SouthernKennebecChildDevelopmentCorporation

CodeofConduct - EarlyCareand EducationPrograms

Introduction

SKCDC operatesearlycare and educationprogramsandservicesfor familiesinsouthernKennebecCounty.

Our responsibilityistoprovidesafe,healthy,nurturingandresponsive environmentsfor children.Theirvulnerabilitymustbe constantlyacknowledged and protected and we asemployeesmust recognizethat we areindividuallyand collectivelyresponsible for the trust theyplaceinusand for theirwell-being.

We are committed tosupporting children’sdevelopment,respecting individualdifferences,helping childrenliveand workcooperativelyand promoting health,self-awareness,competence andself-worth.

The Code of Conduct addressesappropriateECEprogramstaff,consultant andvolunteerbehavior.Failure toadhere toitsspecificationscanresultinemployeedisciplinaryaction– uptoandincluding dismissal.

Professionalism

  • Confidentialitypracticesare followed at alltimes. Refer tothe PersonnelPolicyManualChapter15.
  • Staff increasestheir skillsand competenciesthroughon-site experience,training and supervision.Allstaff completesat least theminimum numberofhoursoftraining requirement bytheDepartmentofHealthand HumanServices(DHHS) Rulesfor theLicensing ofChildCareFacilitiesandthe QualityRating System.
  • Smoking isprohibited onthepremisesof allchild care facilitiesandonhome visitstoenrolled families.Employeesfollowthesmokingpoliciesofthepartnershipand/orcollaborationprograms where SKCDCprogramsarehoused.

Staff choosing to smoke offsite during scheduled breaks, will do the following to reduce children’s exposure to secondhand and third hand smoke:

Prior to entering classrooms or areas where children are being served, staff will wear coverage over their clothing and hair that is removed prior to reentering the classroom and thoroughly wash their hands.

  • Personalvisitsorphone callsarelimitedtobreaktime.Phone callsor visitsduringthe workdayhowever,mayoccasionallybe necessary.Theyare brief,whether callsare placedorreceived onagency orpersonalphones.Personalcellphonesare turned offwhenwithchildren.

Personalbusinessdoesnot interfere withchild supervisionorability of staff toimplement programsfor children.

  • Staff/Volunteersareopentofeedbackandcoachingfromsupervisors.
  • Staff/Volunteersarealwaysawareofhowothersmayinterprettheir commentsand actionswithchildren andadults.
  • Socialnetworking sitesare notappropriateforumstoengageindifferencesofopinionwithrespect towork relatedissues,engageincriticismof managementorco-workersoraddressconcernsregarding theperformance orcompetenceof employees.Staff are prohibitedfromposting comments(and photographs)that are defamatory totheagency,stafforclients.
  • Specificobservationswhichmaybe indicatorsof possible childabuse are reported immediatelytothesupervisorand/or Program Manager.The observationisdocumented assoonaspossible.
  • Adult toadult conversationsintheclassroom arelimited tothat whichisnecessaryfor thesmoothoperationofthe classroom.Adultsocialization,stafftostafforstafftoparent/volunteerisnot permitted withintheconfinesofthe classroomoroutdoor playspaces.
  • Food and drink(waterisanexception)intheclassroom whenchildrenare present isnot permitted except atmealand snacktimeswhenchildrenand staffhave thesame choice of foods.
  • Staff/Volunteers practice reliabilityand dependabilityand maintainaprofessional,positive attitudeinallaspectsof employment.
  • Staff/Volunteersmaintain effectiveworkingrelationshipswith co-workersandclients.
  • Staff/Volunteersutilizethechainof command.

Conductwith Children

  • Staff/Volunteersaccept achild’sexpressionofstrong feelings…love,rage,joy,sadness,jealousyorgriefwithoutbeingdulyupset ordenying the child’sfeelings.
  • Toilet accidentsare treated calmly.
  • Childrenwhoare capableof toileting ontheir ownshould have the opportunitytodoso.Staff and/or consultantsare nearthe bathroomarea tosupervise orassistthe childif needed and tocleanthearea,if needed,afteruse.
  • Bathroomdoorsremainopenwhena staff personisina bathroomwithachild orchildren.
  • Staff/Volunteers personal use of the classroom bathroom is allowed when not in use by children.
  • Adultsensure that childrenare appropriatelydressed forallprogram activities. Staff ensure children wear appropriate, secure footwear that provides adequate seasonal protection.
  • Preschoolers,whodonot sleep,rest for aperiod of time basedontheirindividualneeds.The dailyprogramincludesplansand activitiesfor those childrenwhodonot nap.Rest/nap time for infantsand toddlersisindividualized tomeet theirparticular needs.
  • Naptimesrequire restfulenvironments.Some childrenneed help relaxing.Staff rubschildren’sbacks,but donotshare achild’sblanketor mat.Extremelydarknap roomsare prohibited.
  • Adult – child conversationsare age appropriateandsincere.Vulgarityand sarcasmhave noplace instaff– childinteractions.
  • Staff/Volunteersaresensitivetoand respecteachchild’sneedforphysicalattention and nurturing.Exchangesofaffectionare appropriateand sincere.Under nocircumstancesdoesa staff member force gesturesof affectionona child.
  • Children’squestionsabout humananatomyand sexualdevelopment receiveserious,age appropriate,factualanswers– nomore andnolessthanwhatisrequested.Staff demonstratessensitivitytoparentvaluesandfeelingsonthesesubjects.
  • Use of computers in Head Start classrooms must in accordance with our Guidance for Teachers: Use of Technology in SKCDC Head Start Classrooms. Early Head Start Classrooms are screen free environments.

ChildGuidance

  • Methodsof discipline are basedonexpectationsof childrendepending ontheir developmentallevelsand theirindividualneedsand abilities.Our goalistopromoteself-esteem,cooperation,self-controlandself-directionwithallchildren.
  • Staff,consultantsandvolunteersuse positivemethodsof disciplineoutlinedintheagency’sInfantToddlerGuidance Practicesand ChildGuidancePractices.
  • Itisexpected that staff workwithchildren todevelop classroom rulesanddiscussand explainthese ruleswithallchildrenthroughout the year.
  • Behavior Support Plansand/orIndividualNeedsSupport Plansare developedasneeded bytheMentalHealthConsultant under the guidanceof theDisabilities/MentalHealth Manager.
  • Spanking,slapping,shaking,biting,yelling,abusivelanguage,shaming,embarrassing,roughhandling,exclusionfromoutdoor play ordisciplineassociated withfood,drink or rest isinappropriateand strictlyforbidden.
  • ABehavior Incident ReportFormiscompleted,signedbytheparentand sent tothe Program Managerwithin24hoursofanatypicalincident (i.e.removalfrom theclassroom,restraint,harm toanother childorstaff,etc.).Managersprovidea copytotheDisabilities/MentalHealthManager.

Safety PrecautionsandProcedures

  • Allstaff,consultantsand volunteersrecognizephysicalhazardsand reportthemtotheimmediatesupervisor.Allphysicalhazardsare eliminated immediately.
  • Allstaff,consultantsand volunteersactivelycooperatein themaintenance ofa healthy,safe workenvironment.
  • SKCDC doesnot allow weaponsonagency property,except byauthorizedlawenforcementpersonnel.Personsinpossessionofaweapon(guns,knives,etc) are prohibited fromour properties.Personsdetermined tobe inpossessionofaweaponwillbe requiredtoleavethe property.
  • Griddles,toasters,orwarming unitsofanykindare notallowedinclassrooms.
  • Staff conducting homevisitsare responsible totakeprecautionstoprotect their safety:

Assure that their vehicleisingood working order and havea first aid kitand flashlight.

Informtheir supervisorof anychangestotheirscheduleand how theycanbe reached.

Keeptheir cellphonesonand withthem at alltimes.Inform their supervisor before and after anyvisitthat posesapotentialdanger.

Callparentsbeforethe visitso thattheycanwatchforstaff’sarrivaland toensureanyanimalsaresecured. Ask parentsforthe safest place topark.

Get acquainted withthelocallawenforcementpersonnel.

Ifa situationdoesnot feelright,staff should not leavetheir car. If theyareinthehome,excusethemselvesand leave.

Whenstaffleavesthe home,they have their car keysintheir hand.

  • Staff,consultantsand volunteersdonot permitunknownadultstoenterprogram areasnor tointeract with thechildren.Unidentified personsentering thecenter are approached and/or reportedtotheimmediatesupervisor.
  • Staff,consultantsand volunteerswhoobserve peopleexhibiting atypicalbehaviorinproximitytoprogram areastake precautionarymeasures:

1.Immediatelyremoveallchildrenfrom the area (clearthe halls,lockdown).

2.Report thebehavior to asupervisor assoon aspossible.

  • Staff isauthorizedtotake picturesinthe classrooms andat family/center eventsfor thefollowing purposes:portfolio samples,classroom labeling,educationalprojects. Familiesare authorized totake picturesduring

family/center events.Picturestakeneither bystaff orfamiliesare not postedontheinternetor sent byemailtoanyother individual.Staff ensuresthat anychildfor whom photo permissionhasnot beenreceived isexcludedfrom allpicturestaken.

  • Staff releaseschildrenonlytoauthorized individuals,including custodialparentsand guardiansor specificpeopleauthorizedinwritingor verballybycustodialparents/guardians.Verbalauthorizationsare communicated directlyfrom theparent/guardiantoanauthorized staff member.The receiving staff memberrecordsthe request inwritingona Phone PermissionForm andhasthe request signedbythepersonpicking up the child.Dateand timeofpickupisspecified.The requestisthensigned bytheauthorizing parent/guardianassoon aspossible thereafterand filed thechild’sclassroom record.
  • Staff request proofofidentity from personwhom thestaff personhasnot met previouslyand whoisseekingreleaseofa child.Acceptable formsofidentificationinclude: a current driver’slicenseor a photoidentificationcardor a combinationoftwo formsof identification. A child’srecognition oftheperson seekingrelease is notanacceptable verification of identityorreasontorelease.
  • Welimit live animalswho resideinour classroomsto fishor hermit crabs. Staff must ensurethat pet cagesand containersarekept cleanand odor free and thatallrelated tasksare completed by adultsonly.Closesupervisionmust beensured at alltimes. Foradditionalinformationregardingourrequirementsrelativetoanimals pleasereferto ourDomestic andWildAnimal Policy,Attachment6 ofthe Employee SafetyandAccidentPrevention Plan.
  • Childrenare supervisedatALLtimes.Childrenare never left alone,period.Childrenout ofsight areat risk.Employeesareat risk of disciplinaryactionswhenachild under their care isout oftheirsight.Staff – child ratiosare maintainedinaccordance withtheDepartmentofHealthand HumanServices(DHHS) Licensing.
  • Staff,consultantsandvolunteersareinkeyareasoftheclassroom and playground,interacting withchildrenatalltimes.
  • If staff are unable to properly supervise an area of the classroom or playground that area will be closed to children’s access.
  • Redundant procedures are in place to ensure that no child is left alone, i.e. a second staff person is designated to check classroom, outdoor play areas, sleeping areas, and vehicles during transitions and prior to departure.
  • Staff use active supervision strategies to ensure a safe environment for all children. These strategies include: setting up the environment to supervise children at all times, positioning of staff to be able to see and reach children at all times, scanning the environment and counting children, listening closely for signs of potential danger, anticipating children’s behavior for awareness of additional support needed, engaging actively with children, and redirecting behavior.
  • Staff andconsultantsdonot complete extensive child observationsordevelopmentaltherapyplansofcare whenchildrenare present.
  • Staff require parentstoaccompanytheir child (ren) tohome based socializations.
  • Whenchildrenare present,eachcenterhasaminimumoftwo(2) employeesonduty.
  • There isa staffpersondesignatedinchargeof thecenterand classroom(s) atalltimes.
  • Doorsofclassroom and allroomsusedfor children’sactivitiesarekept closedat alltimes.
  • Walksoutsideofprogram areasare adequatelysupervised.Program areasinclude space usedonadailybasiswithinthe program buildingsand designated outsideplayareas.Writtenpermissionfrom theparent/guardianisrequiredonthe appropriate formsfor allwalksoutsidethe programareas.Walksdonot require ProgramManagerapproval.
  • Basedonthe Head Start Act and HeadStart performancestandardstransportationregulations,onlyincidentaltransportationofchildrenisallowed*.Examplesofincidentaltransportationare: medical,dentalanddevelopmentalappointments/clinicsorifa child needstobe takenhomedue toillness.

*Transportationservicestochildrenservedinthehome basedoptionare excludedfrom theserequirements.

  • Nostaffpersontransportschildrenaloneinavehiclewithoutthe prior knowledgeof the supervisor.
  • Two cellphonesare provided toeachcenter location(exception– preschoolcollaborations and single classroom sitesreceiveone). Onephone remainsat thecenterand one phoneaccompaniesstaffonhomevisitsasnecessary. Center staff isresponsible for ensuring cellphonesare maintained in“charge”statusandlockedinasecure locationwhennot inuse. CenterSupervisorsmaintainasign-out sheet forcellphoneaccountabilityofusage. Copiesare filedat centerlevel,originalsubmittedtotheProgram Manager monthly. Refer totheInformationSystemsPolicyforfurther informationregarding use of cellphones.
  • SKCDC adheres to the Maine Department of Education Rule Chapter 33: Governing Physical Restraint and Seclusion. Preschool staff are trained and certified in “Safety Care” Behavioral Safety Training, per these regulations.

ParentCommunication

  • Staff,consultantsandvolunteersmaintain professionalrelationshipwith families.Allinformation recordedinaclient’sfile isconfidential.
  • Staff supportsthe child’sfamilylife byinvolving parentsinthe care oftheir childrenand bykeeping theminformedoftheir child’sprogressand growth.Teacherscomplete aminimum oftwo(2) parent/teacherconferencesper year for childcare families,two(2)parent/teacherconferencesand two(2) home visitsper yearinEHS/HeadStart and weekly homevisitsinthehomebased program.
  • Anyconcernsthatariseregarding achild’sbehavior arepromptlyaddressed withtheparentorguardian.Purposeof contacting theparent include one orallofthe following:

1.Toinform parentof concernaboutbehavior.Totrytodetermineif there are anyunusualcircumstanceswhichhave brought about achangeinbehavior.

2.Todevelop,incooperationwiththeparent,anIndividualNeedsSupportPlan.

3.TodiscussInfant Toddler GuidancePractices/Child Guidance Practices.

4.Todiscussreferralstoother professionalasappropriate.

  • Allstaff wearstheirEmployee IdentificationBadge during workinghours.Name tagsarewornbyallVolunteersandConsultants.Consultantsandvisitorssigninand out at sites.
  • Staff,consultantsandvolunteersdonotbecomedirectlyinvolvedin thepersonalproblemsof familiesoutsideofthe professionalrelationship.Intentionalnon-professionalcontact withfamiliesoutsideofworkisprohibited.
  • Parentsand guardiansare encouraged tovisit programareas/centerswheneverpossible.Nopriornotificationisrequired.
  • Allparents/guardiansofchildren areinformed, atthetimeof enrollmentintotheprogram,thatallprogramstaffisrequiredbylaw toreportanysuspected casesof child abuse/neglect totheDepartmentofHealthand HumanServices– Child Protective Services.
  • Allparents/guardiansof childrenare informed,at thetimeofenrollmentintotheprogram,thatallprogramstaffadherestoSKCDC policyand proceduresinresponse toPublicLaw 393AnAct toProhibitUnauthorizedContactofPersonsConvicted ofSexOffensesagainstPersonsunder14 yearsofage withPersonsunder14 yearsofage.

Confidentiality(refertothePersonnelPolicyManual,Chapter15)

  • Confidentialityrespectivetoother staff,childrenand familiesisrespected and maintained at alltimes.
  • Informationabout children,clientsand staff isnot discussed outside the agency inanymanner that breachestheir privacy.Staff,consultantsandvolunteersrefrainfrom identifying childrenbyname inanycommunicationsoutside theagency,unlesswrittenpermissionisobtained fromthe parent/guardian.
  • Allstaff,consultantsand volunteersare discreet in program-necessaryconversationsaboutchildrenand familiesthat occur withinthe agency.Discussionis limited tothosepersonnelthat are necessaryfor the deliveryofservices,programoperationsand intervention.Discussionisnot held inpublic areaswheretheymaybeoverheardbyother children,families,staff orclients.Gossip and breachesof confidentialityare strictlyprohibited.

Confidentiality Practices

  • Allrecordsonpersonnel,children,familiesand clientsare confidentialand maintained inlockedfilesincentersand offices. Allfile cabinetswherechildren’sfilesarekept have anauthorizationlistdisplayedonthem.Consultants/CDS have accesstofilesonlywithwrittenpermissionfrom the family.
  • Staff ensuresthe security of child/familyfilesbefore,during and after home visits.
  • Confidentialinformationisnot sharedwithoutsideagenciesunlessrequired or specifiedbylaw.
  • Requestsfor informationfromoutsideagenciesand schoolsystemsare accompanied bya release signed bytheparent/guardian/client whichspecifiestheinformationrequested and thedurationsof time for whichpermissionisgranted. Releasesand requestsmust be submitted tothe assigned manager.
  • Release authorizationsare maintained intheemployee/client record.
  • Parents/clientsand volunteersare prohibited fromhavingaccesstoconfidentialrecordsother thantheir own.
  • Personnelrecordsare available for routine usesfor whichtheywere collectedbyemployeesauthorized tohandlethe data and are not disclosed withoutwrittenconsentbythe staff member.The HumanResourcesDirectorisresponsible for themaintenanceand controlof personnelrecords.
  • Anemployee maynot removeanyrecord,but mayarrange toreviewor duplicate recordswithauthorizationofthe HumanResourcesDirector and paymentof appropriate costs.Personnelrecordsare not released withouttheknowledge of theAgency Director.

7.20.17