused.

• Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
• Changes in behavior — such as aggression, anger, hostility or hyperactivity-or changes in school performance
• Depression, anxiety or unusual fears or a sudden loss of self-confidence
• An apparent lack of supervision
• Frequent absences from school or reluctance to ride the school bus
• Reluctance to leave school activities, as if he or she doesn't want to go home
• Attempts at running away
• Rebellious or defiant behavior
• Attempts at suicide

Physical abuse signs and symptoms

Child abuse is defined as the physical or mental injury of a child by any parent or other person who has permanent or
temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of a child, or by any household or family member, under
circumstances that indicate that a child’s health or welfare is harmed; or sexual abuse of a child whether physical
injuries are sustained or not.

• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, fractures or burns
• Injuries that don't match the given explanation
• Untreated medical or dental problems

Sexual abuse signs and symptoms

Sexual abuse is defined as any act that involves sexual molestation or exploitation of a child, and includes fondling,
incest, rape or sexual offense in any degree, sodomy and unnatural or perverted sexual practices, regardless of obvious
physical injuries. It also includes exposing a child to pornographic materials.

• Sexual behavior or knowledge that's inappropriate for the child's age
• Pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection
• Blood in the child's underwear
• Statements that he or she was sexually abused
• Trouble walking or sitting or complaints of genital pain
• Abuse of other children sexually

Emotional abuse signs and symptoms

Mental injury is defined as an observable, identifiable, and substantial impairment of a child’s mental or

psychological ability to function. When mental injury is suspected, an assessment is required by two of the

following: physician, psychologist, or social worker.

27

• Delayed or inappropriate emotional development
• Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
• Social withdrawal or a loss of interest or enthusiasm
• Depression
• Headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause
• Avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school or ride the bus
• Desperately seeks affection
• A decrease in school performance or loss of interest in school
• Loss of previously acquired developmental skills

Neglect signs and symptoms

Child Neglect is defined as the failure to give proper care and attention to a child including the leaving of a child
unattended, under circumstances that indicate that the child’s health or welfare is harmed or placed at substantial risk
of harm. Child neglect also includes metal injury of a child and failure to provide proper medical attention to a child.

• Poor growth or weight gain
• Poor hygiene
• Lack of clothing or supplies to meet physical needs
• Taking food or money without permission
• Eating a lot in one sitting or hiding food for later
• Poor record of school attendance
• Lack of appropriate attention for medical, dental or psychological problems or lack of necessary follow-up care
• Emotional swings that are inappropriate or out of context to the situation
• Indifference

Parental behavior

Sometimes a parent's demeanor or behavior sends red flags about child abuse. Warning signs include a parent who:

• Shows little concern for the child
• Appears unable to recognize physical or emotional distress in the child
• Denies that any problems exist at home or school, or blames the child for the problems
• Consistently blames, belittles or berates the child and describes the child with negative terms, such as "worthless"

or "evil"
• Expects the child to provide him or her with attention and care and seems jealous of other family members getting

attention from the child
• Uses harsh physical discipline or asks teachers to do so
• Demands an inappropriate level of physical or academic performance
• Severely limits the child's contact with others
• Offers conflicting or unconvincing explanations for a child's injuries or no explanation at all

All concerns and instances of suspected abuse should be reported to either the local police Department at 911 or the
local Child Protective Service Authority:

Baltimore City Child Protective Services
(410) 361-2235 (24 hours)
(443) 423-7003 or 7002 (fax)
(443) 423-5950 after hours fax
1900 N. Howard Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21218

28

2022 Recommended Immunizations for Children from Birth Through 6 Years Old

Birth 1 2 4 6 12 15 18 19–23 y2e–a3rs y4e–a6rs

month months months months months months months months

HepB HepB HepB

RV RV RV
DTaP DTaP
DTaP Hib Hib DTaP DTaP
PCV13 PCV13 Hib
Hib IPV PCV13 IPV
IPV MMR
Is your family PCV13
growing? To protect Influenza (Yearly)* Varicella
your new baby against
MMR
IPVwhooping cough, get Varicella

a Tdap vaccine. The HepA§

recommended time is the

27th through 36th week of

pregnancy. Talk to your

doctor for more details.

Shaded boxes indicate the
vaccine can be given during
shown age range.

COVID -19 VACCINATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 6 MONTHS AND OLDER.

NOTE: FOOTNOTES: See back page for
I f your child misses a shot, * T wo doses given at least four weeks apart are recommended for children age 6 months through 8 years of age who are more information on
you don’t need to start over. vaccine-preventable
Just go back to your child’s getting an influenza (flu) vaccine for the first time and for some other children in this age group.
doctor for the next shot. diseases and the
Talk with your child’s doctor § T wo doses of HepA vaccine are needed for lasting protection. The first dose of HepA vaccine should be given between vaccines that
if you have questions 12 months and 23 months of age. The second dose should be given 6 months after the first dose. All children and prevent them.
about vaccines. adolescents over 24 months of age who have not been vaccinated should also receive 2 doses of HepA vaccine.

If your child has any medical conditions that put him at risk for infection or is traveling outside the United States, talk to your
child’s doctor about additional vaccines that he or she may need.

For more information, call toll-free
1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)

or visit
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents

Vaccine Requirements For Children
Enrolled in Preschool Programs and in Schools — Per DHMH COMAR 10.06.04.03

Maryland School Year 2022 - 2023 (Valid 9/1/22 - 8/31/23)

Required cumulative number of doses for each vaccine for PRESCHOOL aged children enrolled in educational programs

Vaccine DTaP/DTP/DT Polio2 Hib3 Measles,2,4 Varicella2,4,5 Hepatitis B2 PCV3
1
Child’s Mumps, Rubella (Chickenpox) (PrevnarTM)

Current Age

Less than 2 months 0 0 0 0 0 10

2 - 3 months 11 1 0 0 11

4 - 5 months 22 2 0 0 22

6 - 11 months 33 2 0 0 32
1 32
12 - 14 months 3 3 At least 1 dose 1
1 32
given after 12
1 31
months of age
1 30
15 - 23 months 4 3 At least 1 dose 1

given after 12

months of age

24—59 months 4 3 At least 1 dose 1

given after 12

months of age

60 - 71 months 43 0 2

Required cumulative number of doses for each vaccine for children enrolled in KINDERGARTEN - 12th grade

Grade Level DTaP/DTP/Tdap/ Tdap Polio2 Measles,2,4 Varicella2,4,5 Hepatitis B2 Meningococcal

Grade (Ungraded) DT/Td1,6 6 Mumps, Rubella (Chickenpox) (MCV4)

Kindergarten, (5 –11 yrs) 3 or 4 03 2 2 3 0
Grade 1, 2, 3, 4
(11-13 yrs) 3 or 4 13 2 2 3 1
5&6 (13 - 18yrs) 3 13 2 1 or 2 3 1

Grades 7 & 8

Grades
9, 10, 11 & 12

* See footnotes on back for 2022-23 school immunization requirements.

Maryland Department of Health Center for Immunization [email protected]

Notes

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL OF BALTIMORE

Arlington Early Childhood Development Center
3705 W. Rogers Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
443.681.2101

Arts Center
4330 D Pimlico Road
Baltimore, MD 21215

410.578.0244

Arundel Early Childhood Development Center
2400 Round Road

Baltimore, MD 21225
410.500.9177

Sarah’s Hope Mount Street
1114 N. Mount St.

Baltimore, MD 21217

29