chicago early learning standards manual · in addition to the standards associated with all cel...
TRANSCRIPT
CHICAGOEARLYLEARNINGSTANDARDSMANUAL
VERSION2.0
2
The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services
Working with community partners, we connect Chicago residents and families to resources thatbuild stability, support their well-being, and empower them to thrive.
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) works to assist those most in need,beginning at birth through senior years. The department works to promote the independence andwell-being of individuals, support families, and strengthen neighborhoods by providing directassistance and administering resources to a network of community-based organizations, socialservice providers, and institutions. It manages and coordinates programs that include emergencyservices, and services for the homeless, survivors of domestic violence, veterans’ resources,workforce development for ex-offenders, youth, seniors, and children. It manages the city’scommunity service and senior centers.
DFSS priorities include:
• Delivering and supporting high quality, innovative, and comprehensive services that empowerclients to thrive;
• Collaborating with community partners, sister agencies, and public officials on programs andpolicies that improveChicagoan’s lives and advance systemic change;
• Informing thepublic of resources available to them through DFSS and its community partners; and• Stewarding DFSS’ resources responsibly and effectively.
DepartmentofFamily&SupportServices
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A.Introduction.................................................................................................................6
1.CollaborativeGovernance...........................................................................................8
2.ProgramManagement&QualityImprovement.......................................................22
3.DataManagement.....................................................................................................43
4.ProgramStructure......................................................................................................47
5.Eligibility,Recruitment,Selection,Enrollment,Attendance(ERSEA)......................53
6.Education&ChildDevelopment...............................................................................68
7.ServicesforChildrenwithDisabilities.......................................................................81
8.HealthServices...........................................................................................................96
9.MentalHealthServices............................................................................................107
10.NutritionServices..................................................................................................117
11.SafetyPractices......................................................................................................125
12.Family&CommunityEngagement........................................................................134
13.Transportation........................................................................................................144
AppendixA:DelegatePartnerImplementationGuideAppendixB:EarlyHeadStartPregnancyPolicyPacket.
TableofContents
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AbouttheseStandards
TheChicagoEarlyLearningStandards(CELS)ManualincludesthepoliciesandproceduresrequiredbytheChicagoDepartmentofFamilyandSupportServices(DFSS)forallDFSS-fundedChicagoEarlyLearning(CEL)programsinaddition tootherstandardsandrequirementsthatarerequiredbystateandfederal law.TheCELSdonotreplacetheseotherstandardsbutareinadditiontothem.
AllCELprograms:
InadditiontoChicagoEarlyLearningStandards(CELS),allCELprogramsmustfollow:
IllinoisDepartmentofChildrenandFamilyServices(IDCFS)LicensingStandardshttps://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/aboutus/notices/documents/rules_407.pdf
IllinoisEarlyLearningStandardshttps://www.isbe.net/Documents/early_learning_standards.pdf
ExceleRateIllinoisStandards.http://www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com/docman/resources/13-overview-of-charts/file
HeadStart-fundedCELPrograms:
InadditiontothestandardsassociatedwithallCELprograms,programsthatreceiveHeadStart,EarlyHeadStart,and/orEarlyHeadStart-ChildCarePartnershipfundsmustfollowallrequirementsassociatedwiththesefundingstreams,including:
HeadStartProgramPerformanceStandards(HSPPS):https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/45-cfr-chap-xiii
TheImprovingHeadStartforSchoolReadinessActof2007(HeadStartAct):https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/publication/public-law-110-134-improving-head-start-school-readiness-act-2007
TheFederalOfficeofManagementandBudgets’UniformAdministrativeRequirements,CostPrinciples,andAuditRequirementsforFederalAwards(UniformGuidance):https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl
PFA/PI-fundedCELPrograms:
InadditiontothestandardsassociatedwithallCELprograms,programsthatreceivePreschoolforAlland/orPreventionInitiative(PFA/PI)throughtheStateEarlyChildhoodBlockGrantmustfollow:
IllinoisStateBoardofEducation(ISBE)AdministrativeRules.https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Rules-Currently-in-Effect.aspx
Introduction
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AboutthisEdition
These arethefinaldraftoftherevisedCELS2.0,pendingreviewandapprovalbytheChicagoCommitteeonUrbanOpportunityandtheCitywideParentPolicyCouncil.Thefinal,approvedversionwillbereformatted,postedontheDFSSwebsite,anddistributedtoDFSSdelegatesandstakeholders.
TheywillgointoeffectandreplacethecurrentCELSSeptember1,2019.
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I.Definition
Collaborativegovernanceconcernstherelationshipofthegoverningbodies(boardofdirectors,boardorboardoftrusteesasapplicableforprograms)andpolicyandparentcommitteesandprogrammanagement.ThissectioncoversthestructuresandprocessesrequiredbyHS/EHS/CCPfundedagencieswhoprovideprogramstoensureaccountability,transparency,participation,andprogrammanagementoversight.
II.ChicagoEarlyLearningStandard
A. Generalpurpose– Collaborativegovernanceisdesignedtoensurethatprogramshaveanestablishedgoverningbodyandpolicygroup(s)thatshareresponsibilitiesforoverseeingthedeliveryofhigh-qualityservicesforchildrenwithprogrammanagement.Boththegoverningbodyandpolicygroup(s)havecriticalanddistinctresponsibilitiesinoverseeinganddecision-makinginCELSprograms.Therelationshipofthethreecomponentsofcollaborativegovernance(Board,PolicyGroup,andManagement)isillustratedbelow:
Board
ManagementPolicyCouncil/
Committee
OperationsSettingDirection
LegalandFiscalResponsibility
a. Allcity-fundeddelegateagenciesthatprovideearlylearningprogramsareexpectedtohaveactive,functionalboardsthathavelegalandfiscalresponsibilityfortheprogram.Managementmustengagetheboardinprogramandfiscalplanningandoversight.
b. Itisconsideredbestpracticetoengageparentsinprogramplanningactivities.HS/EHS/CCP-fundedagencieshavespecificrequirementsassociatedwithengagingparentsinpolicygroupsasdetailedbelow.AlthoughPFA- andPI-fundedagenciesarenotexpectedtohaveactiveparentcouncilsorcommittees,theyshouldstrivetoengageparentsinprogramdecisions,asthisbestpracticesupportsthedevelopmentofparent/guardiansaschildren’sfirstteacherandprimaryadvocate.
c. HS/EHS/CCP-fundedagenciesmusthaveanactiveboardofdirectors,policycommitteeandparentcommittees.
1.CollaborativeGovernance
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i. Minutesmustbetakenforallboardandparentmeetings.Minutesmustbedated,accurateandcaptureproperapprovals.MinutesmustberetainedandaccessibletoDFSSstaff.
ii. HSpartnersitesmustconvenemonthlyparentmeetingsandhaveanelectionprocessthatallowsforparentstoserveontheagency’spolicycommittee.TheseelectedparentsmustbeparentsorguardiansofchildrenenrolledintheHeadStartprogram.
B. GoverningBodya. Boardbylawsshouldbereviewedannuallyand/orupdatedasneededtoreflect
currentboardpracticesandchanges.Boardbylawsshouldstatetheprocessofamendmentforitsbylaws.
i. ThecontentofboardbylawsshouldfollowparliamentaryauthorityasdefinedinsuchresourcesastheRobert’sRuleofOrderNewlyRevised11th Editionorother,asdecidedbytheagency’sboard.Ataminimum,boardbylawsmust:
1. Describethegroup’spurpose.2. Spelloutthequalificationsandmethodsofselectionof
membersandtermlimits.3. Provideforofficers,committees,andmeetings,includingthe
quorum.4. Maysetupanexecutiveboardorboardofdirectors.5. Describestheprocessofvotingonactionitemsthatwillsupport
meetingtheHeadStartrequirementsthathavetobeapprovedbytheboard.
6. Conflictofinterestanddisclosurepolicylanguage.ii. UpdatedbylawsmustbesubmittedtheAgency’smonitoringteam
supervisorwithin45calendardaysofboardapproval.b. Membership
i. EachHS/EHS/CCP-fundedagency’sboardmustinclude,butisnotlimitedto,thefollowingcompositionofexpertise:
1. Atleastonememberwithabackgroundandexpertiseinfiscalmanagementoraccounting.
2. Atleastonememberwithabackgroundandexpertiseinearlychildhoodeducationanddevelopment.
3. Atleastonememberwhoisalicensedattorneyfamiliarwithlegalissuesthatcomebeforethegoverningbody/board.
ii. Exceptionstotheexpertmembershiprequirementsshallbemadeformembersofagoverningbody/boardwhenthosemembersoverseeapublicentityandareselectedtotheirpositionswiththepublicentitybypublicelectionorpoliticalappointment.
iii. Governingbodies/boardsmayuseconsultantstomeettherequiredareasofexpertise;however,consultantsmaynotprovideservicestoboththeboardandtheagency.
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iv. AdditionalmembersshallreflectthecommunitytobeservedandincludecurrentorformerHeadStartparents.
v. PFA/PIboardsareencouragedtorecruitmemberswiththeseareasofexpertisetoadviseandsupportintheoversightoftheprogram.
vi. Boardmemberscannot:1. Haveafinancialconflictofinterestwiththedelegateagency.2. Receivecompensationforservingonthegoverningboardor
providingservicestotheagency.3. Beemployednorhaveimmediatefamilymembersbeemployed
bythedelegateagency;followthenepotismimplementationsoftheagency’sDFSScontract.
c. Boarddutiesandresponsibilities(thesestandardsapplytoallDFSSdelegateagenciesunlessotherwisenoted):
i. Agencyboardshavelegalandfiscalresponsibilityovertheprogram,includingresponsibilityfortheadministration,oversight,andforensuringcompliancewithfederal,stateandlocallaws;adheringtotheDFSScontractualagreements;andmaintainingwrittenstandardsofconductandformalproceduresfordisclosing,addressing,andresolvingconflictsofinterest.
ii. Agencyboardsareresponsibleforimplementingtheearlylearningprogramwithguidanceandfeedbackfromprogramdata,suchascommunityassessments,self-assessment,programgoalsandobjectives,andanyotherapplicabledata.
iii. Agencyboardsmustestablish,review,andupdateannually,complaintproceduresthatdescribehowitwillhandlecomplaintsbroughtagainsttheprogram.Theseproceduresshouldincludeanyapplicableinvestigationprocess.Thecomplaintproceduresshould:
1. Haveawrittensystemthatexplainswherecomplaintscanbesent.
2. Identifytowhomthecomplaintshouldbeaddressedattheagency.
3. Allowfortheboard,andifHS/EHS/CCPfunded,thepolicycommittee,todiscussandprovideresolutionforthecomplaint.
4. Resolutionsshouldcontainnextsteps,asapplicable,andtimeframestorespond.
5. Documentactionstakenandresolutionsmade.iv. HS/EHS/CCP-fundedagencyboardsmustparticipateinthedevelopment,
review,and/orapprovalofthefollowingmajoractivities,policies,andprocedures:
1. Approvaloftheannualself-assessment,audit,and,asapplicable,correctiveactionplans.
2. Approvalofagencyprogressincarryingoutprogrammaticandfiscalgoals.
3. Approvalofpersonnelpoliciesandprocedures,anychangestotheprocedures,includingthestandardsofconductforstaff,
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3 . xcontractors,andvolunteers,andthecriteriafortheemploymentanddismissalofstaff.
4. Approveordisapprovethehiringofkeystaff,includingtheexecutivedirector,HS/EHS/CCPdirector,chieffiscalofficer,andotherpersonsinanequivalentpositionwithintheagency.
5. Reviewandapprovefundingapplicationsandamendments.6. Reviewandapprovefinancialandaccountingpoliciesand
procedures.7. Developandupdateannuallyproceduresforthe
selection/electionofPolicyCommitteemembersandthedeterminationofthecompositionoftheCommitteetoensurerepresentationofprogramoptions,models,andclassrooms.
8. Programplanningprocedures.9. Review,revise,asneeded,andapproveannuallythecriteriafor
recruitment,selection,andenrollmentofchildrenbetweenMarch-Juneforthenextprogramyear.
10. Datamanagementproceduresthatensurethecollection,sharing,anduseofqualitydatawhileprotectingtheprivacyofchildrecords.
11. Reviewandusethefollowingreportsanddata,asapplicable,tomakeinformedprogramdecisions:
a. Quarterlychildoutcomesreports/schoolreadinessdatab. Programsummariesc. Programandfiscalmonitoringreportsd. Monthlyfiscalreports,includingcreditcardexpenditures
andin-kind/non-federalsharereportse. MonthlyUSDAmealandsnackreportsf. Monthlyenrollmentandattendancereportsg. Self-assessmentreportandrelatedimprovement
plans/areasforenhancementh. FederalProgramInformationReport(PIR)datai. Annualprogramreportj. Communityassessmentk. Annualfiscalauditreportsandcorrectivemeasures,as
applicablel. Correspondence,asapplicable,fromHHS/OfficeofHead
StartandDFSSm. Humanresourcesreportsn. Otherreports,asdeemedappropriate
d. AgencyResponsibilityvis-a-vistheboard:i. Theagencymustmaintaindocumentationoftherequiredcompositionalmake-
upoftheboard.ii. Theagencymustmaintainanorganizedsystemthatcontainssupporting
documentsofboardmeetings,minutes,applicablehandouts,boardorientation/training,boardpoliciesandprocedures,andapplicablereportsprovided.
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iii. ResponsibilityoftheCEO1. EachHS/EHS/EHS-CCPagency’sChiefExecutiveOfficerand/orPresidentmust
ensureandsupportagencyoversight,includingthefiscalresponsibility,sustainability,functionality,andengagementofthegoverningbody.
2. TheHS/EHS/CCPagency’sexecutivedirectorisresponsibleforensuringtheboardisinformedofapplicableissuesandconcernswithcompliancewithfederal,state,andlocallaws.
iv. BoardProcedures.Eachprogramshouldhavethefollowingsystemsinplacetoensureanactive,well-informedboard:
1. Datamanagementprocessinplacethatdescribeshowandwhenpolicycommitteeandboardmemberswillreceivetheabovereferencedreport(E.c.11.a-n).
2. Structureofregularmeetings.Maintainingastrongboardispartlyachievedthroughwellorganizedandstructuredmeetings.Thishelpstoengageboardmembers,givingthemasenseofaccomplishmentandstrengtheningtheoverallteamforthelongterm.
3. Record-keepingsystemthatstoresgoverningbodypoliciesandprocedures,meetingminutes,applicableinsurances,andevidenceofHS/EHS/CCPapprovals,datasharingreports,andtrainingandtechnicalassistsupport.
C. PolicyGroups—DFSSanditsagenciesmaintainathree-tieredsystemforimplementingtheparentpolicygroupoversightofitsHeadStart/EarlyHeadStart/ChildCarePartnershipgrantandprograms.DFSS(thegrantee)convenestheCitywideParentPolicyCouncil(CPPC)thatconsistsofrepresentativesfromeachHS/EHS/CCPdelegateagency.EachdelegateagencyconvenesaPolicyCommitteethatconsistsofrepresentativesofeachofitssites(directlyownedorpartnersite).Lastlyeachsiteshouldhaveanactiveparentcommittee.
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a. PolicyCouncil--DFSSisresponsiblefortheadministrationoftheCitywideParentPolicyCouncil(CPPC).
i. Bylaws– bylawsupdatedannuallybyCPPC,asdirectedbyparenthandbook.
ii. CPPCMembership1. TheCPPCconsistsofadelegaterepresentativeandan
alternativerepresentativefromeachofitsHS/EHS/CCPdelegateagencies.Inadditiontodelegateagencyrepresentatives,theCPPCincludescommunityrepresentatives,whomaybeformerHeadStartparents,PFA/PIparents,ormembersdrawnfromthecommunity.
2. CPPCmembersareseatedinJanuaryofthecalendarandmayserveuptofive,one-yearterms,aslongastheirchildrenareenrolledinHS/EHS/CCPandtheyareelectedorre-electedtoserveby theirpolicycommitteepeers.
3. TheCPPCOfficers/ExecutiveCommitteea. CPPCOfficers/ExecutiveCommitteeincludes
Chairperson,ViceChairperson,Secretary,AssistantSecretary,Parliamentarian,AssistantParliamentarians,andoneelectedcommunityrepresentativewhoisaformerHS/EHS/CCPparent.
b. TheCPPC’sExecutiveCommitteemembersareelectedinDecember.
iii. TheCPPCMeetingStructure1. TheCPPCmeetsquarterlyduringthemonthsofFebruary,May,
AugustandNovember;workshopsandtrainingsessionsareprovidedaspartofthemeetingstructure.
2. CPPCOrientationandrequiredtrainingsessionstypicallyoccurinJanuary,MarchandJune.
3. TheCPPCDutiesandResponsibilitiesmirrorthosedescribedbelowinsectionC.b.
b. PolicyCommittees-- EachHS/EHS/CCPfundeddelegateagencymusthaveafunctioningPolicyCommitteethathelpssettheprogramdirectionatthedelegate-agencyleveloftheHS/EHS/EHS-CCPprogram,inpartnershipwithkeyprogramstaffandtheagency’sgoverningbody.
i. GeneralOperations– Eachagencymusthavewrittenpoliciesandproceduresthatcoverthefollowingrequirements:
1. PolicyCommitteesmustbeestablishedannuallyandearlyintheprogramyear,preferablybetweenSeptemberandNovember.
a. Agenciesmusthaveawrittensystemthatsupportseducation/informing,nominating,andelectingPolicyCommitteemembersfromtheagency’sparentcommittees,includingparentsfromdirectlyoperatedandpartnersites.
b. TheagencyisresponsibleforretainingaquorumofPolicyCommitteememberstoensurethatanactive
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b . xPolicyCommitteeisavailabletoconductHS/EHS/CCPbusinessandobtainneededapprovals.
c. Agenciesmustannuallysubmitthenamesoftheagency’sPolicyCommitteeandParentCommitteemembershiplistsusingthePolicyMembershipFormtoitsMonitoringTeamSupervisorandthenamesoftheelectedCPPCdelegateandalternateusingtheCPPCLetterofCertificationtotheDFSSCPPCcoordinatorbyNovember30th.
d. AgenciesaretonotifyDFSSintheeventthatPolicyCommitteemembersarenolongerabletoserveorfulfilltheirtermsofsubmittingupdatedCPPCLetterofCertificationandaPolicyCommitteemembershiplist.
2. AgenciesmustprovideanoverviewofPolicyCommitteepoliciesandproceduresintheirPolicyCommitteeorientationand/orleadershiptrainingduringtheirfirstquarterofthenewPolicyCommitteeservice/programyear,nolaterthanNovember30.
3. Agenciesmustensurethatparentsunderstandthepurposeandprocessforservingontheagency’sPolicyCommittee.InformationshouldbeprovidedrelatedtothisattheannualparentorientationandParentCommitteemeetings.
4. AgenciesareresponsibleforplanningandimplementingmeaningfulandintentionalopportunitiesfortheirPolicyCommitteestobeengagedinhelpingtosetthedirectionoftheearlylearningprogramandbeinvolvedinprogramplanning.AgenciesmustengagetheirPolicyCommitteesatvarious,plannedentrypointstosharetimelyandaccurateinformationsothePolicyCommitteecanmakeinformeddecisionsontheactionitemsforwhichtheyareresponsible.
5. AgenciesmustmaintainPolicyCommitteerecordsinanorganizedsystem,includingpoliciesandprocedures,meetingminutes,evidenceofapprovals,datasharingreports,trainingandtechnicalassistsupport,andotherapplicableinformation.
6. Agenciesmusthaveareimbursementpolicythatincludesthefollowingelements:childcarereimbursementproceduresandrates;mealreimbursementprocedures(local);andtransportationsupportfortraveltopolicygroupmeetingsandactivities.
7. Agenciesmustdevelopincollaborationwiththeirgoverningbody/boardandPolicyandParentCommittees,PolicyCommitteepolicyandprocedures,andensurethatthesearereviewed,updated,andapprovedbyboththegoverningbody/boardandPolicyCommittee,atleastannually.Policiesandproceduresmustinclude:
a. PolicyCommitteebylaws,withselection/electionprocessesforPolicyCommitteemembersandParent
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a. xCommitteeofficersb. Conflictofinterestpolicyc. Standardsofconductforvolunteers;refertheProgram
Managementsectionofthismanuald. Impasseresolutionprocedurese. Confidentialitypolicyf. Parents’rolesinhumanresourcesg. PolicyCommitteereimbursementpolicyh. Complaintprocedure
8. AgenciesmusthavesystemsandproceduresinplacetosupportPolicyandParentCommitteesinimplementingtheirresponsibilities,including:
a. Advisingstaffindevelopingandimplementinglocalprogrampolicies,activities,andservices,toensuretheymeettheneedsofchildrenandfamilies.
b. EnsuringaprocessforcommunicationwiththePolicyCouncilandPolicyCommittee.
c. ParticipatingintherecruitmentandscreeningofHS/EHS/CCPemployees,withintheagencyguidelines.
ii. PolicyCommitteeMembership1. Membershipmustbecomprisedofamajorityof
parents/guardiansofchildrencurrentlyenrolledintheHS/EHS/EHS-CCPprogram,withrepresentationfromeachHS/EHS/EHS-CCPprogramoption/modeloperatedbytheagency.
2. Membershipmustalsoincludecommunityrepresentativesdrawnfromthecommunity,includingformerHS/EHS/EHS-CCPparentsand/orPFA/PIparents.
3. PolicyCommitteemembersmustbeelectedorre-electedannuallybytheirpeersfromParentCommittees.ElectionsshouldoccurbetweenSeptemberandNovember.
4. ThePolicyCommitteemustadheretoprogramconfidentialityandconflictofinterestpolicies.PolicyCommitteemembersmustsignaconfidentialityandconflictofinterestdisclosureattheirorientationtrainingorattheirfirstmeeting,iftheydidnotattendorientation.
5. AgenciesmusttrackPolicyCommitteemembershiptoensurethatelectedparentmembersandcommunityrepresentativesservenomorethanfiveone-yeartermsonthePolicyCommittee.
6. Thefollowingbestpracticesarerecommendedtosustain,mentor,andsupportPolicyCommitteemembersandmembership.
a. MembersshouldremainactiveonthePolicyCommitteeuntilthenewlyelectedmembershavebeenseated.
b. NewmembersshouldbeallowedtoshadowcurrentlyseatedPolicyCommitteemembersbeforeassuming
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b . xtheirroleonthecommittee.c. Membersshouldcommittoservetheentireyear,andif
unabletocontinuetoserve,shouldnotifyprogramstaffandareencouragedtomakerecommendationforreplacementmembers.
7. NoDFSSstaff,delegatestaff,ormembersoftheirimmediatefamiliesmayserveonthePolicyCommittee.
8. PolicyCommitteememberscannotbepaidforservicesrenderedtotheprogram.
iii. PolicyCommitteeLeadership/Officers– PolicyCommitteeleadershipmustincludethefollowingofficers:chairperson,vicechairperson,secretary,CitywideParentPolicyCouncil(CPPC)delegateandalternate(CPPCdelegateandalternatemustbemustbeparentsofcurrentlyenrolledHS/EHS/CCPchildren),andanoptionalassistantsecretary.
iv. PolicyCommitteeDutiesandResponsibilities– PolicyCommitteeisresponsibleforreviewingandapprovingthefollowingitems:
1. ParentactivitiesthatsupporttheinvolvementofparentsinsupportingprogramoperationsincludingpoliciestoensurethattheHS/EHS/CCPservicesareresponsivetocommunityandparentneeds.
a. Theparentactivityfundshouldbeusedtocoverplannedparentactivities,PolicyCommitteeactivities,CPPCoutofareatravel,andchildcarereimbursementpolicy.Agenciesmusthavewrittenpoliciesgoverningtheuseoftheparentactivityfund,includingpoliciesandproceduresconcerningparenttraveltolocalandoutoftownconferencesandeducationalevents.
b. Parentactivitiesshouldbeplannedannuallyduringlatesummerorearlyfall.
c. Agenciesmustsubmitparentactivitycalendarsandbudgetstotheagency’sMonitoringTeaminOctober/NovemberwiththeirapprovedHS/EHS/EHS-CCPcontractdocuments.
2. Criteriafortherecruitment,selection,andenrollmentofchildren– Tobereviewed,revisedasneeded,andapprovedannuallybetweenMarchandJuneforthenextprogramyear.
3. ApplicationsandamendmentsforfundingHS/EHS/EHS-CCPprograms
a. AgenciesmusttrainPolicyCommitteesonthegrantapplicationprocess,includingprogramgoalsandobjectives.
b. AgenciesmustshareapplicableprogramdatawiththePolicyCommitteetojustifyprogramandbudgetnarratives.
c. AgenciesmustsubmitappropriatePolicyCommitteedocuments,includingPolicyCommitteemeetingminutes
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4 . xandthePolicyCommitteestatementlettersignedbythechairperson,withgrantapplicationsandbudgets.
4. Budgetplanningforprogramexpenditures,includingpoliciesforreimbursementandparticipationinPolicyCommitteeactivities.Toprepareforthisresponsibility,thePolicyCommitteeshouldbetrainedonthedesignoftheparentinvolvementactivitybudgetplanandthecostcategoriesinthelineitembudgetfortheoverallgrantapplicationandbudget.
5. Keypersonnelactions,including:a. Agencypersonnelpolicies,includinganychangestopersonnel
rules.Personnelpolicies mustincludeproceduresforstandardsofconductfor staff,contractor,andvolunteersandthecriteriafortheemploymentanddismissalofprogramstaff.
b. Keyagencyhiresconsistentwiththeboard as citedinHSACT642(c)(1)(E)(iv)(IX):(ExecutiveDirector,HeadStart/EarlyHeadStartDirect/EHSCCPDirector,DirectorofHumanResources,ChiefFiscalOfficer,andotherpersonsinaequivalent policyor decisionmakingrole).
c. Standardsofconductforstaff,contractors,andvolunteers(refertotheProgramManagementsectionofthismanual).
6. Recommendationsontheselectionofsitesandpartnersandtheserviceareasforsuchagencies,asapplicabletodelegateagencies.
v. PolicyCommitteeMeetings:1. Meetingsmustbesetatanagreedupondateandtime,inpartnership
withthePolicyCommitteeandasreflectedinthebylaws.Bestpracticesindicatethatregularmeetingsshouldbeheldonthesamedayofthemonthandtimetomaximizemembershipparticipationandconsistencyforplanningpersonalandworkschedules.ThePolicyCommitteebylawsmustindicateinstancesandexpectationsforspecialmeetingsessions
2. Meetingsshouldincludeawrittenagendawithinformationalandactionitemstobediscussedduringthemeeting.Otheragendaitemscaninclude,butarenotlimitedtoprogramupdates,fiscalreports,ParentCommittee/CPPCcommitteereports,directorreports,trainingpresentations,etc.
3. AgenciesareencouragedtotraintheirPolicyCommitteestouseamodifiedparliamentaryagenda,includingforexample:calltoorder,rollcall,reviewandapprovalofminutes,actionitems,committeereports,specialreports,oldorunfinishedbusiness,andnewbusiness.
4. Informationshouldbemailedand/oremailedtoPolicyCommitteememberspriortomeetingsandpostedwhereparentscanseethem.Thisinformationmightincludemeetingnotices,agendahighlights,meetingminutesandmaterials.Justpriortothescheduledmeeting,agencystaffshouldprovideCommitteememberswithremindercalls/notices.
5. Agenciesshouldsendoutreports,data,anditemstobeapprovedpriortothemeetingdate,sothatmemberscanremainupdatedonandmakeinformeddecisionsonprogramprogress,issues,andconcerns.The
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a. xfollowingreportsanddatamustbesharedwithPolicyCommitteemembers:
a. Quarterlychildoutcomesreports/schoolreadinessdatab. Programsummaries.c. Programandfiscalmonitoringreports.d. Monthlyfiscalreports,includingcreditcardexpendituresandin-
kind/non-federalsharereports.e. MonthlyUSDAmealandsnackreports.f. Monthlyenrollmentandattendancereports.g. Self-Assessmentreportandrelatedimprovementplans/areasfor
enhancement.h. FederalProgramInformationReport(PIR)data.i. Annualprogramreport.j. Communityassessment.k. Annualfiscalauditreportsandcorrectivemeasures,as
applicable.l. Correspondence,asapplicable,fromHHS/OfficeofHeadStart
andDFSS.m. Humanresourcesreports.n. Otherreports,asdeemedappropriate.
c. ParentCommitteesi. ParentCommitteesconsistofallparents/guardiansatasiteandmembershipis
opentoallparents/guardiansofchildrenenrolledintheprogram.ii. Allparentsmaynotbeavailableorchoosenottoparticipate,however,all
meetingnoticesandagendasmustbeavailabletoallparents/guardians.iii. ParentCommitteesshouldactivelyengageparents/guardiansinprogram
planningandleadership.iv. ParentCommitteesmustbeestablishedearlyintheprogramyearateachofan
agency’sdirectlyoperatedandpartnersites.v. MonthlyParentCommitteemeetingsmustbesetandheldatanagreedupon
dateandtime,inpartnershipwiththeparents.Theannualmeetingschedulemustbeprovided toparentsandpostedwhereparentswillseeit.
vi. ParentCommitteesshouldbeintroducedatannualparentorientationheldateachsite.
vii. ParentsCommitteeoperationsshouldmirrortheprocessforthePolicyCommitteeasmuchaspossible.
viii. ParentCommitteepoliciesandprocedurescanbeembeddedinthePolicyCommitteebylawsorcanbeastand-alonedocument.ParentCommitteewrittenpoliciesandproceduresshouldinclude,attheminimum:
1. GeneralrolesandresponsibilitiesoftheParentCommittee2. ParentCommitteemembership3. ExplanationoftheParentCommittee’srelationshiptothePolicy
Committee4. Theprocessthatsupportsandensuresthenominationandelection
processforparentselectedasofficersoftheParentCommitteeandasparentrepresentativesonthePolicyCommittee
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5. Meetingfrequency(monthly)ix. EachsitemusthavestaffassignedtoworkwiththeParentCommitteetosupport
itsfunctions,meetings,andactivities.EachsitemustmaintainanorganizedrecordkeepingsystemthatstoresParentCommitteepoliciesandprocedures,meetingminutes,agendas,sign-insheets,trainingrecords,etc.
d. AgencyStaffRoleinPolicyandParentCommittees—Inadditiontotheagencies’responsibilitiesoutlineabove,agenciesmustensurethatstaffareassignedtothefollowing:
i. ProgramdirectorsmustdesignatestafftoattendmonthlyParentCommittee/PolicyCommitteemeetingsandprovideassistancetoParentCommittees.
ii. RecruitmenttoandcommunicationaboutPolicyandParentCommitteesshouldbeagency-wide.Teachersandhomevisitors,whereapplicable,andotherdesignatedstaffwill:
1. ActivelyrecruitfamiliestoattendParentCommittee/PolicyCommitteemeetingsfromallprogramoptions.
2. ActivelytalkwithfamiliesaboutParentCommitteemeetingfliersandpostthemwhereparentscanseethem.
3. ActivelysignfamiliesuptoattendParentCommittee.4. ActivelytalkaboutParentCommitteeandPolicyCommitteemeetingdates
andtimeswiththeparentswhoserveinaparentleadershiprole.5. IncludeParentCommitteedatesandPolicyCommitteemeetingdatesin
monthlynewsletters.6. ProceduresforInitialParentCommitteeOrientation/OfficersMeeting.
iii. Program/sitedirectorsordesigneeswill:1. Reviewprogramcalendarandscheduleinitialmeetingdatesandtimesfor
allParentCommittees/PolicyCommittees,alongwithallappropriatestaffandmanagers.
2. Ensurethatanorientationmeetingisheldwithinthefirst45daysofnewprogramyear.
3. EnsureparentnotificationoftheorientationandprovidetrainingforappropriatestafftoensurethattheywillbeabletosuccessfullymanagetheParentCommittees.
4. EnsurethateachParentCommitteehasthepropermaterialstobeeffective.
5. AttendtheinitialParentCommitteeorientationofficermeetings,asfeasible.
6. ExplainthepurposeandstructureoftheParentCommitteesandPolicyCommitteesandclarifytherolesandresponsibilitiesofParentCommitteeofficersandthePolicyCommitteedelegateandalternate
7. EncourageparentstoparticipateintheParentCommitteeasanofficer.orasaPolicyCommitteerepresentativeoralternate.
8. Generateadatabaseofofficersandkeepitcurrent.9. MaintainupdateddemographicsforParentCommitteeofficersandPolicy
Committeemembersforthepurposeofcommunication,oversight,fillingvacantpositionsandensuringtrainingforparentleaders.
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10. Appropriate/designatedfamilysupportandhomevisitingstaffwillsupporttheparentorientationandallParentCommitteemeetings
11. Notifyfamiliesofmeetingdatesandtimes;postflierswherefamiliescanseethem
12. Assistwithlogisticsforthemeetingandattendthemeetingandtranscribeminutesofallmeetings,asneeded
iv. StaffroleatMonthlyParentCommittee/PolicyCommitteeMeetings:1. Sitedirectorordesigneewillattendandmakereportsonmonthlyand
futureprogramactivities;ensurethatallclassroom/homevisitorreportsareprovided tothegroup.
2. Reportonparentactivitiesandsolicitideasforfutureactivities,includinganendoftheyearfamilyengagementactivity.
3. Ensurethatallpositionsremainfilled.
D. MonthlyandPeriodicDataReportstotheGoverningBodyandPolicyCommitteea. Agenciesmustshareandprovidetimely,accurate,andregularinformationfortheuseby
thegoverningbody/boardandPolicyCommittee,includinginformationaboutprogramplanning,policies,andoperations.Atminimumthefollowinginformationmustbeshared
i. Monthlyfinancialstatements,includingcreditcardexpendituresandin-kind/non-federalsharereports
ii. Monthlyprogramsummariesiii. Programenrollmentreports,includingattendancereportsforchildrenwhose
careispartiallysubsidizedbyanotherpublicagencyiv. MonthlyUSDAmealandsnackreportsv. Financialaudits,includingfindingsvi. Annualself-assessmentreports,includingfindingsvii. Communityassessmentandplanning,includingupdatesviii. CommunicationandguidancefromtheHHSSecretaryix. ProgramInformationReports(PIR)
b. Agenciesmusthaveadatamanagementsysteminplacethatwilladdresshowthesegroupswillreceivethisinformationtohelpthemcarryouttheirresponsibilitiestoensurequalityprogrammingtochildrenandfamilies.
c. Theprocedure forsharingthesereportsandinformationtothePolicyCommittee,thegoverningbody,andstaffshallbedocumentedandmaintained.Agencystaffpersonswhoareresponsibleforprovidingthereports/informationincludetheexecutive/programdirector,financialofficer,humanresourcesdirector,ordesignees.
E. ProceduresforImpasseResolution-- Animpasseoccurswhenpartiescannotagreeonacourseofaction,giventheirrespectiveresponsibilitiespursuanttoapplicableregulations.HS/EHS/EHS-CCPdelegateagenciesmusthavewrittenimpasseresolutionpoliciesandproceduresembeddedintheirgoverningbody/boardandPolicyCommitteeby-laws.Theprocessshouldinclude,attheminimum,thefollowingsteps:
a. Intheeventofanimpasse,theHS/EHS/EHS-CCPdelegateagencyboardofdirectorsandPolicyCommitteewillconveneameetingbetweentheboardandPolicyCommitteechairpersonsandthedelegateexecutive/programdirector.
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b. Themeetingwilltakeplacewithin10workingdaysafterreachingtheimpasse.c. Purposeofthemeetingwillbetodiscusstheissueandtoseekaresolution,subjectto
theapproval,ifapplicable,ofthePolicyCommitteeandthegoverningboard.d. Ifthepartiesareunabletoreachanagreement,anarbitrationteamwillbeselectedand
givencleardirectionsregardingexpectations,procedures,timelines,andreportformat.e. Thearbitrationteamwillreviewandresearchalldocumentsandinterviewallkeyparties,
inorder tomakeanobjectivedecision.f. Allpartiesintheimpassewillprovidethearbitrationteamwiththenecessaryand
requesteddocumentationrelatedtotheissueswithin10workingdaysoftherequest.Thismayincludeminutesofmeetings,tapeddiscussions,interviews,programdocuments,andanyotherpertinentinformation.
g. Thearbitrationteamwillconveneahearingwithin10workingdaysafterreceivingallnecessarydocumentation.TheboardandPolicyCommitteechairpersonsanddelegateexecutive/programdirectormaybepresentatthehearingtopresentevidence.
h. Thearbitrationteamwillissueawrittenrulingwithin10workingdaysaftertheconclusionoftheevidentiaryhearing.Therulingwillbebindingonallparties.
F. RequiredTrainings-- HS/EHS/CCP-fundedagenciesmustprovidethegoverningbodyandpolicycommitteewithappropriatetrainingandtechnicalassistancesotheyunderstandtheinformationreceivedandcaneffectivelycarryouttheirresponsibilities.
a. Trainingtopicsmustcover,butarenotlimitedto:i. EligibilityRulesii. HeadStartProgramPerformanceStandardsiii. Orientation/leadershiptocollaborativegovernanceiv. Personnelproceduresandexpectationsv. Fiscalvi. Grantapplication/budgetprocess,vii. Parentactivityfundbudget,contractscopeofservices,viii. Meetingprotocolanddecorumix. Howtousedataforplanninganddecisionmakingx. Annualprogramself-assessment
b. Trainingsessionsshouldbeprovidedinatimelymannerthroughouttheprogramyeartosupportmembersincarryingouttheirresponsibilities.
c. NewlyseatedPolicyCommitteeandboardmembersmustreceivetheeligibilityruletrainingwithin90-120daysofseatingthenewPolicyCommitteeandinterviewtraining.Theeligibilityruletrainingshouldbeintegratedintotheboardsandparenttrainingplan.
G. OngoingMonitoringofCollaborativeGovernance—DFSSrecommendsthatHS/EHS/CCPagenciessetupinternalmonitoringprocedurestoensure:
a. ParentandPolicyCommitteesareestablishedandmeetingsarebeingheld.b. PolicyCommitteeandboardrecordkeepingsystemsaremaintained.c. PolicyCommitteeandboardapprovalsareobtainedanddocumentedinmeetingminutes
withsupportinghandouts.d. PolicyCommitteeandboardarereceivingtimelyandaccuratedatareports.e. CompositionofthePolicyCommitteeandboardadheretostandards.f. Board,PolicyandParentCommitteesreceiveongoingandrequiredtraining.
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g. Collaborativegovernancepoliciesandproceduresareinplaceandimplemented.h. Agencystaffmustcertifytheapprovalofkeystaffbyenteringhires,dates,andcriminal
backgroundchecksintoCOPA.
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A . XB . X
C . XD . XE. XF. X
G . XH . XI. X
I. Definition
Managementsystemsprovideaframeworkforpolicies,processesandproceduresusedbyanorganizationtoensurethatitcanfulfillallthetasksrequiredtoachieveitsprogramgoalsandobjectives.Theprogrammanagementandqualityimprovementsectiondescribesthesystemsprogramsmusthaveinplacetosupportthedeliveryofqualityprogramming.Programmanagementisresponsibleforpoliciesandproceduresusedbyanorganizationtoensureitcanmeettheseexpectations.Thesesystemsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,programplanning,communication,reporting,recordkeeping,monitoring,trainingandprofessionaldevelopment,andhumanresources.
II.ChicagoEarlyLearningStandards
A. GeneralPurpose – Allprogramsareexpectedtoputinplacemanagementsystemsthatsupportqualityprogrammingacrosstheirsitesandprogrammodelsandcontinuousimprovement.
B. ManagementSystemsRequirements– Allmanagementsystemsmust:a. Ensureaprogram,fiscal,andhumanresourcestructurethatprovideseffective
managementandoversightofallprogramandfiduciaryresponsibilities,includingpoliciesandprocedures,personnelpolicies,andariskmanagementplan.TheriskmanagementplanisrequiredbyDCFSlicensingstandards407.70(k)(1-8).
b. Provideregularandongoingsupervisiontosupportindividualstaffperformance,professionaldevelopment,andcontinuousprogramqualityimprovement.
2.ProgramManagementandQualityImprovement
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A . XB . X
C . XD . XE. XF. X
G . XH . XI. X c. Ensurethatbudgetandstaffingpatternspromotesoundoutcomesforenrolledchildren
andfamiliesandallowsufficienttimeforstafftoparticipateinappropriatetrainingandprofessionaldevelopment.
d. Maintainaccountingandrecordkeepingsystemsthatareadequateforeffectivedocumentation,datamanagementandanalysis,andoversight.
e. Maintainwrittenpoliciesandprocedures.ForHS/EHS/CCPfundedprogramsthesemustbeapprovedbythegoverningbodyandpolicycommittee.
f. Setprogramgoalsandobjectives,incoordinationwiththegoverningbodyandparentcommittee,asexplainedbelow.
g. Agenciescanalsodevelopotherplans,coordinatedwiththeirprogramgoalsandobjectives,astheyseefitinordertoensurequalityimprovementand/orastheirownagencystructuresorboardsmayrequire.
C. ExceleRate – AllprogramsmustparticipateinExceleRate,theIllinoisearlychildhoodqualityratingandimprovementsystem.ProgramsareexpectedtoachieveandsustainGoldCircleofQuality.
D. ProgramGoals&Objectivesa. Agenciesmustdevelopstrategiclong-termgoalsforensuringthattheirCELprograms
remainresponsivetothecommunityservedandmeetthedevelopmentalneedsofchildrenandfamilies.Specific,measurable,attainable,relevant,andtimely(SMART)objectivesmustbetiedtoeachgoal.
b. Programgoalsmustbesetcollaborativelybyagencyleadership,staff,governingbodies,andPolicyCommittees,asapplicable.Agenciesmustcreateprogramgoalsthataddress:
i. Highqualityandcomprehensiveearlychilddevelopmentcareandhealthservicesthatsupportschoolreadinessgoalsandchildoutcomes.
ii. Strongandeffectivefamilyandcommunitypartnershipsandengagementthatsupportsfamilyoutcomes,includingtheenhancementoffamilyliteracy.
iii. Effectiveprogrammanagementandcontinuousqualitysystems.iv. Servicestochildrenandfamilieswithdifferingabilitiesanddiverselinguistic
backgrounds.v. Programoptionsthatmeettheneedoffamiliesfromdiverseeconomiclevels,
asthisappliestocommunitiesserved.vi. Aggregation,analysis,anduseofprogramdata,includingbutnotlimitedtochild
andfamilyoutcomesdata,toimproveservices.c. Goalsettinginvolvesthereviewof:
i. Theneedsofthecommunitiesserved,includingannualcommunityassessmentandparentsurveys.
ii. PIRinformation.iii. Childoutcomesandfamilyneeds.iv. DFSSannualperformancereview.v. Agencyphilosophyandmission.
d. AfterSMARTgoalsaredeveloped,objectivesmustbeidentifiedforeachgoal,andactionplansmustbedeterminedforeachobjective.
e. Asystemofgoalandobjectivemonitoringandtrackingmustbeusedtoevaluatetheprogress.
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A . XB . X
C . XD . XE. XF. X
G . XH . XI. X f. Theoutcomesofsuccessfulgoalsshouldberecognized,andunmetgoalsmustbe
analyzedandrevisitedforimprovement.g. GoalsandobjectivesshouldbeincludedintheHS/EHS/CCPagencies’annualgrant
applicationsaccordingtobaselineand/orcontinuationguidelines.PFA/PIagenciesmustsubmitgoalsandobjectivestotheprograms’monitoringteamannuallyasdirected.
h. ProgramsshouldusetheXXXXX form.
E. ProgramPlanningCyclea. Allprogramsareexpectedtointentionallyplanandimplementthemenuofservicesthey
willprovideforchildrenandfamiliesbasedondatafromthecommunityassessment,self-assessment,andchildandfamilyoutcomes.TheDFSSplanningcycleinvolvesintegratedactivitiesonthepartoftheDFSSanditsagenciesandisalignedwiththeDFSSannualmonitoringcycle.Themajorpartsofthiscycleincludethecommunityassessment,self-assessmentandactionplan,updatedgoalsandobjectives,andmonitoringevents.
b. CommunityAssessment-- Agenciesshouldusethecommunityassessment,incoordinationwithchildoutcomesandotherdata,inthecreationofgoalsandpracticestodeliverqualityservicestothechildrenandfamiliesofthecommunity.
i. EachHS/EHS/CCPfundedagenciesmustconductafullcommunityassessmentonceeveryfiveyearsandupdateitannually.PFA/PIfundedagenciesshouldconsulttheDFSScommunityassessmenttoensuretheirprogramsalignwithcommunityneeds.
ii. Inthefullcommunityassessment,datamustbeusedtodescribecommunitystrengths,needs,andresources,andtodocumenttheneedsofspecialpopulations.
1. AgenciesshouldfollowtheHeadStartProgramPerformanceStandardsinconductingtheirfullcommunityassessment.
2. DFSSwilltrackeachHS/EHS/CCPagenciesfive-yearschedule.3. AgenciesmustsubmittheirfullcommunityassessmenttotheDFSS
planningteamintheAdministrativeUnitandtheirmonitoringteamiii. DFSSissuesguidancefortheannualupdatethatalignswiththeHS/EHS/CCP
grantapplicationrequirements.iv. DFSSprovidesresourcesforagenciestoaccesstocompletetheircommunity
assessment,includingbutnotlimitedtotheDFSSQuinquennialReport,web-baseddatabases,includingYoungChildreninChicago,EarlyChildhoodSupplyandDemand,andtheCommunityNeedsAssessmentTool
c. Afterwriting/reviewingthecommunityassessment,theprogramdirectorordesigneeshouldreview
i. theprogram’sstructureandlocationsforcenter-based,familychildcarehome,home-based,andchildcarepartnershipmodelstoreassessanddetermineiftheagencyisservingtheneediestchildreninthemannerthatbestsupportsthecommunity.
ii. Theprogramscollaborativeagreementsandpartnershipstoensuretheyhaverelationshipsthatsupporttheneedsofchildrenandfamiliesserved
iii. Theprogramsgoalsandobjectivestoensuretheyalign,whenappropriate,withtheneedsofthecommunityserved.
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A . XB . X
C . XD . XE. XF. X
G . XH . XI. X d. Self-Assessment-- Allagenciesmustconductaprogramself-assessmentbetween
FebruaryandtheendofMarch.ResultsmustbesubmittedtotheDFSSplanningteamandtheagency’smonitoringteamusingtheSelf-AssessmentReportTemplateandtheSelf-AssessmentSummaryToolbyApril16annually.HS/EHS/CCP-fundedagenciesmusthavethefinalreportandactionplanapprovedbythegoverningbodyandpolicycommitteeandshareresultswithstaffandparents.
i. Agenciesshoulddeterminethetypeofassessmentthatwillbeconducted,withinDFSSparameters,andusetoolsthatsupportaqualityandcomprehensivelookatalloperationsandthatwillgivethemtheneededinformationforadequatereporting.Programself-assessmenttoolsshouldcoverthebreadthoftheagency’sfundedprograms.
ii. Examplesofstandardprogramself-assessmenttoolsorprocessesinclude:thecurrentfederalOfficeofHeadStartmonitoringprotocol,NationalAssociationfortheEducationofYoungChildrenaccreditation,theEarlyChildhoodandInfantToddlerEnvironmentalRatingScales,andtheProgramAdministrationScale,usedaspartofExceleRate.
iii. Agenciesmustformaself-assessmentteamtoconductingtheself-assessment.HS/EHS/CCPself-assessmentcommitteesshouldincludePolicyCommittee/ParentCommitteemembersand/orotherparents,governingbodymembers,staff,andcommunitypartners
iv. Assessmentmethodsmayincludereviewingrecord,andfiles,analyzingdata,observingprogramoperations,andinterviewingstaff.
v. Assessmentteammembersareassignedtoareasofresponsibilityandshouldbetrainedontheirrolesandresponsibilities.Trainingshouldincludetheprocess,reviewmethods,andtheinstrumenttobeused.
vi. Agenciesshoulddraftaqualityimprovementactionplanbasedontheresultsoftheirself-assessment
e. ActionPlans-- Afterprogramself-assessmentreportsarefinalized,DFSSagenciesshoulddevelopimprovementplansthataddressprogramareaswherechangesareneeded.Theagencyimprovementplansoutlinestepsandstrategiestobetaken,responsiblestaff,timeframes,andresourcesneededtobringabouttherequiredchanges.Draftimprovementplansshouldbebroughttoagencyround tables,aspartoftheannualplanningandmonitoringcycle.
F. Communicationa. AnessentialelementofqualitymanagementisthegoodcommunicationamongDFSS,
agencies,governingbodies,asapplicable,families,andstaff.Communicationistheeffectiveexchangeofmeaningorunderstandinginformalandinformalcommunication.Itappliestocommunicationup,down,andacrosstheorganization.Everyoneintheorganizationisaccountablefortheeffectivenessofhisorherowncommunication.Eachdelegateagencyneedstohaveawritteninternalcommunicationplani.e.includingboard,parents,governingbodies,andstakeholders.
b. CommunicationwithDFSS--DFSSwillensureallagenciesreceiveallregulations,policies,memorandums,instructions,andotherpertinentinformationinatimelymanner.
i. Communicationwithagenciesoccursthroughavarietyofmethods,including,
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i. Xbutnotlimitedtomailandwrittencorrespondence,fax,email,DFSS/CSDwebsiteposts,COPAposts,Telephone,in-personevents,includingmeetingsandsitevisits,includingroundtables,monitoringvisits,TandTAvisitsandevents.
ii. AgenciesshouldensurethatkeyleadershipstaffissignedupforCSDUpdates,DFSS’weeklyemailthatincludeskeyinformation.
iii. Agenciesshould,onanasneededbasisoratleastonceannually,submittheCommunicationsteam,anAgencyKeyManagementContactsForm.
iv. ExecutiveandProgramDirectorMeetingsoccuratleastquarterly,onthethirdThursdayofthelastmonthofthequarter.
v. CalendarsforalleventsarepostedontheDFSSwebsite.c. CommunicationwithBoardofDirectors/GoverningBodies—Agenciesmustmeetregularly
withtheirboardofdirectors/governingbody,tomeetHSSPSandHeadStartActcollaborativegovernancerequirements.Atthesemeetings,programdirectorsortheirdesigneesshouldgiveprogrammaticandfinancialreportsandupdatesdeterminedbyongoingoversightdata,ataminimumsemi-annually,includingchildandfamilyoutcomedata.HS/EHSagenciesmustincludecreditcardchargesinthesereports.InHS/EHSagencies,communicationneedstoflowbetweentheboardandthePolicyCommittee.OnewayforthistohappenistoassignaboardliaisontoattendPolicyCommitteemeetings.MoreinformationcanbefoundintheCollaborativeGovernancesectionofthismanual.
d. CommunicationwithPolicyCommittees-- HS/EHS/CCP-fundedagenciesmustensurethatinformationisprovidedregularly,nolessthansemi-annually,tothePolicyCommitteeincluding,butnotlimitedto:reportsdeterminedbyongoingoversightdata,includingchildandfamilyoutcomedata;proceduresandtimetablesforprogramplanning;policies,guidelines,andothercommunications;programandfinancialreports;programplans,policies,andprocedures;andfederalgrantapplications.MoreinformationcanbefoundintheCollaborativeGovernancesectionofthismanual.
e. CommunicationwithEnrolledFamilies– Agenciesmustkeepparentsandfamiliesabreastofprogramactivities,childprogress,andopportunitiesforparent-involvement.
i. Thismustinclude,ataminimum:ii. Annualparentorientationsmustbeofferedatallsites.Attheorientations,
parents/guardiansshouldreceiveaparenthandbook,meetstaff,andreviewoverallprogramoperationsandparentengagementopportunities.
iii. Agenciesshouldalsodistributefamilynewslettersandotherwrittenoremailcommunicationsthatcaninclude:classroom/homevisitinginformation;fieldtripsandotheractivities;curriculum;mealplanningandmenus;activitiesforparentstodowiththeirchildren;agency/centernews;surveystogaininformationfromparents;etc.
iv. Teaching/homevisitstaffmustsharechildscreening,assessment,andoutcomeinformationwithparentsregularlythroughouttheyearviahomevisitsandindividualemailsornotices.
v. AllDFSSagenciesmaintainanopen-doorpolicywithfamiliestoaddressneedsastheyariseattheconvenienceofthefamilies.Ifadesignatedstaffpersoncannotmeetwithafamilymemberimmediately,thestaffpersonmustexplainthesituationandsetupanappointmentthatwillbeconvenientandtimelyforthatfamilymember.
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vi. ForfamiliesthatspeakaprimarylanguageotherthanEnglish,neededliteratureandmaterialwillbetranslatedintotheirprimarylanguage,asmuchasisfeasible.Interpreters/translatorsareprovided,whenneeded.BilingualfamilysupportstaffpersonsareassignedtofamilieswhospeakaprimarylanguageotherthanEnglish,wheneverpossible.
vii. Homevisitsandparent/teacherconferencesandothercontactsbyvariousagencystaffalsoprovideavenuesforcommunication.
f. CommunicationwithStaff-- Regularcommunicationmustoccuramongallstafftofacilitatequalityoutcomesforchildrenandfamilies.
i. Allagencies,includingDFSS,areexpectedtoholdmanagementandstaffmeetingsmonthlyoronaschedulethatmeetstheneedsofthestaffandprogramoperations.
ii. Staffreceiveanddistributemail,memos,andemailsdaily,andasneeded,toinformeachotheraboutprogramissues,meetings,trainings,etc.
iii. Urgentannouncementsandbulletinsaresentviaemail.
G. RecordKeeping&Reportinga. Agenciesmustmaintainrecordkeeping&reportingsystemsthatareadequatefor
effectivequalityprogramoperationsandoversightandcomplywithallrecordretentionandconfidentialitylawsandregulations.Recordkeeping&reportingfacilitatethemonitoringofprogramservicesbydocumentingchildandfamilyinformation,servicesprovided,trainingandtechnicalassistance,andotherkeyactivitiesrequiredtoensureprogramcomplianceandquality.
b. Agenciesmustmaintainwrittenrecordkeepingandreportingpoliciesandproceduresthatincludebutarenotlimitedto
i. Fileretentioninstructions,ii. Childconfidentialitypolicyconcerningtheprotectionofchildandfamily
personalidentifyinginformation,andiii. HS/EHS/CCP-Makingrequiredreportstotheboardandpolicycommittee(HS)
c. DFSSandagencyrecordkeepingsystemsandstrategiesforprogramoperationinclude,butarenotnecessarilylimitedto,thefollowingelements:
i. TheCOPAdata-base.AgenciesareexpectedtokeepCOPAup-to-datewithchild,family,personnel,andotherprogramoperationdata,asdetailedintheCOPAmanual.
ii. TeachingStrategiesGOLD/MyTeachingStrategieswebsitetomonitorchildoutcomeprogress.
iii. On-sitefilesforstaffpersonnelandchildren/familiestodocumentandtrackstaff,child,family,andprogramoperationsdata.Monitoringchecklistsforrequiredon-sitefilecontentsareincludedintheappendix.
1. Childfilesmustbekeptonsiteinalockedfilecabinetatthelocationwherethechildreceivesservices.ForHome-based/home-visiting,childfilesmustbekeptinalockedfilecabinetattheagency’sadministrativeoffice.
2. Personnelfilesmustbekeptatthemainoffice.iv. Meetingsign-insheets,agendas,andnotes,and/orminutesapplicabletorecord
theirrespectivemeetings.
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v. TrainingSign-inSheetsandagendas.vi. Othersystemsagenciesmayuse.
d. StaffshouldusereportsdrawnfromtheCOPAandTeachingStrategiesGOLDsystems,aswellaspersonnelandchild/familyfilesto
i. Monitoragencyperformanceanddeterminetrainingandtechnicalassistanceneeds.
ii. Trackqualityindicators.iii. Reporttofundersonprogramservicesandchildprogress.iv. Informprogrammaticdecisions.
e. ReportingtogoverningbodyandPolicyCommittee—HS/EHS/CCPfundedagenciesareexpectedtoreportregularlytotheirgoverningbodyandPolicyCommitteeasoutlineintheHSPPS.SeetheCollaborativeGovernancesectionofthismanualformoreinformation.
f. ReportingtoDFSSi. RegularProgramReports
1. AgenciesareexpectedtokeepCOPAdatacurrentandwillbemonitoredmonthly
2. QuarterlyAttendanceanalysisshouldbesubmittedtoERSEAmonitorontheagency’smonitoringteam
3. Health,nutrition,mentalhealth,anddisabilitiesservicesreportsshouldbesubmittedtothehealthmonitorontheagency’smonitoringteam.
4. AnnualSelf-AssessmentReportandSummaryTool(seedetailsabove).5. HS/EHS/CCP--AnnualReport.AgenciesshouldfollowtheHeadStart
ProgramPerformanceStandardsandbestpracticestocompletetheannualreportandsubmittotheagency’smonitoringteamannually. Theannualreportshouldincludetheactivityoftheagency’spartnerprograms,ifapplicable,andmustincludethefollowingelements:
a. Generalinformationabouttheagency.b. Asummaryofthemostrecentcommunityassessment.c. Thetotalamountofpublicandprivatefundsreceivedandthe
amountfromeachsource.d. Anexplanationofbudgetaryexpendituresandproposedbudget
forthefiscalyear.e. Thetotalnumberofchildrenandfamiliesserved,theaverage
monthlyenrollmentasapercentageoffundedenrollment,andthepercentageofeligiblechildrenserved.
f. Theresultsofthemostrecentfederalmonitoringreviewandthefinancialaudit.
g. Thepercentageofenrolledchildrenthatreceivedmedicalanddentalexams.
h. Informationaboutparentinvolvementactivities.i. Theagency’seffortstopreparechildrenforkindergarten.
6. PFA/PI-- AnnualparentinvolvementandeducationreportsforISBEmustbesubmittedviaCOPAorasotherwisedirectedbyDFSSandbythedeadlinedeterminedbyDFSS.
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7. DFSSmayrequestotherreportsfromtimetotimetofacilitateprogrammonitoring,programqualityimprovement,orattherequestofprogramfunders.
ii. ImmediateReportingtoDFSS--Agenciesmustreportanyandallofthefollowingwithin24hoursofoccurrencetotheirassignedmonitoringteamsupervisor/liaisonatDFSS.:
1. Significantincidentsaffectingthehealthandsafetyofprogramparticipants
2. Circumstancesaffectingthefinancialviabilityoftheprogram,includingreceiptofanaudit,auditreview,investigation,orinspectionreportfromtheagency’sauditor,astateagency,orthecognizantfederalauditagency,containingadeterminationthattheagencyisatriskofanongoingconcern
3. Breachesofpersonallyidentifiableinformation4. Missingand/ordamagedfiles5. Programinvolvementinlegalproceedings6. Casesofcommunicablediseaseorotherserioushealthissues7. Anymattertheagencyisinvolvedinthathasbeenreportedtostateor
localauthorities8. Incidentsregardingagencystafforvolunteernon-compliancewithfederal,
state,tribal,orlocallaws9. Occurrencesinvolvingchildabuseandneglect,orlawsgoverningsex
offenders,afterobligationtocallDCFSasamandatedreporterisfulfilled10. Incidentsthatrequireclassroomsorcenterstobeclosedforanyreason11. DisqualificationfromtheCACFP12. Revocationofalicensetooperateacenterbyastateorlocallicensing
entity13. Debarmentfromreceivingfederalorstatefundsfromanyfederalorstate
department14. PartnersofDFSSdelegateagenciesmustreportthesametotheirdelegate
agencywithin24hours,andtheagencymustreportittoDFSSasspecifiedabove.
iii. Agenciesmustsubmitawritten,followupreportwithin24hourstothemonitoringteamsupervisordescribingthedetailsoftheincident.
iv. Within24hoursofreceiptofanyofthesereports,DFSSwillcontacttheagencytorequestdocumentation,additionalinformation,and/orclarification.
v. DFSSwillconductadditionalmonitoring,ifwarranted.
H. MonitoringProgramPerformance&ContinuousImprovementa. DFSSanditsagenciesuseanongoingprocessofmonitoringprogramperformanceto
ensurecompliancewithallregulations,theachievementofgoalsandobjectives,andforcontinuousprogramsupportandqualityimprovement.Dataanalysesareusedtoidentifyprogramstrengthsandneedsandasanintegralpartofmonitoring.On-goingmonitoringaddressesbothDFSS’smonitoringofagencyperformanceandhowanagencyself-monitorsorensuresthatdataiscorrectandbeingmonitoredwithinagiventimeframe.
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b. MonitoringSystemOverview-- DFSSanditsagenciesuseanintegrated,consultativeapproachtomonitoringtomeetagencyneeds,maximizemonitoringresources,andsupportagenciesinimprovingquality.
i. DFSSemploysintegratedservicesmonitoringteamstoreviewandevaluateprogramoperationsonanongoingbasis.
ii. TheDFSSprocessincludesreviewingbothsystemsandservices.iii. DFSSmonitorsagenciesforimplementationofallthepoliciesandproceduresin
everysubjectmattersectioncontainedinthismanual,otherstandards,suchasfiscal,andforprogressonprogramgoalsandqualityoutcomes.
iv. DFSSagenciesarerequiredtoestablishinternalongoingmonitoringproceduresthatarealignedwiththeDFSSconsultativeprocess.
c. DFSSMonitorsitsagenciestoaddressprogramkeyareastodetermine:i. Achievementofprogramgoalsandobjectives,includingchildandfamily
outcomesachievementandimprovementii. Theeffectivenessoftheuseofdatainprogramimprovementiii. Compliancewithstateandfederalperformancestandardsandregulationsinall
contentareasiv. Thequalityofbudgetmanagementv. Thequalityofstaffcontinuityandperformancevi. Theuseofeffectiveorganizationalstructurestoexecutetheworkwithfamilies
andchildrenvii. Whetherornotenrollmentslotsarefilled,andattendanceisregularviii. Whetherornotcenters/classroomsarewell-supplied,organized,andsafeix. Thequalityandconsistencyoffamilyengagementactivitiesandtheservices
beingprovidedorarrangedtomeetchildandfamilyneedsx. Ifchildrenwithspecialneedsarebeingservedandhowtheyarebeingservedxi. Thequalityanddepthofprogramandindividualprofessionaldevelopment.xii. Thequalityofthecontinuityofrelationshipssystem,if/whenimplementedxiii. TheeffectiveuseoftheCOPAsystemprotocols
d. MonitoringMethods--Allagencies,includingDFSS,usethefollowingmethodstomonitorprogramperformance:
i. Deskaudits.TheseincludesreviewingwrittenreportsandCOPAdata.ii. Sitevisits.Thisinvolvesstaffvisitingagenciestovisuallyobserveoperationsand
reviewrecords.Sitevisitsmaybebothannouncedandunannounced.iii. Interviews.Thismethodinvolvesreviewerstalkingwithstaffandfamiliesabout
theirexperiencesintheprogramandthequalityandeffectivenessofprogramoperationsfromtheirperspectives.
e. MonitoringEntranceVisits—DFSSconductsentrancevisitswithnewagenciesandsites.Theentrancevisitsinvolve:
i. WelcomingtheagencytotheDFSSCSDmonitoringsystemii. Meetingkeymembersoftheagency(orpartnerswhenapplicable)andlearning
theirrolesiii. Gaininganunderstandingoftheagency’sareasofstrengthandopportunities
forgrowthembeddedwithin:1. Opendialogueofagencyspecificationsandlayout2. GrantApplicationgoalsandobjectives
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3. AgencyActionPlan(s)4. UnderstandingofDFSSmonitoringteamsandtheirrole.
iv. Renewalentrancevisitsmayberequestedbyeitheragenciesormonitoringteams.
f. MonitoringFollow-up-- SubsequenttoDFSSmonitoring,agenciesareinformedofthemonitoringresults,bothareasofstrengthandareasforimprovement.
i. Theintegratedservicesmonitoringteamcommunicateswithdesignatedagencyleadershipandstafftoinformthemofstrengths,weaknesses,andtrendsseeninmonitoring.
ii. DFSSplanscollaborativelywithagenciestoassistinaddressinganyissues,includingwhatsupport,training,technicalassistance,andresourcesmightbeneeded.Insomecases,agencystaffingmeetingsandenhancedtechnicalassistancemethods,includingfollowup,maybeneeded.
g. DFSSInternalStaffings—DFSSconductstwointernalstaffingsannuallyofitsagencies,typicallyinthefallandspringquarters,duringwhichmonitoringteamsformallymeettodiscussandreviewagenciessystemsandassessagencies’strengths,challenges,andmajorprogramtrends.Thisinformationisusedtoidentifytrainingandtechnicalassistanceneedsandthetop3-5recommendedpriorityareasforeachagency.Afterthespringstaffing,agenciesreceiveaperformancereviewmemothatlistsstrengths,areasforgrowth,priorityareas,andnextsteps,includingmonitoringroundtabledateandtime.
h. DFSSMonitoringRoundTables—Duringannualmonitoringroundtablesinlatespring,DFSSteamsmeetwithagencyleadershiptodiscussprogramperformanceandjointlyplanforthecomingyear.Discussiontopicsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,programstrengthsandchallengesand,progressongoalsandobjectives.Thegoaloftheroundtableistosetactionplangoalsandprogramprioritiesforthecomingyear.
i. MonitoringTeamsreviewagencyself-assessmentsbeforeroundtables.ii. DFSSandagencycollaborateonidentifyinggoalstobeincludedintheagency’s
annualactionplan.
I. DataandContinuousImprovement– Agencyleadershipanddesignatedstaffmustmeetregularlytoanalyzedatatotrackprogressonprogramgoalsandobjectivesandotherqualityindicators.Thisincludestrackingdata/reportsfromCOPA,TeachingStrategiesGOLD,CLASS,and5Es,andusingittoinformprogramplanningandtrackprogramimprovement(seeTheDataManagementSectionofthismanualformoreinformationofdatatobetracked).Continuousimprovementofprogramqualityandperformanceinvolvesthefollowing:
a. HS/EHS/PFA/PIprogramsmustdevelopgoals,objectivesandexpectedoutcomesandmonitorandevaluateprogresstowardthegoals,bothprogramandschoolreadiness.Newprogramsbeginatcommunityassessment,collectingandanalyzingdatatoinformgoalsetting.Existingprogramsbegintheprocesswithself-assessment,takingstockofupdatedcommunityassessmentdata,datagatheredthroughongoingmonitoringandotherrelevantdatatoplanandrevisittheirfive-yearprogramgoals.
b. Goalsaresupportedandfurtherdefinedbyshorttermobjectiveslinkedtoexpectedoutcomes.Anannualactionplanisdevelopedwhichisadefinedsetofstepsthatoutlineswhatanagencywilldotoaccomplishgoalsandobjectives.Theactionplanis
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b . xsupportedbyabudgetthatisalignedwiththegoalsandobjectives.Astheagencyimplementstheplan,itcollectsdatathroughitsrecordkeepingandreportingsystem.
c. Theagencycontinuallyevaluatesprogresstowardsitsgoalsandobjectivesbyreviewingdatagatheredthroughtheongoingconsultativemonitoringsystem.Effectivemonitoringenablesagenciestotrackprogresstowardstheirgoalsandobjectivesandensurequalityandcompliance.
d. Basedonongoingmonitoringresults,programscontinuetoimplementtheiractionplanaswrittenandmakecoursecorrections- theinnercircleofthecycle- thatmayrequirechangesinagencyactivitiesorlevelsofeffort.Finally,theagencycomesbacktotheannualself-assessment– backtotheoutercircle- overallcycle.
e. DFSSanditsagenciesusedatatoidentifyprogramstrengthsandneeds,developandimplementplansthataddressprogramneeds,andcontinuallyevaluateprogresstowardachievingprogramgoalsandoutcomes,aswellascompliance.Dataisaggregated,analyzed,andcomparedinsuchawaythatitassistsDFSSanditsagenciesinidentifyingrisksandinformsstrategiesforcontinuousimprovementinallprogramserviceareas.
f. TSGOLD-- DFSSanditsagenciesaggregateandanalyzechildleveldatafromTeachingStrategiesGOLDatleastthreetimesayearforallchildren.Thisdataisusedincombinationwithotherprogramdata,includingongoingmonitoringandself-assessment,teachingpractices,andfamilydatatodirectcontinuousimprovementrelatedto:curriculumandimplementation;teachingpractices;professionaldevelopment;programdesignandotherprogramdecisions;andidentificationofprogramneedsanddevelopactionplans.
g. Otherdatausedtoinformdecisionmakingincludes:i. Communityassessment.Dataontheneedsandresourcesofeligiblefamilies,
theprogram,andthecommunity;dataisanalyzed,conclusionsshared,andresultscommunicated.
ii. Self-assessment.Progressinachievinggoalsandobjectives,effectivenessofsystemsandservices,trendsandpatterns;resultscommunicatedtointernalandexternalaudiences.
iii. Monitoring.Dataaggregatedandanalyzedmonthlyforoveralltrendsbycenter,optionorposition;conclusionsandfindingsusedtoinformprogramqualityandimprovement.
iv. Recordkeepingandreporting.Systemsusedcontinuouslytocollectdataandcheckitsintegrity;rawdatareportsinformanalysis.
J. EnhancedTechnicalAssistanceProcessforAgenciesatRiska. Incaseswhere,basedoncollaborativemonitoring,itisnecessarytofocusmoreclosely
onprogramconcernsthataredifficulttosolve,staffingmeetingsmaybeusedbyDFSSwithitsagenciesorbyagencieswiththeirpartnerstoaddressissuesinimprovementplansforwhichadequateprogressisnotevident.
b. Inthisprocess,designatedDFSSand/oragencyleadershipreviewandanalyzepertinentinformation,includingbarrierstoprogressandstrategiesemployed.
c. Additionalactionstepsarecreatedwiththeagency/partnerandtheresultsarecompiledforfurthertrackingandfollow-up.Anyactionsresultingfromthestaffingaremonitoredclosely.Inthisprocess,DFSSand/oragencyleadershipreviewthefundamentalreasonswhyconcernshavenotbeenaddressed.
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d. Thisprocessisseparatefromandanenhancementtotheannualstaffingprocessdescribedinthesectionofthismanualdescribingtheformalroundtableprocess.
e. ThesestaffingmeetingsmayoccuranytimeduringtheprogramyearorduringthemonitoringcycleandmayberequestedbyDFSSorbytheagency.
f. HS/EHSdelegateagencypartnersmayrequestastaffingmeetingtotheirdelegateagency.Whenagenciesareunabletosuccessfullyaddressconcernsbyusingtheirinternalresources,theymayrequestenhancedtechnicalassistancefromDFSS.Inthisprocess,theagencyisassignedtoasupporttrackorprogramdesignedbyDFSSthatwillassisttheagencyinregainingviability.DFSSwillmeetwiththeagency’sexecutivestaff,governingbodies,andlegalentities,asapplicableandifnecessary,todiscusstheissuesandsolutions.Thesupportswillbeestablishedwithspecifiedtimelinesforresolution.AnyfurtherdecisionsabouttheagencywillbedeterminedbyDFSSleadership.
K. HumanResourceManagement-- PersonnelPoliciesa. Eachagencymusthavewrittenpersonnel/humanresourcespoliciesandprocedures.
i. Personnelpoliciesandproceduresmustbeavailabletostaffatalltimes.ii. Personnelpoliciesandproceduresmustinclude,butneednotbelimitedtojob
descriptions,compensationandbenefits, paydates,SocialSecurity,worker’scompensation,unemploymentinsurance,holidays,sickleave,vacations,probationaryperiods,grievanceprocedures,promotions,staffdevelopment,discipline,terminationofemployment,andperformanceevaluation.
b. StaffHealthandWellnessi. PerDCFSandCitylicensingstandards,newlyemployedstaffshallsubmita
reportofaphysicalexamination,completednomorethan6monthspriortoemployment,thatprovidesevidencethattheyarefreeofcommunicabledisease,includingactivetuberculosis,andphysicalormentalconditionsthatcouldaffecttheirabilitytoperformassignedduties. ThisexaminationshallincludeatestfortuberculosisbytheMantouxmethod.
ii. Staffmusthavephysicalre-examinationsevery2yearsandwheneverthepresenceofacommunicablediseaseorillnessissuspected.
iii. Astaffmemberexperiencingfever,sorethroat,vomiting,ordiarrheashallnotberesponsibleforfoodhandlingorthecareofchildren.
iv. Agenciesmustmakereasonableaccommodationsforstaffwithdifferingabilities.
v. Agenciesmustmakementalhealthandwellnessinformationavailableforstaffregardingissuesthatmayaffecttheirjobperformance,includingprovidingstaffwithregularlyscheduledopportunitiestolearnaboutmentalhealth,wellness,andhealtheducation.
c. Hiring&CriminalRecordsCheck(CRC)si. NewHirePolicy--Agenciesmustensurethatallstaff,includingcontractors,
completethefollowingstepspriortofinalhire1. Interview2. Referencecheckverification3. Sexoffenderregistrycheck4. Statecriminalcheck,includingfingerprintchecks5. FBIcheck,includingfingerprintchecks6. IDCFSChildAbuseandNeglectcheckorStatewideAutomaticChild
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5 . xWelfareInformationSystem(SACWIS)ii. ChildSupervision-- Untilthesechecksarecleared,anemployeeorcontractor
cannothaveunsupervisedaccesstochildren.AgenciesmustincludeintheirHRPersonnelPolicieslanguagetothateffect.
iii. ConditionalHiringPolicies.Ifanyagencyoptstohirebeforeallbackgroundchecksarecleared:
1. Itcannotputthehireonthebudgets/chargetotheirCELcontractuntilallrequiredbackgroundchecksareclear.
2. ItmustincludepoliciesthatgovernconditionalhiringinitsHR/Personnelpolicies.
3. Iftheagencydoesnothaveconditionalhiringpolicies,itsHR/Personnelpoliciesmustsayso.
iv. On-LineSearch.Ifanagencyuseson-linesearches,itcanbeasupplementtoanagency’spre-hiringorconditionalhiringprocess,butitdoesnotsubstituteforstepsc.i.1-6aboveforrequiredfinger-printing.
1. Theuseofon-linesearchesmustbestatedinanyagency’sHR/Personnelpolicies.Ifanagencydoesnotuseon-linesearches,itmustbestatedintheHS/Personnelpolicy.
2. Nopre-hiresearchesshouldbeuploadedinCOPAedocs.v. Volunteers.Regularvolunteersmusthavebackgroundchecks(stepsc.i.3-6).
Volunteerscanneverhaveunsupervisedaccesstochildren.vi. Thecompletebackgroundcheckabovemustbeconductedonallemployees/
contractorsatleastonceevery fiveyears(stepsc.i.3-6).1. Agenciesmusthaveapolicythatrequiresexistingemployeesor
employeesnewlytransferredtoCELprograms,tohaveabackgroundcheck,followingstepsc.i.3-6,everyfiveyears.
vii. ExecutiveLevelStaffBackgroundCheckPolicy– AllagencystafffundedinwholeorinpartbyChicagoEarlyLearningPrograms(HS/EHS/CCP/PFA/PI)orwhooverseeCELprogrammingoradministrativework,musthaveacompletedbackgroundcheckbasedontheagency’snewhirepolicy(stepsc.i.3-6),andmustbere-conducted,atleastonce,everyfiveyears.
viii. Consultants/AuxiliaryStaff– Consultants/AuxiliaryStaffmustfollowthesamepolicyasexecutivelevelstaff.Anagency’sprocurementandcontractingpolicymustincludelanguagerequiringstaffworkingonaCELfundedcontracttocompleteallbackgroundchecks(stepsc.i.3-6).
ix. DocumentationofbackgroundchecksinCOPA—PleaserefertotheCriminalRecordCheckDocumentation– PolicyClarificationforguidanceonenteringCRCinformationinCOPA.
d. StandardsofConducti. Agencystaff,consultants,contractors,andvolunteersmustabidebythe
followingstandard,ofconduct.1. Nomaltreatmentorendangermentofthehealthorsafetyofchildren,
including:a. Nousecorporalpunishmentorisolationtodisciplineachildand
nophysicalabuseofanychild.b. Nobindingortyingachildtorestrictmovementortapinga
child’smouth.
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c. Nousingorwithholdingfoodasapunishmentorreward.d. Nouseoftoiletlearning/trainingmethodsthatpunish,demean,
orhumiliateachild.e. Nouseofanyformofemotionalabuse,includingpublicor
privatehumiliation,rejecting,terrorizing,extendedignoring,orcorruptingachild.
f. Nouseofanyformofverbalabuse,includingprofanity,sarcasticlanguage,threats,orderogatoryremarksaboutthechildorchild’sfamily.
g. Nouseofphysicalactivityoroutdoortimeasapunishmentorreward.
h. Useassessmentresultsonlytodeterminepunitiveactionsforstaffidentifiedasneedingsupport,withoutprovidingtimeandresourcesforstafftoimprove.
2. Respectandpromotetheuniqueidentityofeachchildandfamilyanddonotstereotypeonanybasis,includinggender,race,ethnicity,culture,religion,disability,sexualorientation,orfamilycomposition.
3. Complywithprogramconfidentialitypoliciesconcerningpersonallyidentifiableinformationaboutchildren,families,andotherstaffmembers.
4. Nochildisleftaloneorunsupervisedwhileundertheagency’scare.ii. StandardsofconductmustbeincludedintheagenciesHR/Personnelpolicies
andpoliciesmustincludeappropriatepenaltiesforviolatingthem.Thismustincludeappropriatepenaltiesforstaff,consultants,contractors,andvolunteerswhoviolatethestandardsofconduct.
iii. Thestandardsofconductmustincludeprocessfordealingwithinfractionsagainsttheagency,programstaff,familiesandotherprogramvolunteersorconsultants.
iv. DFSSrecommendsthatallagenciesusethestandardsofconductmandateswrittenbythefederalOfficeofHeadStartbecausetheydenotebestpractices.HS/EHS:Theparenthand-bookmustincludethestandardsofconductrequiredbytheHSPPS.ThestandardsofconductmustbeapprovedbyPolicyCommitteesandgoverningbodies.
v. Standardsofconductshouldbeincludedinparenthand-book.
L. HumanResources--JobDescriptionsandCredentialsa. DFSSagenciesmustmaintainjobdescriptionsandqualificationsforallstaff.DFSSworks
toassureallstaffcanfulfilltherolesandresponsibilitiesoftheirpositionstoensurehighqualityservicestochildrenandfamilies.
b. RequiredCredentials:Untilthesystemfortranscript/qualificationsreviewisimplementedwiththeGatewaystoOpportunity,allstaffcredentialsshouldbeuploadedintotheCOPAHRModule.
c. Jobdescriptionsmustbereviewedannuallyandupdated,asneeded,bymanagement;changesinHS/EHS/CCPfundedprograms,ifany,mustbecommunicatedtothexgoverningbodyandthePolicyCommittee.
d. Directorsmaynotbeclassroomstaff.Allteachersarefulltimeclassroomstaffand
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d . xcannotholdanadministrativeroleoutsidetheclassroom.e. Allcenter-basedprogramsareexpectedtohaveanon-sitedirector.f. ManagementCredentials
i. Program/SiteDirector/Principal.Minimumbaccalaureatedegreeandexperienceinsupervisionofstaff,earlychildhoodbackground,fiscalmanagementandadministration(hiredafterNovember7,2016)andGatewaysIllinoisDirectorsCredentialLevel2orhigher.
ii. FiscalOfficer.Certifiedpublicaccountantorhas,ataminimum,abaccalaureatedegreeinaccounting,business,fiscalmanagement,orarelatedfield(hiredafterNovember7,2016).
iii. Family,Health,andDisabilitiesManagement.Staffresponsibleformanagementandoversighthas,ataminimum,abaccalaureatedegree,preferablyrelatedtooneormoreofthedisciplinestheyoversee(hiredafterNovember7,2016).
iv. EducationManagers/Coordinators.Baccalaureateoradvanceddegreeinearlychildhoodeducation,orabaccalaureateoradvanceddegreeandequivalentcourseworkinearlychildhoodeducationwithearlyeducationteachingexperience.
v. Home-VisitingSupervisor.Baccalaureateoradvanceddegreeinsocialworkorrelatedfield
vi. BirthtoThreeSupervisor/InfantToddlerSpecialist.StaffresponsibleforoverseeingservicesforinfanttoddlerprogramsmusthaveGatewaystoOpportunityInfantToddlerCredentialLevel5orabove.
vii. HS/EHSChildDevelopmentSpecialist(requiredforFamilyChildCareoption).StaffresponsibleforoverseeingFamilyChildCareHomeNetwork.ByAugust1,2018,minimumbaccalaureatedegreeinchilddevelopment,earlychildhood,orrelatedfield.
g. TeachingStaffCredentials,pre-schoolaged(3-5)i. PreschoolTeachermusthaveaGatewaystoOpportunityEarlyChildhood
EducationLevel5ii. PreschoolTeacherAssistantTeachermusthaveaGatewaystoOpportunityEarly
ChildhoodEducationLevel4iii. PFA-funded:PreschoolTeachermusthaveaProfessionalEducatorLicensurewith
anendorsementinEarlyChildhood(PEL).DFSSpoliciesabidebytherecentIllinoislawfortemporaryallowanceofateacherinaPreschoolforAllfundedclassroomtohaveaGatewaystoOpportunityEarlyChildhoodEducation(ECE)Level5(untilJuly2023).AllteachersinthePFAclassroomwiththiscredentialmustactivelybepursuingaPELandevidencetowardsachievingthismustbedemonstrated.
h. TeachingStaffCredentials,BirthtoThree(0-3)i. BirthtothreeTeachermusthaveaGatewaystoOpportunityInfantToddler
CredentialLevel5(by2024)ii. BirthtoThreeTeacherAssistantmusthaveaGatewaystoOpportunityInfant
ToddlerCredentialLevel4(by2024)iii. Credentialsforallbirthtothreecenter-basedclassroomsmustmatchExceleRate
IllinoisGoldCircleofQualityby2024.Programsneedtoprovideproofanddocumentationthattheteachersareworkingtofulfillthisrequirement.
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iv. Includehereforstaffworkingtowardcredentialagencymustfollowsamerequirementsaswaiver.
i. FamilySupportandHome-VisitingStaff,birthtofive(0-5)i. FamilySupportSpecialistmusthavetheGatewaysFamilySpecialistcredentiallevel
5by2024.1. Intheinterim,forHS/EHS/CCPfundedprograms,within18monthsofhire,
minimumcredentialorcertificationinsocialwork,humanservices,familyservices,counseling,orarelatedfield.
2. Intheinterim,forPI-fundedprograms,musthaveabaccalaureateinfamilyconsumerscience,socialwork,orpsychology.
ii. Home-VisitormusthaveGatewaysFamilySpecialistcredentiallevel5by2024.1. Intheinterim,forHS/EHSfundedprograms,musthaveMinimumofa
home-basedCDAorcomparablecredentialorequivalentcourseworkaspartofanassociate’sorbaccalaureatedegreeanddemonstratedcompetencyinplanningandimplementinghome-basedlearningexperiencesthatensureeffectiveimplementationofthehomevisitingcurriculumandpromotechildren’sprogressacrossthestandardsdescribedintheHeadStartEarlyOutcomesFramework:AgesBirthtoFive,includingforchildrenwithdisabilitiesanddual-languagelearners,asappropriate,andtobuildrespectful,culturally-responsive,andtrustingrelationshipswithfamilies.
2. Intheinterim,forPIprograms,musthaveabaccalaureateinfamilyconsumerscience,socialwork,orpsychology.
iii. Followactionplan/PDtraining(?)j. FamilyChildCareHomeProvider,birthtofive(0-5)—
i. aFamilyChildCareCDAorGatewaystoOpportunityFamilyChildCareLevel2credential;orassociate’sorbaccalaureatedegreeinchilddevelopmentorearlychildhoodeducation.
k. SubjectMatterExperts—Staff,contractors,orconsultantsusedinasubjectmatterexpertcapacitymusthavefield/discipline-specificcredentials,includingbutnotlimited:
i. EducationalCoaches.Minimumofabaccalaureatedegreeinearlychildhoodorarelatedfield.
ii. MentalHealthConsultants.ThecredentialrequirementsformentalhealthconsultantslocatedintheMentalHealthSectionofthismanual.
iii. Nutrition.Stafforconsultantswhosupportnutritionservicesmustberegistereddieticiansornutritionistswithappropriatequalifications.
iv. Health.Appropriatehealthlicensesandcertifications.l. Proceduresforrequestingawaiver
M. HumanResources-- SalaryMinimumRequirements -- ThefollowingsalaryminimumsmustbemetforallteachersinCELcommunity-basedprograms.
a. Center- Basedi. Preschool
1. TeacherwithaPELwiththeEarlyChildhoodEndorsement- $47,0002. TeacherwithaGatewayslevel5ECE- $45,0003. TeacherassistantwithaBachelordegreeandGatewayslevel4ECE- $35,000
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4. TeacherassistantwithanAssociatedegreeandlevel4InfantToddler-$32,000
ii. BirthtoThree1. Supervisoroutsideoftheclassroom- withaGatewaysLevel5orabovein
InfantToddler- $50,0002. TeacherwithaGatewaysLevel5InfantToddler- $45,0003. TeacherwithaBachelordegreeandGatewaysLevel4InfantToddler-
$42,0004. TeacherwithanassociatesandGatewayslevel4InfantToddler- $38,0005. TeacherassistantwithanAssociatedegreeandGatewaysLevel4infant
Toddler- $35.0006. TeacherassistantwithanAssociatedegreeandGatewaysLevel3Infant
Toddler- $32,0007. TeacherassistantwithaChildDevelopmentAssociate’sCredential(CDA)
- $30,000iii. AllAgeGroups
1. FamilySupportSpecialistswiththeGatewaysFamilySpecialistsCredentiallevel5- $45,000
2. FamilySupportSpecialistswiththeGatewaysFamilySpecialistsCredentialLevel4- $40,000
c. Home-Based/Home-Visitingi. HomeVisitors
1. HomeVisitorwiththeGatewaysFamilySpecialistsCredentialLevel5-$45,000
2. HomeVisitorwiththeGatewaysFamilySpecialistsCredentialLevel4-$40,000
3. HomeVisitorwiththeGatewaysFamilySpecialistsCredentialLevel3-$35,000
N. HumanResources– FilesandReportinga. PersonnelFiles—Original,officialpersonnelfilesmustbekeptattheagency’shome
officeandcopiesmustbekeptatthesitewherestaffislocated.Allfilesareconfidentialandcontainatleast,butarenotlimitedtocopiesofthefollowing:employee'sapplication,jobdescription,emergencyinformation,professionaldevelopmentplan,documentationofrequiredtrainingsandcertifications,criminalbackgroundcheckresults,andallperformanceappraisals.
b. AgenciesmustnotifyDFSSofstaffresignations/terminationsnolaterthanthefinaldayofemploymentviaCOPA.Agencieshavesixweekstoreplacestaff.
c. HumanResourcesReporting-- AllChicagoEarlyLearningprogramsarerequiredtosubmitDFSSamonthlyAgencyHumanResourceReport.PleasenotethatthisagencygeneratedreportreplacestheCertificationofPersonalActiontemplatepreviouslyused.
i. Theagencyhastheflexibilityofformattingitsownreportthatcanalsobeusedtoreporttotheagency’spolicycommitteeandboard.AReportTemplateisavailableintheFormsAddendumtothismanual
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ii. Thereportmustcontaintheelementslistedbelow.1. Nameofagency.2. NameofStaff,Title/Positionandsalarysource(s).3. TypeofPersonnelAction:Hire,terminationforcause,terminationfor
layoff,resignations,retirements,demises.4. IncludeDateofHire,promotion,terminationforcause,terminationfor
layoff,resignations,retirements,ordemise.5. Staffseparationfromemployment:includedatethestaffwasmarked
inactiveinCOPA;andasapplicable,includewhenstaffaccesstoCOPAandTeachingStrategiesGOLDwasdeactivated.
6. Criminalbackgroundrecordsclearancedatesfornewstaff/promotions.a. Indicateyesornoiftheemployee’sCRCdateshavebeen
enteredintotheemployee’sCOPAHRfile.b. IndicateyesornoiftheCRCswereclearedbeforehire.
7. Includepolicycommitteeandboardapprovaldatesforhiringofkeystaff(HS/EHS/EHSCCPOnly):HRDirector,CFO,ExecutiveDirector/HeadStartDirector;otherkeystaffwithpolicyanddecision-makingresponsibilitiesfortheprogram.
8. Reportstaffvacancies:a. Title/Siteb. Lengthofvacancy
a. Forteachingpositions:listthesitenameandclassroomc. Planofactiontohire/hiringprocessstatus.d. Arethereanyvacanciesfromtheproceedingmonth’sreport?
Pleaseexplain.iii. Thereportmustbesubmittedwhethertherearepersonnelactionsornot.
1. Indicateonagencyletterheadthattherewerenopersonnelactionsthisforthemonthofandincludetheyear.
2. Updatesonvacanciesshouldbeincluded.iv. ThereportmustbesignedanddatedbytheHRDirectororassigned.v. Thereportmustbesubmittedbythe7th ofeachmonth.vi. Usethefollowingfilenameconventionwhensavingthedocumentanduploading
ittoCOPAeDocs:1. FileName/MonthYear2. Example:HRRJan2019
vii. UploadingtoCOPAeDocs–1. Gotocys.mycopa.come– thistakesyoutotheCOPAhomepage2. EnteryourUserNameandPassword.Clickcontinue.3. ClickoneDocstab.4. ClickonAgencythenLinkAgencyID;theUploadDocumentpage
appears.5. ClickonBrowsetabtolocatethehumanresourcereportsavedtoyour
computer/selectthereporta. Whensavingyourdocumentremembertousethenaming
convention:FileName/MonthYearb. Example:HRRJan2019
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6. UnderDocumentTypeselectCertificationofPersonnelActions7. SelectUploadbuttontouploadthehumanresourcesreport
O. Volunteers– DFSSagenciesmustensurethatregularvolunteershavebeenscreenedforappropriatecommunicablediseases.Illinoismandatesaphysicalandbackgroundcheckforeachregularvolunteer.Aregularvolunteerisdefinedasapersonvolunteeringthreehoursormoreaweek.Agenciesmustensurethatchildrenareneverleftalonewithvolunteers.
P. ProfessionalDevelopmentSystemsa. Agenciesmusthavewrittenpoliciesandproceduresthatdescribetheirsystemfor
ensuringthatorientation,training,andprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesareavailableforstaff.Agenciesmustestablishandimplementasystematicapproachtostafftrainingandprofessionaldevelopmentdesignedtoassiststaffinacquiringorincreasingtheknowledgeandskillsneededtoprovidehighquality,comprehensiveserviceswithinthescopeoftheirjobresponsibilitiesandthatisattachedtoacademiccredit,asfeasibleandappropriate.
b. Agenciesmustprovideanorientationtoallnewstaff,consultants,andvolunteersthatfocuses,ataminimum,onthegoalsandunderlyingphilosophyoftheprogramandthewaystheyareimplemented.
c. Agenciesmustdesigntheirmodelsfortrainingandcontinuingprofessionaldevelopmentforallstaff,includingfamilysupportstaff,toincreaseknowledgeandskills,fosterteamwork,andimproveprogramquality.
i. Activitiescouldincludebrownbaglunchworkshops,learningcommunities,webinars,staffpresentations,outsidetraining,andothers,asfeasible,tomaintainprogramoperationalintegrity.
d. Allstaffmusthaveindividualprofessionaldevelopmentplansandaccesstoprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesthatarerelevanttotheirworkandthathaveapositiveimpactonoverallprogramquality,outcomes,andtheexperiencesforthechildrenandfamiliesserved.
i. Individualprofessionaldevelopmentplansmustinclude,ataminimum:1. goals,tasks,andtimelinesforgoalcompletion,createdduringtheannual
evaluationperiod,andmonitoredduringsupervisionsessions.2. Anoutlineoftheresourcesandactivitiestofulfilltheplan.3. Elementsthatsupportthetransferofknowledgetopractice.
ii. ProfessionaldevelopmentplansandexperienceswillbemonitoredbothbyagenciesandDFSS.
iii. Wheneverpossibleorrelevant,agenciesandstaffshoulduseGatewaystohelpdevelopindividualprofessionaldevelopmentplan.
iv. ProfessionaldevelopmentplansmustbeavailableforreviewbyDFSSmonitoringstaff.
v. ProfessionaldevelopmentplansmustbeuploadedintoCOPA,asdirected.e. EducationStaffProfessionalDevelopment&Training
i. Agenciesmustensurethatalleducationstaff,includingeducationsupervisors,sitedirectors,andcoordinatorreceivestandardizedtrainingonthecurriculumandassessment,includinginterraterreliability,andthatinterraterreliabilityiskeptcurrent.Agenciesshouldhavewrittenproceduresthatdocumentthe
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i. xstepsstaffshouldtaketoaccessandcompleteInterraterReliabilityTraining,includingbutnotlimitedtotrainingstobetaken,timelinesforcompletions,protectedtimetocompletetrainings,andtrainingsupervisors.
ii. EducationtrainingmustalignwiththeGatewaystoOpportunityRegistry.Atthecompletionofallworkshops,participantswillreceiveaGatewayscertificate,andthetraininginformationwillbeenteredintotheirprofessionaldevelopmentrecord.AllstaffmustberegisteredintotheGatewaysRegistrySystemandkeeptheirmembershipuptodate.
iii. Teachingstaffmustmeetthelicensingrequirementof15hoursofannualprofessionaldevelopment
iv. Teachingstaffmustcompletev. Teachingstaffwillbeprovidedwiththreelevelsofprofessional
development/trainingopportunities:1. Basic.Workshopsthataredesignedtoprovideinformationonchild
developmentandstrategiesthatsupportageappropriateactivitiesforchildrenbirthtoagethreeandpreschool.Includedarebasicareassuchasbehaviormanagement,environment,literacy,math,andscience.Basicworkshopsaregearedtonewteachers.
2. Level1.Workshopsthatprovideamorein-depthlookathowchildrenlearnanddevelop,andhowtoplanforlearnerswithdiverseneedsandexperiences.
3. Level2.Workshopsthatfocusonintentionalteaching,differentiatedinstruction,workingwithsmallgroups,coaching,andmentoring.
vi. CoachingforEducationStaff1. Agenciesmustimplementapractice-andresearch-basedcoaching
model.Practice-BasedCoachingoccurswithinthecontextofacollaborativepartnership.Thecoaching-cyclecomponentsinclude:
a. Establishingsharedgoalsandactionplanning,b. Engaginginfocusedobservation,andc. Reflectingandreceivingfeedbackaboutteachingpractices.
2. DFSS,inpartnershipwithitsagencies,implementsaresearch-based,coordinatedcoachingstrategyforeducationstaffthat:
a. Assessesalleducationstafftoidentifystrengthsandareasofneededsupport.
b. Identifieswhichstaffwouldbenefitmostfromintensivecoaching.
c. Ataminimum,providesopportunitiesforintensivecoachingtoeducationstaffidentifiedthroughtheprocess,includingopportunitiestobeobservedandreceivefeedbackandmodelingofeffectiveteacherpracticesdirectlyrelatedtoprogramperformancegoals.
d. Ataminimum,providesopportunitiesforeducationstaffthatarenotidentifiedforintensivecoachingtoreceiveotherformsofresearch-basedprofessionaldevelopmentalignedwithprogramperformancegoals.
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e. Ensuresintensivecoachingopportunitiesforstaffthatalignwiththeprogram’sschoolreadinessgoals,curricula,andotherapproachestoprofessionaldevelopment;usesacoachwithadequatetrainingandexperienceinadultlearningandinusingassessmentdatatodrivecoachingstrategies;providesongoingcommunicationbetweenthecoachandappropriateagencystaff;andincludesclearlyarticulatedcoachinggoalsinformedbyprogramgoals.
3. DFSSusesthecoachingsystemandassessmentresultstoprovidestafftheneededsupporttime,strategies,andresourcestoimprove.
4. IfanagencychoosestonotparticipateintheDFSScoordinatedmodel,itcanimplementitsown,aslongasitmeetsthecriteriasetforthbytheOfficeofHeadStart,includestrainingandtechnicalassistance,andisapprovedbyDFSS.
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I. Definition
TheDataManagementsectioncoversthetypeofdatamanagementsystemsagenciesmusthaveinplacetoensurethatdataiscollected,aggregatedandanalyzedeffectivelytosteerprogramdecision-making,recordkeeping,andreporting.
II.ChicagoEarlyLearningStandards
A. GeneralPurposea. Examiningdataisakeystepinplanningfor,assessing,andcommunicatingaboutthe
qualityofservicesaprogramprovides.Recordkeepingandreportingsystemsdependoneffectivedatamanagement.Thesetwomanagementsystemsunderscoretheimportanceofbuildingandmaintaininginstitutionalmemorythroughwell-designedreportsandeffectiverecordkeepingactivities.Accessiblerecordsfacilitatethedesignanddistributionofreportsthatinformstaff,programleadership,andexternalcommunitypartners.
b. Efficientandeffectiverecordkeepingenablesprogramstoreportaccurateandtimelyinformationregardingchildren,families,andstaff–ensuringappropriateconfidentialityofinformation.Directorsandmanagersmustplayanimportantroleincreatingaculturethatsupportsstaffatalllevelstomanageprogramdataintheirdayto-daywork.
c. Managementofprogramdataincludeseffectivelysupportingtheavailability,usability,integrity,andsecurityofthedata.Aprogrammustestablishproceduresondatamanagementinareassuchasqualityofdata,effectiveuseandsharingofdata,whileprotectingtheprivacyofchildrecords.
B. GenerallyAcceptedRecordkeepingPrinciples®a. Theprinciplesbelowconstituteagenerallyacceptedglobalstandardthatidentifiesgood
practicesfordatamanagement– definedbyARMAInternationalasa“strategic,cross-disciplinaryframeworkcomposedofstandards,processes,roles,andmetricsthatholdorganizationsandindividualsaccountablefortheproperhandlingofinformationassets.Informationgovernancehelpsorganizationsachievebusinessobjectives,facilitatescompliancewithexternalrequirements,andminimizesriskposedbysub-standardinformation-handlingpractices.”
i. PrincipleofAccountability– Aseniorexecutive(orapersonofcomparableauthority)shalloverseetheinformationgovernanceprogramanddelegateresponsibilityforrecordsandinformationmanagementtoappropriateindividuals.Theorganizationadoptspoliciesandprocedurestoguidepersonnelandensurethattheprogramcanbeaudited.
ii. PrincipleofIntegrity – Aninformationgovernanceprogramshallbeconstructedsotheinformationgeneratedbyormanagedfortheorganizationhasareasonableandsuitableguaranteeofauthenticityandreliability.
iii. PrincipleofProtection – Aninformationgovernanceprogramshallbeconstructedtoensureareasonablelevelofprotectionforrecordsandinformationthatareprivate,confidential,privileged,secret,classified,oressentialtobusinesscontinuityorthatotherwiserequireprotection.
3.DataManagement
1GenerallyAcceptedRecordkeepingPrinciples®©2017ARMAInternational,www.arma.org
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iv. PrincipleofCompliance – Aninformationgovernanceprogramshallbeconstructedtocomplywithapplicablelawsandotherbindingauthorities,aswellaswiththeorganization’spolicies.
v. PrincipleofAvailability – Anorganizationshallmaintainrecordsandinformationinamannerthatensurestimely,efficient,andaccurateretrievalofneededinformation.
vi. PrincipleofRetention – Anorganizationshallmaintainitsrecordsandinformationforanappropriatetime,takingintoaccountitslegal,regulatory,fiscal,operational,andhistoricalrequirements.
vii. PrincipleofDisposition – Anorganizationshallprovidesecureandappropriatedispositionforrecordsandinformationthatarenolongerrequiredtobemaintainedbyapplicablelawsandtheorganization’spolicies.
viii. PrincipleofTransparency – Anorganization’sbusinessprocessesandactivities,includingitsinformationgovernanceprogram,shallbedocumentedinanopenandverifiablemanner,andthatdocumentationshallbeavailabletoallpersonnelandappropriateinterestedparties.
C. Withashifttowardsamore“data-drivendecision-making”culture,programsareexpectedtousedatainmoremeaningfulwaystoplanandmakedecisions.Thisinvolvesusingacombinationofqualitativeandquantitativedata.Qualitativeinformationcomesfromsourcessuchasinterviews,open-endedquestionnaireitems,andfocusgroups,andcanberepresentedinnarrativeformoranecdotes.Qualitativedataareexpressedinnumericalterms.
D. TheFourDataActivities
Preparingandcollectingdataarecloselytiedtorecordkeeping.Toprepareforeffectiverecordkeeping,youragencymustdecidewhattypesofrecordstocollectandkeepforyourrecordkeepingsystem.Throughaggregatingandanalyzingthedata,organizationsformnarrativesthatwillbethebasisofreportssharedwithinternalandexternalstakeholders.
E. KeyData&Reportsa. Agenciesmusthavesystems,andpoliciesandproceduresinplacetoensurethatthe
followingdataiscollected,aggregatedandanalyzed,andreportedtostaffandinternalandexternalstakeholders.Aggregateddataandreportsshouldbeusedforplanningontheclassroom,site,program,andagencylevel.AdditionalReportsandtheirroleinProgramMonitoringandQualityImprovementcanbefoundintheProgramMonitoringandQualityImprovementSectionunderRecordKeeping&Reporting.
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i. xKeydataandreportsinclude:i. CommunityAssessmentData&Reportii. EnrollmentData&Reportsiii. AttendanceData&Reportsiv. Home-BasedVisitingDatav. ChildAssessmentDatavi. SchoolReadinessDatavii. FamilyEngagementDataviii. HealthDataix. ProfessionalDevelopmentDatax. MonitoringDataxi. HumanResourcesDataxii. ProgramInformationReportDataxiii. Self-AssessmentData
F. DataUseforContinuousImprovement– Agenciesmustimplementaprocessforusingdatatoidentifyprogramstrengthsandneeds,developandimplementplansthataddressprogramneeds,andcontinuallyevaluatecompliancewithfederalandstatestandards,aswellasprogresstowardachievingprogramgoals.Thisprocessmust:
a. Ensuredataisaggregated,analyzed,andcomparedinsuchawayastoassistagenciesinidentifyingrisksandinformingstrategiesforcontinuousimprovementinallprogramserviceareas.
b. Ensurechildlevelassessmentdataisaggregatedandanalyzedatleastthreetimesayear,includingforsubgroupssuchasduallanguagelearnersandchildrenwithdisabilities.Thispracticeensurescontinuousimprovementrelatedtocurriculumchoiceandimplementation,teachingpractices,andprofessionaldevelopment.
G. MaintenanceofProgramData– Agenciesmustmaintainchildrecordsforsevenyears.a. Aslongastherecordsaremaintained,agenciesmustmaintainwithchildrecords
informationonallindividuals,agencies,ororganizationstowhomadisclosureofpersonalidentifiableinformationfromthechildrecordswasmadeandwhy,withtheexceptionofprogramofficialsandparents.
b. Ifaprogramusesaweb-baseddatasystemtomaintainchildrecords,theprogrammustensuresuchchildrecordsareadequatelyprotectedandmaintainedaccordingtocurrentindustrysecuritystandards.
H. ProhibitionsonUseofScreening&AssessmentDataa. Screeningandassessmentitemsanddatamaynotbeusedforranking,comparing,or
otherwiseevaluatingindividualchildrenforpurposesotherthanresearch,training,ortechnicalassistance.
b. Screeningandassessmentitemsanddatamaynotbeusedforthepurposeofprovidingrewardsorsanctionsforindividualchildrenorstaff.
c. Screeningandassessmentitemsanddatamaynotbeusedtoexcludechildrenfromenrollmentorparticipation.
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I. SharingofDataSystems– DFSSanditsagencies,totheextentpracticable,willintegrateandsharerelevantdatawithstateeducationandExceleRatedatasystems,ifinreturn,theycanreceivesimilarsupportandbenefitsasotherparticipatingearlychildhoodprograms.
J. UseofDFSSDataManagementSystem&Websitea. DFSSprogramdataismanagedthroughChildOutcomes,PlanningandAssessment
(COPA)system.i. COPAisusedtomanagealldata,includingenrollment.ii. COPAshouldbeusedbyagenciestomonitoraggregateanalyzeenrollment,
attendance,andprogrammaticactivities.iii. COPAcalculatestheannual,federalProgramInformationReport(PIR).This
federalself-reportisusedtohighlighttheprogramstatusonindicatorsinallcontentareasatanytimeduringtheyear.
iv. COPAisthetoolforagenciestonotifyDFSSofprogrammaticchangesandrequestapprovals,suchas:
1. ChildOver-IncomeRequestformtoobtainapprovaltoenrolloverincomechildren.
2. GeneralInformationRequestformtorequestnewCOPAuser.3. Enrollmentrequestform,usedwhenachildisalreadyinCOPAand
changessites;permissionisneeded.4. COPAAttendanceAdjustmentRequest,usedifachildisnotentered
within10daysofattendance;arequestisneededtoenterthechildinCOPA.
5. SupplementaryPIRform,usedwhentherearedataconflicts.6. ISBEcertificationforteacherPELandendorsements,enteredand
neededtotrackcompliancewithISBEregulations.v. ProceduresontheuseoftheCOPAsystemisonthewebsiteat
https://cys.mycopa.com/b. DFSSChildOutcomesdataismanagedthroughTeachingStrategiesGOLD.
i. TSGolddatashouldbemonitored,aggregated,andanalyzedregularlyonaclassroom,site,program,andagencybasistoplanforchildlessonsandprofessionaldevelopment.
ii. ChildOutcomesdatamustbeaggregatedandanalyzedatleastthreetimesayearatfall,winter,andspringcheckpoints.
iii. SeeEducationSectionofthismanualformoreinformation.
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I. Definition
ProgramStructurereferstothecompositionofprogramdelivery,includingsetting,groupsize,staff-childratios,serviceduration,andquantityofhome-visitsand/orparentconferences.
II. ChicagoEarlyLearningStandards:
A. GeneralRequirements—ProgramOptionsa. Programmodelsandoptionsmustmeettheneedsofthechildrenandfamiliesinthe
communitiesserved.Programstructurestandardsarebasedonresearchthatdemonstratesthemosteffectivecompositionanddosageofprogramstosupportchilddevelopmentandoutcomes.
b. Programsmayoperateoneormoreofthefollowingprogramoptions:center-based,familychildcare,home-based/home-visiting,charter/privateschool,oranapproved,locallydesignedorinnovativeoption,basedonthefundingstreamstheyareusingtofundaclassroomorcohortofchildren/families:
Table4.1:Funding&ProgramOptions
4.ProgramStructure
BirthtoThreeYearsOld ThreetoFiveYearsOldFunding Funding
PreventionInitiative(PI)
EarlyHeadStart(EHS)
EarlyHeadStartChildCarePartnership(EHS-CCP)
PreschoolforAll(PFA)
HeadStart(HS)
ServiceDeliveryModels ServiceDeliveryModelsCenter-Based
Center-Based Center-Based Center-Based Center-Based
Home-Based(Home-Visiting)
Home-Based(Home-Visiting)
CharterSchools/PrivateSchools
CharterSchools/PrivateSchools
FamilyChildcareHomes
FamilyChildcareHomes
Home-Based(Home-Visiting)
FamilyChildcareHomes
c. ProgramsmustreceiveapprovalfromDFSStoconsideralocally-designedorinnovativeoption.
B. ProgramOptionApprovala. Aspartofthegrantapplicationprocess,HS/EHS/CCP-fundedprogramsindicatethe
programoptionstheyprovideandjustifyhowthoseoptionsmeettheneedsoftheirfamiliesandcommunities.
b. Ifaprogramwishestoprovideanoptionotherthantheone(s)itcurrentlyprovides,itmust:
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i. Reachouttoitsmonitoringteamandhaveapreliminarydiscussionofthereasonsforwantingtoexpand/changeitsprogramoption,andhowitmightaffectitscurrentprogramoptions.
ii. Ifthereispreliminaryevidencetosupportaprogramoptionchange,themonitoringteamleaderwillasktheprogramdirectortosubmitaformalrequesttochangeitsprogramoptions.Theformalrequestmustincludearevisedprogramscheduleandanarrativejustification,usingcommunityassessmentandenrollmentdata,tosupportthechangedoptions.
iii. RequestsforchangesinprogramoptionsshouldbesubmittednolaterthanMay,inanticipationofthenextprogramyear.
c. Approvalforchangesinprogramoptionswillbeprovidedbeforethenextgrantapplicationduedate,sothatprogramscanaddresstheprogramoptionchangeinitsprogramnarrative,schedule,andbudget.
C. Center&School-BasedOptionsa. Inthecenter-based/school-basedoption,educationandchilddevelopmentservicesare
deliveredprimarilyinaclassroomsetting.b. AllDFSSfundingstreamscanbeusedtosupportcenter-basedandschool-basedoption.c. Allcenter-basedandschool-basedsettingsmustmeetstatelicensingrequirements.d. Allcenter-basedandschool-basedsettingsmustachieveGoldlevelQRIS.e. Collaborationfundingisallowedincenterbasedandschool-basedoptions.HS-PFAor
EHS/EHS-CCP-PIcollaborationfundingmaybeused,withorwithoutChildCareAssistanceFunding.Programsusingcollaborationfundingmustmeetthestrictestprogramperformancestandardsandrequirements.
f. ContinuityofCare/RelationshipsModelrequirementi. PreventionInitiativecenter-basedprogramsmustimplementthecontinuityof
relationshipmodeldescribedintheEducationSection.ii. EHS-CCP-fundedcenter-basedprogramsmustimplementthecontinuityof
relationshipsmodeldescribedintheEducationSectionby2023.g. Duration,groupsize,staffing,andfamilyengagementrequirementsoutlinedinTable
4.2.h. Additionalstaffingrequirements
i. Twoqualifiedteachersarerequiredinallclassroomsatalltime,regardlessofchildenrollmentorattendance.
ii. Naptime1. In HSfundedclassroomsduringnaptime,oneteachingstaffmember
maybereplacedbyonestaffmemberortrainedvolunteerwhodoesnotmeettheteachingqualificationsrequiredfortheage.
2. InEHS/CCPfundedclassroomstheremustbetwoteachersatalltimes.3. PFA/PIfundedclassroomswillfollowDCFSlicensingstandardsforthe
appropriateagegroupforstaffingatnaptime.iii. TeacherCredentialrequirementscoveredunderHumanResourcesinthe
ProgramManagement&QualityImprovementSection.iv. Site-basedfamilysupportspecialist.Allcenter-basedsites,includingpartner
sites,musthaveafamilysupportspecialistassignedtooron-sitetosupport
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iv. xfamilieswhilemeetingthecaseloadmaximums.i. ChildCare-Onlyfundedclassroomsmustmeetstateguidelines.j. AddingSites.ProgramsmustrequestpermissionfromDFSStoopenaDFSS-fundedsite
duringtheprogramyear.i. ProgramsdonotneedpermissionfromDFSStoaddsitesthatdonotreceive
fundingfromDFSS.k. AddingClassrooms.ProgramsmustrequestpermissionfromDFSStoopenaDFSS-
fundedclassroomduringtheprogramyear.i. ProgramsdonotneedpermissionfromDFSStoaddclassroomsthatdonot
receivefundingfromDFSS;however,centersmustrespectcontinuityofrelationshipspolicieswhenopeningclassrooms.
Table4.2:Center-Based&School-BasedCare
BirthtoThreeYearsOld ThreetoFiveYearsOldEarlyHead
StartEarlyHead
Start-ChildCarePartnership
PreventionInitiative
HeadStart Pre-SchoolforAll
DurationFullDay 7.5hours/day
5days/week240days/year
10hours/day5days/week240days/year
7.5hours/day5days/week
240days/year
7.5hours/day5days/week240days/year
HalfDay(HSonly)
N/A --4YOs3.5hours/day,5days/week,180days/year
--3YOs3.5hours/day,4/week,180days/year--3-4YOsDoubleSession:3.5hours/day,4
days/week,180days/year.
GroupSize*FullDay 8 Predominantage4YO—20
Predominantage3YO--17HalfDay N/A 17
Staffing*Staff:ChildRatio
1:4 1:10
TeachersperClassroom
2 3 2 2
FamilyEngagementHomeVisits 2 2 N/AParentConferences
2 2
*Licensingmayfurtherlimitclasssizeandratiosbasedonthephysicalsizeoftheclassroom.
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D. FamilyChildCareHomeOptiona. IntheFamilyChildCareHomeoption,educationandchilddevelopmentservicesare
deliveredprimarilyinalicensedchildcarehomesetting.b. HeadStart,EarlyHeadStart,andEarlyHeadStart-ChildCarePartnershipcanbeusedto
supportthefamilychildcarehomeoption.c. FamilyChildCareHomeNetworks
i. Agenciesareencouragedtocreateanetworkoffamilychildcarehomes.ii. Agenciesmuststaffapositionthatfunctionsasafamilychildcarenetwork
coordinatorwiththeresponsibilityofensuringthatallhomesareincompliancewithCELSandHSPPS.
iii. AgenciesmaystructuretheFCCHoptiononeoftwoways:eithertheagencyhasalegally-bindingagreementwithoneormoreFCCHprovidersthatclearlydefinestheroles,rights,andresponsibilitiesofeachpartyortheagencyhirestheFCCHproviderdirectly.
d. Allfamilychildcarehomesettingsmustmeetstatelicensingrequirements.Allcenter-basedandschool-basedsettingsmustachieveGoldcircleofqualityinExceleRateIllinois.
e. Collaborationfundingisallowed.HS-ChildCareorEHS/EHS-CCP-ChildCarecollaborationfundingmaybeused.Pre-SchoolforAllandPreventionInitiativefundingmaynotbeusedinthisoption.Programsusingcollaborationfundingmustmeetthestrictestprogramperformancestandardsandrequirements.
f. ContinuityofCare/RelationshipsModelrequirementi. FamilyChildCareHomesareencouragedtoprovideservicesforchildrenbirthto
fivetopromotecontinuityofrelationships.ThecontinuityofrelationshipsmodelisdescribedintheEducationSection.
g. Duration,groupsize,staffing,andfamilyengagementrequirementsareoutlinedinTable4.3.
h. ProvidercredentialsarecoveredunderHumanResourcesintheProgramManagement&QualityImprovementSection.
i. AddingHomes.ProgramsmustrequestpermissionfromDFSStoopenaDFSS-fundedfamilychildcarehomeduringtheprogramyear.
i. ProgramsdonotneedpermissionfromDFSStoaddhomesthatdonotreceivefundingfromDFSS.
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A . X
Table4.3:FamilyChildCareHomesBirthtoThreeYearsOld ThreetoFiveYearsOld
EarlyHeadStart
EarlyHeadStart-ChildCarePartnership
PreventionInitiative
HeadStart Pre-SchoolforAll
DurationFullDay 7.5hours/day
5days/week240days/year
10hours/day5days/week240days/year
N/A 7.5hours/day5days/week240days/year
N/A
GroupSizeFullDay 1:6(includingprovider’schildren)
2:12withassistantN/A 1:6(includingprovider’s
children)2:12withassistant
N/A
AgeRequirements
nomorethan2ofthe6under24monthsold;maycareforupto4youngerthan36monthswithmaxgroupsize4&nomorethan2
under18monthsold
nomorethan2ofthe6under24monthsold;maycareforupto4youngerthan36monthswithmaxgroupsize4&no
morethan2under18monthsold
StaffingStaff:ChildRatio
1:6 N/A 1:6 N/A
TeachersperGroup
1:6 N/A 1:6 N/A
FamilyEngagementHomeVisits 2 N/A 2 N/AParentConferences
2 N/A 2 N/A
E. Home-basedandHomeVisitingOptionsa. Inthehome-based/home-visitingoption,educationandchilddevelopmentservicesare
deliveredprimarilyinthechild’shome.b. HeadStart,EarlyHeadStart,andPreventionInitiativecanbeusedtosupportthehome-
based/home-visitingoption.c. Collaborationfundingcannotbeusedforthehome-based/home-visitingoption.d. Duration,groupsize,staffing,andfamilyengagementrequirementsoutlinedinTable4.4.e. Additionalcaseload,frequency,andgroupsocializations/sessionguidelines
i. Socializationareasforlearning,playing,sleeping,toileting,preparingfood,andeatinginfacilitiesusedforgroupsocializationsinthehome-basedandhome-visitingoption,mustmeettheDCFSsafetystandardsandfollowthesafetystandardsintheSafetyPracticesSection.
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A . X
Table4.4:HomeVisiting/Home-Based
F. LocallyDesignedandInnovativeProgramOptionsa. Agenciesmayrequesttooperatelocally-designedorinnovativeprogramoptions,includinga
combinationofprogramoptions,tobettermeettheuniqueneedsoftheircommunitiesordemonstratealternativeapproachestoprovidingprogramservices.
i. Locally-designed/innovativeprogramsoptionsmustdeliverthefullrangeofservicesand
ii. Demonstratehowtheirprogramdesignisconsistentwithachievingprogramgoalsb. Agenciesmustsubmitarequesttooperatealocally-designed/innovativeprogramoptionand
haveaDFSS-approvedplanandbudgetbeforeusingDFSSfundingtosupporttheprogramoption.Seetheproceduresforrequestingachangeinprogramoptionaboveforhowtosubmitanapplicationtoprovidealocally-designedorinnovativeprogramoption.
c. ApprovalforlocallydesignedoptionsthatuseHS/EHS/EHS-CPPfunding,mustbeappliedforbyDFSSandapprovedbytheAdministrationforChildrenandFamiliesandmayberevokediftheoptionfailstomakeprogressonprogramgoalsormonitoringresults.
BirthtoThreeYearsOld ThreetoFiveYearsOldEarlyHead
StartEarlyHeadStart-Child
CarePartnership
PreventionInitiative
HeadStart Pre-SchoolforAll
DurationOnceaweek(weekly)
visitsfor90minuteseach
visit
N/A Twiceamonthvisitsfor1houreachvisit
Onceaweek(weekly)visitsfor90minutes
each
N/A
GroupSizeforhomevisitor12peronehomevisitor
N/A 24peronehomevisitor
12peronehomevisitor
N/A
Socializations&ParentMeetings
Socializations
2permonth NA 1permonth 2 N/A
ParentMeetings
1permonth NA 1permonth 1permonth N/A
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G. ServicesforPregnantWomen—Frequency&Durationa. PI-fundedprogramsthatprovideservicestopregnantwomenmustfollowtheduration,
groupsize,staffing,andfamilyengagementrequirementsoutlinedinTable4.4above.ProgramsmustprovidetheservicecomponentsoutlinedinFamily&CommunityEngagementSectionII.J.a-f.
b. EHS-fundedprogramsthatprovideservicesforpregnantwomenshouldestablishaschedulebasedontheneedsandwantsofthepregnantwomenandrelevantfamilymembers.ProgramsmustprovidetheservicecomponentsoutlinedinFamily&CommunityEngagementSectionII.J.a-f.
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I. Definition
Eligibility,recruitment,selection,enrollment,andattendance(ERSEA)referstothestandardsandactivitiesrelatedtofindingchildrenandfamilieswhoareeligibleforCELprograms,determiningtheirtypeofprogrameligibility,prioritizingtheirenrollment,andensuringtheyattendprograms.Eligibility,recruitment,selection,enrollment,andattendance(knownasERSEA)isakeycomponentofprogrammanagement.
II.ChicagoEarlyLearningStandards
A. GeneralPurpose--Programsmustprioritizetheenrollmentoftheneediestchildren,maintainfull-fundedenrollment,maintainarobustwaitinglist,practiceyear-roundrecruitment,andencouragepracticesthatsupportregularchildprogramattendance.
B. Recruitment-- Robustrecruitmentpracticesarecriticalformaintainingfullenrollmentthroughouttheprogramyear.RecruitmentistheprimaryresponsibilityofprogramswithsupportfromDFSS.
a. DFSSRecruitmentSupportsi. CommunityAssessment--Communityassessmentdatacanaidinrecruitmentby
providingprogramswithinformationconcerningchildandfamilydemographicsandneeds.Everyfiveyears,DFSSconductsathoroughcommunityassessmentandreleasesaquinquennialreportonthestateofyoungchildreninChicagoandtheirandfamilies.Communityassessmentdataisupdatedannuallyandavailableon-linethroughtheweb-basedCommunityNeedsAssessmentTool(CNAT).
ii. CitywideRecruitment--IncoordinationwiththeCityofChicago’sMayor’sOfficeandCPS,DFSSimplementsanannualmarketingcampaigntosupportprogramrecruitmentandenrollment.ThecitywidecampaignincludesaCELpresenceatcommunityeventsandCEL-brandedmaterials.CEL-brandedmaterialsincludebanners,brochures,etc.MaterialsareavailableinEnglish,Spanish,andotherlanguages,dependingoncommunityneedandrequest.Translatedmaterialswillbeprovidedwheneverpossible.SomeitemsmaybecustomizablewiththeCELagencynameandphonenumber.
iii. TheRecruitmentCorneroftheCSDUpdateisthemainvenueforsharinginformationconcerningthestatusofcitywiderecruitment.InformationregardingthefollowingitemswillbepostedintheCSDUpdate:
1. ThecalendarofcommunityeventstobeattendedbyCELrepresentatives.Thecalendarwillberevisedandrepostedasadditionalcommunityeventsareconfirmed.
2. Announcementofwhenrecruitmentpackageswillbereleasedtoagencies.
3. Formsforrequestingandcustomizingrecruitmentmaterials.b. RecruitmentPolicies&Procedures-- Programsmusthavepoliciesandproceduresthat
indicatewhichstaffhaveleadresponsibilityforthetasksandactivitiesassociatedwithrecruitment,includingcreatingandimplementingtherecruitmentplan,conductingthecommunityassessment,conductingoutreach,managingcommunitypartnerships,
5.Eligibility, Recruitment,Selection,Enrollment&Attendance
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b . xsettingupandmonitoringtheonlineapplication,managingtheagencywaitinglist,andmanagingrecruitmentmaterials,etc.
c. RecruitmentPlan-- Programsmustdevelopasystem-widerecruitmentplanbasedonseveralfactors,includingbutnotlimitedtotheirenrollmenthistoryandseatallocation,andcommunityassessment.DFSS’sand/ortheirowncommunityassessment(seeSection2.II.F.b).Therecruitmentplanshouldincludeattheminimum:
i. Thenumberofseatstofillinthenextprogramyearbasedontransitioningchildren.
ii. Theserviceareasinwhichtheyintendtorecruit.iii. Themainstrategiestheywillusetorecruithighestneedchildren,including
homelesschildren,childrenwithdisabilitiesandsystem-involvedfamilies.iv. Communitypartnershipsthataidtheminrecruitment.v. Materialsneededforrecruitment,includingprojectedneedsfromDFSS.vi. Languagescommonintheirserviceareaandtheirstrategytoensurethat
recruitmenthappensinallservice-arealanguages.vii. Trainingplantoensurethatallstaffwhosupportparentrecruitmentand
enrollmentareknowledgeableonenrollingchildrenintheprogram,includinghowtosupportfamiliesuseoftheonlineapplication.
viii. Scheduleofrecruitmenteventsandbenchmarks.ix. Allrecruitmentefforts,forcenter-based,home-based/home-visiting,orfamily
childcarehomesshouldbedocumented.x. Therecruitmentplanshouldbesubmittedto/mustbeavailabletotheagency’s
DFSSMonitoringteam.d. TipsforEffectiveRecruitment--DFSSstronglyrecommendsthatagenciesintegratethe
followingstrategiesintotheirrecruitmentplan:i. Scheduleregularrecruitmentactivitiesintheprogramcalendar,includingopen
housesorotherevents.ii. Collaboratewithothercommunityagenciesforreferralsinmarketingthe
program.iii. Identifyandsetuprecruitmentspaceatcommunitylocations,events,and
affiliatedprograms.iv. Identifystrategiestoincludeandrecruitchildrenwithdisabilities,include
settinguprelationshipswithlocalhospitals,pediatricians,clinics,WICoffices,andChildFamilyConnectionagencies.
v. MakeuseofDFSSrecruitmentmaterialsandsupplementthemwithotheritemsthatmarkettheprogramatcommunityevents.
vi. Makeuseofmedia,includingsocialmedia,printmedia,radio,andotherplatforms.
vii. Useagencywebsitestoshowcaseprogrambenefits,bringpotentialfamiliesintothecenterthroughphotos,videos,andotherinteractiveprogramming.
viii. Ensurethatallrecruitmentmaterialsareavailableinrelevantlanguagesforthelocalcommunity.
e. Recruitmentisasharedresponsibilityamongallprogramstaffandprogramstakeholders,andstaffshouldbeencouragedto:
i. RecruitchildrenandfamilieswhoareeligibleforCELprogramsintheserviceareaonanongoingbasis.
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ii. Informallfamiliesinthetargetedserviceareaandlocalcommunityoftheavailabilityofservices,asoutlinedinthecommunityassessment.
iii. Postfliersinlocalbusinessesviacommunityinformationboardsand/orinplacespotentiallyeligiblefamiliesfrequent.
iv. Brainstormandbringtoleadershipotherrecruitmentstrategiesandideas.v. Beanambassadorinthecommunityforthecenter,theagency,andthe
program.f. Thefollowingstrategieshelpsupporttherecruitmentofchildrenintohome-
based/home-visitingprograms:i. Buildcommunitypartnershipstoexpandrecruitmentofnewfamilies.Create
andmaintainalistofcommunityagencies,contactsmade,andtheresults.ii. Scheduleregularrecruitmentevents,astimeandcaseloadsdictate.iii. Ifahomevisitor’scaseloadisfewerthan12families,acceleraterecruitment
effortsatvaryinglocationsanddocument.iv. Documentallinterestedfamilies’information,suchasname,address,and
contactinformation.v. Followupwithallfamiliesbyprovidingthemwithanapplicationformandany
pertinentinformationpertainingtothehome-basedprogram.vi. Assistfamiliesincompletingtheapplicationpacket.
g. Thefollowingstrategieshelpsupporttherecruitmentofchildrenwithdisabilities:i. Collaboratewithcommunityagenciesservingchildrenwithdisabilitiestorecruit
childrenforallprograms.ii. CreatecommunitypartnershipswithlocalChildFamilyConnections,Early
Interventionproviders,Hospitals,andclinics.iii. Monitorthenumberofchildrenintheprogramwithdisabilities.
C. ApplyingforaCELPrograms-- Familiesandguardianscanapplyforprogramsfor0-3yearoldsorpregnantwomeninpersonandfor3-5yearoldsinpersonorthroughtheonlineapplicationatchicagoearlylearning.org.Ifafamilyappliesinpersonfor3-5yearoldprograms,agenciesshouldstillcompletetheonlineapplicationwiththefamily.Failuretodosomayresultinasmallerseatallocationthantheagencyrequires.
a. HowtoapplyforCELprogramsfor3-5yearolds:Allprogramsserving3-5yearoldsmustusetheonlineapplicationsystemasthepointofentryforenrollingchildreninpre-schoolagedprograms.Pre-schoolagedchildrenmayapplyfortheprograminoneoftwoways:1)Thefamilymayapplythroughtheonlineapplicationsystemandbeofferedaplacementataprogramatacommunity-basedsettingthatdirectsthefamilytoanagency’ssiteforfollowup;or2)thefamilymayapplyinpersonatanagency’ssite,withhelpofstaffinmediatingtheonlineapplication.Programsmustensurethatfamiliesthatapplyin-personareaccountedforintheonlineapplicationsystem,toensurethattheagency’ssitecapacitystaysup-to-dateandthatDFSSanditsstakeholdersunderstandcitywidesupplyanddemand.
b. Overviewoftheprocessofusingtheonlineapplication:Ataglance,theprocessofapplyingforpreschool-agedprogramsviatheonlineapplicationsystemisasfollows:
i. Research.Familiesmayvisitchicagoearlylearning.org,acommunity-basedprogram,oraFamilyResourceCentertolearnmoreaboutCELprogramsand
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i. xcomparetheiroptionsforearlychildhoodeducation.Theymayalsocall312-229-1690forassistance.
ii. Apply.FamiliescanapplyforCELprogramsonlineontheirownatchicagoearlylearning.org orwithassistanceofaFamilyResourceCenterorothersocialserviceagency,orin-personatacommunity-basedprogramsite.Familieswhowanttoapplyonline,butwhohaveproblemsaccessingtheapplication,cancall312-229-1690toreceiveassistance.
iii. Verify.Familieswhoapplyonlinewillbegivenapreliminaryofferorplacement,andthenmustcometotheplacementsiteorcenterwiththeireligibilitydocumentation.Programscanmonitortheonlineapplicationtotrackfamilieswhohavereceivedoffersattheirsitesandfollowupwithfamilieswhohaveyettobringindocumentation.
iv. Enroll.Whenthefamilies’eligibilitydocumentationhasbeenreceivedandverified,programscanenrollchildrenbyplacingthemonthewaitinglist/recruitmentlistinCOPA.
c. SettinguptheOnlineApplicationforRecruitment:Programsmustsetupandmaintaintheirportionoftheonlineapplication.ThefailuretomaintaintheonlineapplicationwillleadtofewerreferralsforenrollmentandmayresultinasmallerDFSSslotallocation.
i. Programsshouldcalculatewithinthefirstquarteroftheprogramyearandreassessinearlyspringhowmanychildrenitanticipateswilltransitionoutorreturntoitspreschoolprograminthenextprogramyear(fall)andthenumberofseatsitwillwanttofill.
ii. Portionsofthisnettotalofavailableseatsareallocatedtodifferentpointvalues,inaccordancewithfundingrequirements.PointvaluesaresetbyCELprogramsandshouldalignwiththeprogram’sselectioncriteria.
iii. IfthenettotalofnewchildreninaprogrammeetsHSeligibilitystandards,thentheentireportionofthenettotalofnewstudentswouldbeallocatedtoapplicantswhosepointvaluematchHSeligibility.
iv. Basedonfamilyresponsestoriskfactorquestionsontheonlineapplicationandtheirprogramchoice,parentswillreceiveapreliminaryoffertothemostrestrictiveapportionmentofseatstowhichtheyqualify.Iftheydonotmeetthemostrestrictiveapportionment,thesystemwillattempttoslotthemintothenextmostrestrictiveapportionment.Oncea“match”isfoundinthismanner,a“preliminaryplacement”isoffered.Ifnomatchisfound,theapplicantisplacedonaprogram’swaitlist.
D. Selectiona. EstablishingSelectionCriteria(allages).Allprogramsmustannuallyestablishwritten
selectioncriteriaforallagesofchildrenintheirprogramthatensuresthatneediestchildrenareprioritizedforenrollment.
i. Selectioncriteriashouldbedevelopedincoordinationwithrecruitmentplans,fundingstreams’eligibilityrequirements,andthecommunityassessment,toensurethatitistargetingforenrollmentchildreninitsserviceareawhoareneediest.
ii. ProgramsmayusethecategoriesoutlinedbelowinTable1andaddadditionalcategoriestobestrepresentthepopulationstheyserve.
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iii. Pointvalueshouldbeassignedacrosscategories,sothatapplicationsforbirthtothreeandin-personpreschoolapplicationscanbeassessedandprioritizedforenrollment.
1. Pointsareusedtoprioritizechildrenforplacementandenrollment.Forexample,ifthereare20spacesavailableforchildrenand100childrenhaveappliedandmeettheeligibilityrequirements,theprogrammusthaveapointsystemsetupthatprioritizesplacementandenrollmentamongthose100families.
2. Pointsshouldbesite-based.iv. Preschool-agedselectioncriteriashouldalignwiththepointsystemtheprogram
entersinitsonlineapplicationslotmatrix.v. HS/EHS/CCP-fundedprogramsmustensurethatselectioncriteriaaredeveloped
withpolicyandparentcommitteesandfinalcriteriamustbeapprovedbytheBoard.
vi. Programsshouldprioritizetheenrollmentofchildrenandfamiliesexperiencinghomelessnessorinsecurehousing,incomeeligiblechildrenwithdiagnoseddisabilities,andincome-eligiblechildrenwithchronichealthconditions,regardlessofthetypeofconditionorlevelofseverity.
b. Pointsareassignedbyagenciesacrossthefollowingcategories:
Table5.1SelectionCriteria/OnlineApplicationPointCategoriesReturningStudent 1yes(household)– Non-EnglishSpeakingFosterChildorWardoftheState Age4Homeless/StudentinTemporaryLivingSituation(STLS) Age3
TANF TeenParentatTimeofChild’sBirthSSI TeenParentatTimeofFirstBirthTeenParentatTimeofApplication RecentImmigrantorRefugeeFamily>75%FederalPovertyLevel(FPL) HistoryofDCFSorLegalInvolvement75%-100%FPL DeathinImmediateFamily(parent,child,sibling)100%-162%FPL HistoryofChild/FamilyAbuseorNeglect162%-200%FPL HistoryofAlcohol/DrugAbuseinFamily
OverIncome(over200%FPL)
ADHD/ADD,Diabetes,HeartCondition,ConditionsRequiringMedications(asthma,eczema,seizure),TraumaticBrainInjury,High-RiskPregnancies,LowBirthWeight/FailuretoThrive,Other
AllHouseholdAdultsAttendSchoolorWork CaregiverhasMentalIllnessChildhasIEP ParentIncarceratedNon-EnglishSpeakingChildandHousehold(HH) PrimaryCaregiverdidnotCompleteHighSchool
1yes(child)– Non-EnglishSpeaking CaregiverOtherthanParentRaisingChild
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c. SelectionCriteriaandtheOnlineApplication—Allagenciesmustsetupselectioncriteriapointsintheonlineapplicationforpre-schoolagedchildren.
i. Whenfamiliesapplyusingtheonlineapplication,theycompleteahouseholdassessmentaspartoftheirfamilyprofile.Thisassessmentwilldeterminethefamily’stotalpointscore.Familiescanscoreamaximumof300pointswhenapplyingtoapreschoolprogramintheonlineapplication.Thefamily’spointsmayvarybasedontheprogram’ssite,fundingstream,andprojectedvacancy.
ii. Pointsareawardedaccordingtoeachsite’sonlineapplicationselectioncriteriaandleadtoplacementatspecificprogramsandsites.Itisimportantthatprogramscalibrateandrecalibratetheirpointcategoriesthroughouttherecruitmentseasontomaximizepotentialplacementsattheirsitesandmeettheirenrollmentgoals.
iii. DFSSprovidesguidanceandapprovalofallpointassignmentsandtheirvaluechangesovertime,tobestmeetandaddresstheneedsofspecificprogramsandtosatisfyfundingrequirementsandrules.
1. DFSSworkswithagenciestosetuptheironlineapplicationpointmatricesinthespringinanticipationofthecomingprogramyear.
2. DFSSmustapproveallpointmatricesbeforetheygolive.3. AgenciesseekingachangetoapointmatrixmustcontactDFSS.
E. Eligibility—AllchildrenenrolledinChicagoEarlyLearningprogramsmustbeageeligiblefortheprogramtheyareenrolledinandincomeorcategoricallyeligibleforthefundingthatsupportsthem.Allprogramsareresponsibleforensuringthattheyhaveon-siteproofofeligibilitydocumentationandthatithasbeenenteredinCOPA.
a. DeterminingAgeEligibilityforFundingi. CELpreschoolprogramsareopento
1. Allchildrenage4onorbeforeSeptember1oftheprogramyear,regardlessofincomeorothercategoricallyeligibility,andnotfiveyearsoldonorbeforeSeptember1oftheprogramyear;However,programsmustprioritizeenrollmentbasedontheirselectioncriteriaandavailablefundingsources.
2. Childrenage3onorbeforeSeptember1oftheprogramyear,whoareincomeand/orcategoricallyeligible.
ii. CELprogramsforchildrenbirthtoage3areopento1. Childrenbirthtothreewhoareincomeand/orcategoricallyeligible
iii. CELprogramsforpregnantwomenareopento1. Pregnantwomenwhoareincomeand/orcategoricallyeligible
b. DeterminingIncomeandCategoricalEligibilityi. DFSSprovidesfundingtosupportchildrenenrolledinCELprogramswhomeet
incomeand/orcategoricaleligibility.CELprogramsmaylayerfundingtosupportCELenrollmentchildrenifthechildmeetstheincome/categoricaleligibilityrequirementofeachfundingstreamsupportingher/him.ProgramsmustmeetaminimumleveloffundedenrollmentforHeadStartandPFA.Programsareencouragedtocostallocatefundingstreamstomaximizeclassroomenrollment.
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ii. ChildrenmaybechargedtoHSandchildrenandpregnantwomenmaybechargedtoEHSfundingstreamsiftheyare:
1. Ageeligible;and2. Thefamily’sincome isequaltoorbelowthefederalpovertyline;or,3. Thefamilyiseligibleforor,intheabsenceofchildcare,wouldbe
potentiallyeligibleforpublicassistance,includingTANFchild-onlypayments,or
4. Thechildisconsideredhomeless,asdefinedinHSPPS- Part1305andSection725(2)oftheMcKinney-VentoHomelessAssistanceAct;or
5. Thechildisinfostercare.iii. ChildrenmaybechargedtotheEHS-CCPfundingstreamiftheyare:
1. AreeligibleforHS/EHS,and2. Thefamilyiseligibleforor,intheabsenceofchildcare,wouldbe
potentiallyeligibleforpublicassistance,includingTANFchild-onlypayments.
iv. ChildrenmaybechargedtothePFA,andchildrenandpregnantwomenmaybechargedtoPIfundingsteamiftheyare:
1. Ageeligible;and2. ThechildlivesinthecityofChicago;and3. Thefamily’sincome isequaltoorbelow200percentofthefederal
poverty line;or,4. Thefamilyiseligibleforor,intheabsenceofchildcare,wouldbe
potentiallyeligibleforpublicassistance,includingTANFchild-onlypayments,or
5. Thechildisconsideredhomeless,asdefinedinHSPPS- Part1305andSection725(2)oftheMcKinney-VentoHomelessAssistanceAct;or
6. Thechildisinfostercare
F. VerifyingEligibility—Eligibilitymustbeverifiedanddocumentedforallfamilies.Familieswillapplyeitheron-lineorinperson.Iftheyapplyonlinethroughtheonlineapplicationandreceiveaplacementforaprogram,theyaredirectedtobringeligibilitydocumentationtotheprogram/site.Ifafamilycomestoapplytoaprogram/sitein-person,theycannotbeenrolleduntiltheycompletetheonlineapplicationandbringineligibilitydocumentation.
a. Programsmusthavewrittenpoliciesandproceduresforverifyingfamilyincomeandkeepingthedocumentationofverificationonsite.
i. AgenciesmusthaveawrittenpoliciesandproceduresthataddressstaffwhointentionallyviolateeligibilitydeterminationproceduresandwhoenrollpregnantwomenandchildrenwhoarenoteligibletoreceiveCELprogramservices.Theproceduresshoulddescribewhatstepswillbetakenbytheprogramforstaffwhoviolatetheeligibilitydeterminations.
ii. Incomeeligibilitymustbedeterminedusingthemostcurrentfederal povertyguidelines.
b. Programeligibilityverificationproceduresshouldfollowthesesteps:i. Conductanin-personinterviewwitheachfamilywhowishestoapplyforthe
program.Thisisconsideredintake.Duringintakeverifychildage,residency,and
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1 . xincome.ThestaffpersonwhoconductsintakemustcompleteandsignHS/PFAEVform.
1. Verifyage– Ensurethattheagerequirementfortheprogramandprogrammodel/option.
2. Reviewthechild’sbirthcertificateforageeligibility.a. Ifabirthcertificateisnotavailableand/orcreatesabarrierfor
thefamilytoenrollthechild,anothersourceofbirthverification,suchasahospitalbirthrecord,canbeusedorthestaffcanworkwiththefamilytosecureaduplicatebirthrecord.
b. Thechild’sbirthcertificatemustbecollected,maintainedinafile,anddocumentedascollectedinCOPA.
c. IfthechildwasbornoutsidetheUnitedStates,abirthcertificateorotherformofidentificationshowingthebirthdateisacceptable.
d. Ifthefamilyisidentifiedasrefugees,USDepartmentofHomelandSecuritydocumentationforthechildandtheparentareacceptable.
e. InaccordancewithIDCFSdaycarelicensingstandards,achildbornintheUnitedStatesmustsubmitabirthcertificatetothesitewithin30daysofenrollment.
f. Ifaparentcannotproduceabirthcertificate,heorshemustprovideareasonwhy,andtheagencymustworkwiththefamilytoobtainthedocument.
g. BirthcertificatescanbeobtainedfromtheBureauofVitalStatistics,OfficeoftheCookCountyClerk,118NorthClarkStreet,Chicago,Illinois60602,telephone(312)603-7790.
h. Birthcertificatesmayalsobeobtainedatlocalcurrencyexchangesforafee.ForbirthsoutsideCookCounty,birthcertificatescanbeobtainedfromthelocalcountyclerk’sofficeordepartmentofvitalstatistics.
i. Programsshouldsupportfamiliesinobtainingbirthcertificatesbycreatinglinkageswiththeseentities.
3. Verifyresidency– ChicagoresidencyisonlyrequiredforPFA/PI.Verifyresidencybyusingautilitybillorotherdocumentationofaddressinthefamily’sname.
4. Verifyincome– Verifyfamilyincomebyusingthemostrecentindividualtaxforms,W-2forms,two/fourcurrentpaystubsnoolderthantwomonthsold,SSI,writtenstatementsfromemployers,ordocumentationshowingcurrentstatusofpublicassistance,fostercarestipends,childsupport,oranyotherproofofincome,includingself-employment.
a. Lettersfromemployersshouldbesignedanddated,withcontactinformationofasupervisorormanagernoted.Pleasemakesurethedateofemployment,salary,date,andsignatureisincluded.Centerstaffwillcalltoverifyinformation.
b. Noincome– Familieswhostatetheydonothaveincomemustdocumentandsignadeclarationof“noincome”:
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i. Onasheetofpaper,theparent/guardianshouldwriteastatementdescribingtheirsituationandwhytheyhavenoincomeandsignit.
ii. Onthesamepaper,theparent/guardianshouldwriteanotherstatementindicatingathirdpartywhocanverifytheir‘noincome’statusandsignaconsentforthestafftocontactthatthirdparty.
iii. Staffcontactthatpersonandwriteaverificationofthecontactonthesamepaper.Iftheparent/guardiandoesn’thaveanyonetheyarecomfortablegivingconsenttocontacttoverify,theywritethatstatementinlieuofthecontactinformationforthethirdpartyandsignit.Staffwritesastatementtheyhavediscussedwiththeparentandsigns.
iv. Agencypre-writtenformsofnoincomedeclarationsarenotacceptable.
5. Whenthedesignatedstaffpersonhasreviewedandapprovedtheverificationdocuments,she/hesignsanincomeverificationform(HSEV/HSPFAEV)statingtheyhavereviewedalldocumentsrelatedtoincomeeligibility.Whenthechild’seligibilityisapproved
a. Forpreschoolchildrenwhohavealreadyappliedthroughtheonlineapplication,theonlineapplicationgeneratesaletterastoplacementorwaitliststatusthatissenttothefamily.
b. Forpreschoolchildrenwhoareapplyinginperson,thedesignatedstaffpersonwhohasreviewedandapprovedtheverificationdocumentsandsignedtheHSEV/PFAEV,shouldcompletethefamily’sonlineapplicationtoensurethatthechild’sstatusisrecordedintheonlineapplicationsystem,anditwillgeneratealetterastoplacementorwaitliststatusthatissenttothefamily.
c. Forinfant,toddler,andpregnantmothers,thefamilyisnotifiedofeligibilitystatusonsiteatthetimeofincomeverification.
6. AllchildeligibilitydatamustberecordedinCOPA,andacompanionpaperfilemustbecompleted.Recordsofeachenrolledchildmustberetainedforthreefullyears,includingfilesforchildrenwhohavedroppedfromtheprogram,agedoutoftheprogramwhileonthewaitlist,orhavecompletedtheprogram.
G. Enrollment–Enrollmentinvolvesseveralstepsandendswhenthechildbeginsattendingtheprogramregularly.
a. Intake/Pre-Enrollment—Intakereferstotheactivitiesthatoccurwhilethefamilyisenrolling,rangingfromprovidingfamilieswithprograminformationandpoliciestocollectingdocumentsconcerningeligibilityandmedicalanddentalhistory.ForHS/EHS/CCP/PIthismayincludecompletinginitialhomevisits.
i. Thefollowingstepsmustbetakenbeforeachildisenrolled:
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1. Parent/guardiancomestositewitheligibilitydocuments.2. Parent/guardiansitswithagencystaff.3. Staffreviewdocumentationforeligibility(seerequirementsforeligibility
verificationabove).4. Onceeligibilityhasbeenverifiedpointsareassignedaccordingtofamily
profileandselectioncriteria(seeSelectionprocessabove).5. Thechildisputonawaitinglist.TherearetwowaitinglistsinCOPA:pre-
eligibilityverificationwaitinglistandpost-doc/acceptablewaitinglist.Onceonawaitinglist:
a. Achildcanmoveintoavacantseatrightawayorb. Moveintoavacancyatrollover.
ii. Tipsforintake--Successfulintakesetsuptherelationshipbetweenprogramandfamiliesforchildsuccess.Intakeisanopportunityforprogramstointroducethemselvesandtheirprogramrequirementsandgettoknowthefamilyandtheirdesiresandconcernsabouttheirchildren.Programscanbegintoworkwithparentstoobtainmedicalanddentalhomes,getphysicalsandimmunizationrecords,andaccessotherservicesthefamilymightneed.
iii. IntaketoEnrollmentTimeline-- DFSShasestablishedatimelineofnolongerthan15daysbetweenafamily’sintakeandenrollmentapplication.
b. Enrollment--Enrolledmeansachildhasbeenacceptedandattendedatleastoneclassforcenter-based,school-based,orfamilychildcareoption,oratleastonehomevisitforthehome-basedoption.
i. AllsectionsofCOPAmustbecompletedaccuratelyandenteredintotheCOPAsystemtoensurethatthechildiscorrectlyenrolledandreceivesaCPSidentificationnumberfromthesystem.
ii. DFSShasestablishedatimelineofwithin15calendardaysofenrollment,andnottoexceed30calendardays,forthefollowingsteps:
1. Completefamilyassessment.2. Center- andschool-basedprogramoptions:Informfamiliesaboutfamily
supportservicesavailableonsite.3. IdentifyandenterintoCOPAataminimumonegoal,referral,andcase
note(seeFCESectionfordetails).4. HS/EHS/CCP/PI:Schedulethefirsthomevisitwiththefamily.
c. FullEnrollment--Allprogramsareexpectedtobefullyenrolledduringtheiroperatingyear.Programsareexpectedtorecruityear-roundandmaintainup-to-datewaitinglistsinCOPAtoensurefullenrollment.PFA/PI-fundedprogramsareexpectedtomaintainatleast80%expectedenrollment.
d. Vacancies.HS/EHS/CCP-fundedprograms:Whenavacancyoccurs,enrollmentslotscanbereservedforupto30daysforpregnantwomen,familiesexperiencinghomelessnesswithyoungchildren,and/orchildreninvolvedinthechildwelfaresystem.Iftheslotisnotfilledafter30days,itisconsideredvacantandmustbefilledwithin30days.Nomorethan3%oftheprogram’sfundedenrollmentslotsmaybereservedforthesehighneed,highpriorityfamilies.
e. UnderEnrollment.Ifprogramshaveunder-enrollmentfortwoconsecutivemonths,theirmonitoringteamswillworkwiththemtocreateanactionplantoaddressenrollment,
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e. xwhichmayincludeaplanforreducingthefundedallocationandcapacity.f. ChildrenwithDisabilities:Allprogramsshouldprioritizetheenrollmentofchildrenwith
disabilitiesandreferchildrenforevaluationwhenwarranted.HS/EHS/CCPprograms:10%ofchildrenenrolledmusthaveadiagnoseddisability.(SeeEducationSectionandServicesforChildrenwithDisabilitiesSection).
H. EnrollmentofOverIncomeChildren--Programsmayenrollfamilieswhoseincomeismorethan100%ofthefederalpovertylevelinHS/EHS/CCP(overincomefamilies),providedtheirchildrenwouldbenefitfromservicesandtheseparticipantsonlymakeupto10%oftheHS/EHS/CCPenrollment.ProgramsmustrequestapprovaltoenrollthemfromDFSS.
a. Childrenareacceptedforover-incomeenrollmentunderthefollowingcircumstances:i. ThechildisageeligibleforHS/EHS/CCP.ii. Theagencyhasnotreached10%enrollmentofoverincomechildren,calculated
accordingtothePIRReport999inCOPA,asthenumberofoverincomechildrenservedtakenasapercentageoftotalcumulativeenrollmentfortheprogramyear.Forexample,aprogramwhosecumulativeenrollmentfortheyearis100thathasserved5over incomechildrenisat5%.
iii. Thereisnotamoreeligiblechildwaitlistedforthesameprogrammodelandoptionatthesite.
iv. Typically,familieswhosefamilyincomeisover185%FPLwouldnotbeapprovedtohavetheirchildrenenrolled.Whenanagencysendsrequeststoenrollchildrenwhosefamiliesareoverincometotalingmorethan10%oftheircumulativeenrollment,preferenceisgiventothelowestincomechildren.
v. Therearetwoexceptionstothis:amongover-incomeapplicants,preferenceinacceptingchildrenisgiventochildrenwithIEPsandtosiblingsofcurrentlyenrolledchildrenatthesite.
b. Torequestoverincomeapproval,programsshould:i. Openthe“OverIncomeRequestForm”inMSWordandselectSAVEASto
createanewfilenamingitwithchild’sname,suchasOIRMariaSanchez.ii. Completeallsectionsoftheform,includingcompletefamilyincome.No
signatureisrequiredonthisdocumentsinceCBOswillmaintainthoseontheHSEVtheyretainintheiragencyfiles.
iii. EmailthiscompletedformasanattachmenttotheDFSSdatateam.iv. DFSSresponse:
1. Ifthecaseisapproved,DFSSwilladdpointstothefileonthewaitinglistsothatthechildcanbeenrolledinCOPAandwillfaxanapprovallettertothe.agency/sitefaxnumberprovided.
2. Ifthecaseisdenied,DFSSwillnotifytheagency,offeringanexplanation
I. EnrollmentandFees.Agenciesmustnotchargeeligiblefamiliesafeetoparticipate.Paymentofanyfeecannotbeaconditionforaneligiblechild’senrollmentorparticipationintheprogram.
a. Programscannotchargeforfieldtrips,food,diapers,supplies,transportation,oranyotherserviceassociatedwiththefamilies’enrollmentinHS/EHS/CCP/PFA/PIfundedprogramming.
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b. ProgramscanonlyacceptfeesfromfamiliesofenrolledchildrenforservicesthatareinadditiontotheservicesfundedbyHS/EHS/CCP/PFA/PI,suchaschildcareco-paymentsorsupporttochildrenfromdiverseeconomicbackgroundsbeforeorafterfundedHS/EHS/CCP/PFA/PIhours.
c. Forcenter-based,school-based,andFCCHfull-day,programsmustnotchargefor7.5hoursofserviceandforhalf-day,3.5hoursofservice.
J. PlanningforNextYear’sEnrollment--Inthespringofeachyear,programsmustdeterminehowmanyoftheircurrentlyenrolledchildrenwillbereturning.Thisinformationshouldbeusedtoascertainifchildren’seligibilitymustberedetermined,planforrecruitment,andsetuptheonlineapplicationforthecomingprogramyear.Programscanbeginmakingtheseassessmentsearlyintheprogramyear.
a. Re-determinationforenrollmentrollover--OnlychildrentransitioningintoaHS-fundedprogrammustbere-determinedforeligibility.PI-fundedchildrenremaineligibleforPFA-fundedprogramswithoutredeterminationofeligibility.FamilieswhowishtoenrolltheirchildrenforathirdyearinHSmustbere-determinedaswell.Incomeandthechild’sphysicalanddentaldocumentscannotbeolderthanoneyear.Toredetermine HSeligibility,followthesesteps:
i. DesignatedagencystaffwillbeginthetransitionplanforEHS/CCPparentsbeforethechildturns2yearsand6monthsold.
ii. Aspartofthetransitionplan,staffwillworkcollaborativelywithHSstafftosetupanintakeappointmentforthetransitioningfamily.
iii. Staffwillsupportparentsastheyregistertheirchildrenforthenexteducationalplacement.
iv. NamesofEHS/CCPchildrentransitioningtoHSwillbesharedwiththeappropriatestaff.
v. HSstaffwillbegintheregistrationprocessfortransitioningEHS/CCPfamiliesbyusingthefollowingsteps:
1. Providefamilieswitharegistrationpackettocomplete,includingalistofrequireddocumentationtobringinatthetimeofascheduledregistrationappointment.
2. Aftertheregistrationprocessanddeterminingeligibility,EHSstaffbringsallnewregistrationstotheenrollmentteamorotherdesignatedstaff.
3. IfCOPAisincomplete,staffisgiveninstructionsandmakesanappointmenttocompleteandupdatethefile.
4. AllEHSorEHS-CCPchildrenareplacedinthewaitliststatusinCOPA,thenre-enrolledinCOPA.
5. Makecontactwithfamilyviaphoneandmailtogivethemanupdateontheirchildfileandmailastatuslettertothem.
6. Sendthefamilyoftheenrolledchildanenrollmentletterindicatingthedate,time,andlocationoftheofficialstartday.
7. Setupanappointmentwithallenrolledfamiliestogooverthepartnershipagreement,familyassessment,andfamilyengagementoutcomes.
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b. Re-determinationshouldbedonemid-yearwithallreturningfamilies;thirdyearreturningfamiliesmustverifyincome.
c. PlaceallchildandfamilydataintoCOPA.d. Agenciesmustsetuptheonlineapplicationforre-enrollment/roll-over:
i. Identifyreturningchildrenandthosetransferringout.ii. Determineclassroomcapacity.
e. Transferringbetweenprograms—Parentsmaytransferchildrenbetweenthesameprogrammodelfromoneagencytoanother,undertheincomeandothercriteriaestablishedattheirinitialenrollmentintheiroriginalagency.Totransferfiles,submitatickettotheDFSSDataTeam.
K. SlotReallocation—DFSSmayre-allocateslotsduringtheprogramyeartomeetenrollmentbenchmarksandensureresourcesaredirectedtothecommunitieswiththemostneed.Programscanrequesttoeitherincreaseordecreasetheirfundedslots,orifaprogramhasbeenchronicallyunder-enrolled,DFSSmayre-allocatetheirslotstoaprogramwithanup-to-datewaitinglist.
a. Requestingslottr-allocation:Agenciesinterestedincreasing/decreasingslotsmustsubmitaslotre-allocationrequestform totheirmonitoringteam.
b. Slot-reallocationpriorities:Agenciesthatcandemonstrateproofofthecapacitytoimmediatelyservere-allocatedslotsinhighneedareas,willhavetheirrequestsprioritizedifslotsbecomeavailable.Proofofcapacityincludes:
i. Incenter-based,school-based,andFCCHprogramoptionsproofofcompliancewithages,ratios,class-size,teacherrequirements,andlicensing.
ii. Forhome-based/home-visitingprogramoptionsproofofcompliancewithages,ratios,cohort-size,andhomevisitorrequirements.
L. Attendance--Attendanceisimportant.Improvingchildattendanceislikelytorequireachildbychild,familybyfamilyapproach.
a. Programsmustcreatestrongmechanismsforparentinvolvementtoensureconsistencyinchildren’sattendance.Informationregardingtheimportanceofattendancemustbediscussedintheparenthandbook,duringtheparentorientation,andinparentworkshops.
b. Dailyattendanceprocedures:i. Forcenter-based,school-based,andFCCH,classroomattendancewillbetaken
dailyanddocumentedinCOPAandintheclassroomattendancebook.Absenceswillbenoted,withaqualitativeexplanationfortheabsenceenteredintoanecdotalrecords.
ii. Ifthechildisabsentandtheparent/guardianhasnotcontactedagencystaffwithinonehourofthestarttimeoftheprogram,staffmustcontacttheparenttoensurechild’swell-beingandmakenoteofthereasonforthechild’sabsence.InformationshouldbedocumentedinCOPA.
1. Parents/guardiansshouldbecontactedasearlyinthedayaspossible.DFSSrecognizesthatforextendeddayprograms,childrenmayarriveatvariousintervalsbetweenthecenteropeningandthebeginningofwhattheagencymightconsidertheprogramhours.Therefore,eachagency
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1 . xwilldeterminewhatthebenchmarkisfor‘starttime’forthisstandard.Bestpracticeistocontactallfamiliesthathavenotreportedtheabsencewithintwohoursofthisstarttime.
iii. Whenachildisabsentandtheparentcontactsthesitestatingthereasonfortheabsence,notesaboutthereasonfortheabsenceareenteredinCOPA.
iv. Ifthechildhasnotreturnedtoschoolbythethirdday,thedesignatedagencystaffwillcontactthefamilytofollowuponhowthechildisdoing.
v. Ifthereareunexplainedabsencesthatexceedstwoconsecutivedaysormore,agencystaffwillmakeaspecialphonecalltothefamilytoassessthereasonforabsenteeismandtodiscusstheimportanceofschoolattendanceasapplicable
vi. Ifcontactstothefamiliesareunsuccessful,mailoremailanattendancelettertothehome.Ifthereisnoresponsetophonemessages,emails/texts,orletters,attemptahomevisit.
vii. Ifabsenteeismcontinues,staffwillworkwiththeparenttodevelopappropriatefamilyengagementinterventionstrategiestoencourageregularattendance.Possiblesupportsmayalsoincludeworkingwiththeprogram’smentalhealthconsultantorsocialworker.
viii. Ifachildceasestoattend,theprogrammustmakeappropriateeffortstoreengagethefamilytoresumeattendance,includingprovidinginformationaboutthebenefitsofregularattendance,supportingfamiliestopromoteregularattendance,andconductinghomevisitsormakingotherdirectcontactswiththechild’sparentsifthechildhasmultipleunexplainedabsences.
ix. Incircumstanceswherechronicabsenteeismpersistsandafterallfamilyengagementeffortshavebeenexercisedtoimproveattendance,thechild’sslotwillbeconsideredanenrollmentvacancy.
x. Alleffortsmustbedocumented.c. Withinthefirst60daysofprogramoperationandongoingthereafter,agencyleadership
ortheirdesigneesshouldassessindividualchildattendancedatatoidentifychildrenwithpatternsofabsencethatputthematriskofmissing10%ofprogramdaysperyearanddevelopappropriatestrategiestoimproveindividualattendanceamongidentifiedchildren,suchasdirectcontactwithparentsorintensivecasemanagement,asappropriate.
d. Excusableabsencesincludeillnessorseriousinjury,hospitalization,communicabledisease,deathinthechild’sfamily,medicaltreatmentortherapy,temporaryfamilysituations,andhazardousdrivingconditions.Questionsofjointcustodyandparentalvisitationwillbeconsideredonanindividualbasis.
e. Ifachildwithadisabilityorspecialneedisunabletoattendtheprogramonaregularbasis,buttheprogramplacementisconsideredtobebeneficial,theagencymaychoosetooverenroll,therebyallowingthechildtoattendasable.Inthesecases,theagencymustdiscussitsplanwithitsDFSSeducationliaisonontheassignedmonitoringteam.
f. Programsmustensureappropriatemeasuresaretakenforevaluation,documentation,andimprovementoftheattendanceforchildrenorclassroomswhoseattendancefallsbelow85%.Aspartofitsconsultativemonitoringprocess,DFSSwillverifyattendancethroughregularreviewofmonthlyattendancereports.
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M. ERSEAManagingandMonitoring--StaffshouldmakesurealldataisrecordedinCOPAandmonitoredbythesite/programdirectorortheirdesignee.Eligibility,selection,andenrollmentdatawillbemonitored.
a. Thefollowingtasksaretobecompletedbyagencyleadershiporassignedtodesignatedstaff:
i. Developwrittenselectioncriteriabasedontheaboveprioritiesandtheneedsofthefamilies,asderivedfromthecommunityassessment.
ii. Determineafamily’seligibilitybasedontheselectioncriteria/pointsystemandrankingguide.
iii. Maintaindocumentationusedintheselectioncriteriatodetermineenrollmentandplacement.
iv. Createawaitinglistandmaintainitthroughouttheyear.WaitlistfilesaremaintainedinCOPA.
b. Agencyleadershipshoulddesignateappropriatestafftoreviewandmonitorthat:i. Eligibility,recruitment,selection,andenrollmentrequirementsarefollowed.ii. Eachchild’sfileforcompletionandaccuracy,includingexaminingchild’sage,
familyincome,family’saddress,andchild’shealthinformation.Instructtheappropriatestafftomakecorrections,ifthefileisnotcomplete;giveatimelineforcompletionandreviewagainafter.
iii. HS/EHS/CCPoverincomerecordstoensureappropriateapprovalsfromDFSSandthatthe10%limitisnotexceeded.
iv. ThebalanceintheageofchildrenenrolledineachHSclassroom.v. Thatappropriateenrollmentproceduresarefollowedandthatfunded
enrollmentismaintainedinHS/EHS/CCPandatleastat80%inPFA/PI.vi. Masterclasslistsofallchildrenenrolledintheprogramtoensuretheyareupto
dateandtaggedinCOPAwiththeappropriateprogramoptionsandfundingstreams.TheCOPA970Reportshouldbereviewedagainstprogrammodel,programoption,andfundingstreamoraccuracy.
vii. Allmonthlyrecruitmenteffortsandreportsummariestoappropriateagencyleadershipandfollowup.
viii. Waitinglistsareuptodate.
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I. Definition
Educationandchilddevelopmentreferstotheactivities,experiences,andpracticesthatsupportchilddevelopmentacrossdevelopmentaldomains.
II.ChicagoEarlyLearningStandards:
A. Programservicesarepremisedonthephilosophythattherelationshipbetweenthechild,family,andcaregiversiscentraltochildren’slearningandhealthygrowthanddevelopmentandthatprogramservicesmustbedevelopmentallyappropriateandindividualizedforeachchild.
B. TeachingandLearningEnvironmenta. Earlyeducationandchilddevelopmentservicesmustensurethatteachersandother
relevantstaffprovideresponsivecare,effectiveteachingandcare,inanorganizedlearningenvironmentthatpromoteshealthydevelopmentandchildren’sskillgrowth.
b. Learningenvironmentsandeducationstaffaresupportedbyregularandongoingsupervisionandasystemofindividualizedandongoingprofessionaldevelopment.
c. Programsmustbeinclusiveofchildrenwithspecialneeds,EnglishLanguageLearners,andotherspecialpopulations.
C. School-ReadinessGoals--Allprogramsmustestablishschoolreadinessgoals.Ataminimum,goalsmustbeestablishedineachofthefollowingdomains:languageandliteracydevelopment,cognitionandgeneralknowledge,approachestowardlearning,physicalwell-beingandmotordevelopment,andsocialandemotionaldevelopment.School-readinessgoalsmustalignwithDFSSSchool-readinessgoals,theHeadStartEarlyLearningOutcomesFramework(HSELOF),theIllinoisEarlyandDevelopmentStandards,theIllinoisEarlyLearningGuidelines,theprogram’scurriculumandassessmenttools.
a. Programsmustsubmitschool-readinessgoalstoDFSSthroughtheirmonitoringteamsandannualgrantapplicationasrequested.
b. Programsmusttrackquarterlyandannualprogressonschoolreadinessgoals.c. Schoolreadinessgoaldatashouldbeusedtoplanforannualtraining,supervise
educationstaff,anddevelopgroupandindividuallessonplans.d. HS/EHS/CCP-fundedprogramsarerequiredtoconsultwithparentsinestablishingschool
readinessgoals.D. Curriculum--ProgramsmustuseaDFSS-approved,research-basedcurriculumandimplementit
withfidelity.a. Center-based,school-based,andfamilychildcarehomesprogramoptionsmustusethe
CreativeCurriculumastheirprimarycurriculumb. HS/EHSfundedhome-basedprogramoptionmustuseParentsasTeachersorBabyTalk
asitsprimarycurriculum;PIfundedhomevisitingprogramoptionmustuseParentsasTeachers,BabyTalk,orHealthyFamiliesasitsprimarycurriculum.
c. ServicesforPregnantWomenmustfollowthesamecurriculumrequirementsasthehome-based/homevisitingprogramoption.
d. ProgramsmayrequestpermissionfromDFSStouseasupplementalcurriculum.Anysupplementalcurriculummustberesearch-basedandbeabletobemonitoredwithfidelity
6.Education&ChildDevelopment
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i. Toapplyforpermissiontouseasupplementalcurriculum,programsshouldsubmitamemototheirmonitoringteamoutlining
1. Thejustificationforthesupplementalcurriculum2. Howtheagencywilltrainstaffonthecurriculum(CurriculumTraining
Plan).Thismustincludestart-uptraining,on-goingtraining,andtrainingfornewstaff.
3. Howtheagencywillmonitorthecurriculumwithfidelity.4. Howtheagencywillpayforthesupplementalcurriculum.5. HS/EHS/EHS-CCP-fundedprogramsmustgetdocumentedPolicy
Committeeapprovale. CurricularEnhancements—Programsmayneedtoadaptthecurriculumtomeetthe
needsofindividualchildrenorspecialpopulations.Theseadaptationsmustbejustified,approvedbyDFSS,andmeetstandards/expectations.
i. Anexternalearlychildhoodeducationcurriculumorcontentareaexpertmustbeconsultedtodevelopsignificantadaptations.
ii. AdaptationsmustcontinuetomeetCELcurriculumstandardsandexpectationsaswellasthosestandardsattachedwiththeprogram’sfundingstreams.
iii. AdaptationsmustbeapprovedbyDFSS.Programsmustfirstseekpermissiontoadapt/enhancethecurriculum,andthengetapprovalofthecurriculumadaptation/enhancements:
1. Permissiontoadapt/enhancethecurriculum:Programsshouldsubmitamemototheirmonitoringteamoutliningthereasonfortheneedforanadaption/enhancement,includingwhythecurrentcurriculumdoesnotmeetanindividualorgroupofchildren’sneeds.Subjectmatterexpertsmaybeconsultedinexplainingwhythecurrentcurriculumdoesnotneedindividual/agroupofchildren’sneeds.
2. IfitisdeterminedbyDFSSthatanadaptation/enhancementisneeded,programsshouldsubmitamemototheirmonitoringteamthatincludes:
a. Adescriptionoftheadaptationsand/orenhancementsthatwillbemadeandhowtheymeetthechild’sneedsandupholdthegeneralstandardsassociatedwiththisCELSsection(i.e.HSELOF,IELS,ExceleRate).
b. WhichSubjectmatterexpertswereconsultedinadapting/enhancingthecurriculumandtheirqualifications.
c. Howtheagencywilltrainstaffonthecurriculumadaptations/enhancements(CurriculumTrainingPlan).Thismustincludestart-uptraining,on-goingtraining,andtrainingfornewstaff.
d. Howtheagencywillmonitorthecurriculumadaptations/enhancementswithfidelityandaproposalofhowDFSSshouldmonitorthecurriculumadaptations/enhancements.
e. Howtheagencywillpayforthealternativeand/orsupplementalcurriculum.
f. HS/EHS/EHS-CCP-fundedprogramsmustgetdocumentedPolicyCommitteeapproval.
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f. StaffSupporttoImplementCurriculawithfidelity--DFSSanditsagenciessupportstaffineffectivecurriculaimplementationusingvariousstrategiesandcontexts,including:
i. Trainingduringorientationandongoingopportunitiesthroughouttheyearforallstaffthatareresponsibleforimplementingthecurriculum.
ii. Observationsoftheclassroomorhomeatleastthreetimesayeartodeterminefidelityofimplementation,usinganyavailabletoolsdesignedfordeterminingfidelity.
iii. DFSSagenciesuseCreativeCurriculumCoachingtoFidelity.Staffpersonsareaffordedopportunitiestoreceivetimelyfeedbackfromtheseclassroomobservations.
iv. Asystemofongoingsupervisionandprofessionaldevelopmentforalleducationstaffthatincludesopportunitiesforreflection,developmentofskillsovertime,andsupportforcontinuousimprovement.
v. OnlineprofessionaldevelopmentviaTeachingStrategiesonthecurriculaandassessment.
E. DevelopmentalScreenings—Programsmustadministerorobtainacurrentdevelopmentalandsocial-emotionalscreeningwithinin45daysofthechild’sfirstprogramattendanceorhome-visitfortheprogramyeartoscreenfordevelopmentaldelaysorconcerns.
a. ScreeningsforreturningchildrencanbecompletedasearlyasJuly1andbecountedasmakingthe45-daydeadlinefortheprogramyear.
b. ChildrenwithacurrentcertifiedIFSP/IEParenotrequiredtobescreened,butitisrecommendedshoulditbesuspectedthatadditionalservicesmayneedtobeaddedtoachild’sIFSP/IEP.
c. Screeningsmustbeconductedwithwrittenparentorguardianconsent.d. Familiesmustbeprovidedwithinformationonthepurposeofthescreeningandonhow
theresultsofthescreeningwillbeused.e. Screeningsmustnotbeusedforranking,comparing,orotherwiseevaluatingindividual
childrenforpurposesotherthanresearch,training,ortechnicalassistance.Screeningitemsand/ordatamustnotbeusedforthepurposeofprovidingrewardsorsanctionsforindividualchildrenorstaffortoexcludechildrenfromenrollmentorparticipation.
f. Programsmustusethefollowingresearch-baseddevelopmentalscreeningtoolsaccordingtoitsspecifiedfrequency:
i. Infanttothreeprograms:Ages&StagesQuestionnaire,ThirdEdition(ASQ-3)andAges&StagesQuestionnaire:Social-Emotional,SecondEdition(ASQ:SE-2).
1. ASQ-3a. Classroomteacher/FCCHprovidershouldcompleteoneASQ-3
questionnairetogetherwiththeparent.Ifnotpossible,classroomteacher/FCCHprovidershouldcompleteaquestionnaireinadditiontosupportingtheparentincompletingone.
b. Iftwoarecompleted,teacher/providermustreviewparent-completedquestionnaireandfollowuponanyscoresinthegreyorblackandanyconcernsnotedintheoverallresponsesection.
c. Homevisitorsdonotspendenoughtimewiththechildtocompleteoneontheirownandsomustsupporttheparentincompletingthequestionnaire.
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d. Frequency:accordingtothescreeningtooldesign2. ASQ:SE-2
a. Classroomteacher/FCCHprovidercompleteaquestionnaireandtheparentmustcompleteaquestionnaire.Thisisdonebecausechildrencanbehavedifferentlyindifferentenvironmentsandtheperceptionofthepersoncompletingthescreeningisimportant.Aparentorteachermayneedsupportaroundabehaviorthatiseithernotobservedorisnotseenaschallengingintheotherenvironment.
b. Teacher/providermustreviewparent-completedquestionnaireswiththeparentandfollowuponscoresabovethecutofforanyconcernsnotedintheopen-endedquestions.
c. Homevisitorsdonotspendenoughtimewiththechildtocompleteoneontheirownandsosupporttheparentincompletingthequestionnaire.
d. Frequency:accordingtothescreeningtooldesign.ii. ThreetoFiveprograms:EarlyScreeningInventory-Revised(ESI-R)andASQ:SE-2.
1. ESI-Ra. Classroomteacher/FCCHprovidercompletesquestionnaire.b. ParentsmustcompletetherequiredESI-Rparentquestionnaire
foreachinstrumentwithinthesametime-periodastheESI-R.c. Developmentalscreeningsshouldbeadministeredinthechild’s
homelanguage.IfanagencyservesachildwhospeaksalanguageotherthanEnglishorSpanish,theprogrammustadministerthescreeningthroughthesupportofanadultinterpreter(stafforfamilymember)inthechild’shomelanguage.Programsshouldindicateatthetopofthescreeningthatitwasadministeredwiththehelpofaninterpreterandwhatthechild’slanguagehomelanguageis.Iftheprogramishavingdifficultylocatinganadultwhoissufficientlyproficientinbothlanguagestointerpret,theyshouldcontacttheirDFSSmonitoringteamforsupport.
d. Frequency:annually2. ASQ:SE-2
a. FollowInstructionsabove.g. ScoreInterpretation--Forallscreenings,regardlessofresult,ifaparentorteachernotes
aconcern,follow-upisneeded.Shouldaparentexpressaconcernthatindicatestheneedforreferralpriortocompletingascreening,itisnotnecessarytowaitforthescreeningtobeginthestepsforareferral.
i. Ages&StagesQuestionnaire-ThirdEdition--ScorethescreeningaccordingtotheASQ-3User’sGuideandtransferscoresandresponsestotheoverallquestionstotheInformationSummarypage:
1. Iftwoscreeningswerecompleted(byparentandteacher)thescoresfrombotharetakenintoaccountwhendeterminingfollow-up.InCOPA,informationfrombothscreeningsneedstoberepresented.
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2. Anyconcernsnotedintheoverallquestionssectionrequirefollowupwithparent.
3. Forscoreswellabovethemonitoringzone(inthewhite)inallareaswithnootherconcernsnotedbyparentorteacher:
a. Nofollow-upisneeded,andchildcanbenextscreenedaccordingtofrequencynotedabove.
b. InCOPA,thechild’sscreeningresultwillberecordedas“Passed”andscreeningdecisionas“OK”.Undercomments,writethatallscoreswereinthewhiteareainadditiontoanyothercomments.
4. Forscoresinthemonitoringzoneinoneormoreareas(shadedgrey):a. Onescoreinthegreyarea/monitoringzone:childtobe
rescreened,withtheappropriatetoolfortheirage,in6– 8weeks.
b. InCOPA,thescreeningresultwillbe“NeedsRescreen”andthedecisionwillberecordedas“Rescreen”.Inthecommentsnotewhichareasfellinthegrey.
5. Twoormorescoresinthegrayarea/monitoringzone,ortwoconsecutiverescreenresults:
a. Indicatesaneedforreferral,andthereferralstepsshouldbefollowedasoutlinedintheDisabilitiessection.
b. InCOPA,recordthescreeningresultas“NeedsRescreen”andthedecisionas“Refer”.Inthecommentsectionnotewhichareasfellinthegrey.
c. IfthechildistoooldforanEarlyInterventionreferral(lessthan45daysbeforechild's3rdbirthdayoralready3),anESI-RshouldbeadministeredforapossibleCPSreferral.
6. Oneormorescoresbelowthemonitoringzone(shadedblack):a. Indicatesaneedforreferral,andthereferralstepsshouldbe
followedasoutlinedintheDisabilitiessection.b. InCOPA,recordthescreeningresultas“NeedsReferral”andthe
decisionas“Refer”.Noteinthecommentsectionwhichareasfellintheblackorgrey.
c. IfthechildistoooldforanEarlyInterventionreferral(lessthan45daysbeforechild's3rdbirthdayoralready3),anESI-RshouldbeadministeredforapossibleCPSreferral.
ii. EarlyScreeningInventory-Revised(ESI-R)-- FollowtheprotocolintheESI-RManualtoscoretheinstrument.Ifachildrefusesonfour(4)ormoretasks,thenthescreeningcannotbescored.Aftertwotothreeweeksscreenagain,afterthechildhasadjustedtotheclassroomenvironmentoranyanxietyorillnessheorshemaybeexperiencing.ContinuedrefusalsmaybeanindicationofaneedforaMentalHealthorCPSreferralafterconsiderationofallsourcesofinformation.ThescreeningdecisionsfortheESI-RareOK,Rescreen, orRefer.
1. OKwithnootherconcernsnotedbyparentorteacher:a. Nofollow-upisneeded,andchildcanbenextscreened
accordingtofrequencynotedabove.
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b. InCOPA,thechild’sscreeningresultwillberecordedasPassedandscreeningdecisionasOK.
2. Rescreen:a. Childtoberescreened,withtheappropriatetoolfortheirage,in
6– 8weeks.b. InCOPA,recordthescreeningresultasNeedsRescreenandthe
decisionasRescreen.3. Refer orasecondRescreen:
a. Indicatesaneedforreferral,andthereferralstepsshouldbefollowedasoutlinedintheDisabilitiessection.
b. InCOPA,recordthescreeningresultasNeedsReferralandthedecisionasRefer.
c. InCOPA,forasecondRescreenresult,recordthescreeningresultasNeedsRescreenandthedecisionasRefer.
iii. Ages&StagesQuestionnaire:Social-Emotional,SecondEdition--ScorethescreeningaccordingtotheASQ:SE-2User’sGuideandtransferscoresandtheresponsestotheoverallquestionstotheInformationSummarypage.
1. Anyconcernsnotedinthecommentsoroverallquestionssectionrequirefollowup.Thescoresandcommentsonboththeparent- andteacher-completedscreeningsaretakenintoaccountwhendeterminingfollow-up.
2. Scoresbelowthecutoff(whitezone),onboththeparent- andteacher-completedscreenings,withnoothernotedconcerns:
a. Nofollow-upisneeded.b. InCOPA,recordthescreeningresultasPassed andscreening
decisionasOK.3. Scoresnearorabovethecutoff(greyorblackzone)ononeorboththe
parent- andteacher-completedscreenings:a. ScheduleanSRTmeetingwiththeteacherandparentstodiscuss
nextsteps.b. ConsiderafollowupmeetingwithMentalHealthConsultant,
andpossiblyoutsidereferrals,forsupport.SeetheMentalHealthsectionformoreinformation.
c. Forbirthtothree,areferraltoEarlyInterventionisindicated.SeetheDisabilitiessectionforstepstotake.
d. Forthreetofive,areferraltoCPSmaybewarranted,iftheissuesareadverselyaffectingthechild’s,orotherchildren’sabilitytolearnorparticipate.SeetheDisabilitiessectionforstepstotake.
e. InCOPA,recordthescreeningresultasNeedsReferralandthedecisionasRefer.
F. ChildAssessments—ProgramsmustusetheTeachingStrategiesGOLD,anongoing,observation-based,authenticassessmentsystem,toassesschildprogressalongdevelopmentallyappropriateandindividualizetrajectories,exceptingPIHome-visiting.
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PIHome-visiting programsmayusetheassessmenttoolinitsparentengagementcurriculum.a. TeachersandprovidersmustbeTSGOLDinter-raterreliable.b. TeachingStrategiesGOLDdatashouldbeusedbytheprogramtoinformand
adjuststrategiestobettersupportindividualizedlearningandtoimproveteachingpracticesincenter-basedandfamilychildcarehomesettings,aswellastoimprovehome-visitstrategiesinhome-basedmodels.
c. Programsmusthavea(documented)systemto:i. EnsuringthateducationstaffareTeachingStrategiesGOLDinter-rater
reliable.ii. ConductobservationsandanalyzeTeachingStrategiesGOLDchild
outcomedatatosupportindividualandgrouplearning.iii. AggregateandanalyzeTeachingStrategiesGOLDoutcomedataacross
classroomsandsites,tostrengthenteacherpracticesandchildren’slearningandoutcomes.
iv. Aggregate,analyze,andreportTeachingStrategiesGOLDoutcomedataatthreeannualregularcheckpointstoDFSS(fall,winter,andspring).SubmittoDFSSmonitoringteam.
d. PIHome-visitingusesongoingassessmentandscreeningtoolthatispartoftheparentengagementcurriculum,ortheASQdevelopmentalandASQSE,oranotherapprovedassessmenttool,ifcompletedregularlyeveryfourmonths.PIhome-visitingprogramsmusthaveadocumentedsystemto:
i. Ensurethathome-visitingstaffaretrainedinusingtheongoingassessmentandscreeningtool.
ii. Conductobservationseveryothermonthandanalyzingassessmentstosupportindividuallearning.
iii. Aggregateandanalyzeassessmentdataacrosscasestostrengthenhome-visitorpracticesandchildren’slearningoutcomes.
iv. Aggregate,analyze,andreportdataatthreeregularcheckpoints(fall,winter,andspring)toDFSS.
G. LessonPlanning– Programsmustdevelopanddocumentanintentionalprocessforlessonplanning,groundedintheHSELOFandotherstandards,forallprogramoptions,includinghome-visitsandsocializationactivitiesassociatedwithprogramoptions.
a. Programsshoulddesignateaprotectedregulartimeeachweektodevelopandevaluatelessonplans.
b. Plansshouldbedevelopedincollaborationamongtheteachingteam.c. LessonplanformsshouldexecutetheCreativeCurriculum(andothercurricula)with
fidelity.d. Intentionalityinlessonplansshouldbepracticedbyfollowingaregularplanningcycle
thatisinformedbyreflectivechildobservations.e. Lessonplansshouldbeindividualizationtorespondtoindividualchildren’sneedsas
documentedinTeachingStrategiesGOLDobservations.
H. ApproachestoRest,Meals,Routines,andPhysicalActivity
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a. DFSScenter-basedprogramsmustimplementanintentional,ageappropriateapproachtoaccommodatechildren’sneedtonaporrest.Infantsleep/naptimesaredictatedbythechild’sownbiologicalrhythms.
b. Inclassroomsforpreschoolagechildrenthatoperatefor7.5hoursorlongerperday,aregulartimeisprovidedeverydayduringwhichchildrenareencouragedbutnotforcedtorestornap.
c. Snackandmealtimesmustbeimplementedinwaysthatsupportchildren’sdevelopmentandlearning.
i. Bottlefedinfantsmustbeheldduringfeeding,andfeedingmustbeondemandratherthanatsetmealtimes.
ii. Fortoddlersandpreschoolchildren,mealsandsnacksshouldbeservedfamilystyle.Thismeansthatchildrenandstaffsittogetherandeatandthatchildrenareallowedtoservethemselvesasappropriatefortheiragewithsupportfromstaffasneeded.
iii. Snackandmealtimesaretobeengagingandusedaslearningopportunitiesthatsupportstaff-childinteractionsandfosterintentionalcommunicationandeducationalconversationsthatcontributetoachild’slearning,development,andsocialization.
iv. Programsmustprovidesufficienttimeforchildrentoeat,mustnotusefoodasrewardorpunishment,andmustnotforcechildrentofinishtheirfood.
v. SeetheNutritionSectionoftheCELSforfurtherrequirementsd. Routines,suchashandwashing,diapering,andtransitionsbetweenactivities,are
opportunitiesforstrengtheningdevelopment,learning,andskillgrowth.Thisisespeciallyimportantforinfantsandtoddlers,sinceitisthebasisforlearninganddevelopment.
e. Programsmustintegrateintentionalmovementandphysicalactivityintocurricularactivitiesanddailyroutinesinwaysthatsupporthealthandlearning.Physicalactivityisneverusedasarewardorpunishment.Teachersandprovidersmustengagewithchildrenduringphysicalactivities.
f. Programsmustprovideanenvironmentofacceptancethatsupportsandrespectsgender,culture,language,ethnicity,andfamilycomposition.Toensurethisresult,multiculturalexperiencesmustbewovenintoalldevelopmentalareas.Programsshouldbuildlessonsonexperiencesonchildren’scultureandfamiliarizethemwiththeheritagesofothergroups.Programactivitiespromotepride,culturalawareness,positiveself-image,andindividualstrengths.
I. ContinuityofRelationships(COR)– Allcenter-basedandschool-basedPreventionInitiative-fundedprogramsmustimplementsite-basedcontinuityofrelationshipmodel.AllEHS/CCPfundedprogramsusingcenter- orschool-basedprogramoptionswillberequiredtoimplementsite-basedcontinuityofrelationshipdesignmodelbyProgramYear2024.Inthismodel,thechildrenandteachingteamstaystogetherfromenrollmentthroughtransitiontopreschool(three-yearmodel)orthroughtransitiontokindergarten(five-yearmodel).Preschoolclassroomsshouldalreadybepracticingcontinuityofrelationships,withchildrenandteachingteamsstayingtogetheruntilthechildrentransitiontoKindergarten.InordertoimplementCOR,programsmust:
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a. Committokeepinggroupsofchildrenandteachingteamstogetherfromentryintothebirth-to-threeprogramuntilenrollmentofpreschool.
b. Choosetodolooping,mixed-age,oracombination.c. HaveaplantoIntroducetheprogrammodeltothefamilies.d. Amendprogramsystemsforenrollmentandrecruitment.e. Adjustprogramenrollmenttomatchbirthdaydeadlinesforentryintopreschool.f. Completeanenvironmentalassessmentandevaluateifequipmentandmaterialsneedto
bepurchased,oriftheclassroomspaceneedsalicenserevision.g. Providestaffdevelopmentopportunities,includingtimespentwithdifferentagegroups
ofchildren.h. Documentselectedmodelanditsimplementation.i. Implementatransitionplanforgraduallyorientingthechildintothenewclassroom
culturewithparentsinattendance.
J. EnglishLanguageLearners– ProgrammustidentifyEnglishLanguageLearnersatenrollmentandprovidestaffingandindividuallessonplanstomeettheneedsofEnglishLanguageLearners.
a. ProgramsmustdevelopacoordinatedapproachtosupportingEnglishLanguageLearnersthatincludes:whatplannedlanguageapproachwillbeusedintheclassrooms/homevisiting,howbilingualismandbiliteracywillbesupported,andhowinstructionwillbeindividualizedforchildren.
b. HS/EHS/CCP/PI:Ifthemajorityofchildreninaclassorhome-basedprogramspeakthesamelanguage,atleastoneclassstaffmemberorhomevisitormustspeakthatlanguage.
c. PFA:Bilingual/ESLServices.ChildrenwhoareeligibleforbilingualorESLservicesareclassifiedasELLs.IfaPFAprogramhasoneormoreELLs,thatprogrammusthaveanESL-orbilingual-endorsedteacherservingtheELLsandtoestablishapreschoolbilingualorESLprogram.TherequirementsforprovidingservicesforPFAchildrenwhoaredeterminedtobeELLsare:
i. Ifacenterhas20ormorechildrenwhohavethesamehomelanguageandaredeterminedtobeELLsbythePre-IPTOralTestthenthechildrenmusthaveELLservicesbyateacherwhohasboththePEL/ECEcertificationandthebilingualcertificationinthathomelanguage.TheteachermustofferlanguageandcontentinstructioninbothEnglishandthechild’shomelanguage.Inaddition,teachersmustalsoprovideESLservicestotheirELLsanduseappropriateELLstrategiesandsupportswhentheyteachinEnglish.
ii. Ifacenterhasfewerthan20childrenwhohavethesamehomelanguageandaredeterminedtobeELLsbythePre-IPTOralTest,thenthechildrenmusthaveESLservicesataminimumbyateacherwhohasboththePEL/ECEcertificationandtheESLendorsement.TheteacherwillberequiredtoteachallothersubjectsusingappropriateELLstrategiesandsupports.
iii. DeterminingChildELLstatus:1. Allfamiliesmustcompletethe HomeLanguageSurveyatenrollment.2. Ifafamilyanswersyestoanyquestion,theprogrammustadministerthe
Pre-IPTOralTest,anEnglishlanguageproficiencyscreener.
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ThePre-IPTOralTestmustbeadministeredbyappropriatelytrainedandcertifiedteacherwithin30daysoftheHSL/enrollment.TheresultofthePre-IPToralTestwillindicatewhetherthechildisconsideredanELL.
iv. ProgramsmusthaveadocumentedsystemforcollectedPre-IPTOralTestresultsatthebeginningoftheprogramyearanddeterminingthetypeofBilingual/ELservicesrequiredatthesite.
v. TheHLSandthePre-IPTOralTestshouldbedocumentedinthechild/familyfile.vi. Pre-IPTtrainingisonline:www.ballardtighetraining.com/iptinservice/.
K. UseofClassroom&TeachingAssessments--DFSSusesavarietyofclassroomandteachingassessmentstoevaluateCELprogramsandidentifyprofessionaldevelopment,training,andtechnicalassistanceneeds.Assessmentsmayinclude:
a. Age-appropriateCLASStoolsforallprograms.ThisincludestheCLASSforinfants,CLASSfortoddlers,andtheCLASSforPre-K.DFSSalsoprovidesCLASSassessorsforitsagenciesandensurestheyunderstandtherelationshipbetweenthecurriculumusedandCLASSscores,suchasthevarianceswhentheMontessoriapproachisused.
b. AgeappropriateEnvironmentalRatingsScalesforallprograms.ThisincludestheEarlyChildhoodEnvironmentalRatingScale,theInfant-ToddlerEnvironmentalRatingScale,theFamilyChildCareEnvironmentalRatingsScale,andtheSchool-AgedEnvironmentalRatingsScale.
c. ProgramAdministrationScale(PAS)d. Agenciesmayconducttheirownprogramevaluationsandassessmentsinadditionto
thoseconductedbyDFSSoritsagents.IfusingDFSSfunding,agenciesmustensureevaluatorsareinter-raterreliableandprovideDFSSwithresultstopreventduplicationofeffortanddata.
L. BehavioralConcerns—ExpulsionandSuspensionPolicya. Childrenmustnotbeexpelledorsuspendedunderanycircumstances.b. Agenciesmusthaveinplacepoliciesandprocedurestosupportchildrenwhoexhibit
challengingbehaviorandstaffwhoworkwiththem.c. AgencypoliciesshouldincludeclearguidelinesofwhentocontactitsDFSSmonitoring
staffaboutongoingbehavioralchallenges.d. Agencypoliciesmustincludethefollowingprocedurestoconformtostateandfederal
measurestoembedpositivebehavioralsupportstrategiesinallareasoftheprogram:i. Developwrittenproceduresandaplanofactionthataddresseschildbehaviors
usingpositivebehaviorinterventionsandsupports.Thementalhealthconsultantorotherprofessionalshouldbecontactedtohelpdeveloptheplans.
ii. Ensurethatrepeatedactsofchallengingbehavioraremonitoredandthatteachersareprovidedappropriateandmeaningfulsupportsandstrategies.
iii. Ensurefollowuptodeterminethefidelityofimplementationofplannedstrategies.
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iv. Aninter-disciplinarystaffingforthechildandfamilywillbeheldbeforefinaldecisionsaremadeaboutachild’scontinuedparticipationintheprogram.Theplandevelopedcanincludeattendancemodificationasastrategyandshouldincludeaplanforthechildtoreturntofulltimeparticipationornotesonthefeasibilityofthis.Theplanmayalsoincludearecommendationforshorttermexclusion(nolongerthanaweek)whileotherstrategiesorevaluationsarebeingimplemented.
v. Mentalhealthconsultant,families,andappropriatestaffshouldbeengagedtodevelopactionplansandsafetyplans.
vi. MakereferralsforIFSP/IEPotherservices,aswarrantedandappropriate.vii. Beforeanotherplacementisfound,theagencymustsendadocumentationof
allactionstakenandsupportgiventoitsDFSSliaisonontheassignedmonitoringteamforreview.Thedocumentationshouldclearlyindicatesupportsgiventothefamily.Ifthemonitoringteamorsupervisorhasconcernsabouttheextentofthedocumentation,adiscussionmayberequestedwiththeagency.
viii. Agenciesmustdocumentalleffortstakentoaddressissuesandassistthechildandfamilytoremainintheprogram.
ix. HS/EHS/CCPprogramsensureappropriatemeasuresweretakenforevaluation,documentationandimprovementforchildrenorclassroomswhoseattendancefellbelow85andmonitorthis.Aspartofitsconsultativemonitoringprocess,DFSSwillverifyattendancethroughregularreviewofmonthlyattendancereports.
M. FamilyEngagementinEducationServices--Parentandfamilyengagementiscenteredonbuildingrelationshipswithfamiliesthatsupportfamilywell-being,strongrelationshipsbetweenparents/guardiansandtheirchildren,andongoinglearninganddevelopmentforboth.Programsmustbestructuredtorecognizeparents’andguardians’rolesaschildren’slifelongeducatorsandtoencouragethemtoengageintheirchild’seducation.Agenciesshouldhavewrittenpoliciesandproceduresthatensurethat:
a. Theprogram’ssettingsareopentoparentsduringallprogramhours,andparentshaveaccesstotheirchild’sclassroomatalltimes.
b. Teachersregularlycommunicatewithparentstoensuretheyarewellinformedabouttheirchild’sroutines,activitiesandbehavior.
c. Allcommunicationsarerespectfulofthefamily’sbeliefs,valuesandculture,andstrengths-based.
d. Parentshavetheopportunity tolearnaboutandprovidefeedbackonselectedcurriculaandinstructionalmaterialsusedintheprogram.
e. Parentsandfamilymembershaveopportunitiestovolunteerintheclassandduringgroupactivitiesandoutings.
f. Teachersinformparentsaboutthepurposesofandtheresultsfromscreeningsandassessmentsanddiscusstheirchildren’sprogressduringparentconferencesandhomevisits.
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N. ParentConferences--Parentconferencesareavaluableopportunityforpersonalcontactandrelationshipbuildingwithfamilies.Thegoalofconferencesistoenhancestaffandparents’understandingoftheirchildren’seducationalanddevelopmentalprogressandknowledgeofprogramactivitiesanddevelopmentalexpectations.Programsmustfollowtheseguidelinesforparentconferences:
a. Conferencesmustbeheldasneeded,butnolessthanthreetimesperyearafteroutcomecheckpoints.
b. Conferencesmustbeofferedattimesthatareconvenientforparents.c. Sufficienttimemustbeallottedforparentinput,questions,andplanningfortheir
children’sdevelopmentalgoals.d. Anyinformationordatathatissharedmustbeexplainedandsharedinaformatthatis
understandableanduser-friendly.e. Parentsareprovidedwithinformationonhowtheycanhelptheirchildrenmeettheir
goalsandstaffasksfamiliesabouttheirobservationsoftheirchildrenathome,inordertogainaricherdevelopmentalpictureofeachchild.
O. HomeVisitsandDocumentation—Homevisitsareakeycomponentindevelopingtrusting,respectfulrelationshipswithfamiliesandaddressingtheirneedsandtheirchildren’sdevelopment.Homevisitsrequirementsmaybeindividualizedbyagencies,dependingonthefamilyneeds,culture,andpreferences:
a. Programsarestronglyencouragedtohavefamilysupportworkersaccompanyteachers,tostrengthenthedepthofthehomeschoolconnection.
b. Ifavisittoachild’shomeisnotanoptionbecauseoffactorssuchashomelessnessorextremesafetyconcerns,parentsandteachersmaymutuallyagreetomeetatanalternativelocation.
c. Thegoalsofeducationhomevisitsinclude:i. Engagingtheparentsinthechild’slearninganddevelopment.ii. Gaininginsightintoparent-childinteractions.iii. Identifyinglearningopportunitieswithinthehomeenvironment.iv. Gainingadeeperunderstandingofafamily’sculturalbeliefsandpractices.v. Betterunderstandingchildren’sdevelopmentandbehaviorinthecontextof
theirfamily,culture,anddailylife.d. DocumentationofhomevisitsforallprogramsshouldberecordedinCOPA.e. HS/EHS/CCP/PI-fundedcenter-based,school-based,andFCCHprogramoptions:Teachers
mustconductatleasttwohomevisitsperprogramyearforeachfamily,includingonebeforetheprogramyearbegins,iffeasible.
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7.ServicesforChildrenwithDisabilities
I. Definition
Thissectioncoverstheexpectationsforprovidingservicesandsupporttochildrenwithsuspectedandidentifieddisabilitiesandtheirfamilies.
II.ChicagoEarlyLearningStandards:
A. GeneralRequirements--InalignmentwithfederalIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA),thelawgoverningservicestochildrenwithdisabilities,allDFSSprogramsmustbeacceptingandinclusiveofallchildren,regardlessoftheirabilities.
a. Programsmustensurethatenrolledchildrenwithsuspectedandidentifieddisabilities andtheirfamiliesreceiveallapplicableservicesdeliveredintheleastrestrictiveenvironment.
b. UnderPartCofIDEA,theEarlyIntervention(EI)program,administeredbyIllinoisDepartmentofHumanServices(IDHS),isresponsiblefortheevaluationandprovisionsofservicestochildrenbirthtoagethree.ThepointofentryintotheEIprogramisthelocalChildandFamilyConnections(CFC)office.UnderPartBofIDEA,thelocaleducationagency(LEA),whichinChicagoistheChicagoPublicSchools(CPS),isresponsiblefortheevaluation,eligibilitydeterminationandprovisionofservicesforchildrenagesthreetofive.
c. Onanannualbasis,allprogramsmustdevelopacoordinatedapproachforthefullandeffectiveparticipationofallchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirfamilies,consistentwithsection504oftheRehabilitationActandtheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA).Thecoordinatedapproachmustincludeprovisionsforrecruitment,enrollment,screening,transitionandaccommodationthroughfacilities,materials,instruction,staffingandpartnerships.
B. Recruitment-- Allprogramsmustincludestrategiesforrecruitingchildrenwithdisabilitiesintheirannualrecruitmentplans.Recruitmentmaterialsmustindicatethatallchildren,includingthosewithdisabilities,arewelcomeinCELprograms.
C. EnrollmentofChildrenwithDisabilitiesa. Agenciesmustnotdenyenrollmenttoachildbasedonhisorherdisabilityoritsseverity.b. HS/EHS/CCP-fundedprogramsareresponsibleforensuringthatatleast10%oftheirtotal
fundedenrollmentslotsarefilledbychildreneligibleforservicesunderIDEA.TheDisabilitiesStatusReportTipSheet providesguidanceondocumentingandtrackingprogresstowardsmeeting10%enrollmentofchildrenwithdisabilitiesforeachgrant.
c. Inordertoenrollachildwithaneducationaldisabilityfromanover-incomefamily,theOverIncomeRequestFormmustbesubmittedtoDFSSforapproval(SeeERSEAsection).
d. Programsmustincludepreparationofstaffandparent/guardianfortheenrollmentofchildrenwithsuspectedoridentifieddisabilitiesunderIDEA,asdocumentedonanIFSPforchildrenfrombirthtoage3andonanIEPforchildrenages3to5.Bestpracticeshouldincludeapre-attendancemeetingwiththeparent/guardian(s),teacher(s),andagencystafftoidentifythechild’sspecificneedsandtoensuretheaccommodationsandmodificationsareinplacebeforethefirstdayofattendance.
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D. DevelopmentalScreening/ScoreInterpretation--SeeEducationSectionfordevelopmentalscreeningproceduresandscoreinterpretation.
E. ReferralProcessforEarlyIntervention(ChildrenBirthtoAgeThree)a. EarlyIntervention(EI)isresponsibleforthereferralsandevaluationsofchildrenfrom
birthupto45daysfromtheirthirdbirthday.Programsmust,withparent’s/guardian’sconsent,promptlyandappropriatelyreferthechildforaformalevaluationtoassesschildeligibilityforservicesunderIDEAassoonastheneedforreferralisevidentbasedonanyorallofthesefactors:ASQ-3andASQ:SE-2results,informalorformalobservations,medicalreports,riskfactors,orparent/guardianrequest.
b. Ifthechildismorethan45daysawayfromhis/herthirdbirthday,referthechildtoEarlyIntervention.Ifthechildis45daysorlessawayfromhis/herthirdbirthdayortheyarealreadythree,andtheidentifiedconcernsarenegativelyimpactingthechild’sorotherchildren’sabilitytolearnorparticipate,followthestepsforareferraltoChicagoPublicSchools(CPS)outlinedbelowinDisabilitiesSectionG.ReferralProcessforChicagoPublicSchools(ChildrenAgesThreetoFive).TheCPSreferralpacketisthensenttotheassignedCPS-DFSSSubjectMatterExpert(SME).
c. StepsforreferringachildtoEI:i. StarttheProceduresforReferraltoEarlyIntervention-BirthtoThreePrograms
form.Thisformshouldbeusedasguidethroughoutthereferralprocessandshouldbekeptinthechild’sdisabilityfile.
ii. COPADataEntry:1. Ensuretheresultsofthedevelopmentalandsocial-emotionalscreenings
foreachchildhavebeenenteredinCOPAunderthe“Developmental”tab.
2. Enterreferralinformationonthechild’s“Referral”tab.Besuretoselect“Disabilities”astheserviceareaforthereferral.
3. Enterthechildashavingasuspecteddisabilityonthechild’s“Disability”tab.
iii. Withinfivedaysoftheidentifiedneedforareferral,designatedagencystaffmustbeinformed.
iv. Priortomeetingwithparent/guardian,designatedstaffmustmeetforaninternalstaffingtoreviewscreeningresults,shareotherrelevantinformation,discussreferraloptions,andplanfortheScreeningReviewTeam(SRT)meetingwithparent/guardian.DesignatedstaffshouldalsodeterminewhichCFCservesthefamily,basedonthechild’shomezipcode.TheCityofChicagoisservedbyCFCs8,9,10,and11.
v. Within15daysoftheidentifiedneedforareferral,designatedstaffmustconveneaScreeningReviewTeam(SRT)meetingwiththeparent/guardianstodiscussscreeningresults,classroomobservations,child’sstrengths,parent/guardianrightsunderIDEA,theEIevaluationandeligibilityprocess,andtheprovisionofservices.Parent/guardiansneedtobeinformedthatservicesareprovidedinthenaturalenvironment,whichcanbeinthechild’shome,communitysetting,orearlychildhoodclassroom/FCCH.Itistheparent’s/guardians’preferenceastowhichofthenaturalenvironmentsischosenandcanbeacombinationofhomeandtheclassroom.
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1. Iftheparent/guardianagreestothereferral:a. Designatedstaffshouldsupporttheparent/guardiantocallthe
assignedCFCduringthemeeting.Ifthecallisnotmadeatthattimeandtheparent/guardianhasagreedtothereferralandsignedtheEarlyInterventionReferral&AuthorizationtoReleaseInformation,staffcancalltheCFCtoinitiatethereferral.ItisbesttocontacttheCFCtodeterminetheirpreferredmethodforreceivingreferrals.Thisformcanbemailed,faxed,oremailedtotheCFC.ItisrecommendedtocallbeforeandafterfaxinganydocumentstotheCFCtoensuretheyarereceived.Itisnotrequiredtosendscreenings,medicalreports,andobservationnotes,butthesemaybeincludedinthereferral,ifappropriate.
b. Designatedstaffwillcommunicatewithparent/guardiantoseeifCFChascontactedthemtoscheduletheevaluation.Ifparent/guardianhavenotbeencontactedwithin10daysofthereferral,staffwillassisttheparent/guardianincontactingtheCFC.
2. Ifparent/guardianchoosesnottohavethechildevaluatedbyEI:a. Theymustsignanddatethedeclinesectiononpage2ofthe
‘ProceduresforEarlyIntervention-BirthtoThreePrograms.’Agencystaffshouldcontinuetosupportthefamilyandchildandinformtheparent/guardianthattheymayrequestanEIevaluationupto45dayspriortothechild’sthirdbirthday.DesignatedstaffshouldcontinuetosupportEHS/PIteachersandhomevisitorsinmeetingthechild’sneeds.
3. Iftheparent/guardianrefusesthereferral,andtheagencywouldliketoconductfurtherobservationstosupporttheteachers,theymustacquireanagency-createdsignedconsentfromtheparent/guardian.
F. EarlyInterventionEligibilityandIFSPDevelopmentProcesses--Allprogramsshouldpartnerwithparent/guardiansthroughouttheformalEIevaluationprocess.
a. OncetheCFCreceivesthereferral,itwillassignaservicecoordinatorwhocontactsthefamilytoscheduleinitialintake,initialevaluationandIFSPmeetingconferences.Oftentheseconferencesareheldonthesameday.
b. TheCFCmustcompleteallevaluationsandIFSPeligibilitydeterminationswithin45calendardaysoftheinitialreferraldate.
c. EIinitialevaluationsareplay-based,usingstandardizedassessmenttools,andareconductedinthechild’snaturalenvironment,whichincludesthechild’shome,communitysetting,orearlychildhoodprogram.Itistheparent/guardian’sdecisionwhichlocationisusedfortheevaluation.
d. Withparent/guardian’sconsent,agencystaffpersons,includingthechild’sclassroomteacherorhomevisitor,arestronglyencouragedtoattendandactivelyparticipateintheEIconferences,includingtheIFSPmeeting,toprovidetheIFSPteamwithrelevantinformationfromscreenings,assessmentsandobservations.
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e. IfclassroomteacherorhomevisitorisunabletoattendanIFSPconference,itisrecommendedthattherebeaprocessinplacefortheresultstobedocumentedandsharedwiththeclassroomteacherorhomevisitor.
f. InordertobedeterminedeligibleforIFSPservices,achildmustmeetoneormoreofthefollowingeligibilitycategories;refertoEligibilityCriteriainIllinois.
i. Demonstratesthatalevelofdelayof30%orgreaterexistsinoneormoreofthefollowingareasofchildhooddevelopment,alsoknownasdomains:cognitive,physical(includingvisionandhearing),communication,socialoremotionaloradaptive,asconfirmedbyamultidisciplinaryteam.
ii. Isdiagnosedwithaneligiblemedicalormentalcondition.iii. Isatriskofsubstantialdevelopmentaldelay,basedoninformedclinicalopinion,
duetospecifiedriskfactorsasoutlinedbyIDHSintheireligibilitycriteria.g. IfthechildisfoundeligibleforIFSPservices,theagencyisrequiredtomaintainacopyof
theIFSPinthechild’sdisabilitiesfolderandshareitwithteachersforindividualization.Aparent/guardiansignedconsentisneededtoobtainacopyoftheIFSP.
h. PertheIFSP,theEIservicecoordinatorwillassigntheappropriateserviceproviderswithin30daysoftheIFSPmeeting.
i. IFSPserviceswillbeprovidedinthechild’snaturalenvironment,whichincludesthechild’shome,communitysetting,orearlychildhoodclassroomasmandatedbyPartCoftheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA).Ifservicesareprovidedwithintheearlychildhoodprogram,alleffortsshouldbemadetoworkwiththechildinsidetheclassroomwhereteacher,peers,andfamiliarclassroommaterialscanbeusedinthetherapeuticprocess.
j. IfIFSPservicesarebeingprovidedonsiteattheagency,programsarestronglyrecommendedtodevelopaprocessaroundwelcomingprovidersintotheircenters,checkingidentification,providingatherapysign-inloganddiscussingappropriatetherapytimes.
k. ProgramsareexpectedtopartnerwithEIproviderstointegratetherapystrategiesintoclassroomroutinesandencourageparent/guardianparticipation,wheneverpossible.
l. IfIFSPservicesarebeingprovidedoffsite,DFSSstronglyrecommendsthatagencystaffdevelopaprocesstoensureIFSPstrategiesandoutcomesaresharedwithteachingstafftobeincorporatedintolessonplans.
m. IfthechildisfoundeligibleforIFSPservicesandtheparent/guardiandeclines,staffmustdocumenttheparent/guardianrefusaldateandreasonforrefusalinCOPAunderthe“Disability”tab.Appropriateagencystaffshouldcontinuetosupporteducationstaffandhomevisitorsinmeetingthechild’sneeds.Withparent/guardianconsenttheagencyshouldseeksupportfromtheirDisabilitiesSME.
n. Staffshouldcontinuetohaveconversationswiththeparent/guardianaboutthechildreceivingIFSPservices.Iftheparent/guardianagrees,theparent/guardiancancontacttheCFCtoreopenthecaseandtheCFCwilldetermineifanewevaluationisnecessary.
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o. IfthechildisfoundineligibleforIFSPservices,theagencymustcontinuetosupportthechild’sneedsanddetermineifanotherreferraliswarrantedatthetimeofthenextdevelopmentalscreening.Appropriatestaffshouldcontinuetosupporteducationstaffandhomevisitorsinmeetingthechild’sneedsandwithparent/guardianconsentshouldseeksupportfromtheirDisabilitiesSME.Theprogrammustpartnerwithparent/guardiantohelpthefamilyaccessservicesandsupportsthroughthechild’shealthinsuranceorthroughsection504oftheRehabilitationAct.Whennoothersourcesoffundingareavailable(mustbedemonstrated),EHS/CCP/PI-fundedprogramsmayuseEHSprogramfundsforsuchservicesandsupports.
p. Duringtheevaluationandeligibilityprocess,programsmustprovideindividualizedservicesandsupportstothemaximumextentpossibletomeetthechild’sneeds.
G. ReferralProcessforChicagoPublicSchools(ChildrenAgesThreetoFive)-- UnderIDEA,CPSistheofficiallocaleducationagency(LEA)responsibleforevaluating,determiningeligibility,andprovidingservicesforchildrenwithdisabilities.Thefollowingproceduresapplytochildreninbothbirthtothree(45daysorlessbeforechild’sthirdbirthdayoralreadythree)andthreetofiveprograms.
a. Thereareseveralwaysinwhichchildren,agesthreetofive,areidentifiedasinneedofareferralforevaluationbyCPS.Theseinclude:
i. Developmentscreeningsii. Social-emotionalscreeningsiii. Parent/guardianand/orteacherconcernsiv. Pediatricianorotherprofessionalreferralv. EItransitionsbyCFCs
b. EHS/PI-fundedchildrenarereferredbytheDisabilitiesServiceCoordinatorwiththesupportoftheDFSSbirthtothreedisabilitiesSME(EriksonTeam).
i. AJointScreeningReferralConsentForm (JSRCF)iscompletedandemailedtotheCPSODLSSSchoolEntrySupportSpecialist(SESS)assignedtothechild’sCFC.TheJSRCFgivestheCPSSESScurrentcontactinformationfortheparent/guardianandconsentfortheprogramtocommunicatewithCPS.
ii. Observations,checklists,andothersupportingdocumentationshouldalsobesenttoprovidetheCPSassessmentteamwithinformationabouthowthechildisperformingintheclassroom.
iii. ProgramsmayrequestanindividualobservationbytheirDFSSbirthtothreedisabilitiesSMEtoincludeinthedocumentationwithparent/guardianapproval.Asignedparent/guardianconsentisrequiredforconductingindividualobservations.
iv. Withparent/guardian’sconsent,agenciesmayalsoincludeanyadditionalreports,suchasamedicaldiagnosticreport,thatmaynotbepartofthepacketsentbytheCFC.
c. Allotherchildrenagesthreetofivearereferredthroughthefollowingsteps:Assoonastheneedforreferralisevident,theagencymustholdaninternalstaffingandsubsequentScreeningReviewTeam(SRT)meetingwiththeparent/guardianstoreviewtheresults.Theindicationthatthereisaneedforreferralmustbebasedonanyorallofthefollowingfactors:ESI-Rscore,ASQ:SE-2results,informalorformalobservation(s),medicalreportsand/orparent/guardianrequest.
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d. Withtheparent/guardian’sconsent,theagencymustpromptlyreferthechildtoCPSforaformalevaluationtodetermineeligibilityforservicesunderIDEA.Thereferralproceduresareasfollows:
i. EnterreferralinformationintoCOPAonthechild’s“Referral”tab.Besuretoselect“Disabilities”astheserviceareaforreferral.Casenotesshouldbeenteredinanongoingmannerthatdocumentseachstepcompletedwithregardtothechild’sreferralprocess.Thechildshouldalsobeenteredashavingasuspecteddisabilityonthechild’s“Disability”tab.
ii. Withinfivedaysofidentifyinganeedforreferral,whichmaybedeterminedthroughascreeningoutcomeorotherindicationforreferral,theDisabilitiesServiceCoordinatormustholdaninternalstaffingwiththechild’sclassroomteacherandotherrelevantparticipantstodiscusstheresultsofthescreeningandanyotherpertinentinformationaboutthechild’shealthhistory,presentlevelsofperformance,aswellasidentifiedconcerns.Thisinternalstaffingisconductedinordertoprepareforameetingwiththechild’sparent/guardian(s).
iii. Within15daysofthescreeningoutcomeoranotherindicationoftheneedforareferral,theDisabilitiesServicesCoordinatorordesignee,theteacherandotherdesignatedstaffmustconveneaScreeningReviewTeam(SRT)meetingwiththeparent/guardian(s).TheSRTTeamshouldconsistoftheparent/guardian,appropriatestaff,andmentalhealthconsultant,ifappropriate.TheobjectiveoftheSRTmeetingistodiscusstheconcernsandcometoanunderstandingaboutthechild’sneeds.Therefore,themeetingshouldbeaconversationamongthestaffandparent/guardians,inwhichtheparent/guardians’inputissolicitedandrespected.Themeetingshouldconsistofthefollowingsteps:
1. TheProceduresforCPSReferralandServicesAgesThreetoFive formshouldbeusedasaguidethroughouttheSRTmeetingandreferralthroughservicesprocess.Thisformshouldbekeptinthechild’sdisabilityfolder.
2. Reviewandexplainthechild’sscreeningresultsandthedevelopmentalconcernsthatthechildisexhibiting.
3. Reviewteacher/staffobservations,assessments,andworksamplesfromtheclassroom,FCCH,orhomevisits.
4. Solicitparent/guardian’sconcernsandobservationsabouttheirchild’sdevelopment.
5. ExplaintheCPSreferral,evaluation,andeligibilityprocesses.6. ReviewtheIDEASummaryofParentRightsdocument,whichoutlines
theirrightsandresponsibilities;obtaintheirsignatureonthisdocumentandprovidetheparent/guardianwithacopy.
7. Assureparent/guardiansthatagencystaffwillsupportthemthroughouttheevaluationprocess,iftheychoosetopursueanevaluation.
8. Ifparent/guardianscomplete,date,andsigntheParentInvitationLetterform,agencystaffwillattendtheIEPconferencetoprovidesupport.
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e. Iftheparent/guardiansdeclinethereferraltoCPSforevaluation,theymustsignanddatethe“Decline”sectiononpagetwoofthe‘ProceduresforCPSReferralandServicesAgesThreetoFive’form.Staffshouldcontinuetosupportthefamilyandchild.Theparent/guardiansareinformedthattheymayrequestaCPSevaluationatanytimeinthefuture.Designatedstaffshouldcontinuetosupportteachersandhomevisitorsinmeetingthechild’sneedsandwithparent/guardianconsentcanseeksupportfromtheDisabilitiesSubjectMatterExpert(SME),agencyDisabilitiesCoordinatororotherdesignatedstaff,orassignedsocialworker.
f. Ifparent/guardiansagreetothereferral:i. The“JointScreening/Referral/ConsentForm(JSRCF)”iscompletedattheSRT
meetingbythedesignatedstaffandthenreviewedwiththeparent/guardian.Theparent/guardianmustsignanddatetheJSRCFinordertoproceedwiththereferral.
ii. Thedesignatedstaffcompilesalldocumentsforthereferralpacketaccordingtothe‘DFSS-CPSReferralPacketChecklist’formandemailsthescannedreferralpackettotheirassignedDisabilitiesSubjectMatterExpert(SME).Ifthechildmeetsthecriteriaforhomelessness,theagencyaddresscanbeusedontheJSRCF.
iii. TheDisabilitiesSubjectMatterExpert(SME)reviewsthescannedreferralpacketwithin72hoursofreceipt.Referralpacketsmissingdocumentationwillbereturnedtotheappropriateagencystaffviaemailidentifyingthecorrectionsneeded.
iv. Whenthereferralpacketiscomplete,theDisabilitiesSMEsubmitsitelectronicallytoCPSforregistrationandreferralintheCPSsystem.TheDisabilitiesSMEwillworkcloselywiththeagencytocommunicatethestatusofthechildintheCPSsystemandwilltakeanynecessaryfollowupsteps.TheDisabilitiesServiceCoordinatorordesigneewillworkwiththeparent/guardian(s)toensuretheircontactinformationiscurrent(i.e.,address,telephonenumber)andtheyreceivewrittenandphonecommunicationsfromCPSwithregardtoschedulingoftheevaluation.TheDisabilitiesServiceCoordinatorordesigneewillenterthechangestothechild’sreferralstatusontheChild’sCOPADisabilitiespageandwillalsocasenoteallstepscompletedintheprocess.
g. Iftheevaluationiswarranted,theCPS-DFSSDisabilitiesTeamwillcontacttheparent/guardianstosetuptheevaluationdate,timeandlocation.Programsshouldcommunicatewithparent/guardiansaboutthestatusofthechild’sevaluationmeetingsandcontacttheDisabilitiesSMEiftherearequestionsorconcerns.Ifthefamilyisunabletokeeptheirscheduledappointmentforevaluation,theparent/guardian(s)willcontacttheCPSCitywideAssessmentTeam(CAT)viatelephonetoinformthemofthisconcernassoonaspossible.ThetelephonenumbertocallisindicatedonthewrittenCPSNoticeofConference(NOC)thattheparent/guardian(s)receivesviaU.S.mail.
h. Iftheevaluationisunwarranted,theparent/guardianwillreceiveawrittennoticefromCPSviaU.S.mailwithin14calendardaysofthereferralstatingthattheevaluationisnotwarrantedandindicatingthereasonswhyitisnotwarranted.
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i. Agencyprogramstaff,specifically,theteacherandtheDisabilitiesServiceCoordinator,arestronglyencouragedtoattendtheeligibilitydeterminationmeeting,withtheparent/guardian’spermission.ItisrecommendedthattheteachermostfamiliarwiththechildattendtheIEPmeetingtoprovidecurrentinputaboutthechild’sdailyperformanceandthereasonforthereferral.TheDisabilitiesServiceCoordinatorshouldprovidesupporttotheparent/guardian(s)astheyadvocatefortheirchild.
H. CPSEvaluationProcess-- AtCPS,evaluationsarestreamlinedandconductedby theCPSCitywideAssessmentTeam(CATs).Theconsent/assessmentplan,consentforevaluation,evaluation,eligibilitydetermination,andIEPdevelopment,ifadisabilityhasbeenidentified,occursduringasinglevisitunlessare-conveningisdeemednecessary.
a. AssessmentPlan:Theconsent/assessmentplanisconductedtodeterminetheareasofconcernandassigntheappropriatecliniciansthatwillconducttheevaluations.
b. Consent:Onceconsent/assessmentplanningiscompletedandagreedupon,theparent/guardianmustsigntheCPSConsentforEvaluation form.CPSmustthencompleteallevaluations,eligibilitydetermination,anddeveloptheIEPwithin60schooldaysfromthedateofthesignedconsentform.TypicallyCPSwillconducttheevaluationonthesameday.
c. Evaluation:Theevaluationsarecompletedusingstandardizedassessmenttools,parent/guardianandteacherreports,andreviewofrecords.Iftheassessmentteamdeterminesthatthechildhasadisability,asdefinedbyoneofthe14categoriesunderIDEA,thechildwillbedeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesandanIEPmeetingwillbeheld.
d. IEPDevelopment:AnIndividualizedEducationPlan(IEP)isdevelopedforthechildbasedonthechild’suniquedevelopmentalneeds.
e. IfthechildisfoundeligibleforIEPservices,programstaffwhoattendedtheIEPmeetingshouldrequestapapercopyoftheIEPfromtheparent/guardianandretainitinthechild’sdisabilityfolder.parent/guardianshave10daystoacceptorrefuseservicesfromCPS.Copiesofachild’sIEPshouldremainconfidentialandshallnotbedisclosedtoanyotherperson,incompliancewithfederalandstatelawsandregulations,includingIDEAandFERPA.Agenciesmaydisclosepersonallyidentifiableinformationinastudent’seducationrecords,includingthestudent’sIEP,toagencyandDFSSstaffandserviceproviderswithlegitimateeducationalinterests.
f. IfthechildisfoundeligibleforIEPservicesandtheparent/guardiandeclinesIEPservices,agencystaffmustdocumenttheparent/guardianrefusaldateandreasonforrefusalinCOPA.Programsmustcontinuetosupportthefamilyandchildandinformtheparent/guardianthattheymayrequestanotherevaluationatanypointinthefuture.Designatedstaffshouldcontinuetosupporttheagencyteachersinmeetingthechild’sneedsandcanseeksupportfromtheDisabilitiesSubjectMatterExperts(SMEs).
g. Duringtheevaluationandeligibilityprocess,programsmustprovideindividualizedservicesandsupportstothemaximumextentpossibletomeetthechild’sneeds.
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I. CPSSchoolAssignmentsandTransportationServices--IftheIEPrequiresaCPSschoolassignment,theCPSschoolassignmentteamwillidentifytheschoolthatisclosesttothechild’shomeaddressthatcanimplementtheIEP.Aschoolassignmentletterwillbemailedtotheparent/guardianwithin14calendardaysinformingthemofthechild’sschoolassignment.parent/guardiansmustfollowtheinstructionsontheschoolassignmentlettertoenrolltheirchildattheassignedschoolwithin10daystopreventthelossoftheassignedseat.Programsshouldworkwithparent/guardianstoensurethattheyfollowthroughontheenrollmentoftheirchildintheassignedschool.
a. ChildrenwhoqualifyforaCPSschoolassignmentcanbeduallyenrolledinbothCELprogramsincommunity-basedsettingsandCPSschools.DisabilitiesCoordinatorsshouldinformparent/guardianstorequestahalf-dayschoolassignmentatCPS,iftheywishfortheirchildrentobeduallyenrolled.
b. IftheIEPrequirestransportationasarelatedservice,CPShasagreedtoprovidetwo-waytransportationtoandfromeitheracommunity-basedsettingorthechild’shomeforchildrenwhorequireIEPservicesinaninclusive(blended)orinstructionalmodel.TheCPS“PURPLEFORM”/BusStopChangeRequestforEligibleStudentswithDisabilities isonlytobecompletedwhenanIEPTeamhasdeterminedthatastudentwithdisabilitiesiseligiblefortransportationasarelatedserviceANDrequiresapickupand/ordropofflocationotherthanthestudent’shomeinorderforastudenttoreceiveaFreeAppropriatePublicEducation(FAPE).ThisformshouldbecompletedoncethechildisenrolledatCPS.TheprogramcanassistthefamiliesinexpeditingtheprocessbycompletingandprovidingthiscompletedformtotheCPScasemanager.
c. TheCPScasemanagerisresponsibleforrevisingtheIEPwiththeparent/guardians’permissiontoincludeaFAPE-basedstatementastowhythechildrequiresanalternatepickupand/ordropofffromthehomeinordertoaccessaFAPE.TheCPScasemanagershouldalsoincludethepick-upanddrop-offlocationsunderSection15(TransportationServices)oftheIEPandensurethataDistrictRepresentativehasapprovedthetransportationservices.
d. TheDisabilitiesServiceCoordinatorsordesigneeshouldworkwiththeschoolcasemanagertoensuretheschoolhasalltheinformationneededtobeginthechild’stransportationservices.Thismayincludehelpingtoobtainthechild’sphysicalmeasurementsofweightandheightinordertoreceiveanappropriatesafetyvestorcarseatforthechild’sbustransportation.
e. Ifanyissuesarisewithregardtochildrenaccessingtheirtransportationservicesthatcannotberesolvedbytheparent/guardianattheschoollevel,theDisabilitiesServiceCoordinatorshouldcontacttheDisabilitiesSMEfortechnicalassistanceandsupport.
J. AccesstoIEPServices-- Childrenmaybeplacedinahalf-dayorfull-dayclassroomatCPS.Ifthereareconcernsregardingachild’sclassroomplacement(e.g.halfdayversusfulldayplacement),programsshouldassistthefamiliesincontactingtheCPScasemanagerregardingtheseconcerns.
a. Ifthereareconcernsregardingachild’sschoolassignment,programsshouldsupportthefamiliesincontactingtheCPSSchoolAssignmentDepartmentMessageCenterat773-553-1847.TheSchoolAssignmentDepartmentwillresearchtheissueandrespondtothefamilyviatelephone.
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b. IfanyaccessissuesorquestionsarisethatcannotberesolvedattheschoollevelorviatheSchoolAssignmentDepartment,theDisabilitiesServiceCoordinatorordesigneeshouldcontacttheDisabilitiesSMEforassistance.TheSMEwillprovidetechnicalassistanceandsupporttoresolvetheseissuesinatimelymanner.
K. IfthechildisfoundineligibleforIEPservices,theagencymustcontinuetosupportthechild’sneedsanddetermineifanotherreferraliswarrantedatthetimeofthenextscreening.
a. Appropriatestaffshouldcontinuetosupporteducationstaffandhomevisitorsinmeetingthechild’sneedsandshouldseeksupportfromtheirDisabilitiesSMEandmonitoringteams.
b. Ifitisdeterminedthatthechildhasasignificantdelayinoneormoreareasofdevelopmentandwasfoundineligiblebecausethosedelaysdidnotresultinanadverseeffectonthechild’sabilitytolearn,theprogrammustpartnerwithparent/guardianstohelpthefamilyaccessservicesandsupportsthroughthechild’shealthinsuranceorthroughsection504oftheRehabilitationAct.
c. Whennoothersourcesoffundingareavailable(mustbedemonstrated),HS/PFA-fundedprogramsmayuseHSprogramfundsforsuchservicesandsupports.
L. IFSP/IEPImplementationSupportandIndividualization--Programsmustprovideanynecessarymodificationstothecurriculumand/oraccommodationstotheenvironmenttoensuretheindividualneedsofchildreneligibleforservicesunderIDEAaremetandtheyhaveaccesstoandcanfullyparticipateinthefullrangeofprogramactivitiesandservices.Agenciesshouldimplementthefollowingstrategiestosupportinclusivepracticesthroughouttheirprogram:
a. ForchildrenbirthtoagethreewithIFSP,workcloselywithEIproviderstoensure:i. Alleligibleservicesaredelivered,pertheirIFSP.ii. ChildrenareworkingtowardtheirIFSPoutcomes.iii. IFSPsarereviewedandrevisedontheappropriateschedule.iv. Servicesareprovidedinthechild’snaturalenvironmentchosenbythe
parent/guardianinaccordancewithPartCofIDEA.v. Documentmodifications,accommodationsandindividualizationstrategieson
lessonplans.vi. Appropriatestaffreviewthechild’sIFSPwithteachersannually,andasupdates
occur,toutilizeinindividualizationandacopyiskeptinthechild’seducationfileforreference.
vii. Ensureclassroomenvironmentsandmaterialsareorganizedandarrangedsoallchildrenhavefullaccessandareabletoparticipatealongsidetheirtypicallydevelopingpeers.
viii. Ensureclassroomsareequippedwithanyspecialadaptiveequipment,furnitureandmaterials.
ix. ThetransitionfromEItoLEAisplannedstartingthreemonthspriortothechild’sthirdbirthdayandimplemented.
b. ForchildrenagesthreetofivewithIEPs:i. Acopyofthechild’sIEPisobtainedwiththewrittenconsentofthe
parent/guardiantobereviewedwithpertinentagencystaff.ii. TheIEPdocumentisconfidential,filedintheDisability/Educationfolder,and
storedinalocked/securedcabinet.
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iii. DisabilitiesService/EducationCoordinatorsordesigneeshouldseektocollaboratewiththeCPSspecialeducationteamandrelatedserviceproviderstoensurethatservicesaredeliveredperachild’sIEP.IEPannualreviewsandserviceimplementationaretheresponsibilityofCPS,wherethestudenthasbeenassignedandenrolled.
iv. Teachers,incollaborationwithDisabilitiesandEducationCoordinators,shouldbeembeddingmodificationsandaccommodationsintolessonplansanddailyactivitiestoensurethechild’sfullparticipation,stayawareoftheIEPgoalsthechildisworkingtowardstoplanindividuallyforthatchild.Theclassroomteachershouldutilizethechild’sIEPtoplanandimplementeducationalactivitiesandtoensurethattheappropriateaccommodationsandmodificationsareinplacetosupportthechildinhis/hereducationalenvironment.Thecommunity-basedclassroomteacherisnotrequiredtodirectlyimplementthegoalsoftheIEP,however,considerationshouldbegiventothechild’sIEPgoalswhendevelopinglessonplansandplanningactivities.
v. Teachers,incollaborationwithDisabilitiesService/EducationCoordinatorsensureclassroomenvironments,activitiesandmaterialsareorganizedandplannedsoallchildrenhavefullaccessandareabletoparticipatealongsidetheirtypicallydevelopingpeers.
vi. Teachers,incollaborationwithDisabilitiesService/EducationCoordinatorsensureclassroomsareequippedwithanyspecialadaptiveequipment,furnitureandmaterials.
vii. EnsurethatdailyschedulesandstaffsupporttheneedsofthechildbyimplementingmodificationsandaccommodationsasindicatedontheIEPandassistwithaccessingCPStransportation.
M. Transitions--ProgramsmustplanandimplementtransitionservicesforchildrenwithIFSPsandIEPsandtheirfamiliestoensuresmoothtransitionsbetweenprogrammodelsandcontinuationofdisabilitiesservices,asneeded.
a. EarlyInterventiontoCPS--servicesendonachild’sthirdbirthdayandthechildistransitionedforanevaluationatthepublicschooltodetermineeligibilityforcontinuingservicesthroughearlychildhoodspecialeducation.
i. ChildandFamilyConnections(CFC),theagencythatprovidesEIinIllinois,sendsaCFCreferralpackettoCPSwithparent/guardianconsent.TheCFCreferralpacketincludesacopyoftheIFSPandthemostrecentevaluationfromtheCFCprovider(s).
ii. Theparent/guardianisthencontactedbyaCPSODLSSSchoolEntrySupportSpecialist(SESS)toscheduleanappointment.
iii. IncollaborationwiththeCFCs,DFSSagenciesmustsupportthetransitionprocessfromEItoCPSstartingwhenthechildis2years6monthsofagetoensuretheproperstepsareimplementedinatimelyandappropriatemanner.
iv. ThedeadlineforCPStocompletetheevaluationanddeterminethechild’seligibilityunderPartBofIDEA,ispriortothechild’sthirdbirthday.
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v. CFCEIServiceCoordinatorsandCPSODLSSSchoolEntrySupportSpecialistsareresponsibleforconveningatransitionmeetingwiththeparent/guardiantoexplaintheCPSevaluation,eligibility,andIEPdevelopmentprocess,anddiscussanyquestionsorconcernstheymayhave.Thistransitionmeetingistypicallyheldviaphone.DesignatedstaffpersonsarestronglyencouragedtoparticipateinthistransitionmeetingandmaintainclosecommunicationwiththeEIServiceCoordinatorandparent/guardianthroughouttheprocesstoensureasmoothtransition.
vi. Designatedstaffscheduleameetingwiththeparent/guardians/guardianstopreparefortheEItransitionandshouldalsoincludeteachers,providers,orhomevisitorstoreviewthechild’sIFSPprogressandensurethattheparent/guardians/guardiansunderstandthetransitionprocess.
vii. RefertotheEligibilityandIEPDevelopmentProcessforChildrenThreetoFiveinthissectionfortheremainingproceduresoncethechildisscheduledforanevaluationatCPS.
b. TransitionsfromHS/PFAtoKindergarten--Tosupportasuccessfultransitiontokindergarten,transitionstrategiesmustbeimplementedthroughouttheyearpriortokindergarten.Agenciesmustpartnerwithparent/guardians/guardianstoensurethattheyaresupportedinthefollowingareas:
i. UnderstandingkindergartenoptionsandinformationregardingenrollmentproceduresatCPS.
ii. Appropriatetransferofschoolrecords,includingacurrentcopyoftheIEPandanyotherdocumentationthatwillassistthekindergartentransition.
iii. ParticipationintransitionIEPmeetingconferences.iv. Providesupporttotheparent/guardianinrequestingIEPservicesattheir
assignedschool.
N. Confidentiality-- Incompliancewithfederalandstatelawsandregulations,includingIDEAandtheFamilyEducationRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA),IFSP/IEPsareconfidentialandmustbestoredinasecured/lockedlocation.IFSP/IEPscannotbedisclosedtonon-agencystaffwithoutsignedparent/guardianconsent.Agenciesmaydisclose“personallyidentifiableinformation”inastudent’seducationrecordstoagencyandDFSSstaffandserviceproviderswithlegitimateeducationalinterests.
a. ConsistentwithFERPA,agencieswill:i. ProtecttheconfidentialityoftheIFSP/IEPsatcollection,storage,disclosure,and
destructionstages.Copiescanbemaintainedinthechild’sdisability/educationfile.
ii. Protectanyinformationaboutthechild’sdisabilityortheserviceshe/shereceives;e.g.donotpostthisinformationonbulletinboards,lessonplansorsharethisinformationinpublicareas.
iii. EnsureallpersonscollectingorusingtheIFSP/IEPsreceivetrainingorinstructionregardingFERPArequirements.
iv. Ensurethatteachers,relatedserviceproviders,andotherswhotheagencydeterminestohavealegitimateeducationalinterestandwhoreceiveacopyoftheIFSP/IEPreturncopiesoftheIFSP/IEPattheendofeachprogramyeartotheagency.
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O. InteragencyAgreements– DFSSmaintainscitywide-interagencycollaborativeagreementswithEICFCsandamemorandumofagreement(MOA)withCPSODLSS.TheseagreementsarereviewedandrevisedasneededtoimproveservicedeliverytochildreneligibleforservicesunderIDEA,includingthereferralandevaluationprocess,provisionofservicesintheleastrestrictiveenvironment,andtransitionservices.Programsarestronglyencouragedtocreateandworkcollaborativelywithothercommunityagenciesthatserveandsupportchildrenwithsuspectedandidentifieddisabilitiesforrecruitment,stafftrainingandparent/guardianeducation.
P. FamiliesasAdvocates--Programsmustcontinuallypartnerwithparent/guardianofchildrenwithsuspectedandidentifieddisabilitiestoensuretheneedsoftheirchildrenarebeingmetbyprovidingparents/guardiansinformationandskillstobetterunderstandtheirchild’sdisabilityandsupportingthemtobecomeadvocatesfortheirchildren’seducationalneeds.
a. Agenciesmustsupportparent/guardianofchildrenwithsuspectedandidentifieddisabilitiesinthefollowingareas:
i. Accessingresources.ii. Understandingthereferral,evaluation,andservicetimelines.iii. ParticipatingineligibilityandIFSP/IEPdevelopment.iv. Understandingthepurposesandresultsofevaluationsandservicesprovided
underanIFSP/IEP.v. Ensuringtheirchildren’sstrengthsandneedsareidentifiedinandaddressed
throughanIFSP/IEP.vi. Accessingservicesandsupportsavailablethroughtheirchild’shealthinsurance
orotherentities.b. Resourcesforfamilies.
i. ISBEparent/guardianRightshttps://www.isbe.net/Pages/Special-Education-parent-Rights.aspx
ii. FamilyResourceCenteronDisabilities https://frcd.org/iii. ResourceCenterforAutismandDevelopmentalDelays
https://cfl.uic.edu/programs/resource-center-for-autism-and-developmental-delays/rcadd-services/
Q. ParaprofessionalSupport– HS-fundedprogramsreceivefundingforparaprofessionals. Paraprofessionalsareemployedfulltimetoserveasadditionalsupportinclassroomswithenrolledchildrenwithdisabilities.TheycanbeassignedtooneormoresitesbaseduponthenumberofchildrenwithIEPsandtheirspecificneeds.Theparaprofessionals’maingoalistoassisttheteacherinsupportingchildrenwithdisabilitiestoensuretheyareincludedinthefullrangeofprogramactivities. Incollaborationwiththeclassroomteacher,paraprofessionalsimplementaccommodationsandmodificationstotheenvironment,materials,activitiesandcurriculum,basedonchildren’sIEPs.
a. DFSS’expectationsforallparaprofessionalsareoutlinedintheDFSSParaprofessionalOrientationPacket. Someoftherolesandresponsibilitiesincludethefollowing:
i. AttendDFSSmonthlymandatorytraining.ii. Maintaincurrentprofessionaldocumentationrelatedtotheirposition,i.e.,
maintaina“DFSSParaprofessionalBinder”containingcurrentcertificatesandevidenceoftheirattendanceatDFSStrainings.Theinformationshouldbecurrentandthebindershouldbeaccessibleuponrequest.
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iii. Reinforcelearninginsmallgroupswhiletheteacherworkswithotherstudents.iv. Reinforcetheteacher’sinstructionbyfollowingtheteacher’sguidanceand
plannedactivities.v. Assisttheteacherwithclassroommanagement.vi. Assistinpreparationand/orproductionofinstructionalmaterials.vii. Assiststudentsincompletingactivitiesthathavebeeninitiatedbytheteacher.viii. Assistteacherinsupervisionoffreeplayactivities(indoorandoutdoor).ix. ParticipateinScreeningReviewTeam(SRT)meetingsforchildrenwith
suspecteddisabilitiesalongwiththeagency’sDisabilitiesServiceCoordinator(DSC)andclassroomteacherswithparent/guardianapprovalandwhendeemedappropriate.
x. Promotefullinclusionofchildrenwithdisabilities.xi. Assistthedelegateagencyandsitewithrecruitmentactivitiesasitrelatesto
recruitingchildrenwithdisabilities.b. TheDFSSParaprofessionalshouldnot:
i. Besolelyresponsibleforaclassroomoraprofessionalservice.ii. Beresponsibleforpreparinglessonplansandinitiatinginstruction.iii. Beusedasubstituteteacher.iv. Serveasanindividualaide.v. Beresponsibleforanyotherdutiesthatarenotrelatedtoclassroomactivities
(e.g.actingasthereceptionist,acookorfoodaide).vi. Beleftaloneatanytimeintheclassroomwithchildren.Inaccordancewith
licensingstandards,paraprofessionalsshouldnotbeleftalonewithchildrenatanytimeintheclassroom.
vii. Serveasbusaides.Theyshallnotridethebuswithstudents.Theycan,however,assistwithloadingchildrenontothebusandreceivingchildrenoffofthebuswhenthechildrenaretransportedtoandfromtheirCPSspecializedservices.
viii. Serveasadedicatedaideorexclusivepersonfortoileting,toothbrushingand/orcleaning.
ix. AssumetheroleoftheDisabilitiesServiceCoordinator(DSC)e.g.,incompilingreferralpackets,contactingCPSmanagers,participatinginIEPmeetingsasthesoleagencyrepresentative,screeningchildren,and/orenteringinformationintoCOPA)
x. EnterinformationintoTeachingStrategiesGoldAssessmentasthisistheteacher’sresponsibility
R. SubjectMatterExperts(SMEs)– DFSSmaintainssupportservicecontractstohelpagenciesmeetstandardsassociatedwithservicesforchildrenwithdisabilities. Agenciesshouldcontacttheirmonitoringteamand/ortheSMEstoaccesstrainingandtechnicalassistancefromtheSMEs.
S. ServiceswithDisabilitiesMonitoring– ProgramsareresponsibleforenteringandupdatingCOPAreportsandCOPAchildcasenotes.
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a. ThefollowingCOPAreportsareusedbyDFSSforinternalanalysesandmonitoringpurposes.DFSSrecommendsthesereportsbegeneratedbi-monthlytoensureadequateinternalmonitoring:
i. #411DisabilitiesStatusii. #451DisabilitiesReferralTrackingiii. #456DevelopmentalScreeningiv. #456SDevelopmentalScreeningStatisticsv. #459OverallReferralTracking(filteredfordisabilities)vi. #701:Transportationvii. #999:PIR
b. HS/EHS/CCP-fundedprogramsmustsubmittheDelegateAgencyDisabilitiesEnrollmentStatusReport formbythe10thofeachmonthtotheirDFSSSupportServiceCoordinatorforEducationandDisabilities,aswellastheagency’sassignedSubjectMatterExpert(SME)forDisabilities.
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I. Definition
Thehealthsectioncoversthepracticessupportiveoforconditionsrelatedtochildren’sphysicalanddentaldevelopmentandwell-beingandthemeansoftrackingthem.
II.ChicagoEarlyLearningStandards
A. GeneralRequirements– Physicalanddentalhealthandwell-beingarethecornerstoneofchilddevelopmentandanecessarycomponentofschool-readiness.Allprogramsshouldbuildcollaborativerelationshipswithparents/guardiansthatallowforongoingcommunicationaboutchildren’shealthandwell-beingandallowprogramstoconnectparents/guardianstoresourcesthatsupporttheirchildren’saswellastheirfamilies’physicalanddentalwell-being.
B. MedicalRequirementsa. WellBabyExamandPhysicalExaminationRequirements
i. Allinfantsandtoddlers(birthto36months)musthaveacomplete,up-to-datephysicalexaminationsignedanddatedbyaphysicianoranadvancepracticenurse(APN)priortoattendance.
1. TheexamsandscreeningmustbeperformedaccordingtotheEarly,PeriodicScreening,DiagnosisandTreatment(PSDT),AmericanAcademyofPediatrics,andtheStateofIllinoisLicensingStandardsforDayCareCenters.Forchildrenolderthan24months,thephysicalexaminationmustbecompletedwithinsix(6)monthspriortothechild’sactualattendanceintheprogram.
2. ChildrenunderthreeyearsofagemusthavethehearingandvisionportionoftheSystemReviewsectionoftheStateofIllinoisCertificateofChildHealthExaminationformattestingthatasassessmentofvisionandhearinghasbeendoneatthe6,12,and24monthinterval.
ii. Allpre-schoolaged(3to5)childrenenrolledinprogramsmusthavecomplete,up-to-datephysicalexaminationsignedanddatedbyaphysician,andadvancedpracticenurse(APN),oraphysicalassistant,priortoattendance.Tobecompleteandup-to-datethephysicalmustinclude:
1. Thename,addressandtelephonenumberofthepractitionermustbeincludedonthephysicalform,andtheprovider’sstampwiththisinformationmustbevisible.
2. InaccordancewiththeCityofChicago’sHealthRequirementsforChildCareCentersandtheIllinoisCertificateofChildHealthExaminationCode,thephysicalexaminationmustbecompletedwithinsix(6)monthspriortothechild’sactualattendanceintheprogram.
b. HealthHistoryRequirementi. TheHealthHistorysectionofthephysicalexaminationformmustbecompleted
andsignedbytheparentandreviewedbythesigninghealthcareprovider.ii. TheHealthHistorysectionofCOPAmustbecompletedforeachchild.iii. X
c. ImmunizationRequirement--Childrenmusthavetheminimumrequirementsofimmunizationsfortheirageatthefirstdayofattendance.Animmunizationrecordmust
8.HealthProgramServices
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a. xbeincludedinthephysicalexamandonfileatenrollment.i. Ifthechildisbetweentheagesof2monthsand11months,atleastone(1)of
eachofthefollowing:HepatitisB(HepB),Diphtheria,Tetanus,Pertussis(DTaP),InactivatedPolio(IPV),Pneumococcal13(PCV13)andHemophilusInfluenzatypeb(Hib).Theseimmunizationsmusthavebeengivenwithinthepast8weeks.
ii. Ifthechildis12monthsorolder,heorshemustadditionallyhave,inadditiontotheimmunizationslistedunder8.B.c.i,atleastone(1)ofeachofthefollowing:Measles,Mumps,Rubella(MMR)andVaricella(chickenpox).
iii. Thereafter,childrenmustobtainappropriatedosagesasrequiredforimmunizationsequencesinaccordancewiththeRecommendedChildhoodImmunizationScheduleapprovedbytheAdvisoryCommitteeinImmunizationPractices(ACIP),AmericanAcademyofPediatrics(AAP),andAmericanAcademyofFamilyPhysicians(AAFP).
iv. Aphysician’swrittenplanforadministeringtheremainingvaccinesshouldbekeptonfile.
v. Notethatthreeothervaccines(Influenza,HepatitisAandRotavirus)arenotrequired,butarerecommendedforchildreninout-of-homecaresuchasearlychildhoodprograms.Theinfluenzavaccinationisarecommendedvaccinationforallchildrenages6monthsandolder,accordingtotheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC).TwodosesofthehepatitisAvaccinesarerecommendedandmustalsobeadministeredatleastsixmonthsapart,beginningatoneyearofage.Aninitialdoseofrotavirus(RV)maybeadministered6weeksthrough14weeks,followedbyaseconddoseand,ifnecessary,thethirddoseby8monthsold.(TheRotavirusvaccineisnotrecommendedforchildrenolderthan8monthsold.)Foroneoftherotavirusvaccines,Rotarix,onlytwodosesarenecessary.
vi. Forchildrenwhosevaccinationsarebehind,startlate,orhavebeendelayedfortheirages,childrenmustbebrought,andkept,up-to-datefortheirages.CDCnotesthatavaccineseriesdoesnotneedtoberestarted,regardlessofthetimethathaselapsedbetweendoses.RefertoCDC’scatch-upschedulesandminimumintervalsdosesforchildren.
vii. ReligiousExemption:Obtainguidancefromappropriatestaffiftheparent/guardianinalicensedcenter-basedprogramhasareligiousexemptiontotheimmunizationrequirements.Parent/guardiansmustsubmittheIllinoisCertificateofReligiousExemptiontoRequiredImmunizationsand/orExaminationsform,completedbythephysician,asrequiredbylicensing.Acopyofthecertificatemustbekeptinthechild’sfile.Appropriateagencystaffshouldmeetwiththeparent/guardianaboutanyexemptionatleasteverysixmonths.
d. EPSDTScreeningsandRiskAssessmentRequirements-- Allprogramsmustobtainthefollowingscreeningspriortoattendance,typicallyaspartofrequiredphysicalorwell-babycheck,andannuallyfromthedateoftheinitialscreening:
i. Hemoglobinorhematocritscreeningforanemiariskstartingbetween6and12monthsold,andthenannually.Thelevelsofscreeningforchildrenatriskfor
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i. xanemiaareeither1)hematocritoflessthan33percent,or2)Hemoglobinoflessthan11.0gm/dl.Ifthescreeningdeterminesthatthechildisatrisk,followupmustoccur.
ii. Leadscreening,startingbetween6and12monthsoldandthenannually.Abloodlevelof5.0microgramsperdeciliter(mcg/dL)orgreaterisconsideredunsafeandrequiresfollow-up.
iii. Growthmeasurementsforallages,includingheightandweight,headcircumferenceforchildrenunderage24months.
iv. Bloodpressurebeginningat3yearsofage(interpretedbythehealthcareprovider).
v. Diabetesscreening(RiskAssessment)beginningatthreeyearsofage.vi. Subjectivehearingscreeningmustbeassessedandcompletedatthetimeof
(andbasedon)thephysicalexamination.Healthprovidersmustbecertifiedtoprovidedevelopmentallyappropriatescreeningforchildrenthreeyearsandolder,utilizingapuretoneaudiometerwithairconductionasmandatedbytheIllinoisDepartmentofPublicHealth(IDPH)regulations.
vii. Subjectivevisualacuityandstrabismusscreeningmustbedoneatthetimeofthephysicalexamination.HealthprovidersofchildrenthreeyearsandoldermustbecertifiedtoadministerdevelopmentallyappropriatescreeningsuchastheMichiganPreschooltest(TumblingE)orHOTVasmandatedbytheIDPHregulations.
e. VisionandHearingScreenings-- VisionandhearingscreeningmustbeplannedandimplementedtoensurethatallchildrenreceivescreeningsaccordingtotheEPSDTandIllinoisDepartmentofPublicHealthschedule.VisionandHearingscreeningsshouldbeadministeredbynursesorlicensedtechnicianscertifiedbytheIDPH.
i. Infantsandtoddlers(birthto36months):HearingandVisionscreeningsshouldbeconductedduringthebabywellcheckandwithin45daysofenrollmentintotheprogramforeveryEHS/CCPinfantandtoddlerandannuallyforallotherinfantsandtoddlers.Screeningsmustbeconductedannuallyforallreturningchildren.Childrenwhotransitionfrombirthtothreeprogramstopre-schoolprogramsmustobtainrequiredhearingandvisionscreeningwithin45daysoftheirtransition.
ii. Pre-school-agedchildren(age3-5):DFSSHearingandVisionTechnicianswillconductscreeningsonnewlyenrolledandreturningchildren.HSfundedchildren/programsmustbescreenedwithin45daysofenrollment.PFA/CCfundedchildrenmustbescreeningannually.ProgramsmustinformtheDFSSHearing&VisionTeamwhentheyenrollnewchildrenorunscreenedchildrentoarrangeforscreeningtomeetthe45-dayrequirementortomeetthescreeningwithintheprogramyearrequirement.
iii. Screeningswillbeconductedannuallyforallreturningchildren.iv. Childrenwhofailthescreeningsshouldbereferredtoaphysician(healthcare
provider)forfurtherassessment.v. TheHearingandVisionProcessforall3-5Programsisasfollows:
1. DFSSHearingandVisionTechswillcallagencies/sitestocoordinateascheduledscreeningdatewithin4-6weeks,inadvance,oftheinitialscreening.
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2. DFSSHearingandVisionTechswillcallagencies/sitestocoordinateascheduledscreeningdatewithin4-6weeks,inadvance,oftheinitial screening.
3. Ascreeningpacketwillbeprovidedtotheagencycontaining:aletterofnotificationofscreeningdate,classlist,instructionsonhowtoplaythepracticegame,healthcardconsenttoscreen,parentpostingofscreeningdate,andteacherconcernformnotifyingtechsofchildrenwithpotentialimpairments.
4. Ifthechildhasaknownhearingorvisionimpairment,documentationmustbecontainedinthechild’shealthfileforreviewandacopymustbeprovidedtotheassignedDFSStechnicianuponarrivalofscreening.
5. Ifthechildwearsglassesorhashearingaids,theDFSStechnicianwillfollowappropriateprocedurestochecktheglassesorhearingaids.AgencystaffwillrequestannualIDPHexaminationreportfromthechild’sparentand/ormedicalhome.
6. Agencymustensureparent/guardianconsentisobtainedbeforescreening.7. Classroomstaffshouldpracticeactivitiesinadvanceofthescreeningtohelp
preparechildrenforscreening.8. Afterinitialscreeninggiveparents/guardiansadvancednoticeandremindersfor
attendanceonthedatesofscreenings.9. Designatedagencystaffwillprovidewrittenresultsofscreeningto
parents/guardians.10. Staffwillexplainnextstepsforhearingorvisionresultsof“unable”or“fail/refer”
toparents/guardians.11. DFSSTechswillschedulearescreendateuponexittopickupanychildrenwho
wereabsentorunable/failtheinitialscreeningandnewlyenrolledchildren12. Childrenwhoreceiveareferralshouldbesenttothemedicalhomeforadditional
followup,asneeded.13. Agencywillfollowupwiththefamilyontheprogressofreferrals,monthlyor
untilcompleted.14. Date-stampallmedicaldocumentationwhenreceived.15. DocumentallresultsinCOPAwithin7daysofreceipt.
a. X
b . Xc. Xd . X
e. X
f. TuberculosisAssessmentRequirement– ATuberculosis(TB)Pediatric&AdolescentRiskAssessmentQuestionnaireisrequiredannuallybeginningatoneyearofagewiththephysicalexam.Thechild’shealthcareprovidermustadministertheTuberculosis(TB)Pediatric&AdolescentRiskAssessmentQuestionnaire.
i. ChildrendeterminedtobeathighriskforexposuretoTBwillberequiredtohavetheTSTortheTBbloodtest.
ii. ChildrendeterminedtobeatlowriskforexposuretoTBneednofurthertesting,asindicatedontheCertificateofChildHealthExamination form.
iii. Newpreschoolenrollees,includinginfant/toddlerchildrentransitioningintopre-schoolagedprograms,arerequiredtobeassessedforriskofTBexposureusingtheTBPediatric&AdolescentRiskAssessmentQuestionnaire.TheresultswillbeindicatedontheCertificateofChildHealthExaminationform.
g. HeightandWeight– Allprogramsarerequiredtoincludechildheightandweightasapartofthephysicalexamination,beforeenrollment.
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i. Xii. X
a. Xb . Xc. Xd . X
e. Xf. X
i. Forchildren2to5yearsold,twogrowthassessmentsarerequired.1. HeightandweightassessmentsmustbeplottedusingtheBodyMass
Indexchart(BMI2to20years)foundinCOPA.Thisfirstassessmentistakenfromthechild’sphysicalexaminationrecordatthebeginningoftheyear.Iftheheightandweightwerenotavailableontheexamreportfromthephysician,thenthesitestaffmusttakethesemeasurementsonsiteandrecordtheresultsinCOPAfor“priortoenrollment.”
2. OnsiteassessmentstakeplaceagaininFebruaryandMarchandchartedontheCOPAsystem.
3. Acopyofeachreportisplacedinthechild’shealthfolder.ii. Forchildrenundertwoyearsold,height,weight,andheadcircumferencemust
becompletedforeachchildpriortoenrollment.Theseassessmentsaretobeconductedandrecordedonthescheduleofthewell-babyvisits.
1. Theweightforage,heightforage,weightforheight,andheadcircumferencegraphsinCOPAistobeusedtoassessinfant/toddlergrowth.
2. Thechartsmustbeprintedandacopyplacedinthechild’shealthfolder.h. ScreeningResults-- Thenumericalresultsofthefollowingscreeningsarerequired:blood
pressure,hemoglobinorhematocrit,headcircumference,heightandweight,andleadscreening.
i. Theactualresultsornumericallevelsofscreeningmustbedocumentedonthephysicalexaminationform.
ii. Thefollowingscreeningresulttermsarenot acceptableandrequirefurtherdocumentation:Untestable/Notdone,Uncooperative/NotApplicable(N/A),Tooyoung/Incomplete,Noresults,Pending(resultsmustbeobtainedwithin45days).
iii. ProgramsmustdatestamptheStateofIllinoisCertificateofChildHealthExamination formwhenitisreceivedandplaceitinthechild’shealthrecord.
iv. COPAautomaticallydetermineswhetherachildisup-to-datewiththeperiodicityschedulebasedontheEPSDTrequirements(SeeCOPAReport406).
v. Follow-upforabnormalresultsisrequiredwithin45daysorbyadoctor’srecommendation.
A . xB . X
C. DentalHealthRequirements(HS/EHS/CCPfundedprogramsonly)a. Adentalexaminationbyadentistmustbeobtainedwithin45daysofenrollment,and
annuallythereafter,forchildrenage12monthsandolder.Thedentalexammaybenoolderthansixmonthsattimeofenrollment.
b. Dentalprophylaxis(cleaning)andfluoridearerequiredforchildrenagestwoyearsandolder.Underagetwo,thedentalprofessionalmaydetermineappropriatecare.
D. HealthCommunication&Collaboration– Allprogramsmustcollaboratewithparentsaspartnersinthehealthandwell-beingoftheirchildreninalinguisticallyandculturallyappropriatemannerandcommunicatewithparentsabouttheirchild'shealthneedsanddevelopmentconcernsinatimelyandeffectivemanner.
a. Priortoenrollment/attendanceifpossible,oratenrollment,programstaffshouldmeetwithparents/guardiansto:
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i. Reviewtheagency’spoliciesandproceduresforprovidingfirstaidandobtainingemergencycareandobtainwrittenauthorizationfromparents/guardianstoadministerfirstaidandobtaincriticalcareinanemergency.
ii. Discussthepurposeofandtheproceduresforadministeringhealthanddevelopmentalscreenings,includingvision,hearing,andgrowthscreenings.
iii. Obtainwrittenauthorization(consent)fromparents/guardians,asapplicable.Authorizationsforscreeningsmustbeobtainedbeforethescreeningsareconducted.
iv. Informparents/guardiansthatresultsofallscreeningswillbegiventothem,alongwithoptionsorrecommendationsforfurthercare.
v. Iftheparent/guardiangivesauthorization,staffdocumentstheconsentinCOPAandplacesthepaperauthorizationinthechild’sfile.
vi. Iftheparent/guardianrefusesauthorization,agencystaffwilldocumenttherefusalinCOPAandinformtheappropriateotherstaff.Iftheparentrefusestosignanauthorizationformforanyhealth-relatedscreenings(hearingandvision,healthservices,otherdevelopmentalscreenings),staffwillprovideeducationtoparents/guardiansaboutthebenefitsofthescreeningandinformthemthattheywillbeaskedagaininthreemonthstoseeiftheywillgiveauthorizationatthattime.
b. MedicalHome&insurancei. Allchildrenmusthaveamedicalhome,dentalhome,andhealthinsurancethat
willallowthefamilytoaccessappropriatemedicalanddentalcareforthechild.Thismeansthatthechildwillhavearegular,identifiedpediatrician,dentist,andhealthinsurance,thatisdocumentedinCOPA.WhilePFA/PIchildrenarenotrequiredtohaveamedicalhome,dentalhome,orinsurance,itisconsideredbestpracticetodocumenttheservicesthefamilyandchilddoeshaveandmakereferralsforthemtoobtaininsuranceandanongoingsourceofcare.
ii. Duringin-takeorwithin30daysofenrollment,programstaffwillmeetwiththeparents/guardianstoaccomplishseveralobjectives:
1. CollectanddocumentinCOPAinformationaboutthechild’smedicalhomeanddentalhome,includingprovidernames,andthetypeofmedicalinsurancethefamilyhas.Seeproceduresbelowforreferralsifthechilddoesnothaveamedicalhome,dentalhome,ormedicalinsurance.Ifthefamilydoesnothaveausualsourceofmedicalhome,dentalhome,orhealthinsurance,agencystaffwill:
a. Refertheparent/guardiantoMedicaid,AllKids,orotherinsurancecarriers,asappropriate.
b. Assistthefamilytoaccesslistsofmedicalanddentalprovidersthatareintheirinsurancecoverageplans.ThismayincludehelpingthefamilytoaccesshelpthroughGetCoveredIllinois.
c. Checkwiththefamilyonprogressforobtainingmedicalinsurance,medicalhome,anddentalhomemonthlyuntilobtained.
d. Developgoalswithfamiliesrelatedtohealth,asappropriate.e. Documentgoalsand/orreferrals/servicesinCOPA,aspartofthe
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e. xFamilyPartnershipAgreement(FPA)/IndividualizedFamilyGoalPlan(IFGP)process(seeFCE12.E-F).
f. DocumenttheinformationinCOPAwhenthefamilydoesobtainamedicalhome,dentalhome,ormedicalinsuranceafterenrollment.
g. Provideresourcesformedicalhomesanddentalhomesifthechild/familyisnoteligibleformedicalinsurance,includingusingprogramfundstopayforneededmedicalordentalservices.
h. Conductaninterviewwiththeparent/guardianusingtheCOPAHealthHistoryandNutritionAssessment.SeetheNutritionsectionofthismanualforconductingtheDFSSInfant/ToddlerNutritionAssessment.
i. Asktheparent/guardiantoindicateanysafetyorspecialneeds,includingmedical,dental,mentalhealth,disabilities,ormedicationrequirements.
j. Informotherappropriateagencystaffofthesesafetyorspecialneeds.
E. OngoingHealth-relatedRequirementsforAllProgramsa. AnnualPhysicals-- EnsuringtheChild’sHealthStatusisUp-to-Date
i. Childrenmusthaveanannualphysicalthatincludesanup-to-datescheduleofage-appropriatepreventiveandprimarymedicalandoralhealthcareandimmunizations.ProgramsshouldreviewthehealthscreeninginformationinCOPAmonthlytoensureitisaccurateandup-to-dateandtomakeplansforfollowupcaresteps.
ii. ForcenterslicensedbyIDCFS,theIDHS/IDCFSCertificateofChildHealthExaminationmustbenoolderthansixmonths,unlessthechildistransferringfromanotherDCFS-licensedcenter-basedprogram,inwhichcaseanoriginalphysicalexamfromthepreviouscentercanbeusedifitislessthanoneyearold.
iii. ForDCFS-licensedfamilychildcarehomes,thephysicalexammustbenoolderthansix(6)months.
b . X
iv. CPSschool-basedhealthcenters,CDPHclinics,andotherresourcesareavailableandshouldbeusedtosecurechildren’sscreeningsandkeepthemup-to-dateontheirhealthstatusschedules.
v. COPAreport#406shouldbeusedbyprogramstomonitorongoinghealthrequirements.
vi. DFSSwillpostcurrenthealthrequirementsguidanceandchanges,withdetailedinformationaboutcompleteandup-to-datephysicalexams,healthscreenings,andimmunizations,onitswebsiteanddistributenotificationtoagenciessotheycanreviewtheirownproceduresandrevise,asneeded.
b. OngoingCare-- Toensurethanchildrenremainup-to-dateonascheduleofage-appropriatepreventiveandprimarymedicalanddentalhealthcare,designated/appropriateagencystaffshould:
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i. Developareminderscheduleforallmedicalexams,healthscreenings,dentalexams,andimmunizations,accordingtothechild’sageandtheCELShealthrequirements.
ii. Giveparents/guardianswrittenadvancednoticeofrenewalsneeded.Additionalverbalnoticemayalsobegiven.
iii. Informparents/guardiansofinfantsandtoddlersofthewell-childexamandimmunizationscheduleduringtheenrollmentprocess.
iv. Provideresourcesandreferralswhenfamiliesencounterchallengesinmeetingtherenewalrequirements.
v. Placecopiesofremindernoticesinthechild’sfile.vi. DocumenteffortstoobtainrenewalsinCOPA.vii. Date-stampallmedicaldocumentationwhenreceived.viii. Whenrenewalsarereceived,documentinCOPAwithin30daysofreceipt.ix. Inviteparents/guardianstoshareobservationsofthechild’sstrengths,interests,
andneedsduringhomevisitsandparentconferences.x. Provideinformationaboutmedical,dental,hearing,orvisionresultsthatmay
indicateaneedforfurtherevaluation.xi. Obtainguidancefromtheagencyleadershipordesigneeswhen
parents/guardiansorstaffhaveconcernsaboutachild’shealth,growth,ordevelopment.
xii. Anyneworrecurringconcernwillbedocumentedandfollowupprovided.c. ExtendedFollowUpCare-- Allprogramswillensurethatchildrenwhohavehealth
conditionswillreceiveappropriatefollow-upcare.Designated/appropriateagencystaffwill:
i. Followuponchildrenwith“unable”or“fail/refer”visionorhearingscreeningsorany“abnormal”resultsonhealthscreeningsaccordingtothecurrentDFSSannualhealthrequirementsguidance.
ii. DocumenteffortsinCOPA.iii. Date-stampallmedicaldocumentationcopieswhenreceived.iv. DocumentnewresultsinCOPAwithin30days.
d. Forchildrenwithspecialmedicalconditionsorneededfollowup:i. Programsmusthaveaspecialcareplanforchildrenwithhealthconditions
requiringspecialmanagementoraccommodationduringprogramhours.1. Thecaremustbeadministeredasrequiredbyaphysician,subjectto
receiptofappropriatereleasesfromtheparent/guardian.2. Medicalconsultationshallbeavailabletothestaff,asneededforthe
healthandmedicalneedsofthechildrenserved.ii. Toensurethatthespecialcareplanmeetstheneedsofthechildren,
designated/appropriateagencystaffwill:1. Involveparent/guardianandchild’shealthcareproviderinthe
developmentoftheplan.2. Ensureallappropriatestaffreviewtheplanandreceiveappropriate
informationandtrainingintheimplementationoftheplan.3. Supportappropriatestafftoassistparents/guardiansinobtaining
resourcestocarryoutplan.
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A . X
B . XC . XD . XE. X
F. TeethBrushing/OralHealthPractices-- DFSSpromoteseffectiveoralhygienebecausetoothdecayispreventableandisthemostcommondiseaseinchildren.Programswilluseacomprehensivesystemofhealtheducationandcarethatincludestoothbrushingforallchildrenthathaveteeth.
a. Childrenmustbrushtheirteethatleastonceperday.Toothbrushingshouldincludemeaningfulteacher-childinteractionsfollowingCLASSguidanceforinteractions,transitions,andclassroomorganization.
b. Programswillexecuteanintentionalfamilyhealtheducationprogramthatincludesastronghometoschoolconnectiontoestablishadentalhomeforthefamily,goodoralhygieneathome,andoralhygieneeducation,includingtheconnectionbetweenoralandgeneralhealth.
c. Programswillexecuteanoralhealthprogramthatincludeswipinggumswithoralhygienegumwipes.
G. ShortTermExclusionofChildren-- AllprogramswillfollowIDCFSlicensingandIDPH/ChicagoDepartmentofPublicHealth(CDPH)rulesandguidanceforexcludingchildrenshorttermduetosymptomsofillness.
a. Everyagencymusthavepoliciesandproceduresinplaceforaddressingsuchevents.ProceduresmustincludereportingsucheventstoDFSSupontheiroccurrenceandtoCDPHasguidedbythatagency.
b. PerIDCFSlicensingstandards,center-basedchildrenshallbescreeneddailyuponarrivaldailyforanyobvioussignsofillness. Ifsymptomsofillnessarepresent,staffshalldeterminewhethertheyareabletocareforthechildsafely,basedontheapparentdegreeofillness,otherchildrenpresent,andfacilitiesavailabletocarefortheillchild.
c. Childrenwithdiarrheaandthosewitharashcombinedwithfever(oraltemperatureof101ºForhigherorunderthearmtemperatureof100ºForhigher)shallnotbeadmittedtothecenterwhilethosesymptomspersistandshallberemovedassoonaspossibleshouldthesesymptomsdevelopwhilethechildisincare.
d. Childrenneednotbeexcludedforaminorillnessunlessanyofthefollowingexists,inwhichcaseexclusionfromthecenterisrequired:
i. Illnessthatpreventsthechildfromparticipatingcomfortablyinprogramactivities.ii. Illnessthatcallsforgreatercarethanthestaffcanprovidewithoutcompromising
thehealthandsafetyofotherchildren.iii. Feverwithbehaviorchangeorsymptomsofillness.iv. Unusuallethargy,irritability,persistentcrying,difficultybreathingorothersignsof
possiblesevereillness.v. Diarrhea.vi. Vomitingtwoormoretimesintheprevious24hours,unlessthevomitingis
determinedtobeduetoanon-communicableconditionandthechildisnotindangerofdehydration.
vii. Mouthsoresassociatedwiththechild'sinabilitytocontrolhisorhersaliva,untilthechild'sphysiciandocumentsthatthechildisnoninfectious.
viii. Rashwithfeverorbehaviorchange,unlessaphysicianhasdeterminedtheillnesstobenon-communicable.
ix. Purulentconjunctivitis,until24hoursaftertreatmenthasbeeninitiated.x. Impetigo,until24hoursaftertreatmenthasbeeninitiated.
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xi. Strepthroat(streptococcalpharyngitis),until24hoursaftertreatmenthasbeeninitiatedanduntilthechildhasbeenwithoutfeverfor24hours.
xii. Headlice,untilthemorningafterthefirsttreatment.xiii. Scabies,untilthemorningafterthefirsttreatment.xiv. Chickenpox(varicella),untilatleast6daysafteronsetofrash.xv. Whoopingcough(pertussis),until5daysofantibiotictreatmenthavebeen
completed.xvi. Mumps,untilninedaysafteronsetofparotidglandswelling.xvii. Measles,untilfourdaysafterdisappearanceoftherash.xviii. Anyothersymptomsthatmaybeindicativeofoneoftheserious,
communicablediseasesidentifiedintheIDPHControlofCommunicableDiseasesCode(77Ill.Adm.Code690).
A . x
B . XC . XD . X
E. XF. XG . X
H. HealthServicesAdvisoryCommitteesa. HS/EHS/CCPagenciesmustestablishaHealthServicesAdvisoryCommittee(HSAC).The
purposeoftheHSACistoadvisetheprogramonhealth-relatedpoliciesandplans,includingaddressingthe healthissuesaffectingtheagencyanditsfamilies.TheHSACmust:
i. Consistofparents,medicalanddentalprofessionals,andastaffcoordinator.Additionalmedicalprofessionalsandvolunteersfromlocalhealthinstitutionsmayalsoparticipateinthecommittee.
ii. MeetatleastonceannuallybeforethemonthofJune.iii. Alistofmembersandthedate(s)ofmeeting(s)mustbecompletedusingthe
AgencyHealthAdvisoryForm.TheformmustbesignedbyaBoardrepresentative,executive/programdirector,andthePolicyCommitteerepresentativeandsubmittedtotheprogram’smonitoringteam.
b. PFA/PIagenciesmayparticipateintheDFSSgrantee-levelHSAC.
I. Postings-- Allprogrammusthangthefollowingposters:a. ChokingHazardsb. EmergencyNumbersc. FirstAidforDentalemergenciesd. GlovingPostere. HandwashingPosterf. TipSheetg. Handwashingprocedureh. Diaperingi. MandatedReporterj. NoSmokingk. NoDrugsl. NoAlcoholm. NoWeaponsn. Putthestopsigndailyhealthchecko. WeatherWatch
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i. XA . XB . X
C . XD . XE. X
F. XG . XH . XI. X
a. Xb . X
J. FiscalRequirementstosupporttheprogram:a. HS/EHS/CCPfundedprogramsmustprovidediapersforenrolledEHS/CCPchildrenduring
theprogramday.b. HS/EHS/CCPfundedprogramsmayuseHS/EHS/CCPfundingtoprovideneededmedical
ordentalservicesforenrolledchildrenifallotherresourceshavebeenexhausted.Programsshouldbudgetthesefunds,lookingatthelastthreeyearsofexpendituresfortheseusesastrends
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I. Definition
Mentalhealthreferstothepracticesandconditionsrequiredtosupportchildren,familyandstaffsocialandemotionalwell-beingandpromotehealthyrelationshipsthatarethefoundationsofchildren’slearning.Mentalhealthservicesaredesignedtoassistchildrenintheiremotional,cognitiveandsocialdevelopment,towardanoverallgoalofsocialcompetenceandschoolreadiness.
II.ChicagoEarlyLearningStandards
A. GeneralRequirements– Allprogramsshouldcultivateanagency-wideculturethatpromoteschild,family,andstaffwell-beinginallprogramcomponentsandlevels,includingtheclassroom,handbooks,meetings,discussiongroups,familyassessments,andhomevisits.Suchacultureincludesanenvironmentofmutualrespectamongstaffandfamilythatwelcomesandsupportsdiversecultures,languages,traditions,andexperiences;thatstrivestobuildlong-term,stablerelationshipswithstaff,families,andcommunity;andthatprovidesaccesstoresourcesthatsupportchild,family,andstaffemotionalandphysicalwell-being.
B. Mentalhealthservicesareanintegralpartoftheearlychildhooddevelopmentandhealthservicesprogramsthatprovidedirectsupporttochildren,parentsandstaff.Mentalhealthservicesshouldbedesignedto
a. Assistchildrenintheiremotional,cognitive,andsocialdevelopment,towardanoverallgoalofsocialcompetenceandschoolreadinessandidentifyproblemsthatmayinterferewiththedevelopmentthereof.
b. AssistparentsandstaffandcaregiversindevelopingpositiveattitudestowardMentalHealthservicesandinacquiringthenecessaryskillsandknowledgetounderstandandtodealmoreeffectivelywithcommondevelopmentandbehaviorproblemsseeninchildren.
c. Providestaff/caregiversandparentswithanunderstandingofchildgrowthanddevelopment,anappreciationofindividualaswellascultural/ethnicdifferences,andtheneedforasupportiveenvironment.
d. Provideforprevention,earlyidentification,andinterventionofproblemsthatmayinterferewithchildandfamilysocialfunctioning/relationships.
e. Supportparents,staff,caregivers,andchildreninimplementingthegoalsoftheIndividualEducationProgram(IEP)orIndividualFamilyServicePlan(IFSP).
f. Providechildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirfamilieswiththementalhealthsupportiveservicestoensurethatthechildrenandfamiliesachievethefullbenefitsofparticipationintheprogram.
g. Provideassistanceandinterventiontofamiliesincrisis.h. Provideassistanceandinterventiontostaffincrisis.
C. MentalHealthServicesPlan--Programsmustdesignandimplementanannualmentalhealthservicesplaninconsultationwithaconsultantfromamentalhealthprovider.Theplanmustinclude:
a. InitialPlanningSession–i. Aplanningsessionmustoccurbetweenthementalhealthproviderandthe
9.MentalHealthServices
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i. xagencystaffpriortorenderingofservices.Thepurposeofthisintroductorysessionisto:
1. Establishtherelationshipbetweentheconsultantfromtheprovideragencyandtheagencystaff.
2. Discussandidentifythementalhealthserviceneedsoftheprogramanditschildrenandfamilies.
3. Plantheannualscheduleofmentalhealthrelatedactivitiesforchildren,families,andstaff,includingparentorientationandmentalhealth/emotionalwellnessworkshopsforparents
a. Orientationandworkshopsshouldbeconductedintheparentbody’smajoritylanguage.Interpretationserviceswillnotbereimbursed.Simultaneousinterpretationispermitted.
4. Outlinethereferralprocessforchildrensuspected/identifiedashavingspecialsocial/emotionalormentalhealthneeds.
5. Outlinethestrategiesforworkingwithchildrenwithchallengingbehaviors.
ii. Thesessionistooccurnolaterthan60daysofthestartoftheprogramyearandshouldincludeatleasttwoparentrepresentativesfromtheparentcommittee.
iii. Duringtheplanningsession,theMentalHealthActivityRecord(DFSS2569A)istobecompletedthatincludes/showshowandwhenthementalhealthservicesplanwillbeimplemented.
iv. Duringtheplanningsession,theParentMentalHealthActivityRecord(DFSS2569B)istobecompletedandsignedbytheappropriateagencystaff,theconsultant,andthetwoparentrepresentatives.ThesignedParentMentalHealthActivityRecord(DFSS2569B)shouldbepostedontheparentbulletinboard.
b. ParentOrientation--AnorientationtomentalhealthservicessessionmustbeconductedforfamiliesbytheendofOctober.Thesessionmustincludeadiscussionofand/orinformationon:
i. Emotionalwellness,mentalhealthservicesanddisabilities.ii. Thesortsofinterpersonal,behavioral,orotherproblemsthatchildrenand
familiesmayreceiveareferralforindividualconsultationfor.iii. Thereferralprocessforindividualconsultationservicesforchildrenand
families.iv. Theavailabilityofandhowtoaccessresourcesinthecommunity.v. Developmentalscreenings.vi. EarlyInterventionandCPSreferralprocessforchildrenwithspecialneeds
and/ordisabilities.vii. Topicsforfutureparentworkshopsrelatedtomentalhealthandemotional-
wellness.Parentsshouldmakerecommendationsforfutureworkshops.c. ParentandStaffEducation/Training
i. Thementalhealthprovidershouldprovideeducationandinformationtostaffandparentsonthefollowingtopicsandothers,asdeterminedbytheagencyxandcommunityneed:
1. Purposeofthescreeningprocessandresults
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2. Understandingchangesindevelopmentalstages,typicalandatypicaldevelopment
3. Childobservations4. Appropriatedevelopmentalguidance5. Aggression/otherexternalizingbehaviorsandwithdrawal/other
internalizingbehaviors6. Themeaningofmentalwellness7. Copingwithstress8. Limit-setting,disciplines,andfamilydynamics9. Languageandliteracydevelopment10. Dealingwithviolenceinthehomeandinthecommunity11. Earlydetection,identification,andfollow-upofspecialneedsinyoung
children12. Recognizingdisabilitiesinyoungchildren13. Problemsolving,friendshipskill,emotionalmanagement,andcopingwith
anger14. Stagesoflearning,teaching,andembeddingopportunitiesforsocial-
emotionalskilldevelopmentii. Thiseducationandinformationmaybedeliveredthroughavarietyofmethods,
includingbutnotlimitedtodiscussiongroups,meetings,trainings,workshops,andinformationalmaterials/newsletters,basedonresourcesandtheneedsoftheorganizationandtargetaudience.
d. GeneralClassroomObservationandConsultation/Feedbacki. MentalHealthconsultantsmustprovidegeneralclassroom/childobservationsfor
infants,toddlers,andpreschoolersasneeded.ii. Aftereachobservationtheremustbeconsultations,discussionsorstaffingwiththe
teacher,networkcoordinator,home-visitor,and/orcaregivertoreviewtheresults,discussconcerns,anddevelopplansfortherestoftheyear.
iii. Reportsontheclassroom/childobservationshouldinclude,butarenotlimitedto,thefollowinginformation:
1. Center/familychildcarehomeorclassroom/groupculturesandatmosphere,includingwhenpossibledynamicsandinteractionsbetweencaregiverandchildandtheirfamilies,parentandchild,teacherandchildren,childrenwitheachotherandingroups,andadultswitheachother.
2. Practicalsuggestionsandstrategiesformanagingtheclassroom,group,FCCH,orhome.Thesesuggestionsandstrategiesmustaddresshowtobuildonthestrengthsofchildrenandtheirfamiliesaswellassupportchildrenwhomayappearanxious,displayaggression,arewithdrawn,orpresentsensoryconcerns.Inaddition,thereportmustaddresshoetofosterappropriateinteractionsbetweenchildrenandadultcaregiversandprovideanoverallassessmentoftheobservation.
3. Iftheconsultantsuspectspossiblechildabuseandneglect,thentheconsultantismandatedtoreportthesuspectedabuse/neglecttotheIDCFShotline(1-800-25-ABUSE).
4. Consultantsarerequiredtoassistinformulatingaplanofactionbasedon
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4 . xtherecommendationsand/orsuggestionsmadetoteachers,homevisitors,andcaregivers.Theplanmustbespecifictoaddressindividualaswellasclassroom/groupneeds,classroomstrategiesformanagingbehaviorandsupportingsocial-emotionaldevelopment,andactivitiestobeimplementedaswellastimetablesforcompletion.Childreninneedoffurtherindividualobservationmaybeidentifiedatthistime.
e. Social-EmotionalBehaviorIFSP/IEPConsultation– Forchildrenwithemotional/behavioraldisorderthathaveanIFSPorIEP,thementalhealthprovidermustsupporttheclassroomstaff,homevisitor,caregivers,andparentstoensurethatthechildren’ssocial-emotionalneedsarebeingmet.Thissupportmayincludebutisnotlimitedtothefollowing:
i. Reviewingtheplanwiththeteacherorcaregiver,supportstaff,andparents.ii. Discussingwaysofsupportingthestaffandcaregiverwhensupportstaffisnoton
site.iii. Adaptingtheenvironmentwhennecessarytoaccommodatechildren’sspecial
needsiv. SupportingchildrenandfamilieswiththeCPSandEISystemCFCwhenconcerns
aresuspectedoridentified.f. IndividualObservation– Anindividualobservationconsistsofthementalhealthconsultant
observingachildintheclassroomorothergroupsetting.Thesearetobeconductedonchildrenwhohavenotbeendiagnosed/referredasdisabledbutwhodisplaybehaviorthatmayindicatespecialneedsorconcerns.
i. Anindividualobservationcanbeinitiatedattherequestof thecenterstaff,networkcoordinator,parent/guardian,and/or consultantbasedonthegeneralclassroomobservation,reviewofrecords,anddiscussionwithstaff.
ii. Inthecaseofinfant/toddler,observationoftheparent/childinteractionisimportant.Everyeffortmustbemadetoobservethechildinthemostnaturalsettingsuchasinthechild’shome,thefamilychildcarehome,orthecenterwhentheparentispresent.
iii. Thefollowingproceduresapplytoindividualobservations:1. Theprogrammustobtainasignedreleaseformfromtheparent/guardian
priortoconductinganyindividualchildobservation.Parent/guardianmustbeconsultedandgiveconsentbeforeachildisreferredforanindividualobservation.UseParentConsentforIndividualObservationformDFSS2954.Thisconsentisvalidfor60days.
2. TheMentalHealthConsultantistoreviewthechild’srecordspriortoobservingthechild.
3. Anindividualobservationmustbeconductedwithintwoweeksofeitherthedateofthegeneralobservationinwhichachildwasidentifiedasneedingfurtherobservationorfromtherequestoftheparentand/orcenterstaff.Theindividualobservationcannotbeconductedonthesamedayasthegeneral/groupobservation.
4. Followinganindividualobservation,amentalhealthconsultationstaffingmustoccurwithparent/guardianandappropriatestaffwhichmayincludecenter-basedteacher,homevisitors,FamilyServiceWorkers,FCCHproviderandcontentareacoordinatorstodiscusstheresultsofthe
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4 . xobservation.5. Ifamentalhealthconsultantrecommendsachildforfurther
services,thecenterstaffhomevisitor,ornetworkcoordinatormustfollow-upandensurerecommendationsandorreferralshavebeencompleted.Parent/guardianinputmustbeobtainedintheplanningprocess.
6. Allmentalhealthconsultantsmustcompleteawrittensummaryoftheobservationsandrecommendationsforchildrenindividuallyobserved(onappropriateformsCYS1115).Acopyoftheindividualobservationreportshouldbeincludedinthechild’smentalhealthrecord.Toprotecttherighttoprivacyaswellaspreserveconfidentiality,theproviderandthecenter/homemayrefertothechildeitherbyusingacodeorthechild’sinitials.
7. Thereportsontheindividualobservationshouldinclude,butnotbelimitedto,thefollowinginformation:
a. Presentingproblems,child’sbehaviorsandoverallassessmentfromthatspecificobservation.
b. Attheendoftheindividualobservation,includerecommendationswithreferencetothoseresponsibleforimplementinganyreferraland/orrecommendations.
g. ParentConsultation–Parentsmayobtainindividualassistancethroughouttheprogramyear.Whileanopportunity shouldbeprovidedforparentstodiscussindividualproblemsregardingthechildorfamily,theemphasismustbeplacedonreferral,suchasconnectingthefamilyandchildtoaprovideragencyforshort/longtermservices.Itshouldbenotedthatcrisisinterventionservicesarecarriedoutonavery limitedbasis.
h. CrisisInterventionCounseling—i. Afamilyincrisiswillbereferredtoamentalhealthproviderafterprogramstaff
havedeterminedthatthefamilyrequiresprofessionalpsychologicalsupportandintervention.Crisisinterventionwillconsistofnotmorethanthreesessions.Anassessmentwilltakeplaceduringthefirstsessions.Interventionandgoalsettingwilltakeplacewiththefamilyoverthenexttwosessions.Iffurtherassistanceisneeded,areferraltocommunity-based,longtermassistancemustbemade.
ii. Onsitementalhealthconsultationwillalsobeavailabletostaffwhomaybeexperiencingcrisis,suchasemotionalchallenges,issuesofloss,domesticorcommunityviolence,mentalhealthissues,trauma,etc.
iii. Ante- andPost-PartumAssessmentforPregnantMothers—Anassessmentofpregnantmotherstodeterminewhethersheshouldbereferredformedicalevaluationisrequired.Anappropriatelyvalidatedandreliabletool,suchastheEdinburghPostnatalDepressionScalemustbeusedtoconducttheassessment.Thementalhealthconsultantmayassistintheprocessofassessmentandreferral.
iv. Agenciesservedconductquarterlymeetingwithmentalhealthserviceprovidertocheckinonservices,includingprovidingnecessaryfeedbackonservices,issuesandconcerns.
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D. StrategiestofulfilltheMentalHealthServicesplan—a. Makethescheduleofmentalhealthconsultantservicesavailabletostaffandparents.b. Meetwithstaffandparentsonaregularbasistodiscusschildren’schangingneeds.c. Developwell-beingactivitiesforstaffandparents.d. Reviewreferralsforchildrenthatresultfrombehavioralscreenings.e. Fosterthedevelopmentofawarmandwelcomingclassroom,center,andhome
environment,wherechildrenfeelsafetoexpresstheirfeelingsanddevelopastrongsenseofself.
f. Ensureparentsareincludedasapartofthechild’steamindiscussionsaboutchallengesbeforeitisdeterminedthatinterventionsareneeded.
g. Discusschild’sstrengthsaswellasconcernswithparents,e.g.,typicaldevelopment,howchildrespondstostressfulsituations.
h. Developappropriateresponsestoaddresschallengingbehaviors,andstrategiestostrengthenresults.
i. Recognizeandaddressthedifficultieswithseparationandattachmentforchildandparent.
j. Supporthealthychildrearingpractices.k. Helpchildrenadjusttochangesinfamilycircumstances.l. Addressdomesticviolencesituations.m. Promotestressreduction.n. Facilitatesupportgroupsorotheractivitiesthatmeettheneedsoftheprogramchildren,
families,staff,andcommunity.o. Solicitinformation,includingfromparents,aboutallaspectsofchildren’sdevelopmentin
ordertoplanindividualprograms.Thisinformationcanbegainedfromthefollowingsourcesandevents,amongothers:
i. Child’sorientationvisits.ii. Dailycontactsduringdrop-offandpick-ups.iii. Conversationsanddiscussionsaboutthechild’sstrength,needs,special
interests,typicalandatypicaldevelopment,healthissues,andanyconcernsaboutthechild’smentalhealth.
iv. Homevisits.v. Screeningandassessmentresults.vi. Healthandnutritioninterviews.
E. MentalHealthConsultants– HS/EHS/CCPfundedprogramsarerequiredtocontractwithamentalhealthconsultant.PFA/PIfundedagenciesmaymakeuseoftheDFSSxmentalhealthsupportservicecontractsubjectmatterexpert(SME).Thementalhealthconsultant,incollaborationwithdesignatedstaff,performsatleastthefollowingfunctionsforprogramoperations:
a. Designappropriateactivitiesfor:i. Classroommanagement.ii. Methodsforsupportingchildren’sstrengths.iii. Strategiesforsupportingchildrenwithchallengingbehaviors,bothinternalizing
andexternalizingproblems,andothersocial,emotional,andmentalhealthconcerns.
iv. Strategiestofosterappropriateinteractionsbetweenchildrenandadults.
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v. Overallassessmentsandobservations.b. Providegeneralclassroomobservationsforinfantsandtoddlersandpreschoolersas
needed,aswellasotherindividualobservationsorconsultationrequiredbytheprogramstafforparents.Aninitialobservationisrecommended,ifwarrantedorrequested,within60daysafterthechildenterstheprogram,andasecondasdeemedappropriate.
c. Providefeedbackontheclassroomcultureandatmosphere,i.e.,dynamicsandinteractionsbetweentheteacherandchildren,childrenwitheachother,andadultswitheachother.
d. Sharefindings,concerns,andrecommendationsfromobservationswithteachingandotherdesignatedstaff.
e. Conductindividualchildobservationsattherequestofthedesignatedstaff,parents/guardians,orbasedongeneralclassroomobservations,reviewofrecords,anddiscussionwithcenterstaffandparent/guardian.
f. AssistindevelopinginterventionsandmodificationsforchildrenwithbehaviorissueswhomaynothaveanIEPorIFSPintheclassroomandthehome.
g. Assistinmakingreferralsforfurthermentalhealthassessment/evaluation.h. Meetwithstaffandleadershipfrequentlytodiscusscenter,classroom,homevisiting,
familychildcarehome,child,family,team,orindividualneeds.i. Thementalhealthconsultantprovideseducationandinformationtostaffandparentson
thefollowingtopicsandothers,asdeterminedbytheagencyandcommunityneed.Thiseducationandinformationmaybedeliveredthroughvariousmethods,i.e.,discussiongroups,meetings,workshops,informationalmaterials/newsletters,trainingsandothers,basedontheresourcesandneedsoftheorganizationandtargetaudiences.
i. Thepurposeofthescreeningprocessandresults.ii. Understandingchangesindevelopmentalstages,typicalandatypical
development.iii. Childobservation.iv. Appropriatedevelopmentalguidance.v. Aggression/otherexternalizingbehaviorsandwithdrawal/otherinternalizing
behaviors.vi. Themeaningofmentalwellness.vii. Copingwithstress.viii. Limitsetting,discipline,andfamilydynamics.ix. Languageandliteracydevelopment.x. Dealingwithviolenceinthehomeandinthecommunity.xi. Earlydetection,identification,andfollow-upofspecialneedsinyoungchildren.xii. Recognizingdisabilitiesinyoungchildren.xiii. Childabuseandneglect.xiv. Problemsolving,friendshipskills,andemotionalmanagement.xv. DomesticandCommunityViolence.
j. Thementalhealthconsultantworkswithstaffandparentstoencouragethedevelopmentofnurturingrelationshipsandenvironmentsby:
i. Promotingsecureattachmentrelationshipsbetweenparentandchild.ii. Promotingconstructivefamilyrelationshipsbyhelpingtheagencyprovidean
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ii. xenvironmentwhereallfamilymembersarewelcometolearnaboutthechild.iii. Linkingfamiliestocommunityresources,actingasaliaisonbetweenthe
agenciesandparents,andservingasadvocateforthechild.iv. Designingactivitiesforparentstouseathome.v. Providingshorttermcrisisintervention,andreferringfamiliestocommunity
servicesforfurtherlongtermassistance.vi. Encouragingparentstopartnerwithteachersregardinghowtodealwiththe
child,whileteachersobservethechildinpreparationforasmoothertransition.k. Parentswillbeassistedbyagencies,informedbymentalhealthconsultants,with:
i. Supportthroughtheprocessoftheirchild’sevaluation.ThementalhealthconsultantandstaffshouldattendtheIEP/IFSPconferencewiththeparents,whenappropriate.
ii. ImplementationofthespecialeducationgoalsforchildrenwithIEPs.iii. Activitiesthatpromotementalwellness,e.g.,exerciseprograms,educational
opportunities,regularbreaks,familyfunactivities,etc.iv. Decisionsaboutthetypeofinterventionsthatwouldbeprovided totheirchild.v. Understandingandaccessingneededservicesandcommunityresources.
l. Incollaborationwithprogramstaff,thementalhealthconsultantmayconsultindividuallywithstafforfamiliesaboutmentalhealthconcernsandplansforongoingcare,asneeded,affordable,andascannotbecoveredbyothercommunityresources.MentalHealthconsultantsmaymakereferralstostaffandfamiliesforongoingservicesandcare.
F. CooperativeAgreementswithMentalHealthConsultants--HS/EHS/CCP-fundedprogramsmustestablishCooperativeAgreementswithmentalhealthproviderstoaccessmentalhealthconsultations.
a. Cooperativeagreementsshouldinclude,attheminimum,thementalhealthrolesandresponsibilitiesincludedinthissection.
b. Requirementsformentalhealthprovidersandconsultants:i. Providersmustsubmitresumes,diplomas,andcertificationsforapprovaltothe
agencyforthoseindividualsidentifiedtorenderservicesunderthementalhealthservicescontract.
ii. ProgramsshouldscananduploadsignedcopyofthecooperativeagreementalongwithresumeandcredentialstotheDFSSelectronicfilecabinet.
iii. DFSSwillprovideorientationandtrainingtonewproviders.iv. Requiredconsultantcredentials:
1. HoldaPh.D.inPsychology,EarlyChildhoodSpecialEducation,orBehavioralSciencesrelatedtoPsychologysuchasGuidanceCounselingandaLicensedClinicalSocialWorker(LCSW)orLicensedClinicalProfessionalCounselor(LCPC);or
2. WorkingunderthesupervisionofaPh.D.,LCSW,orLCPC,holdamaster’sdegreein SocialWork,Psychology,EarlyChildhoodSpecialEducation,orBehavioralSciencesrelatedtoPsychologysuchasGuidanceCounseling;anddemonstratedexperienceof1yearworkingwithinfant/toddlersandpreschoolchildren(oneofwhichisinamentalhealthsetting)andfamilies;or
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3. WorkingunderthesupervisionofaPh.D.,LCSW,orLCPC,holdamaster’sdegreein SocialWork,Psychology,EarlyChildhoodSpecialEducation,orBehavioralSciencesrelatedtoPsychologysuchasGuidanceCounseling;anddemonstratedexperienceof1yearworkingwithinfant/toddlersandpreschoolchildren(oneofwhichisinamentalhealthsetting)andfamilies;or
4. WorkingunderthesupervisionofaPh.D.,LCSW,or,LCPC,holdabachelor’sdegreeorhigherinSocialWork,Psychology,EarlyChildhoodSpecialEducation,oraBehavioralSciencesrelatedtoPsychologysuchasGuidanceCounseling;anddemonstratedexperienceof2yearsworkingwithinfant/toddlersandpreschoolchildren(oneofwhichisinamentalhealthsetting)andfamilies;
and
4. Goodcommunicationskills,oralandwritten,andexperiencesconductinggroupworkshops;
5. Certified,registeredandIllinoislicensedasapplicable.
G. TheGranteeMentalHealthSubjectMatterExpert(SME)/Consultanta. TheRoleofthegranteementalhealthSME/consultant--Thegrantee’smentalhealth
SME/consultantisresponsibleforcapacitybuildingatprogramsandsupportingprogramsindeliveryofservicesthatsupportthesocial,emotional,andmentalhealthneedsofchildren,families,andstaff.
b. ConsultationfromtheSMEisavailabletoallagenciestoi. Assistprogramswithestablishingprogrammaticgoalsforchildren,families,and
staffrelatedtomentalwellness.ii. Addressanyissuesaffectingprogramsoutcomesastheypertaintoearly
childhoodhealthandmentalhealth.iii. Providetrainingandtechnicalassistanceonintegratingbestpracticestosupport
child,family,andstaffmentalwellnessc. ConsultationwiththegranteementalhealthSMEisavailabletoPFA/PIfundedprograms.
Theyshouldconsultwiththeirmonitoringteamtodetermineneededservices.
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I. Definition
TheNutritionSectioncoversstandardsandpracticesrequiredtosupportchildren’shealthydevelopmentthroughnutrition,intheformofprogrammeals,activities,andchildandfamilyeducation.
II.ChicagoEarlyLearningStandards
A. GeneralPurpose– Programsenhancechildren’swellnessbyprovidingnutritionservicesthatsupplementandcomplementthoseofthehomeandcommunity.Consumingnutritiousfoodshelpschildrengrow,develop,dowellacademically,andfeelgoodaboutthemselves.Goodnutritionhelpsprevent,obesity,dentalcavities,andiron-deficiencyanemia.Programsassistfamiliesinmeetingeachchild’snutritionneedsandestablishinggoodeatinghabitsthatnurturehealthydevelopmentandpromotelifelongwell-being.
B. Allcenter-basedandfamilychildcarehome-basedprogramsmusthaveactivefederalChildandAdultCareFoodProgram(CACFP)contracts.ProgramsmustfollowallmealservicerequirementsoftheChildandAdultCareFoodProgram(CACFP),cityandstatelicensing.
a. Agencyleaderswillensurethatdesignatedstaffatallsites:i. Entermealcountsinmeals-countworksheetsweekly.ii. Reconcilemealcountswithattendanceandsign-in/sign-outsheets,as
necessary.iii. Verifytheaccuracyoftheclaimbycomparingsign-insheets,attendance,and
mealcounts.iv. Reviewdataentrytoensureinformationiscompleteforthemonthlyfood
programclaim.v. Preparethemonthlyfoodprogramclaim.
C. NutritionPracticesa. Fulldayprogramsmustprovidechildrenmealsandsnacksthatmeetatleastone-halfto
two-thirdsofthechild’sdailynutritionalneedsandfeedingrequirements.b. Infantsandtoddlersmustbefedaccordingtotheirindividualdevelopmentalreadiness
andfeedingskills.Infantsandtoddlersarefedondemand.Bottlefedinfantsmustneverbeplacedinacriborrestingpositionwithabottle.
c. Allchildrenmustbeofferedbreakfastorasnackuponarrival,includingthosechildrendeemedlate.
d. Forhome-based/home-visitingprograms,healthysnacksandmealsareprovidedtochildrenduringvisitsandsocializationsessions.
e. Infant/toddlerprogramsmustpromotebreastfeedingbymakingavailablei. coldstorageineveryclassroom,ii. lactationroomsorprivateplacesavailableforbreastfeedingparents,andiii. counselingfromtheagency’sorgrantee’snutritionist/nutritionconsultantto
supportparentsmakingthisoption.f. Cleandrinkingwatermustbemadeavailabletochildrenatalltimesduringservice
hours.
10.Nutrition
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D. IdentificationofNutritionalNeedsa. Duringtheintakeprocess,programstaffmustmeetwithparents/guardiansand
completeanutritionassessmentinCOPAbeforethechildcanattendtheprogram.i. Forchildrenunderagetwo,theCOPAinfanttoddlernutritionalassessment
form(3171)shouldbeused.ii. Forchildrentwoyearsandover(2years+oneday),thenutritionalsectionon
theCOPAhealthhistory(section7)formshouldbeused.b. ProgramswillusethenutritionassessmentinCOPAtohelpidentifythe
parent/guardian’snutritionalconcernsandneeds.Theopportunityshouldbeusedtodiscussthefamily’scultural,religious,ethical,orpersonalfoodpreferences,suchasvegetarianismormedicallyprescribeddiets.Duringtheassessmentthefollowinginformationshouldbegathered:
i. familyeatingpatterns,includingculturalpreferences.ii. specialdietaryrequirementsforchildrenwithnutrition-relatedhealth
problems,andiii. feedingrequirementsforinfantsandtoddlersiv. specialrequirementsforchildrenwithdisabilities.
c. NutritionassessmentsaredocumentedinCOPAand“followupsneeded”arecompletedwithin90daysofthestartoftheprogramyear.AssessmentsonreturningchildrenshouldbeupdatedinAugust.Forpregnantwomen,prenatalassessmentsareconductedatintakeandpostpartumassessmentsareconductedatthetwo-weekpost-deliveryvisit.
d. HeightandWeight----AssignedstaffmustrecordheightandweightforeachchildtwiceayearinoraboutOctoberandFebruaryanddocumentinCOPA.
e. NutritionandBMIAssessmentFollow-up:i. Designatedagencystaffthatrevieweachchild’scompletedhealthinformation
updateform,physicalexam,etc.shouldalsoreviewthechildren’snutritionalassessmentandBMItodetermineifthereisaneedforspecialaccommodations,follow-ups,and/orreferrals.
ii. Ifthereareconcernsaboutthechild’snutrition,programsshouldconsultwithon-staffnutritionistornutritionconsultanttoensuretheymeetchildren’sspecialdietaryrequirementsandmakereferralsforfurtherfollow-upbylicensedprofessionals.
1. Programsmusthelpparentsobtainorarrangefurtherdiagnostictesting,examination,andtreatmentbyanappropriatelicensedorcertifiedprofessionalforeachchildwithanobservable,known,orsuspectednutritionalproblemanddevelopandimplementafollowupplanforanyconditionidentifiedsothatanyneededtreatmentisbegun.Nutritionproblemscanincludeobesity,irondeficiency,failuretothrive,orfoodallergies,amongother.
2. IfchildrenpresentwithBodyMassIndex(BMI)valuesbelowthe5th andabovethe85th percentiles.Thisinformationwillbedocumentedonchildren’snutritionassessmentsandplacedinCOPA.Childrenunderthe5th percentilearetobereferredtoaphysician.
3. Forinfantsandtoddlers,anynutritionconcernsmustbereferredtothepediatrician
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4. Thenutritionconsultantwilldesignanindividualnutritionplanwiththeparent,ifdeemednecessary.
iii. AgencydirectorswilldesignatestaffthatwillgenerateCOPAreportstotrack,monitor,andfollowuponchildrenwithidentifiednutritionconcernstoensurethatnecessarytreatmentisarranged.
f. Agenciesmusthavedesignatedstaffwhoworkwiththeirinfant/toddlerprogramstoassessinfants’andtoddlers’currentfeedingschedules,amountsandtypesoffoodprovided,mealpatterns,newfoodsintroduced,foodtolerancesandpreferences,voidingpatterns,andobservationsrelatedtodevelopmentalchangesinfeedingandnutrition.(ongoing,maybeshouldbemoved)
g. Ifthereareconcernsaboutthechild’snutrition,programsshouldconsultwithon-staffnutritionistornutritionconsultanttoensuretheymeetchildren’sspecialdietaryrequirements.
E. DailyNutritionalPracticesa. MenuPlanning
i. Menusshouldincludeavarietyoffoodsthatconsiderculturalandethnicpreferencesandboardedchildren’sfoodexperience.
ii. Menusshouldbeculturallyappropriate.iii. Menusmustbedistributedtoeachsitemonthly.iv. Thenutritionistanddesignatedstaffand/orfoodvendorsmustdevelopmenus
usingtheUSDepartmentofAgriculture(USDA)CACFPmealpatternstodeterminethetypesandamountsoffoodgroupstobeservedeachday.
v. Anutritionistmustanalyze,approve,signoffanddatemenustoensurethatallfoodcomponentsareservedintheproperamountusingUSDACACFPguidelinespriortothestartofthemenu.Documentationshouldincludechildnutrition(CN)labels,standardizedrecipes,andproductformulation.
vi. HS/EHS:ProgramsmustmeetwiththeParentCommitteequarterlyandrequestinputandrecommendationsforfuturemenus.(Nutritionparenteducationrequirementsaddtoanothersection)
b. ImplementationProcedures.Programsmusti. Postmenumonthlyinclassrooms,ontheparentbulletinboard,socialization
spacesforhome-visiting,andinthekitchen.ii. Distributemenustoallparents/guardians.iii. Providemealslistedonmenutoallchildrenincenter-basedsettings.iv. Changestomenumustbeposted.v. Servemealsandsnacksthatprovide2/3ofachild’sdailynutritionalneeds.vi. FulldayProgramswillservetwomealsandatleastonesnackperday.vii. Serveeachinfantandtoddlerfoodappropriatetohisorhernutritionalneeds,
developmentalreadiness,andfeedingskills,asrecommendedintheUSDAmealpatternornutrientstandardmenuplanningrequirements.
viii. Allprogramsmustimplementanooutsidefoodundergeneralcircumstances/nopeanut/nut-basedpolicy.
ix. Providechildrenwithdisabilitieswithadaptiveequipment,modifiedmenus,and/oradditionalassistanceatmealtime,asneeded.
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c. DietaryAllowances --AgencieswillusetheRecommendedDietaryAllowances(RDAs)oftheNationalResearchoftheNationalAcademyofSciencestoestablishthenutritionalneedsofchildren.GuidelinesforthemealpatternsoftheCACFPandtheCityofChicagoJointResolutionwillbeusedtoofferavarietyofoptions.
d. AllowedandUnallowedFoods—i. Allprogramsmustimplementanooutsidefoodundergeneralcircumstancesii. Allprogramsmustimplementanopeanut/nonut-basedfoodpolicy.
1. Shouldstaffdiscoveraproductintheclassroomcontainingpeanutoranytypeofnutasaningredient,theywillfollowthestandardproceduresforhandwashingandsanitizingsurfaces.
iii. Perthe2011jointresolutionforChicagochildcarestandards,programsmustprovideunflavoredlow-fatmilkandcheeseforallchildrenolderthan2yearsofageandwholemilktoallchildren1-2yearsold.
iv. Allprogramsmustimplementanojuicepolicy.v. Watershouldbemadeavailableatalltimeandofferedduringmealsand
snacks.vi. Reducesaltincookingandlimithighersodium,processedfoods.vii. Programsareencouragedtoofferavarietyoffreshslicedfruit,cannedfruitin
itsownjuice,andfreshvegetables.viii. Programsmustnotputsugar,salt,butter,ormargarineontables.ix. Programsmustnotofferthefollowingfoodstochildrenage4andunderto
preventchoking:1. Firm,smooth,orslipperyfoodsthatslidedownthethroatbefore
chewing,suchasa. Hotdogs,chunksofmeat,orsausageroundsb. Wholegrapes,cherry/grapetomatoes,berries,melonballs,or
cherriesc. Wholenuts(alsoduetonutallergypolicy)
2. Small,dry,orhardfoodsthataredifficulttocheworswallow,suchas:a. Popcorn,hardpretzels,chipsb. Smallpiecesofrawvegetable,suchasrawcarrotrounds,baby
carrots,stringbeans,celery,orotherraw/partiallycookedvegetables
c. Wholepiecesoffruitwithpitsorseeds,suchasapples3. Stickyfoods,suchas:
a. Spoonfulsofseedbuttersb. Marshmallows,chewinggum,orcandiesc. Driedfruits,suchasraisinsd. Largechunksofcheese
x. Programsmustreducetheuseoffoodshighinfatsandincreasetheamountofwholegrains,fruits,andvegetablesserved.
xi. Programsmustavoidsweetandstickyfoods,especiallythosehighinrefinedsugar
1. PerDCFSlicensingstandards,ifanypartofthenutritionalrequirementsisdesignatedasdessert,itshallbeservedasanintegralpartofthemeal.
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1 . xIcecreamormilk-basedpuddingmaybeusedoccasionally.2. Cake,pastries,cookiesorotherfoodswithhighsugarand/orfatcontent
shallnotbeservedtochildrenenrolledintheprogram.3. Seebelowforpoliciesrelatedtoculturalandbirthdaycelebrations.
F. MealServicea. Programswillprovidethefollowingelementsintheirmealservice:
i. MealservicemustfollowCACFPstandardsii. Serveallmealsandsnacksfamilystyleaccordingtothepostedtimesin
classrooms.1. Familystyleserviceisdefinedasallchildrenandteachingstaffsittingat
thetableatthesametimeforthesamemeals.2. Pre-schoolagedchildrenareencouragedtobeindependent,settheir
ownplacesatthetable,servethemselves,pourtheirownmilk,andcleanofftheirowndishes,etc.Toddlersshouldbeencouraged,ifready.
3. Mealsprovidetimeforsocialization.Staffshouldinitiatenatural,meaningfulconversationswithchildrenduringmealtimes
4. Mealsshouldberelaxedandunhurried.Programsshouldallow,attheminimum,approximately30minutesforlunchand15minutesforbreakfastandsnacks.Eachmealservicesshouldallowsufficienttimeforthechildrentoeat.
iii. Agencydesignatedstaffmustcompleteaccuratedocumentationofmealsservedtoeachchildatpointofserviceduringmealtimeseveryday.Thisincludes
1. Reviewmealcountsattendanceandsign-in/sign-outsheetattheendofeachworkdayforaccuracy.
2. Reviewthemenutobesureallitemsareserved.3. Reviewandpostfoodsubstitution/allergyliststoensurefoodsare
servedcorrectlytochildrenwithspecialdietaryneeds.iv. Childrenmustbeofferedamealorsnack,iftheyarriveatschoolafterthe
classroommealtimehasbeencompleted.v. Foodmustneverbeusedasapunishmentorrewardforanychild.vi. Classroomvolunteersareencouragedtointeractwiththechildrenandprovide
positiverolemodelsduringmealtimesandeatwithchildrensamemeal.vii. Agenciesoperatinghome-basedoptionsmustprovideappropriatesnacksand
mealstoeachchildduringgroupsocializationactivities.AppropriatemealsandsnacksservedmustbeapprovedbytheagencynutritionistorfollowtheCACFPrequirements.
G. MenuModification/AccommodationforMedicalNeedsa. Thenutritionconsultantwillworkwiththeappropriatestaffandparents/guardiansto
modifymenusforchildrenwithdisabilitiesaccordingtotheirIEPsorIFSPs,orsignedPhysician’sStatementforMealAccommodations.Modificationofmenusforchildrenwithdisabilitiesorforchildrenwithspecialmedicalordietaryneedsisalwaysundertakeninconsultationwiththechild’sprimaryhealthcareproviderandtheassistanceofaqualifiednutritionistorregistereddietitianwhohasthequalificationsof
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H . xcontentareaexpertsinnutrition.
H. MealServiceforClassroomCelebrationsandOtherActivitiesa. PerIDCFSLicensingStandards(407.330),allfoodconsumedbychildrenunderthe
supervisionofacentershallbeprovidedbythecenter,except:i. Parentsmayprovidefoodforinfantsnotyetconsumingtablefoodorforany
childrequiringaspecialdietthatcannotreasonablybeprovidedbythecenter.Thistypicallyincludesbreastmilkandhome-madebabyfood
1. Ineachcase,programsarerecommendedtohaveaparentsignawaiver,grantingtheprogrampermissiontoadminister/feedthechildthedesignatedfood.
ii. Uponagreementofthestaff,parentsmaybringincommerciallypreparedfoodsoccasionallyaspartofholidayorbirthdaycelebrations.FoodbroughtinforthispurposemustarriveunopenedaspackagedbythebakeryormanufactureroritshallnotbeacceptedandmustcomplywithcurrentlicensingandUSDAguidelines
1. Ifprogramsopttoexerciseabove,theymusta. Providenutritioneducationtofamiliesandchildren,andb. Createapolicytoensurethatallchildren,includingthosewhose
parentsmaynotormaynotbeabletobringincommerciallypreparedtreatsforthem,haveanopportunityforacelebrationwithacommerciallypreparedtreat.
I. FoodServicestoPregnantWomen– seetheEarlyHeadStartPregnantPolicyPackagefornutritionservicesforpregnantwomen.
J. FoodSafetyandSanitationa. Agenciesmustonlycontractwithfoodservicevendorsthatarelicensedinaccordance
withstateorlocallaws.b. Inaccordancewithbestpractices,designated/appropriatestaffwill:
i. ImplementallCACFP,cityandstatemealserviceguidelines.ii. Cleanandsanitizetablesbeforeandafterallmeals.iii. Washhandswithsoapandrunningwaterforatleast10-15seconds.iv. Turnoffsinkwithcleanpapertowel.v. Dryhandswithcleanpapertowel.vi. Throwusedpapertowelintotrashcan.vii. Disinfectsinkifusedforhandwashingbeforemeals.viii. Ensurehandsarecleanwhenservingfood.ix. Rinsealldishes,metalpans,andcontainers,andsendtothecaterer.x. Sanitizemilkpitchers,cuttingboards,knives,andsaladtongs,etc.Usechlorine
bleach,refertothemanufacturer’slabelforhowtomaketheappropriateconcentration.
xi. Checkthethermometerinsidetherefrigeratorandfreezerdailyanddocumentthetemperaturedailyonthefreezer/refrigeratortemperaturerecord.
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vii. EnsurethatfreezerisalwaysatzerodegreesFahrenheitandtherefrigeratorat40degreesFahrenheit.Haveaworkingthermometerinboththefreezerandtherefrigerator.
viii. Keepperishablefooditemsintherefrigerator.ix. Sanitizetherefrigeratorweekly.x. Storeleftovercannedfruitsinaseparatecoveredcontainerwithalabeland
date.Keepleftoverfreshfruitandbreadinsidetherefrigeratorforlateruse.PerUSDA,leftoverscanbekeptintherefrigeratoruptothreetofourdays.
xi. Discardleftovermilkfromsmallpitchers;donotpourbackintothemilkcartonorinsidetherefrigerator.
xii. Disposeofunsafeperishablesdaily.xiii. Placefoodsfromcatererdirectlyinpreheatedfoodwarmersandcold
refrigerators/freezers.xiv. Takehotandcoldfoodtemperaturesdailybeforeservingandrecordthe
temperatureonthefoodtemperaturelog.xv. Ensurethatthesitehasacalibratedthermometertousefortakingfood
temperatures.xvi. RefertoUSDA’sbasicsofhandlingfoodsafelyhandoutforadditionaldetailson
safestepsinfoodhandling,cooking,andstorageessentialtopreventfoodborneillnesses.
xvii. UsenoStyrofoamdishes
K. NutritionInformationandTraininga. Programsmustconductweekly,nutritionrelatededucationalactivities,whichmay
includefoodexperiencesb. HS/EHS/CCPfundedProgramsmustholdtwiceannualnutritionworkshopswith
parents/guardiansandappropriatestaff.c. Nutritionist/nutritionconsultantwillprovideaparentnewsletternutritionarticle
monthly,offeringnutritionadviceandinformationtoallparentsandfamilies.
L. OngoingMonitoring--DFSSwillmonitorthefollowingtoensurecompletionofnutritionactivities:a. TheproperdocumentationofnutritionservicesintheCOPAsystem.b. ThreeCACFPmonitoringreviewsperyearpercenter(breakfast,lunch,andsnack)to
assurefoodhandling,sanitation,foodsubstitutes,mealserviceprocedures,portionsizes,nutritionalvalue,etc.,areincompliance.
c. Mealservices.d. Allspecialdietaryaccommodationsdaily.Ifachild’sspecialdietaryrestrictionsarenot
followed,thenutritionconsultantwillcontactdesignatedstafftoworkwiththevendortoensureproperdeliveryoffood.
e. Weeklynutritioneducationexperiences,includingtheimplementationofclassroomfoodexperiences.
f. Nutritionfollowupandreferrals.g. Foodhandlercertification(mustbeobtained30daysafternewlyhiredandrenewed
everythreeyears).h. HS/EHS/CCP-fundedprogramswillhavethefollowingmonitored:
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i. Nutritionneedsassessment,andcooperativeagreements(July).ii. ApprovalsandsignaturesfortheCACFPcontract(August).iii. Nutritionconsultantcontract,includingcredentials,oron-staffnutritionist
credentials(September).iv. Nutritionbudget(November).v. Nutritioncommunityassessment(December).vi. Bi-yearlyparentnutritionworkshops.vii. GoverningbodyandpolicycommitteemonthlyCACFPreports.
M. SystemforContactingSubjectMatterExperts(SME)a. HS/EHS/CCPfundedagenciesmusthireorcontractwithacertifiednutritionist.Name
andcredentialsmustbesubmittedtotheagency’smonitoringteam.b. PFA/PIcanaccessDFSSnutritionsubjectmatterexperts/consultants.
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I. Definition
Thissectionconcernspracticesrequiredtomaintainthehealthandsafetyofchildren,family,andstaffatChicagoEarlyLearninglocations.
II.ChicagoEarlyLearningStandards
A. GeneralRequirementsa. Programsmustestablish,trainstaffandvolunteers,implement,andmonitorasystemof
healthandsafetypracticestoensurethatchildrenandstaffaresafeatalltimes.b. Whendevelopingpoliciesorprocedurestoensurechildren’shealthandsafety,programs
mustconsultCaringforOurChildrenBasics(CFOCB)availablefromtheUSDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesAdministrationforChildrenandFamilies andCaringforOurChildren(CFOC)availablefromtheNationalResourceCenterforHealthandSafety.
c. Becauseeffectivehealthandsafetypracticesarecriticalformaintainingchildren’ssafety,programsthathaveasafetyviolationmustcreateandimplementanactionplanimmediatelytoaddresssafetyviolationsandensuretheissueisresolved.
B. Facilitiesa. LicensingStandards
i. AlllicensablefacilitiesusedforCELprogramsmustbelicensedbyIDCFSandtheCityofChicago,includingsocializationspacesforhome-basedandhome-visitingprograms.
ii. Alllicense-exemptfacilitiesusedforCELSprograms(typicallyarchdiocesesandcharterschools)mustholdacurrentIDCFSexemptionletter.
iii. Allprogramsarerequiredtoprovidecopiesofrequiredlicenses/letters/certificatestoDFSSinthemanner,andbythedeadlinedesignatedbyDFSS,preferablyviaCOPAeDocs.
b. GeneralRequirementsforFacilities-- Standardsandproceduresinthissectionrefertobothindoorandoutdoorareasofearlylearningfacilities.Programsmustensurethatallfacilitiesusedforchildservices:
i. Arecleanandfreefrompests.ii. EmploypestcontrolpracticesthatmeetDCFSlicensingstandards.iii. Arefreefrompollutanthazardsandtoxinsthatareaccessibletochildrenand
couldendangerchildren’ssafety.iv. Havehazardousmaterialstoredinoriginalcontainerswithlegiblelabelsina
lockedareaoutofchildren’sreach.v. Aretestedforradoneverythreeyears.vi. Donothaveorusetoxicorleadpaintsorfinishesonwalls,windowsills,beds,
toys,oranyotherequipment,materials,orfurnishingsthatmaybeusedbychildrenorwithintheirreach.
vii. Keephazardousitemsinaccessibletochildren,includingsharpscissors,plasticbags,knives,cigarettes,matches,lighters,flammableliquids,drugs,sharpinstruments,powertools,cleaningsupplies,andanyothersuchitemsthatxmightbeharmfultochildren.Hazardousitemsforinfantsandtoddlersalso
11.SafetyPractices
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i. xincludecoins,balloons,safetypins,marbles,plasticfoam,similarproducts,sponge,rubber,orsoftplastictoys.
viii. Aredesignedtopreventchildinjury,andfreefromhazards,includingchoking,strangulation,electrical,drowninghazards,hazardsposedbyappliances,andallothersafetyhazards.
ix. Havewindowcoverings,andcordsthataredesignedtoprevent strangulation.x. Arewell-lit,includingemergencylighting.xi. Areequippedwithsafetysuppliesthatarereadilyaccessibletostaff,including
appropriatefiresafetysupplies.xii. Aredesignedtoseparatetoiletinganddiaperingareasfromareasforpreparing
food,cooking,eating,orchildren’sactivities.xiii. Havedrug-freeandsmoke-freeworkplacepostersvisibletovisitors.xiv. Postevacuationroutesattheentry.xv. Postasafetysign(NoGunsticker)ateachsiteatallentrancesandexits.PertheIL
FirearmConcealedCarryAct (430ILCS66/65.Sction65),allfirearmsarebannedinschoolsandchildcarefacilitiesatalltimes.
c. PreventativeMaintenance– Sitedirectorsortheirdesigneesmustimplementaneffective,ongoingsystemofpreventivemaintenanceforthefacility.Thesystemshouldinclude:
i. Preventivemaintenancetasks,timelines,andresponsibilities.ii. Regularinspectionsbylicensedprofessionals,asappropriate,forheating,cooling,
plumbing,electrical,firesafety,etc.iii. Financialresourcesformaintenance,repair,andreplacement.iv. Documentationofthesystem.v. Evidencethatanyissueshavebeencorrected.
d. Thesitedirectororhisorherdesigneemusthaveaccesstorecordsofpreventivemaintenancesystemforthefacility.
i. Recordsmaybekeptbyfacilitystafforothermanagementstaff.ii. Thesitedirectororherorhisdesigneemustreviewpreventivemaintenancetasks
everyothermonthtoensuretheyarecompleted.iii. Thesitedirectororhisorherdesigneemustmonitorcompletionofrepairsatleast
weeklyuntilanyissuesareresolved.e. SafetyChecklists– Programdirectorsortheirdesigneesmustensurethefacilitieschecklist
forhealthandsafetyisconductedanddocumentedatleastannuallybutareencouragedtoconductthischeckmoreoften.Sitedirectorsshouldimplementdailyandweeklysafetychecklistsoffacilities
C. ClassroomSafetya. Postings – Allclassroomsshouldhavethefollowingresources/postersand/orprocedures
posted:emergencyphonenumbers,medical/dentalemergencyprocedures,CPR/firstaid,emergencyevacuation,proceduresforwhattodoifsomeoneischoking;foodallergy,handwashing,diapering/toileting,gloving,storageofhazardousmaterials,andmandatedreporter.
b. FirstAidKits– Eachclassroommusthaveafirstaidkitandthecenterneedstohaveatravelkitforoutings.
i. Kitsmustbeequippedwithsafetysuppliesthatarereadilyaccessibletostaff,
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i. xincluding,ataminimum,fullyequippedandup-to-datefirstaidkits.ii. Thesuppliesforeachfirstaidkitshallbestoredinaclosedcontainerthatis
clearlylabeledasfirstaidsupplies.iii. Firstaidkitsmustbestoredinaplacethatisaccessibleandvisibletostaffatall
times,butoutofthereachofchildren.iv. Sitedirectorsortheirdesigneesmustconductanddocumentfirstaidkitand
classroomsupplyinventorychecksmonthlyandafteranyuseofanykit.v. On-sitefirstaidkitsshallcontainataminimumthefollowingsupplies:
1. Disposablelatexgloves2. Scissors3. Tweezers4. Thermometer5. Bandagetape6. Sterilegauzepads7. Flexiblerollergauze8. Triangularbandage9. Safetypins10. Eyedressing11. Pen/pencilandnotepad12. Coldpack13. Adhesivebandages14. CurrentAmericanAcademyofPediatricsorAmericanRedCross
standardfirstaidtextorequivalentfirstaidguide.15. Disposablenon-latexglovesandadhesivebandages.
vi. Travelfirstaidkits.Programsmustuseatravelfirstaidkitwhenoffsite,includingneighborhoodwalks,tripstooffsitelocations,andsocializationsifitisnotinaprogramcenter.Travelfirstaidkitsmustcontaintheabovesupplies(firstaidchartmayreplacetherequiredtext),plusthefollowingadditionalitems:
1. Water2. Soap3. Telephonenumberofthecenter,preferablyonalaminatedcard,
emergencycontactinformation,andemergencycontactinformationforchildren.
a. X
b . X
c. EquipmentandMaterialsi. Indoorandoutdoorplayequipment,cribs,cots,feedingchairs,strollers,and
anyequipmentusedinthecareofenrolledchildrenmustmeetstandardssetbytheConsumerProductSafetyCommissionortheAmericanSocietyforTestingandMaterialsInternational.
ii. Materialsandequipmentmustbeage-appropriate.Noknownunsafechildren’sproductsmaybeonthepremises.Theprogrammustdisplayinformationaboutunsafechildren’sproductsinareasaccessibletoparents.
iii. Sitedirectorsortheirdesigneesmustberesponsibleformonitoringunsafechildren’sproducts.Oneormoreofthefollowingmethodsmaybeused:
1. Subscribetoaservicethatreportsunsafeproductssuchas
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https://cpsc.gov/Newsroom/Subscribe/, orhttp://www.kidsindanger.org/
2. Searchwebsitesfornewunsafeproductlistingsatleastquarterlyhttp://srs.dph.Illinois.gov/webapp/SRSApp/pages/,orhttps://www.saferproducts.gov/Search/default.aspx.
3. Completeproduct-registrationcardsiftheyareavailable.4. Donotpurchaseusedmaterialsorequipment.Ensurethatallpurchases
arethroughknownvendorsthatcanmonitorthesafetyorrecallsoftheirproducts.
5. Inspectthepremisesatleastannually,andimmediatelydisposeofanyunsafechildren’sproductsdiscovered.TheprogrammustkeeparecordforreviewbytheDCFSlicensingrepresentative.
iv. Allequipmentandmaterialsmustbeappropriatelycleaned,sanitized,anddisinfected:
1. Toysandequipmentthatareplacedinchildren’smouthsorareotherwisecontaminatedbybodysecretionsorexcretionsshallbesetasidetobecleanedwithwateranddetergent,rinsed,sanitized,andair-driedbeforehandlingbyanotherchild.Machine-washableclothtoysmaybeusedandshouldbemachine-washedatleastweeklyandwhencontaminated.
2. Watertablesandtoysusedinwatertablesshouldbeemptieddailyandcleanedwithamildgermicidalsolutionbeforebeingair-dried.Childrenandstaffshouldwashtheirhandsbeforeandafterusingthewatertable.
3. Allcookingandfeedingutensilsshouldbewashedandsanitizedaftereachuse.
4. Programsmustdevelop,implement,andmonitorascheduleforcleaning,sanitizing,anddisinfectingforclassrooms,materials,thefacility,andfoodservice.
d. AppropriateSupervision.Classrooms,equipment,andmaterialsmustbedesignedtoensureappropriatesupervisionofchildrenatalltimes.Roomsmustbearrangedtoensurevisualsupervision.
D. GeneralRequirementsforStaffa. SafetyorientationandTraining-- IDHSCertification
i. Allstaffwithregularchildcontactmusthaveinitialsafetyorientationtrainingwithinthreemonthsofhireandongoingtraininginallagency,local,state,federal,andDFSSprogramhealth,safety,andchildcarerequirementstoensurethesafetyofchildrenintheircare.
ii. StaffrequiredtoregisterinGatewaysshouldself-reportallhealthandsafety-relatedtrainingsinGateways.
iii. Thedefinitionofallstaff“withregularchildcontact”includesataminimum:1. Allclassroomstaff,includingmasterteachers,leadteachers,co-
teachers,teachers,assistantteachers,teacheraides,regularsubstitutes,andregularfloaters.
2. Allbusmonitors.
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3. Allhomevisitors/parenteducators.4. Allfamilysupportstaff.5. Alleducationsupervisors,e.g.,educationcoordinatorsormanagers,
curriculumspecialists,andcoaches.6. Sitedirectors/managers.7. Regularvolunteers8. Kitchenstaff
iv. Ataminimum,thefollowingtopicsmustbeincludedintrainingforallstaffwithregularchildcontactwithinthreemonthsofhire:
1. Preventionandcontrolofinfectiousdiseases.2. Preventionofsuddeninfantdeathsyndrome(SIDS)anduseofsafe
sleepingpractices;GatewaysSIDS/SUID/SafeSleep;SIDStrainingisrequiredwithin30daysofhireandmustberepeatedeverythreeyearsforIDCFS.
3. Administrationofmedication,includingparentalconsent.4. Preventionandresponsetoemergenciesduetofoodandallergic
reactions;CPR/firstaidwithcontentforEpiPenandallergicreactions.5. Buildingandpremisessafety,includingidentificationofandprotection
fromhazards,bodiesofwater,andvehiculartraffic.6. Preventionofshakenbabysyndrome,abusiveheadtrauma,andchild
maltreatment;GatewaysAPreventableTragedy:ShakenBabySyndrome(SBS/TraumaticBrainInjury).
7. Emergencypreparednessandresponseplanningforemergencies;GatewaysEmergencyPreparedness.
8. Handlingandstorageofhazardousmaterialsandtheappropriatedisposalofbio-contaminants.
9. Appropriateprecautionsintransportingchildren,ifapplicable.10. Firstaidandcardiopulmonaryresuscitation.11. Recognitionandreportingofchildabuseandneglect.Allstaffmust
completetheonlineIDCFSmandatedreportertrainingannually.Programsmayplanforadditionalprofessionaldevelopmentrelatedtochildabuseandneglectasneededfortheirparticularprogram.https://mr.DCFStraining.org/.
v. Allstaffwithnoregularresponsibilityfororcontactwithchildrenmusthaveinitialorientationtrainingwithinthreemonthsofhire,aswellasongoingtraininginallagency,local,state,federal,andDFSSandagencyhealthandsafetyrequirementsapplicabletotheirwork.Thedefinitionofallstaffwith“noregularchildcontact”includesataminimum:
1. Anystafforsupervisorsnotincludedinthelistofstaffwithregularchildcontactabove.
2. Enrollmentstaff.3. Administrativeassistants,receptionists,andothersupportstaff.4. Busdrivers(seetheTransportationsectionforothertrainingrequiredfor
busdrivers).5. Maintenancestaff.
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vi. Ataminimum,thefollowingtopicsmustbeincludedintrainingforallstaffwithnoregularchildcontactwithinthreemonthsofhire:
1. DFSSandagencyhealthandsafetyrequirementsapplicabletotheirwork.
2. TrainingintheDFSSandagencyemergencyanddisasterpreparednessprocedures.
3. Recognitionandreportingofchildabuseandneglect;allstaffmustcompletetheonlineIDCFSmandatedreportertrainingannually.Programsmayplanforadditionalprofessionaldevelopmentrelatedtochildabuseandneglectasneededfortheirparticularprogram.https://mr.DCFStraining.org/.
vii. Programdirectorsortheirdesignees,incollaborationwithagencyhumanresourcesstaff,mustmonitortrainingforstaffandensureallrequiredtrainingandcertificatesrelatedtochildsafetyareuptodate.
E. SafetyPracticesa. Allstaffandconsultantsmustfollowappropriatepracticestokeepchildrensafeduringall
activities,includingataminimum:i. Reportingofsuspectedorknownchildabuseandneglect,includingthatstaff
complywithapplicablefederal,state,andlocallaws.AllstaffmustcompletemandatedreportertrainingfromIDCFS.
ii. Implementationofsafesleeppractices,includingensuringthatallsleepingarrangementsforchildrenunder18monthsofageusefirmmattressesorcots,asappropriate,andthatsoftbeddingmaterialsortoysarenotusedforchildrenunder12months.
1. Staffthatcareforinfantsmusthavesafesleeptrainingwithin30daysofhire,accordingtoIDCFSlicensing.Thetrainingmustberepeatedeverythreeyearsasrequiredby IDCFS.Safesleeppracticesmustbeincludedinclassroomobservationsbyallsupervisors.Feedbackandcorrectivetrainingmustoccurasnecessary.Alltraining,observations,andfeedbackmustbedocumented.
iii. Usingappropriateindoorandoutdooractivesupervisionofchildrenatalltimes.1. ActiveSupervisioninvolvesintentionalobservationofallchildrenincare
atalltime,includingensuringthatsightlinesareunobstructed,thatregularchildcountsoccur,andthatchildren’sbehaviorisanticipatedandplannedfortoensuresafety.
2. Childsupervisionpracticesmustbeincludedinobservationsbyallsupervisors.Feedback,updatestopoliciesandprocedures,andcorrectivetrainingmustoccurasnecessary.Alltraining,observations,andfeedbackmustbedocumented.
iv. Releasingchildrenonlytoauthorizedpersons,aged13andover.1. Programsmusthavewrittenpoliciesandproceduresforthereleaseof
childrentopredesignatedpersons.2. ReleaseproceduresmustincludestepstomeetDCFSrulesforlateor
xno-showatpick-uptime.
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A . XB . X
C . XD . XE. XF. X
G . X
F. HygienePracticesa. Allstaffmustsystematicallyandroutinelyimplementhygienepracticesthatata
minimumensure:i. Appropriatetoileting,handwashing,anddiaperingproceduresarefollowed,
accordingtoIDCFSDayCareLicensingStandards- 407.340forcentersand406.14forfamilychildcarehomes.
ii. Safefoodpreparation.iii. Appropriateactionsifexposuretobloodandbodyfluidsoccurs.Handlingmust
beconsistentwithstandardsoftheOccupationalSafetyandHealthAdministration.
b. Staffmustbetrainedonpoliciesandproceduresforhygienepracticesatorientationwithinthreemonthsofhire,andthenannually.Hygienepracticesmustbeincludedinobservationsbyallsupervisors.Alltraining,observations,andfeedbackmustbedocumented.
c. Thefollowinghygiene-relatedpoliciesarerequiredofallprograms:i. Handwashingproceduresii. Handwashingposteriii. Diaperingprocedures(ifservingchildrenbirthtoage3)iv. Universalprecautions
d. Thefollowinghygiene-relatedpostingsarerequiredofallprograms:i. Diapering(ifservingchildrenbirthtoage3)andglovingpostersorstepsshould
bepostedintheclassrooms.
G. GeneralSafetyRequirementsforFoodHandlingandServicesa. FoodHandlerTraining-- Allstaffwhoworkwithunpackagedfood,equipmentorutensils,
orfood-contactsurfacesmusthavefoodhandlertrainingthatisapprovedbyIDPH.i. Staffthathaveacurrentfoodservicesanitationmanagercertificateandunpaid
volunteersarenotrequiredtohavefoodhandlertraining.ii. Thefoodhandlertrainingmustbecompletedeverythreeyears.iii. Proofoftrainingmustbedocumentedandkeptonsiteatthelicensedfacility.
b. FoodServiceSanitationManagerCertificationi. Eachsitethatservesmealsmusthaveatleastonepersononsiteatalltimes
whoholdsacurrentIDPHandCDPHfoodservicesanitationmanagercertifications.Thisincludesfamilychildcarehomesites.
H. AdministrativeSafetyRequirements–- Programsmustestablish,follow,andpractice,asappropriate,proceduresincluding,butnotlimitedto,thefollowingsituations:
i. Emergencies.ii. Firepreventionandresponse.iii. Protectionfromcontagiousdisease,includingappropriateinclusion/exclusion
policiesforwhenachildisill,aninfectiousdiseaseoutbreakoccurs,includingappropriatenotificationsofanyreportableillness.
iv. Handling,storage,administration,andrecordingofadministrationofmedication.
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v. Maintainingproceduresandsystemstoensurechildrenareonlyreleasedtoanauthorizedperson.
vi. Childspecifichealthcareneedsandfoodallergiesthatincludeaccessibleplansofactionforemergencies.Forfoodallergies,aprogrammustalsopostindividualchildfoodallergiesprominentlybutconfidentiallywherestaffcanviewwhereverfoodisserved.
I. DisasterPreparednessPlan– Programsmustdevelopandexecuteallhazards/emergencymanagement/disasterpreparednessandresponseplansformoreandlesslikelyevents,includingnaturalandmanmadedisastersandemergencies,andviolenceinornearprograms.
a. Programsmustconductmonthlyfiredrillsandtornadodrillsbi-annually.b. Programsmusthaveanalternatelocationwherechildrenandprogramswillbemoved
incaseofemergency.
J. ReportingofSafetyIncidents– Programsmustreportanysignificantincidentsaffectingthehealthandsafetyofprogramparticipantstotheirassignedmonitoringteamwithin24hoursofoccurrence.Significantincidentsinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
a. Chemicalspillsb. Activeshooterc. Heating,gasleaksd. Floodinge. Staffinvolvedchildabuse– DFSSshouldbecalledafterDCFSasrequiredbymandated
reportingf. Structuraldamageg. Utilityfailuresh. Unsupervisedchildincident
K. RiskManagementPlans– DCFSrequiresawrittenriskmanagementplan.TherequiredDCFSriskmanagementplanwillmeetmanyoftherequirementsfortheHSPPSadministrativesafetyprocedures.ProgramsshouldconsultCaringforOurChildrenBasics forbestpracticesfortheseplansandprocedures.Thefollowingspecifictopicsarerequired:
a. Training,includinguniversalprecautionsisprovidedtostafftoidentifyandminimizerisks,particularlyasitrelatestothecareandsupervisionofchildren.
b. Thedesignandmaintenanceofthebuildingandanyvehiclesusedindaycare.c. Maintenanceandstorageoffood-serviceandmaintenanceequipment,chemicals,and
supplies,includinganintegratedpest-managementplaninaccordancewithDCFSlicensingstandards.
d. Selection,maintenance,andsupervisionofeducationmaterials,toys,pets,andplaygroundequipment.
e. Foodservicesanitation.f. Cleanlinessofthebuildingandgrounds.g. Meansofreceivinginformationtoalertthecenterofsevereweatherconditionsor
otheremergencysituationsthatmayaffectthesafetyofthechildren.h. Emergencyanddisasterpreparednessplans,includingfiredrillsandevacuationplans.
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L. ReleaseofChildrena. Eachagencymustensurethatchildrenareonlyreleasedtoaparentorlegalguardianor
otherindividualidentifiedinwritingbytheparentorlegalguardian.Thisregulationappliesatalltimes.
b. Agenciesmustmaintainlistsofthepersonsauthorizedtopickupeachchild,includingalternatesincaseofemergency.Dailyup-to-datechildrostersmustbemaintainedatalltimestoensurethatnochildisleftbehindthroughoutthedayiftakingafieldtriporattheendoftheday.
c. DFSSrequires:i. Parentsmustidentifypersonswhoareauthorizedtopickupchildrenand
provideupdatedinformationaschangesoccur.ii. Parentsmustprovideemergencycontactinformationforchildrenandprovide
updatedinformationaschangesoccur.iii. Attendancemustbetakenintheclassroompriortoleavingitduringthedayfor
outdooractivities,walks,playgroundtrips,orothertrips.d. Attheendoftheday,avisualcheckoftheclassroomandacheckofthesign-outsheets
mustbeconducted.
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I. Definition
Thissectioncoversthepractices,activities,andpoliciesprogramsmustimplementtofosterparentandfamilyengagementwiththeirchildren’sdevelopmentandcultivatefamilywell-beingandconnectthemtocommunity.
II.ChicagoEarlyLearningStandards
A. GeneralRequirements– Programsmustintegrateparentandfamilyengagementstrategiesintoallsystemsandprogramservicestosupportfamilywell-beingandpromotechildren’slearninganddevelopment.DFSS’sstrategytowardFamilyandCommunityEngagementisshapedbyTheHeadStartParent,Family,andCommunityEngagementFramework.HS/EHS/CCP/PIfundedprogramsmustimplementtheHeadStartParent,FamilyandCommunityEngagement(HSPFCE)Frameworkacrossthefourframeworklevels:programfoundations,programimpactareas,familyoutcomes,andchildoutcomes.PFAfundedprogramsareencouragedtouseHSPFCEtoguideparentengagementstrategiesacrossprogramareas.
12.FamilyandCommunityEngagement
B. FamilyEngagementOutcomesa. Allprogramsshouldplanfamilyengagementstrategiesthatleadtopositivefamily
outcomes.Thesestrategiesshouldincludepracticesthatresultini. Familywell-being: parentsandfamiliesdeveloptrustingrelationshipsthat
nurturetheirchild’slearninganddevelopment.ii. PositiveParentChild-Relationship:Positiveparent-childrelationshipsarebased
onsensitive,responsive,andpredictablecarethatprovidesthefoundationforchildren’slearning.
iii. Familyaslifelongeducators: parentsandfamiliesparticipateintheeverydaylearningoftheirchildrenathome,school,andcommunities.
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iv. Familiesaslearners:parentsandfamiliesaddresstheirownlearninginterestthrougheducation,training,andotherexperiences.
v. Familyengagementintransitions:parentsandfamiliessupportchildren’slearningastheytransitionfrominfant/toddlertopreschool-agedandkindergartenprograms,andthroughelementaryschool.
vi. Familyconnectionstopeersandcommunity:connectionsaremadewithpeersandmentorsthroughbothformalandinformalnetworksthatenhancesocialwell-beingandcommunitylife.
vii. Familiesasadvocatesandlearners:participationinleadership,decision-making,programpolicydevelopment,andcommunityandstateorganizingactivitiestoimprovechildren’slearningexperience.
a. X
b. Programsareexpectedtobeabletoarticulatethestrategiestheyusetoengagefamilies/parents/guardianswithintheframeworkandhowthosestrategiesleadtopositivechildandfamilyoutcomes,suchasschoolreadiness,stablefamilies,parentsasadvocates,andparentcivicengagement/communityengagement.
A . x
C. ParentEngagementandEngagementCurriculum—Allprogramsmustadaptaresearch-based,DFSS-approvedparentengagementcurriculumalignedwiththeHSPFCEFramework.
a. ProgramsmayuseeitherParentsasTeachers(PAT)orBabyTalkcurriculaforparenteducationinallprogramoptions.
b. Touseadifferentcurriculum,agenciesshouldfollowtheproceduresoutlinedintheEducationsectionforrequestingpermissiontouseasupplementalcurriculum.
D. Site-basedFamilySupportSpecialist/FamilyServiceWorker– Center-based,School-based,andFCCHProgramOptions
a. EachDFSS-fundedearlylearningsite,regardlessoffundingstream,musthaveaFamilySupportSpecialist.
b. FamilySupportSpecialistmusthaveaGatewaysfamilyspecialistcredentiallevel5byPY2024.
c. FamilySupportSpecialist/FamilyServiceWorkerhavethefollowingdutiesandresponsibilities,ataminimum:
i. Engagefamiliesatintakeandenrollment.ii. Providefamilysupportinobtainingphysicals,immunizations,etc.requiredfor
enrollment.iii. ImplementtheFamilyEngagementCurriculum.iv. EngageFamiliesintheFamilyPartnershipAgreement(FPA)/IndividualFamily
GoalPlan(IFGP)process.v. Makemonthlycontactwithfamiliesontheircaseload:
1. Allcenter-basedprogramoptionsforchildrenbirthtothreewillhaveafamilysupportspecialistwithacaseloadofnomorethan32families.
2. Allcenter-basedandschool-basedoptionsforpre-schoolagedchildrenwillhaveafamilysupportspecialistwithacaseloadofnomorethan34families.
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i. MeetmonthlywiththeirfamiliesengagedintheFPA/IFSPoraccordingtoacurriculum/familysetschedule.
ii. FollowupwithfamiliesontheircaseloadwhoareexperiencingchronicabsenteeismasdefinedinERSEAsections.
iii. EnterfamilyengagementdatainCOPA.iv. Otherdutiesasassigned.v. ForFCCHprogramoption,theNetworkCoordinatormayserveastheFamily
SupportSpecialistandcarryoutthedutiesandresponsibilitiesassociatedwiththistitle.x
A . XB . X
E. FamilyEngagement&PartnershipBuildingProcessa. Thefamilypartnershipbuildingprocessbeginsatintakeandincludesmanyactivities,
suchastheenrollmentprocess,familyassessment,homevisits,andthefamilypartnershipagreementprocess.Buildingpartnershipswithenrolledfamiliesentailslearningtheirgoalsfortheirchildren,families,andthemselves,throughtheestablishmentofacollaborativerelationship.Familypartnershipbuildingcontinuesthroughoutthefamily’senrollmentintheprogram.Bybuildingpositiverelationshipswithfamilies,programscanbetterimplementtheFamilyCommunityEngagementFrameworkandtheFamilyEngagementCurriculum.
b. Programsshouldstrivetoengagefamiliesinfamilygoalsetting,eitherthroughFamilyPartnershipAgreements(FPA)forHS/EHS/CCP-fundedprogramsorthroughIndividualizedFamilyGoalPlan(IFGP)forPI-fundedprograms.
i. AllHS/EHS/PIfundedprogramsmustofferallparentsopportunitiestodevelopandimplementindividualFPAs/IFGPsthatdescribetheirfamily’sgoals,includingresponsibilities,strategies,andtimetablesforachievingthem.Theprocessdependsonthefamily’sreadinesstoengageinestablishingapartnershipagreement/goalplan.TheFPA/IFGPisadocumentthatmustbeupdatedwiththefamilythroughoutthefamily’senrollmentintheprogram.
ii. Forparentswhomaynotbereadytoenterintoanagreement,theremustbedocumentedcontactwiththeparentstoencouragetheirparticipationintheprocess.Returningfamiliescanbuildupontheirexistingagreementsfromthepreviousyear,however,theymusthaveacurrent/updatedFPA/IFGPonfile.
iii. WhilePFA-fundedprogramsarenotrequiredtoengageintheFPAorIFGPprocessforfamilygoalsetting,itisencouraged.
iv. Thereareseveralstepstocreatingafamilygoalplan:1. FamilyAssessmentFollow-Up-- Atorwithinthefirst60daysof
enrollment,staffmustofferthefamilytheopportunitytoenterintoaFamilyPartnershipAgreement(FPA)orIndividualizedFamilyServicePlan(IFSP)andsetgoal(s).Home-based/home-visitingstaffmustoffertheopportunitywithin30days.
2. FamilyAssessment--DFSSrequiresallprogramstocompleteonefamilyassessmentinCOPAperenrolledfamily.Thefamilyassessmentcanbecompletedatthetimeofintakeorlaterafterenrollment.AllareasintheCOPAfamilyassessmentshouldbeaddressedwiththeparentsduringtheinterviewprocess,andtheCOPAfamilyassessmentshouldbecompleteduponenrollment.Whendeterminingaprioritystatusfor
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i. Xii. X
2 . xeachthemedheader,i.e.,education,budget,etc.,asktheparenttoratehis/herstatus,e.g.,thriving,safe,etc.Documentanyandallfollow-upinformationfromthefamilyassessmentinthecasenotessectioninCOPA.
3. Thefamily’sdecisiontodeclineorpursueFPA/IFSPmustbedocumentedinCOPAandtheFPA/IFSPsignaturepagemustbeprinted,dated,andsignedbythefamilyandstaffandplacedinthefamilyfile.
4. FamiliesmaydeclinetoparticipateintheformalFPA,butstillrequestareferralforservices,orhaveadiscretegoalorgoals.ThisshouldbedocumentedinCOPA.
5. AfterthefamilyassessmentandinitialrequestforFPA/IFGP,allfamiliesshouldbeengagedatleastmonthly,ifnotmore,dependingonfamilyneeds,engagementlevel,andwishes.
6. Thetypeofmonthlyengagementdependsonthefamilyandtheirengagementlevel.Allengagementshouldbegearedtowardbuildingapositiverelationshipwithfamilies.Attheminimum,thereneedstobesomedocumentationinCOPAthatcommunicationhasoccurred.
7. ThePFA/IFGPshouldbeupdatedattheminimumofevery6monthsv. Tomeetthesegoalsfamiliesmayneedtobereferredforadditionalservicesto
helpthemintegratenewpracticesintotheirdailylife,etc.Theroleofthefamilysupportspecialististosupporttheparent/guardian/familyintheachievementofhis/her/itsself-determinedgoals.
vi. Xvii. X
viii . Xa. Xb . X
c. EngagementwithallfamiliesisexpectedregardlessofwhethertheyengageintheFPA/IFGPornot.Engagementshouldbegearedtowardbuildinganongoingrelationshipwiththefamily.Engagementtopicsmightrangefromreferralsforservicesandfollow-up,tocheckinginwithfamily’ssatisfactionwiththeprogram,aroundtheirchildren’sdevelopment,children’shealthandsocial-emotionalwell-being,towhat’shappeningwithyourfamily,lettingfamiliesknowwhattheprogramisofferingwithparenteducationopportunities,parentcommitteemeetings,trainings,volunteeropportunities,etc.
A . x
B . XC . XD . X
F. FamilyPartnershipAgreements(FPA)/IndividualizedFamilyGoalPlan(IFGP)Completiona. FPA/IFGPgoalsmustbesetcollaborativelywithfamiliesandincludedescriptionofgoal,
steps,supportneeded,responsibilities,strategies,andrealistictimeframesthatsupportfamiliesinachievingtheirgoals.TheAgreement/Planmustinclude:
i. Datesonfamilygoalswhentheactionstepsareexpectedtobecompleted.ii. Strategies,steps,andresourcesforachievinggoals.iii. Documentedprogressofgoalachievement.
b. PIhomevisitingandcenterbasedprogramsarerequiredtosetatleastonegoaleachforchildren,forparents,andfortheparent-childrelationship.
c. Designatedagencystaffshouldfollowupmonthlywithfamiliesonthestatusorprogressinachievingtheirstatedgoals,referrals,andservices,anddocumentthecontactinthecasenotesonamonthlybasis.
d. AllFPAs/IFGPsmustbecurrentandreflecttheprogramyear.FPAs/IFGPsmusthavetheoriginalsignaturesoftheparentsandstaff.DesignatedagencystaffshouldprovideparentswithacopyoftheFPA/IFGP.
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Xa. X
b . Xc. X
e. DFSSrecommendsthatagenciesholdfamilychildreviewsorimplementanothersimilarprocessforallchildrenoratleastforthosethatneedmorecasemanagement.
f. Pre-ExistingPlans: Totheextentfeasible,programsshouldcoordinatewithfamiliesandotheragenciestosupporttheaccomplishmentofgoalssetinpreexistingplansfamiliesmayhaveinplacewithotheragencies,e.g.,TANF,IDCFS,IEPs,EIIFSPs,etc.
i. Theaccuracyoftheinformationdocumentedinthepre-existingplan,includingname,address,andcontactinformationoftheorganizationand,ifavailable,thespecificpersonwithwhomthefamilyisassignedtowork,andtypeofservicesreceived.
ii. Documentationofthereleaseofinformationforthepurposesofcollaboration,coordination,andprovisionofservices.
iii. Ensuringthepermissionoftheparentandconfidentialityoftheirdocumentation.
iv. Trackingpre-existingplansinCOPA,asisfeasible.A . XB . XC . X
D . XE. X
G. DocumentationofFamilyServicesa. Familyservicestaffmustofferavarietyofopportunitiestomeetandinteractwiththe
parents/guardians/familiesthroughouttheyear.Duringthesemeetings,workersmustcontinuallyassistthefamilyinidentifyingandaccessingservices.FamilyassistanceandsupportmustbedocumentedinCOPA.
i. Dependingonthefamily’sneeds,servicesmaybeidentifiedunderoneormoreofthefollowingthemes:education,familyrelationship,communication,employment,housing,budget,health,transportation,domesticviolence,legalassistance,andsubstanceabuse.
ii. Designatedagencystaffshouldmakeappropriatereferralsforfamiliesinatimelymanner.Staffshouldfollowupwithfamiliesfirsttodetermineifthereferralwasreceivedandifitmetthefamily’sexpectations.Additionaldetailsshouldbemadeinthefamily’scasenotesinCOPA.FamilyservicesinformationmustbedocumentedmonthlyinCOPA
iii. AgenciesprovidingHS/EHSserviceswilladheretothefollowingtimelinesanddocumentservicesinCOPA
1. Documentevidenceofatleast50%offamiliesreceivingservicesbyNovember15eachyear.
2. Documentevidenceofatleast75%offamiliesreceivingservicesbyFebruary15eachyear.
3. Documentevidenceofatleast90%offamiliesreceivingservicesbyMay15eachyear.
H. ParentActivitiestoPromoteChildLearningandDevelopmenta. Programsshouldconductactivitiesthatpromotetheparents’roleasthefirstand
primaryteachersoftheirchildren.Theseactivitiesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedtoi. ImplementingaDFSS-approved,research-based,parenteducationcurriculum
(ParentsasTeachersandBabyTalk).ii. Holdingparentengagementworkshops,trainings,andfamilyengagement
events.
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a. Xb . X
c. Xd . X
i. Xii. X
iii. Followingupwithfamiliestoprovidesupportandstrategieswhenconsistentabsencesoccur(seeERSEASection).
iv. Holdingintentionalmaleengagementinitiatives.v. Familysocializationsthatfocusonfamilyneeds.vi. UsingthefamilyassessmentdatatoengagefamiliesinPFCEoutcomesandgoal
setting.vii. ImplementingmeaningfulFPAsandIFGPs.viii. Implementingparentactivitiesandorgroups,includingthosewiththemental
healthconsultant,focusingonsupportingtheparent-childrelationship.ix. Conductingteacherandfamilyengagementmeetingswithparents.
A . xB . XC . X
D . XE. XF. X
G . X
I. CommunityPartnershipsa. Thepurposeofcommunitypartnershipsistoensurethatearlychildhoodprograms
collaboratewithothercommunityserviceproviderstomeettheneedsofchildrenandfamiliesandcreateasystemofprovidersthathasaccountabilitytovulnerablechildrenandfamilies.
i. DFSSsupportsprogramsbyimplementingwrittencommunitypartnershipagreementswithotheragenciescentrallyasmuchaspossibleandsupportingagencieswheretheyhavelocalcommunitycollaborativeagreementsforservicesthatfamiliesneedand/orthatenhanceprogramservices.
ii. DFSSrequiresHS/EHS/CCP/PIfundedprogramstocreatewrittencommunitypartnershipagreementswithlocalagenciesandorganizationsthatprovideservicesthatsupportthefamiliestheagencyserves.Agreementscanincludesharingofinformation,shareddeliveryofservices,asappropriate,accessandreferralstoservices,collaborationindevelopmentofnewservices,etc.
iii. Aspartofcommunitypartnershipbuilding,programsmust1. developformalandinformalnetworkswithanextensivevarietyof
communityserviceprovidersincluding,butnotlimitedto,thefollowing:a. TANFb. DomesticViolencec. HousingSupportd. SubstanceAbusee. FamilyLiteracyf. AdultEducationg. WorkForceDevelopmenth. Post-secondaryeducationinstitutionsi. Librariesj. Museumsk. Financialliteracy
2. Protectfamilies’confidentiality.3. Participateincommunity-widecouncilsorserviceeffortstomakesure
theprogram’sobjectivesandinterestsarerepresentedincommunityplanning.
4. Partnerwithagenciesthatprovideservicestochildrenwithdisabilities.5. Partnerwithfamilypreservationandsupportsystems,aswellaschild
protectiveservices.
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6. Collaboratewithculturalinstitutions,includinglibrariesandmuseums.7. Encourageparentsandcommunityrepresentativestovolunteerintheir
programs.8. Providetransitionservicestosupportsuccessfultransitionstopre-
schoolprogramsandkindergarten.9. CollaboratewiththeLEA(CPS)andEICFC.
J. MaleEngagement–Allprogramsmustmaintainmalefriendlyenvironmentswithineachsetting.Programswillensure:
a. Maleengagementeventsareexecutedthroughouttheyear,locations,days,andtimesappropriatetoaccommodatepotentialparticipants.
b. Someeventsshouldbebothmaleandfemaledirectedandappropriatefortheentirefamily.
c. Variousadvertisingstrategiesareusedforrecruitmentofparticipants.d. Strategiesareexecutedtogaugeareasofneedandinterestforthemaleengagement
events.e. Appropriatestaffisinvolvedinplanningandfacilitatingmaleengagementevents.f. Methodsareusedtoevaluatetheeventforfutureplanning.g. Stafftrainingoccursontheimportanceofmaleengagementinchildren’slivesand
development.h. Emphasisonmaleinvolvementissensitivetofamilieswhomaynothaveamalerole
modelinthehome.
K. ServicestoEnrolledPregnantWomen– ForEHSandPIfundedprogramsthatenrollpregnantwomenthefollowingrequirementsapply:
a. Designatedagencystaff(home-visitorsorfamilyserviceworkers)willensurethatwithin30daysofenrollmentpregnantwomenhaveanongoingsourceofcontinuous,accessiblehealthcareandhealthinsurance.Ifapregnantwomandoesn’thaveeither,stafffacilitateandassistthewomaninfindingandaccessingconsistent,ongoingcarethatmeetsherneeds,assoonaspossible.
b. Designatedagencystaff(home-visitorsorfamilyserviceworkers)willfacilitateenrolledpregnantwomen’saccesstocomprehensiveservicesthroughreferralsthatinclude,butarenotlimitedto,nutritionalcounseling,foodassistance,oralhealthcare,mentalhealthservices,substanceabusepreventionandtreatment,and,incasesofdomesticviolence,emergencyshelterortransitionalhousing.
c. Designatedagencystaff(home-visitorsorfamilyserviceworkers)willusetheParentsasTeachersand/orBabyTalkcurriculumtoguideservicesforpregnantwomenandrelevantfamilymembers.
d. Designatedagencystaff(home-visitorsorfamilyserviceworkers)willengagepregnantwomenandrelevantfamilymembersintheFamilyEngagement&PartnershipBuildingProcess(FCESectionII.E)andFamilyPartnershipAgreement/IndividualizedFamilyGoalPlanning(FCESectionII.F).THEFPA/IFGPshouldincludeplanstotransitionthenewborninfantintoEHSorPI-fundedCELprograms.Thisplanshouldberevisitedanddiscussedatthetwo-weekpost-partumvisit.
e. Programsmustprovideanewbornvisittomotherandbabyscheduledwithintwoweeksafterdeliveryoftheinfantbyahealthprofessional.
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f. Agenciesarerequiredtoofferfamilieswithpregnantwomen(includingfathers,partners,orotherrelevantfamilymembers)referralstoeducationservicesthataddress,maternalchildhealthincluding,
i. Fetaldevelopment.ii. Theimportanceofnutrition.iii. Therisksofdrugs,alcohol,andsmoking.iv. Laboranddelivery.v. Postpartumrecovery.vi. Depressionasaparent.vii. Safesleepandcareforinfants.viii. Benefitsofbreast-feeding.ix. Reproductivehealth.
L. TransitionofChildrena. Transitionsareeasierwhenchildrenhavetimetogetusedtonewthings.Transitions
involvenotonlychildrenandfamilies,butalsoeducation,health,andfamily-communityengagementstaff.Transitionsshouldbeacoordinatedeffortofmultipleprogramcontentareas.Agenciesmustsupportsuccessfultransitionsforenrolledchildrenandfamiliesfrompreviouschilddevelopmentprogramsorhomesintotheirprograms,andfromtheirprogramsintoothersettings.
i. Thetransitionprocessforeachchildandfamilyenrolledintheprogramincludes:
1. Coordinatingthetransferofrecordswiththechild’snextsettingandparents.
2. Encouragingcommunicationamongcurrentstaff,stafffromthechild’snextsetting,andparentstofacilitatecontinuityofprogramming.
3. Initiatingmeetingsinvolvingparents,teachingstaff,andotherdesignatedstafffromthecurrentandnextsetting.
4. Initiatingjointtransitiontrainingforallappropriatestaffandparents.5. Implementingthecontinuityofrelationshipsmodel(seeEducation6.K)
ii. Transitioningtopreschool—Agenciesmustconducttransitionplanningbeginningsixmonthspriortothechild’sthirdbirthday.
1. Teachersincludetransitionactivitiesintheirlessonplanning.Transitionplanningbeginsevenearlier,asneeded,andisanongoingprocessthatisintegratedintothefamilypartnershipplans.
2. Children’stransitionplansincludethestepsbeingtakentotransitionthemfrominfant/toddler/twoyearoldprogramstopreschoolsettings.WhenchildrenwithdiagnoseddisabilitiesagesbirthtothreehaveanIFSP,transitionservicesareprovidedasstatedinthatplan.
iii. Transitioningtokindergarten-- Programsservingchildrenwhowillenterkindergarteninthefollowingyearmustimplementstrategiestosupportasuccessfultransitiontokindergarten,thatincludes:
1. Arrangingavisittothenewschoolaheadoftimetomeettheteacherandtoseetheclassroom.
2. Role-playingdailyroutinessochildrenknowwhattoexpectandarepreparedtohandletheirnewsurroundings.
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M. ServingFamiliesExperiencingHomelessness(familiesintemporarylivingsituations)withYoungChildren-- Programsmustprovidethefollowingsupportsforfamiliesexperiencinghomelessnesswithyoungchildrenandthestaffwhoservethem:
a. Providestafftrainingonthenatureandproblemsofhomelessnessforchildrenandparents,thepressuresofbeingahomelessparent,andavailablehousingoptions,includingshelters,andtransitionalhousing.
b. Enactrecruitmentstrategiesthatreachandprioritizefamiliesexperiencinghomelessness,includinggivingthempriorityinenrollment,recruitingfromhomelesssheltersandotherhomelesslivingareas,andhelpingparentscompleteformsandworkthroughotherbarriersthatpreventthemfromenrollingchildren,e.g.,depression,exhaustion,grief,andachaoticlife.
c. Adapthealthstrategiestomeettheneedsofhomelessfamilieswithyoungchildren,includingconductingearlyhealthassessmentonchildren,settingdifferenttimelinesforhomelesschildrenduetopotentialtransportationproblems,providingextrahelptofamiliesinusingandaccessinghealthcaresystems,andbringinghealthservicestosheltersandotherplaceswherefamiliesare.
d. Providetransportation,asnecessary,especiallytoservicessuchashealthanddentalappointments,etc.
e. FacilitatePaperwork/documentationrequirements,includingenrollingchildrenwithoutimmunizationrecords,establishingagraceperiodtogetadditionalpaperwork,exceptphysicals,andthenprovidingservicestofamiliesimmediatelythroughhomevisitsandreferralsandfacilitatingexpeditedhealthservices.
f. Adjustprogramdesignifservingahighvolumeofhomelessfamiliesbyapplyingforalocaldesignprogramoptionthatmightincludeflexibleprogramming,suchas:
i. Reduceclasssizes.ii. Operateclassroomsinshelters.iii. Offerfullday/yearservicessoparentscanlookforhousing,training,andwork.iv. Arrangesupervisionforchildrenatshelters.v. Combinehome-based/center-basedmodeltoprovidemoreintenseparenttime
andactivitiesandstillhavesocializationforchildren.vi. Providinginfant/toddlerservices.vii. Makeotheradaptationsthatallowprogramtobetterservefamilies
experiencinghomelessness.g. Understandtheeffectsofhomelessnessonattendancepatternandprovidesupportsfor
familiestoimproveattendance,asneeded.h. Havetransition/specialgoodbyeroutinesreadilyavailabletoimplementquicklyif
childrenleavesuddenlywithoutmuchadvancednotice,suchassongs,books,classroomdiscussionsaboutmoving,andphotobooksofchildren,teachers,andclassmatestogivetochildrenwhentheyleave;offertoextendtransitionactivitiessofamiliescanstayinvolvedtohelpensurefamilystability.
i. Addressbarrierstoparentinvolvementthatmayincludetransportation,childcare,andmealsateventsandfindalternatewaystoshareinformation,e.g.,brochures,calendars,andvideos.
j. Strengthenfamilysupportbyensuringmorefrequentcontactsandasoundreferralprocess,helpingfamiliesnavigateotheragencies,settingupbuddyprogramswithother
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j. xfamiliesasappropriate,establishingmentoringprograms,providingfamilysupportgroupswithmentalhealthandotherconsultants,reducingfamilyservicecaseloads,andenactingstrategiesthatbuildfamilies’supportandrelationshipsystems.
k. Collaboratewithpartnersandotheragenciestorecruitfamiliesandcoordinateandprovideservicestothem.Ifappropriate,useinteragencyorco-locatedcasemanagementandcasestaffing,identifyingprimarycontactsatotheragenciestohelpexpeditereferrals.Thisincludescollaboratingwithotheragenciestosetupchildren’sareasandparentresourcecentersatsheltersandtrainingshelterandotherstaffonchilddevelopmentandfamilysupport.
l. Workwithcommunitybasedandhousingadministratorstofindaffordablehousingforthefamiliesandcoordinate/providetransportationforparentstovisitpossiblelocationsandmeetrealtors;helpfamiliescompletehousingforms;providereferenceletters;andenlistlegalsupport,ifrequired.
N. ParentandFamilyEngagementinHome-based/Home-visitingmodel—Inthehome-based/home-visitingprogramoption,thehome-visitortakesontheroleofteacherandfamilysupportspecialist.
a. PIHome-Visiting-- Familysupportspecialist/serviceworkersmustprovideatminimumonceamonth,agroupsession/meetingfortheparentsofchildrenagesbirthtothree.Thecontentofthegroupsmusthaveafocusonchilddevelopment,parentingandparenteducationcurriculumtopics
b. Familyserviceworkersmustprovideatminimumonceamonth,agroupsession/meetingfortheparentsofchildrenagesbirthtothree.Thecontentofthegroupsmusthaveafocusonchilddevelopment,parentingandparenteducationcurriculumtopics.
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I. Definition
Transportationcoverstheactivitiesandproceduresthatmustbefollowedwhentransportingchildren.
II.ChicagoEarlyLearningStandards
A. GeneralRequirements– Agenciesmustprovidereasonableassistance,suchasinformationaboutpublictransitavailabilityandothertransportationresources,tothechildren’sfamiliestoarrangetransportationtoandfromprogramactivities.
a. Center-basedandFamilyChildCareHomeprogramsmaynotprovidetransportationtoandfromservices.
b. Transportationoptioninformationmustbeincludedinrecruitmentannouncements.c. Programsshouldmakeareasonableefforttocoordinatetransportationresourceswith
otherhumanserviceagenciesinitscommunitytocontrolcostsandimprovethequalityandavailabilityoftransportationservices.
B. PedestrianSafety– trainingisrequiredforallcenter-basedandfamilychildcarehomesprogramoptionsannuallywithinthefirst30daysoftheprogramyearandasneededfornewenrollees.Allenrolledparentsandchildren,fromwalkingageandabove,mustreceivetraining.Staffmustreceiveannualsafetytraining.
a. Thetrainingprovidedtochildrenmustbedevelopmentallyappropriateandanintegralpartofprogramexperiences.Theneedforanadulttoaccompanyachildwhilecrossingthestreetmustbeemphasizedinthetrainingprovidedtoparentsandchildren.
b. Safetytrainingforparentsshouldoccuratthefirstparentmeeting/orientation.c. Staffsafetyeducationtrainingshouldoccuratpre-service.d. Pedestriansafetytrainingforchildrenandparentsmustinclude:
i. Safetywhilecrossingthestreet,including1. walkingwithinthecrosswalk2. Obeyingtrafficsignals3. Lookingbothwaysbeforecrossingthestreet4. Beingmindfulofstrollerpositionwhilewaitingatcrosswalk5. Makesurechildrenwalkoninside,notcurbside
ii. Exitingvehicles1. Childrenshoulddisembark/exitvehicleoncurbside
iii. Emphasizetheimportanceofescortingtheirchildrentothevehiclestopandtheimportanceofreinforcingthetrainingprovidedtochildrenregardingvehiclesafety.
e. Agenciesshouldsubmitpedestriantrainingcertification,usingthepedestriancertificationform,totheirmonitoringteam,withinthefirst30daysoftheprogramyear,andthenprovidefollow-upasneededfornewenrollees.
f. HS/EHSfundedprogramsshouldsubmitcertificationformsforalltheirsitesandhomes,includingpartnersiteswhohavePFA/PI.PFA/PIfundedcenter-basedprogramsshouldsubmitcertificationsdirectlytotheirmonitoringteam.
13.Transportation
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C. BusEvaluationDrills– EveryHS-fundedprogrammustconductthreebusevacuationdrillsperyear.EveryPFA-onlyfundedprogramthatintendsonusingbustransportationforfieldtripsmustconductabusevaluationdrillpriortoeachbus-transportationfieldtrip.
a. HSfundedprograms,sitesandclassroomsi. DFSSfundstwostand-aloneevacuationsdrills,andthethirdmaybeincludedin
theDFSS-fundedfieldtrip.ii. Thefirstbusevacuationdrillshouldoccurinthebeginningoftheyear,priorto
thefirstfieldtriporwithinthefirstthreemonthsofprogramoperation.iii. Twomoreshouldbeofferedinreasonableintervalsafterthefirstandbefore
theendoftheprogramyeartoaccountfornewlyenrolledfamiliesandchildren.iv. Seeinstructionsbelowforschedulingbusevacuationdrillsandfieldtripsv. Reportingonbusevaluationdrills:
1. DocumentationofallevacuationdrillsmustbeplacedinCOPAeDocsunderthesitetab.
2. HSfundedprogramsshouldsubmitbusevacuationcertificationformsforalltheirsitesandhomes,includingpartnersiteswhohavePFA.PFAonlycenter-basedprogramsshouldsubmitcertificationsdirectlytotheirmonitoringteam.
vi. Busevacuationdrillsshouldbedevelopmentallyappropriateforchildrenandanintegralpartofprogramexperiences.Itshouldinclude
1. Saferidingpractices.2. Safetyproceduresforboardingandleavingthevehicle.3. Safetyproceduresincrossingthestreettoandfromthevehicleatstops.4. Recognitionofthedangerzonesaroundvehicles.5. Emergencyevacuationprocedures.6. Theimportanceofescortingtheirchildrentothevehiclestopandthe
importanceofreinforcingthetrainingprovidedtochildrenregardingvehiclesafety.
b. PFA-onlyfundedprogramsandsitesi. EveryPFA-onlyfundedprogramthatintendsonusingbustransportationfor
fieldtripsmustconductabusevaluationdrillpriortoeachbus-transportationfieldtrip.
D. BusMonitoringTraininga. Duringpre-servicetraining,programsmustprovidebusmonitoringtrainingforstaffthat
accompanychildrenonfieldtripsinvolvingbustransportation.Allprogramsmustensurethatanypersonaccompanyingchildrenonbusesforfieldtripsreceivestrainingpriortotransportation,andatleastannually.
b. Programsmustconductatrainingfortheupcomingyear.HS/EHS: InAugust,allbusmonitorsmustparticipateinatransportationsafety/evacuationtraining.Eachmonth,programsshouldreviewthenumberofbusmonitorstrained.
c. DocumentationofthetrainingmustbeplacedinCOPAeDocsunderthesitetab.d. BusMonitorTrainingmustincludethefollowingtopics:
i. Childboardingandexitingproceduresii. Howtousechildrestraintsystemsiii. Completinganyrequiredpaperwork
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iv. Howtorespondtoemergenciesandemergencyevacuationproceduresv. Howtousespecialequipmentvi. Childpick-upandreleaseproceduresvii. Howtoconductpre- andpost-tripvehiclechecksviii. Cardiopulmonaryresuscitationandfirstaid
E. TransportationforFieldTrips– Programsmayneedtoprovidetransportationservicesforfieldtrips.Iftheydo,theymustuseDFSS-approvedbuscompaniesforpreschool-agedchildren.
a. OnlyDFSS-contractedbuscompaniesareequippedandapprovedtoprovideservicesforpreschoolagedchildren,agethreeandabove.Infantsandtoddlersmaynotbetransported.Statelawpreventsthetransportationofchildrenunder18months.
b. Becauseoftherestraintequipment,busescanonlyseat34children.c. HS-fundedprogramsarerequiredtoconductthreebusevacuationsdrillsperyear,
regardlessofwhethertheyplanonusingbustransportationforfieldtrips.PFAonlyfundedprogramsneedonlyconductbusevacuationfieldtripspriortobustransportedfieldtrips.
d. DFSSfundsbus-transportationforone fieldtripperyearperHSclassroom.Ifaprogramneedsbustransportationforadditionalfieldtrips,theprogrammustcoverexpensesoutofitsbudget.
e. DFSSwillpayforonefieldtripperHS-fundedclassroom,butprogramsmust requestthetriptobeDFSSfundedwhenscheduling.
f. Thefollowingstepsneedtobefollowedwhenschedulingafieldtriprequiringtransportation,regardlessofwhethertheprogramisHSorPFA-onlyfunded.
i. SubmitthecompletedformtoDFSStransportationcontactasstatedatthebottomofformatleastXXweeksbeforethedesiredfieldtrip.Makesuretheagencyandsitehascompletedbusmonitortraining.
ii. MakesuretoindicateontheformwhetherthiswillbeDFSS-fundedfieldtriptransportationorprogram-fundedfieldtriptransportation.
iii. DFSSwillconfirmwiththeagencyforDFSSfundedbustransportationiv. Thebuscompanywillconfirmdirectlywiththeprogramforprogram-funded
bustransportation.v. HSpartnersitesmustsubmitbustransportationrequeststotheirdelegate
agencies,whointurn,shouldsubmittherequesttoDFSS.a. Bustransportationconfirmationwillbesentdirectlytothe
partner/center-basedsites.g. PFA-onlyfundedprogramsandsitesshouldfollowthesamestepsasHSfundedsitesin
requestingbustransportationforfieldtripsandreceivingconfirmation.Theyshouldfollowthestepsandproceduresforprogram-fundedbustransportation.
h. Invoicingforbustransportationforfieldtrips.1. IfthebustransportationisDFSS-funded,theprogramshouldfollowthesteps
underf.vi.2. Ifthebustransportationisprogram-funded,thebuscompanywillprovidean
invoicetothesiteduringinteractiononthedayofthefieldtrip,andtheprogramisresponsibleforpayingforthebustransportation.
3. Ifthebustransportationisprogram-funded,itstillmustcompletestepf.vi postfieldtrip.
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i. TransportationSafetyChecklist-- Beforetakingchildrenonbustransportedfieldtrips,programstaffmustcompletetheDFSSTransportationSafetyChecklist.Thechecklistoutlinestheitemsthatneedtobecheckedbeforeafieldtrip.
j. TransportationDuringFieldtripsi. Safetyduringbustransportedfieldtrips.Allprogramsmustensurethat:
1. Eachchildisseatedinachildrestraintsystemappropriatetothechild’sage,height,andweight.
2. Baggageandotheritemstransportedinthepassengercompartmentareproperlystoredandsecuredandtheaislesremainclearandthedoorsandemergencyexitsremainunobstructedatalltimes.
3. Up-to-datechildrostersandlistsoftheadultseachchildisauthorizedtobereleasedto,includingalternatesincaseofemergency,aremaintainedandnochildisleftbehind,eitherattheclassroomoronthevehicleattheendoftheroute.
4. Thereisatleastonebusmonitoronboardatalltimes,withadditionalbusmonitorsprovidedasnecessary.
5. Thebusaislesarekeptclearatalltimesandemergencyexitsareunobstructed.6. Staff,children,parents,andvolunteersareseatedandwearingappropriate
restraintsanytimethebusisinmotion.7. Allaccidentsinvolvingvehiclesthattransportchildrenarereportedinaccordance
withapplicablestaterequirements.8. Attendancemustbetakenintheclassroompriortoboardingthebus.9. Aheadcountmustbeconductedafterboardinganduponreturntothesiteto
ensurethatallchildrenhavebeenaccountedfor.10. Busmonitorsanddriversmustdoavisualcheck,includingunderbusseats,to
ensurethatallpassengershaveexitedthevehicle.11. Aworkingcellphonemustbeavailableonallfieldtrips.
ii. ProgramsmustcompletetheFieldTripChecklistformpriortoleavingforfieldtrip.k. Post-fieldtrip--Afterthetrip,programsshouldcomplete,scan,andsubmittotheirmonitoring
teamthefollowingcompletedforms:1. TripVerificationForm2. FieldTripChecklist3. Evacuation,ifapplicable
F. TransportationforChildrenwithDisabilities– especiallythosechildrenwhohaveadiagnoseddisabilitywhentheirIEPspecificallyrequiresorrecommendstransportationservices
a. Eachagencymustspecifyanyspecialtransportationrequirementsforachildwithadisabilitywhenpreparingthechild’sIEPorIFSPandensurethat,inallcases,specialtransportationrequirementsinachild’sIEPorIFSParefollowed,including:
i. Specialpick-upanddrop-offrequirements.ii. Specialseatingrequirements.iii. Specialequipmentneeds.iv. Anyspecialassistancethatmayberequired.v. Anyspecialtrainingforbusdriversandmonitors.
G. Home-visitingandhome-basedareexemptfromtransportationrequirements.
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I. ExecutiveSummary
In2017-2018,theDepartmentofFamilyandSupportServices(DFSS)ChildrenServicesDivision(CSD),aleadinginnovatorinthefield,continuedtheimplementationphaseoftheconsolidationthatitbeganin2016.Theconsolidationofitscommunity-basedearlylearningprogramsunderoneagencywasintendedtostreamlinebettercoordinateresourcesandalignadministrativerequirementsforitsnetworkofdelegateagenciesandpartners.ThesuccessofthisconsolidationistheadministrationoffederallyfundedHeadStart(HS),EarlyHeadStart(EHS),andEarlyHeadStart-ChildCarePartnership(EHS-CCP)programming,community-basedstate-fundedPreschoolforAll(PFA)andPreventionInitiative(PI).DFSSisalsoasite-administeredcontractorfortheChildCareAssistanceProgram(CCAP).Thismedleyofprogrammingprovidesacontinuumofsupportstopregnantwomenandchildrenagesbirthto5andschool-ageyouthages6-12.
CSDacknowledgesthereisstrongrationaleforthedelegateagency-partnermodelandhasdevelopedthisimplementationguidetocontinuetoencouragesuccessfulpartnershipswithintheChicagoEarlyLearningsystem.DelegateagenciescontractingwithearlylearningpartnersallowstheCSDnetworktoextendservicestoatargetpopulationofchildrenandfamiliesthatischaracteristicallyverymobilewithoutneedingtoinvestinlarge-scalecapitalprojects.PartnershipsalsoallowCSDtomaximizecommunityresources,sinceearlylearningpartnersarevaluableassets.Partnersareexperiencedpeerserviceproviders,stronglygroundedinthecultural,linguisticandsocialneedsofthefamiliesandtheirlocalcommunitiesanddedicatedtothechildrenandfamiliestheyserve.
II. Introduction
ThisGuideisdesignedtoassistCSDdelegateagenciesandcommunity-basedpartnerorganizationstoexecutesuccessfulpartnershipagreementsthatprovidehighqualityandconsistentservicestochildrenandfamilies.Atthefoundationofthisguideistheunderstandingthatestablishingmutuallybeneficialrelationshipsisvitaltoanysuccessfulpartnerarrangement.CSDacknowledgesthatrelationshipsrootedinstrengths-basedapproaches,encouragesopendialog,consistentcommunicationandcollaborativeagreementsthatleadtosuccessfuloutcomes.
III. DescriptionofGrantee/Delegate/PartnerRelationships
Evidence-basedresearchidentifiesfourcriticalcapacitiesassociatedwithstrengths-basedrelationshipdevelopment.TheseserveasthecontextfortheCSDdelegateagency-partnerframeworkandtheprocessoutlinedinthisguide.Thefourcapacitiesare:Membercapacity(programexpectations);Relationalcapacity(leveloftrust);Organizationalcapacity(theorganization'sskills,experience,andresources);andProgrammaticcapacity(methodofoperation).
Twoessentialprinciplesthatgovernpartnershipdevelopmentandareusefulfordeterminingdelegateagencies’andpartners’readinessforenteringintopartnershipsarehighlevelsoftrustandclearexpectationsbetweenbothpartiescenteredondeliveringintendedresults.
AppendixA:DelegatePartnerImplementationGuide
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Inadditiontothecriticalfoundationofsuccessfulpartnerships,CSDrecognizesthatalevelofconsistencyinoperationsmustbeachievedinitssystemtoensurehighqualityservicesthroughoutandtoallowforeffectivesupportandmonitoringfromCSDforthepartnershipsacrossChicago.Towardthisend,thisguidedetailsmodelsoroptionsthatdelegateagencieswillchoosefromwhencreatingorrefiningtheirpartnerstructures.
Byimplementingthisguideandoptionsrequirements,CSDacknowledgesitsresponsibilitytodevelop,clarifyandenhanceprocedures,protocolsandtoolsdesignedtoguide,govern,andenrichthedelegateagency-partnerrelationship.CSDwillcontinuetoworkcloselywithdelegateagencies,whointurnworkcloselywiththeirpartnerstoformalizemutuallybeneficialpartnershipagreements.
Terminology
ThefollowingdefinitionsaccuratelydescribeandclarifythetermsanddesignationsusedinthisguideandotherCSDdocuments.
1. Grantee referstotheChicagoDFSS,thelegallyresponsibleentityreceivingagrantawardtoadministertheHS/EHS/EHS-CCPprogram,whichitdoesthroughitsCSD.TheChicagoPublicSchoolsisthegranteeorrecipientforthestateEarlyChildhoodBlockGrant(PFA/PI)fundingandgrantsthecommunity-basedportionofthatfundingtoDFSSthroughanintergovernmentalagreement.
AppendixA:DelegatePartnerImplementationGuide
PartnerCompetencies
MemberCapacity
RelationalCapacity
OrganizationalCapacity
ProgrammaticCapacity
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2. Delegateagencyreferstoaprivateornonprofitorganization,includingacommunity-basedorganization,towhichagranteehasdelegatedallorpartoftheresponsibilityforoperatinganearlylearning/childdevelopmentprogram.InthefederalUniformAdministrativeRequirements,adelegateagencyisalsoreferredtoasasub-recipientthatreceivesasub-awardfromagranteeorrecipienttocarryoutapartofafederal/stateprogram.Adelegateagencyorsub-recipientmayalsobearecipientofotherfederal/statefundingdirectlyfromafederal/stateawardingagencyandthereforeconsideredagranteeforthatfunding.
3 . xDFSSCSDisthesub-recipientforthePFA/PIfunding.
3. Partners aredefinedascontractors.Acontractorisalegally-recognizedentitythatreceivesacontractforthepurposeofprovidinggoodsandservices,asspecifiedinawrittenandsignedcontractualagreement.Thecontractcreatesaprocurementrelationshipwiththecontractor.IntheCSDsystem,thedelegateagencycontractswiththepartnerorganizationtoprovideearlylearningservicesunderthedelegateagency’soversightandwithinitsresponsibilitytothegrantee.
4 . xWhilepartnersaresubordinatedtodelegateagenciesintheircontractualrelationships,theyarecolleagueserviceprovidersonequalfootingwithdelegateagenciesinthecommunity.SomeDFSSdelegateagencypartnersareinthecontractororpartnerstatuswiththedelegateagencyfortheHS/EHSfundingandsimultaneouslyinthedelegateagencystatuswithDFSSCSDforthePFA/PIfunding.
AppendixA:DelegatePartnerImplementationGuide
Note:DFSSdefinesallofits
contractorsasDelegateAgencies
Note:Arecipientorsub-recipientis
notanindividual,but
alegally-recognized
organizationinacontractualrelationshipwiththegrantee.
CSD,itsdelegateagencies,andtheirpartnersengageinaformal,hierarchicalrelationshipthatiscontractuallybound,withaccountabilityforresultsflowingfromgranteetodelegateagenciesandfromdelegateagenciestoitspartner.Atthesametime,theheartofthedelegateagency-partneraffiliationistherespectandrecognitionofthevitalroleofpartnersintheexpandedservicesacrossChicago.Thisguideacknowledgesthecomplexityofdelegateagency-partnerrelationshipsandunderscorestheimportanceofsystematizingandsupportingthemthroughouttheChicagoEarlyLearningsystem.
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IV. DiscussionofPartnerships
AcrossChicago’searlylearningsystem,existingdelegateagency-partnerrelationshipsaremulti-facetedandunique,necessitatedbytheindividualityoftheagenciesinthesystem.Delegateagency-partnerrelationshipbuildingfollowspredictablestagesthatyieldthedesiredoutcomeswhenproperlynavigated.Thesestagesarelikenedtothetraditionalphasesthatanygoodrelationshipencountersinbuildingastrengths-basedfoundationoftrustandrespect.ThisimplementationguideincludesbothaquickstartguideandthenarrativepointsoftheSixStagesofPartnership asatooltoassistDelegateswhoareconsideringdevelopingpartnershipsorimprovingcurrentpartnershiprelationships.
ThisguideisorganizedaroundtheSix(6)StagesofPartnerships fromQualityinLinkingTogether(QUILT),whichwasacollaborationprojectjointlyfundedbythefederalOfficesofChildCareandHeadStart.TheSixStagesofPartnership serveasastructureforunderstandinghowearlylearningpartnershipsprogressthroughaseriesofphasedstepsalongthepartneringpath.(AppendixA)Introduction
PlanningforSuccessfulPartnerships– TheContractualRelationship
Thepurposeofthepartnershipistoprovideanddelivercomprehensiveearlylearningservices,reflectingqualityenvironmentsthatbenefitchildrenandfamilies.Acarefullythoughtoutwrittenpartnershipagreementorcontractiscriticaltothesuccessofformalizingthepartnership.
AllCSDdelegateagencypartnershipsmusthaveawrittencontractagreement,signedandauthorizedbybothparties.CSDrecognizesthateachcontractorwithinitsdelegateagencynetworkhasadifferentmanagementandorganizationalstructure.However,CSDinthisframeworkhasoutlinedthekeycomponentsofacontractformatwithstandardizedboilerplate,outliningminimalprogramparticipationrequirements.
Minimummandatorycontractprovisions include:• Aminimummonthlycostperchildreimbursementforchildcarepartnersbasedonenrollment,
notattendance*ORMinimumpercentage funding(seeOptionsGuide)• Directions,training,andongoingsupportforpartnerorganizations’accesstoCOPAtoensure
timelydataentry.• Rulesgoverningthemovementandre-contractingofpartnersamongdelegateagencies.• Minimumorientationandtrainingrequirementsforpartnerleadershipandstaff.• Curriculum,AssessmentandScreeningtoolsandfrequencyrequiredforcompliance.• Guidelinesforminimumorbaselinequalificationsandwage/compensationrequirementsforHead
Start/EarlyHeadStartstaffemployedinpartneragencies.
ThePartnerRelationshipFrameworkand
QuickStartGuideaccompanythismanual
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CSDdelineatesbaselinerequirementsfordelegateagenciesinitscontractswiththem.Delegateagenciesmustalsoensurethatservicesatthepartnersitereflectthehighestlevelofqualityandmustfundatalevelthatsupportsthisquality.AllCSDHS/EHSagenciesmustimplementtheparenteducationcurriculum,whichwhenimplementedtofidelityrequirescertaincaseloadsandactivitiesandsodifferentlevelsoffamilyengagement(FE)staff.
CSDhasreviewedanddeterminedtoensurethehighestlevelofqualitythatminimumrequirementsforbothSlotAllocationandReimbursementRatesmustbesetandsystematizedacrossthecity.Anypartnershipmustadheretothefollowing:
• MinimumSlotAllocationo 0-3Minimumofonegroupof8o 3-5Minimumofonegroup15
• MinimumreimbursementratemustfollowtheguidanceoutlinedintheOptionsChart
CSDwillworkwithagenciestooutlineclassroomstructuresatpartnersitesensuringcontinuityofrelationshipsandacontinuumofcareacrossagesandprogramstructures.CSDunderstandsthatotherchildrenwhoarealsoenrolledintheprogramwillbenefitfromtheenhancedservicesandsupportmadeavailablethroughthepartnershipasaresultofbeinginclassroomswithfundedchildren.However,directfundingcannotbeusedonservicestochildrenorfamiliesnotenrolledintherelatedprogram.
FiscalGuidanceQuestions:
ChildrenServiceDivision’sGuidelinesandProvisionsforDelegateAgencyPartnerContracts
TheprovisionsforCSDdelegateagencypartnershipcontractsmustinclude:1. Basiccontractconditions,suchas:
a. Term/lengthoftheagreementb. TerminationClauseandmustbespelledoutwithaspecifictimeframeandprocessc. Confidentialityanddatasharingrequirementsd. Close-outprocess,includingdispositionofpurchaseditems,ifthepartnershipendse. Astatementdefiningallowableandnon-allowablepartnershipcosts
TIP:Fiscalmanagementquestionsforpartnerships• Whatspecific,existingfiscalresourcesdotheorganizationsbringtothepartnership?• Howwilltheorganizationsbecomefamiliarwitheachother’sfiscalpolicies?• Howdoesthedelegateagencysupportpartnerstomaximizeallavailablefundingtosupportthe
partnership?• Arethereanin-kind/match,administrativecap,orotherrestrictionsandrequirementsandhow
willtheybemet?• Isthereaplanforthedelegateagencyorpartnertoseekadditionalfundingfromothersources?
Whichpartnerwilltakethelead?• Whatfiscalprovisionsareinplacetoensurecontinuityofcareifafamily’schildcaresubsidyis
terminated,sinceHS/EHS/EHS-CCPchildrencannottobedroppedfromtheprogramforthisreason?
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2. Paymenttermsandconditions,includingthetimeframefordelegateagencypaymentstopartnersandtheprocessbywhichsuchpaymentsarebilledandauthorized.
3. Enrollmentexpectationsandhowtheseaffectpayments,ifapplicable.4. Goalsofthepartnership,alongexpectationsofoutcomes,howprogresswillbemonitoredand
howalackofprogresswillbeaddressed.5. Rolesandresponsibilitiesrelatedtoservicestobeprovidedinthepartnership,includingthe
timeframesandexpectationsforimplementationofservices,deliverables,andactionplans.6. Budgetforthetermofthecontractagreementontheformproscribedbythedelegateagency
andanarrativethatdescribeshowallbudgetedcostsareallowable,allocable,andreasonableandhowtheysupportprogressonprogramgoalsanddeliverables.
7. Anyfiscalorprogramtrackingrequirementsandformsnecessaryfordocumentingservicesandexpenditures.
8. Reporting,communication,andmonitoringrequirements,rolesandresponsibilities,withadescriptionofthefrequencyofreports,includingfiscal,tobegeneratedandwhoreviews,analyzes,andactsonsuchreports.
9. Astatementonauditrequirementsandsharingauditreports,asappropriate.
DFSSCSDDelegateAgencyCriteria– PartnerBaseline
Principals/ParametersforAll CSDDelegateAgency-PartnerAgreements
• PertheUniformGuidance(§45CFR75),delegateagenciesaresub-recipientsofCSDandpartnersarecontractorsofdelegateagencies;familychildcarehomeprovidersarenotemployeesbutratherareindependentcontractors
• Somepartnersmayalsobesub-recipientsofCSDfortheirPFA/PIfunding,beingdirectcontractorsofCSD
• Alldelegateagencypartnershipsmusthaveacurrentwrittencontract/agreementinplace• Termsshouldbeconsistentacrosscontracts,asspecifiedinthisImplementationGuide• Beyondtherequiredterms,delegateagency-partnercontractsshouldbetailoredtomeeteach
agency’sneeds;theydonotneedtobe‘onesizefitsall’• Ataminimum,partnersareexpectedtofollowallprogramstandardsforapplicablefundingand
theChicagoEarlyLearningStandardsImplementationManual• LossofCCAPfundingcannotbethebasisfordis-enrollingaHS/EHS/EHSCCPchildwhoisalready
enrolledintheprogram• DFSS/CSDpaysitsdelegateagenciesbasedonenrollmentandoperationalbudgets;delegate
agenciesareexpectedtopassthissamefundingbasisontotheirpartners.
Delegateagenciesshouldensurethatcitizenshipandimmigrationstatusverificationrequirementsdonotapplytotheservicescoveredinthepartnership,i.e.,thosechildcareservicessubjecttotheHeadStartProgramPerformanceStandardsandsupportedbyCCAPandHS/EHSfunding,perACF-PI-CC-98-08andCCDF-ACF-PI-2008-01
PartnershipApplication/Approval ProcessCSDdelegateagenciesmustreceiveapprovalfromCSDpriortoonboardingapartnertodeliverHS/EHS/EHS-CCPservices.ThisPartnershipImplementationGuideandaccompanyingFrameworkand
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QuickStartGuidedocumentsexplainindetailtheprocessCSDexpectsalldelegatestofollowinsuccessfullydevelopingandselectingpartnerssothattheywillachievetheirgoalsandchild/familyoutcomesindeliveringservicesviathepartnerships.
Afteralltheassessment,partnershipprocessandselectionactivitieshaveoccurred,thebasicsoftheapprovalprocesswithCSDisasfollows:
1. Submitthepartnershipapplication(PleaserefertoAppendixE)forreviewandrequireddocumentstoCSDforapprovalvia (emailbeingcreatedforthispurpose)
2. CSDreviewsthedelegateagency’spartnerapplicationandcriteriaforpartnerselection,theprocessthedelegateagencyusedtoarriveattheselection,andallaccompanyingdocumentation.CSDwillholdaPre-Certificationmeetingwithin60daysandpriortoonboardingtoensureallrequirementsaremet.
3. CSDconfirms,throughsitevisitsanddiscussions,thatboththedelegateagencyandpartnerareingoodstandingwithDFSSandallfunders,thatbothorganizationsaresolvent,andthattheydemonstratethecapacityfordevelopinganearlylearningpartnership.
4. CSDchecksSAM.gov toverifythepartnerisnotbarredfromreceivingfederalfunds.5. CSDprovideswrittennotificationapprovingthepartnershiptothedelegateagency within20
daysofreceiptofapplication. .6. Thedelegateagencyformallyapprovesthepartner,communicatesthisactiontostakeholders
frombothorganizations,andentersintoacontract.
PartnerAgenciesSharedbyTwoorMoreCSDDelegateAgencies
SomeagenciesarepartneringwithmorethanoneCSDdelegateagency.Inthesecases,thefollowingisexpectedofthedelegateagencies.
1. Delegateagencyexecutiveand/orprogramdirectorsmeettoshareinformationabouttheservicesprovidedbythepartnerfortheirrespectiveagenciesandwhichoptiontheyareusing.
2. ThetwoormoreCSDdelegateagencyexecutiveorprogramdirectorsareresponsibleforalertingCSDaboutthesharedarrangementviaemail (createdforthispurpose).
3. Thedirectorsdiscussremediesforpointofduplicationthatareinevitablewiththisarrangement.4. ThesharedagreementmustbeplacedonagencyletterheadanddirectedtotheDeputy
Commissioner.5. Delegateagencyandpartnerexecutiveand/orprogramdirectorsthenmeettodiscusswhat
coordinationwillbeneeded,ifany,andhowthiswilloccur.Apointpersonfromeachorganizationisdesignatedincaseissuesarise.
6. Theagencypartnershippointpersonsmeet,asneeded,toresolveissuesandcoordinatesupportforthepartneragency.
7. Annually,thedirectorsreconvenetoevaluatetheyearrelatedtoservicesdelivered,analyzeissuesthatarose,andplanforimprovements.
CSDwilltrackallsharedpartnershipsintheCSDSite/Locationtrackingsystem(createdforthispurpose)tohelpensureservicesandsupportarenotduplicatedandtherearenogapsinservice.
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PartnerAgenciesMovingfromOneCSDDelegateAgencytoAnother
Delegateagenciesmustimmediatelyadvise andprovidewrittennotificationtoCSDwhenapartnerisrelievedoforoptsoutoftheirHS/EHS/EHS-CCPservices.IfapartneragencyleavesaCSDdelegateagencyandwantstobecomepartofanotherdelegateagency’ssystem,theseconddelegateagencymustapplytohavethatpartnerapprovedbyCSD.
TotransferapartneragencytoanotherCSDdelegateagency,theapplicationmustspecifyclearlywhythepartnerleftthefirstorpriordelegateagency.Theapplicationmustalsojustifywhythepartnershouldbetransferredtoanotherdelegateagency.
CSDwillreviewthemonitoringrecordsofapartnertryingtoreturnormovetoanotherdelegateagency.Thesewillberequestedfromthepriordelegateagency.CSDtracksandanalyzespartnermovementwithintheCSDSite/Locationtrackingsystem(createdforthispurpose)forthepurposesofplanning,reducingpartnermovement,andimprovingthesystembystabilizingservicestochildrenandfamilies.
CSDPartnershipOptions
TheOptionschartAppendixFdepictsthepartnershipoptionsfromwhichCSDdelegateagenciesmustchoose.TheseoptionsarechosenbytheDelegateagencyandwillbeidentifiedonthepartnershipapplication.(AppendixE).
Differentfundingconfigurationsincludedifferenttypesofsupport;thepartnershipoptionsdesignatedbyCSDaccountforthat.ACSDagencythatprovidesHS/EHS/EHSCCPservicesthroughpartnershipsmightusedifferentCSDoptionswithinitsownsystembasedonthefundingsourcesthatitreceivesandpassestoitspartners.
*Note:PFA/PIfundingdoesnotallowpartnershipsandisthereforeexemptfrominformationcontainedinthisimplementationguide.
*Note:AllCSDdelegateagencieswithpartnershipsfundedbytheEHS-CCPgrantarerequiredtopasson50%oftheir$10,693childfundingbasetothepartner/partnerservices,perthefederalrequirementsofthatgrant;maximumfamilyservicecaseloadsforthisgrantare1:40.
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OptionAPartnerorganizationhasHSand/orEHS;noPFAorPI
FundingBase* Agencyprovides75%ofthecostperchilditreceivesfromCSDtothepartnerorganization
StaffingandFECaseloads o Delegateisresponsibleforcoordinationandmonitoringofcomprehensiveservices;adedicatedcoordinationstaffpersonmustbeassignedforevery5partners/10sites.
o Partner/siteisresponsibleforimplementationandmonitoringownservices;staffmustbeidentifiedatthepartnerleveltocoordinate/overseecomprehensiveservices;mustbeaddedtothejobdescriptions.
o Minimumonesite-basedFEstaffhiredtobeateachsiteatleast3days/week;FEstaffingleveltobeconsistentwithparenteducationcurriculum
o SpecificprogramandfinancialplaninplacetoworktowardFEcaseloadsof1:40.
o MonthlyFEcontactswithfamilies– homevisits,conferencesatsite,etc.;inadditiontoParentCommitteemeetings.
Monitoring o Level1:partnermonitorsalloperationsandprovidesmonthlyreportsandcorrectiveactionplanstodelegate.
o Level2:Delegatereviewsmonitoringreports&COPA;monitorson-siteonceperquarterandrandomly,ifissuespresent.
Reporting;Communi-cation
o Monthly:Partnerreportsonoperations,goalachievement,issues/plans,andanythingelsethedelegateagencyrequests.
o Atleastmonthly:meetingsareheldbetweendelegateandpartnerleadershipandsubjectmattermanagerstoplanandresolvechallenges.
COPA Sitelevelaccessanddataentry;delegatemonitorstoensuretimelinessandaccuracy.
Training/Prof.Devt.
o Delegatemeetswithpartnertocompleteanannualtrainingplanbysite;delegateincludesinitsannualplan.
o PartnercompletesindividualPDplansforallstaff;delegatestaffprovidessupportandassistance.
o Delegateagencyassistswithsubs.
OptionsGuide
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OptionBPartnerorganizationhasPI/EHSand/orHS/PFA
FundingBase* Agencyprovides50%ofthecostperchilditreceivesfromCSDtothepartnerorganization
StaffingandFECaseloads o Delegatelevelcoordinationandmonitoringofcomprehensiveservices.
o Partner/siteresponsibleforimplementationandmonitoringownservices.
o Minimumonesite-basedFEstaffhiredtobeateachsiteatleast3days/weekforHS/PFA;staffmustbeidentifiedatthepartnerleveltocoordinate/overseecomprehensiveservices;mustbeaddedtothejobdescriptions.
o PIstaffedperDFSScontractscope;allFEstaffingleveltobeconsistentwithparenteducationcurriculum.
o SpecificprogramandfinancialplaninplacetoworktowardFEcaseloadsof1:40fornon-PI
o PIcaseloadmaintainedat1:36.o MonthlyFEcontactswithfamilies– homevisits,conferences
atsite,etc.;inadditiontoParentCommitteemeetings.Monitoring o Level1:partnermonitorsalloperationsandprovidesmonthly
reportsandcorrectiveactionplanstodelegate.o Level2:Delegatereviewsmonitoringreports&COPA;
monitorson-siteonceperquarterandrandomly,ifissuespresent.
Reporting;Communi-cation
o Monthly:Partnerreportsonoperations,goalachievement,issues/plans,andanythingelsethedelegateagencyrequests.
o Atleastmonthly:meetingsareheldbetweendelegateandpartnerleadershipandsubjectmattermanagerstoplanandresolvechallenges.
COPA Sitelevelaccessanddataentry;delegatemonitorstoensuretimelinessandaccuracy.
Training/Prof.Devt.
o Partnercompletesanannualtrainingplanbysiteandsubmitstodelegateagencyforjointplanning;includedinitsannualtrainingplan;staffcoveragefortrainingisincludedinplanning.
o PartnercompletesindividualPDplansforallstaff;delegatemonitors.
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OptionCFamilyChildCareHomes(ONLY)
FundingBase* Agencyprovides30%ofthecostperchilditreceivesfromCSDtothehomes
StaffingandFECaseloads o FEstaffcoordinatescomprehensiveservicesatthedelegatelevel.
o Delegatehiresacoordinatorwhenthenetworkincludesmorethan5homes.
o Childdevelopmentspecialistassignedtoagroupofhomesattheleveltoperformthefunctionsin§1302.23(e);1:5homes.By8/1/2018,thisspecialisthasbachelorsinCD/ECEorrelated.
o OneFEstaffassignedtohomes,caseloadnottoexceed50.o MonthlyFEcontactswithfamilies– homevisits,conferences
atsite,etc.;inadditiontoParentCommitteemeetings.Monitoring o DelegateassumesallmonitoringandTAresponsibility.
o Networkcoordinatorprovidesreportsandworkswithsubjectmattermanagerstoensurecomprehensiveservicesdelivered.
Reporting;Communi-cation
o Monthly:Networkcoordinatorreportsonoperations,goalachievement,issues/plans,andanythingelsethedelegateagencyrequeststoleadershipteam.
o Atleastmonthly:meetingsareheldbetweennetworkcoordinatorandhomes.
COPA DelegateworkswithFCCHtoensuretimelyandaccuratedataentry.
Training/Prof.Devt.
o DelegateagencydevelopsindividualPDplansforhomeprovidersandincludeshomesinitsannualtrainingplan.
o Delegateagencyinviteshomestotrainingsandprovidesappropriatetraining;assistswithsubs.
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Item PointValues
PointsAssigned
A. StateofIllinoisandCityofChicagoChildCareLicensesNOTE:Ifthefacilityorhomeisnotlicensed,donotproceedwiththisreview
0
B. USDAContract.5 pointsforcurrentcontract;0pointsfornocontract 0or5
C. Capacity. 5pointsifspaceiscurrentlyavailable(specifyagegroup);2pointsifnospaceavailablebutproviderwantstobecomeapartner. 2or5
D. TeachingStaffCredentialsInfants/Toddlers• 10pointsforCDA/higherwithinfant/toddler focus• 5pointsforCDA• 0pointsforhighschool/unrelatededucationPreschool• 10pointsforBA/BS/higherinECE• 5pointsforAAinECE• 3pointsforCDA• 0pointsforhighschool/unrelatededucation
Variesby#ofstaff
E. ProgramInformation• 5pointsforstaffparticipation/registrationinGatewaysto
Opportunity• 5pointsforappropriatedailyschedule,includingoutdoors• 5 pointsforparentcommunication• 5pointsforproactivehealth/safetystrategies• 5pointsforhighneedgeographicalservicearea
Upto25
F. Management/FiscalStructure*• 5pointsforincorporation,ifapplicable• 5pointsforboardmemberswhoreflectserviceareaand
provideprogramareaexpertise• 5pointsforrecentauditwithnofindings• 5pointsformultiplefundingstreams• 5pointsforcomputerizationoffiscalandprogramrecords
Upto25Mayvarywithfor-
profits
G. On-siteObservation
• Enterscoreof theITERS/ECERS/FDCERS(1-7points)1to7
Totals
ReviewFormforPotentialPartners
NameofAgency/Site:AgeGroup:
Completeoneanalysisperclassroom.
*Note:Managementstructuremayvaryinafor-profitorganization;pointsshouldnotbedeductedforthisifaboardorincorporationisnotrequired.