YPW SPANISH IMMERSION SCHOOL

EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK
11/28/2010Revision

SECTION I

Purpose of the Employee Handbook

Personnel Policy Administration

Introduction to the YPW Spanish Immersion Preschool

Our Mission Statement

Our Objectives

Curriculum

SECTION II

STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SCHOOL STANDARDS

NAEYC Code of Ethical Standards

Section 2: Ethical Responsibilities to Families

Section 3: Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues

DFPS Regulations

SECTION III

General Administrative Policies And Procedures

Equal Opportunity Employment

Salary/Benefits

Social Security

Workers’ Compensation

Vacation / Paid Time Off

Hourly Employees

Salaried Employees

Exempt Employees

Holidays

Family and Medical Leave

Employee Child Care

Insurance

Travel

Pay Day / Salary Deductions

Breaks

Overtime

Employment Contracts

Attendance Policy

Signing In

Work Week Schedule

Director

Staff

Evaluations

Communications with the Director

Grievance Policy and Procedure

Staff Meetings and Team Meetings

Staff Training

Personnel File Requirements

Physician’s Report

Probation Period / Orientation

Supervision

Employee Evaluation/Promotion/Pay Increases

Disciplinary Action/Termination of Employment

Voluntary Termination

Involuntary Termination

Staff in Service / Training

Non-Competition Agreement

Re-Employment

Attendance / Absence / Tardiness

Professionalism / Dress Code

No Harassment

Smoking / Alcohol / Drugs

Parking

Telephone & Office Computer Use

Food and Drink

Workplace Safety / Security

DEFINITIONS

GUIDELINES

Sick/Emergency Call-In

Collecting and Handling Money

Expenses

Photographic Authorization

Directory Authorization

SECTION IV JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Staff

Job Descriptions and Responsibilities for Lead Teachers

Job Description and Responsibilities for Assistant Teachers

Additional Responsibilities for Toddler Teachers and Assistants

Policies Related to Relationships with Children and Parents Relationships between Teachers and Assistants

Confidentiality

Release of Children to Authorized Persons

SECTION V

Discipline and Guidance of Children

Child Abuse and Neglect

DFPS Regulations

Preschool Policy for Positive Guidance

Handling Difficult Situations

Giving Directions

Professional Conduct

SECTION VI

Student Health and Safety

Reporting Student Accidents and Illnesses

Administration of Medication

Field Trips

Facilities

Classroom Maintenance

Animals

Playground/Garden

Preschool Resource Areas

SECTION VII

SAFETY AND EMERGENCY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Safety Rules

Fire and Disaster Drills

Emergency Evacuation Plan

SECTION 1X

APPENDIX A

TELLTALE SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE

APPENDIX B

LOCATION AND USE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIRST AID EQUIPMENT

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Welcome to the YPW Spanish Immersion School where learning is an ongoing adventure!

We’re delighted that you have joined our staff of fellow professionals.

Each one of us brings special qualities, talents and skills that build the fiber of our preschool program. Our goal is to make learning fun and productive for our students as well as for us. We feel that your uniqueness adds to our overall enhanced reputation of being an outstanding environment for young people

The parents as well as the children will innately observe your overt expression of professionalism. They will appreciate your daily open communication. Never forgetting to share with them the successes their child has experienced that day. Parents also appreciate knowing that their child is valued as an individual and is not being compared to others.

Our goal is to achieve harmony with respect, tolerance, patience, honesty, trust and friendship thus enhancing the positive environment of our preschool. As a member of our staff, you are expected to conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times. We want you to become friends with other staff members, with the children in the school and their parents. Please remember that you are an example that others look up to for guidance.

Therefore follow these basic rules of professionalism:

Dress neatly and in good taste

Be punctual, dependable, tactful, discrete and helpful.

Be responsive to the children and to their parents

Retain your pose at all times

Treat all information regarding members of the school community (children, parents, staff, etc) with strict confidence.

Enjoy! Being a professional taking pride in your work yet not forgetting to have fun with the children. Let them know how much you really enjoy being with them as you share their adventurous and exciting view of the world!

Remember what the late Benjamin Franklin stated, “Si me lo dices lo olvido, si me lo enseñas lo recuerdo, si lo experimento lo aprendo”.

Let us aspire to inspire children to learn: making this our goal will automatically put things in proper prospective.

SECTION I

Purpose of the Employee Handbook

This handbook provides information on procedures, policies and other personnel matters. It also sets the tone for positive interpersonal relationships, professionalism, and a standard of excellence among the staff of YPW Spanish Immersion School. These policies affect each employee and apply to each employee of the school.

The school recognizes the value of each individual as an employee and wishes to retain people who are knowledgeable and dedicated. It is important that staff members have a strong desire to genuinely impact the children’s lives in a positive manner. This encompasses not just the quality of the child’s learning but also the safety and security of each child.

The continuing success of the school will be guaranteed through your positive and professional attitude.

All staff members at YPW School report to the Director.

Personnel policies are amended and established by the Director.

Although adherence to these Personnel Policies is considered a condition for employment, nothing in this handbook is intended to comply a contract or convey any contractual rights and it may be modified and revised by YPW at any time. Policies will be reviewed periodically and changes will be amended and presented to each staff member. When changes are made, employees will be notified in writing. If you believe a policy has become outdated or is adversely affecting employee performance please advice the director. Suggestions for inclusion in revised handbooks are welcome.

These personnel policies shall apply in addition to applicable laws and regulations. YPW Spanish Immersion School also uses the Parent Handbook, and other appropriate written materials to communicate work expectations and employee responsibilities. Unenforceable provisions of this policy shall be deleted as needed.

Personnel Policy Administration

The director has direct responsibility for administration of personnel policies and shall ensure that the current “Employee Handbook / Personnel Policies” manual is available at all times to staff and candidates to staff positions. After reading it thoroughly, the employee shall sign a statement that he or she has read and understood the policies and agrees to honor his or her obligation to adhere to the policies.

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Introduction to the YPW Spanish Immersion School

We make learning Spanish a joyful, fun adventure for your child, an experience that will benefit them for years to come.

Our core curriculum is designed to spark and maintain children's interest in Spanish, math and science by engaging them in creative and enjoyable cultural activities such as dancing, singing, cooking, art projects, and games.

We follow a developmentally appropriate philosophy, that is, the program will be guided by the needs of the children that it serves. Young People will be taught in a manner that matches the way they develop and learn. The children will be challenged just beyond the level of their present ability and will be given constant opportunities to practice newly acquired skills. Our program is designed to teach your child the Spanish language naturally, through play and other engaging activities. In addition to Spanish, a very important part of our curriculum involves math and science. Young People will be exposed to various math & science experiences daily in their classroom.
Young People enrolled in our program gain proficiency in Spanish much in the same way they learn English or any native language by integrating Spanish into their lives on a daily basis. Each of our instructors are native speakers. This is important as we emphasize proper pronunciation and exposure to various aspects of the Hispanic culture.

In addition to developing a strong foundation in the Spanish language, your children will be more creative, gain confidence, and achieve greater success in all of their future academic pursuits.

Our Mission Statement

YPW Spanish Immersion Preschool helps young people discover learning through fun, educational hands-on experiences exploring different branches of art, science and technology.

Our Objectives

We want to provide the children with a safe and nurturing environment with ample learning experiences conducive to physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth.
We want to help the children acquire an understanding of self and others in a warm, personable atmosphere. This positive environment respects the individuality of each student/child and provides the needed support for each child.

Curriculum

As mentioned in the introduction, we follow a developmentally appropriate philosophy, that is, the program will be guided by the needs of the children that it serves. Young People will be taught in a manner that matches the way they develop and learn. The children will be challenged just beyond the level of their present ability and will be given constant opportunities to practice newly acquired skills. Play is an important aspect of development and our curriculum incorporates play as a vital mode of learning. Our program is designed to teach your child the Spanish language naturally, through play and other engaging activities. When preparing lesson plans, our teachers keep in mind our philosophy of learning: Young People learn best when they are engaged, motivated, having fun, and actively involved in solving problems through play. Based on the axiom by Ben Franklin, which states, “ Tell me, I forget Show me I remember, Involve me I learn. ”Si me lo dices lo olvido, si me lo enseñas lo recuerdo, si lo experimento lo aprendo.” Benjamin Franklin.

SECTION II

STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SCHOOL STANDARDS

As a regulated and accredited program, you must be aware of the DEPS and NAEYC standards, which are listed below. In addition, the school has compiled its own lists of responsibilities. Although this section is rather long, it is important for every staff member to understand these responsibilities. These lists contain some similar provisions, please read and follow all of the provisions. The most important responsibility of all, however, from which all others follow, is to remember that we are here to provide love and guidance for the children. The focus of all of our activities at YPW Spanish Immersion School should be on providing the best education and environment for the children in our care.

NAEYC Code of Ethical Standards

:

Standards of ethical behavior in early childhood education are based on commitment to core values that are deeply rooted in the history of our field.

We have committed ourselves to:

  1. Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle
  2. Base our work with children on knowledge of child development
  3. Appreciate and support the close ties between the child and family
  4. Recognize that children are best understood in the context of the family, culture and society; and
  5. Help children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust, respect, and positive regard.

The code sets forth a conception of professional responsibilities in three sections, each addressing an area of professional relationships,

Section 1: Ethical Responsibilities to Children:

1. To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood education and to keep information current through continuing education and in-service training sessions;

2. To base program practices upon current knowledge in the field of child development;

3.To recognize and respect the uniqueness and the potential of each child;

4.To appreciate the vulnerability of children;

5. To create and maintain safe and healthy settings/ environment.

6. To show respect for each child’s dignity and their contributions;

  1. To support the right of children with special needs to participate, consistent with their ability, in regular early childhood programs.

Section 2: Ethical Responsibilities to Families

To develop relationships of mutual trust with the families we serve;

  1. To acknowledge and build upon strengths and competencies as we support families in their task of nurturing children;
  2. To respect the dignity of each family and its culture, customs, and beliefs;
  3. To respect families’ childbearing values and their right to make decisions for their children;
  4. To interpret each child’s progress to parents within the framework of a developmental perspective and to help families understand and appreciate the value of developmentally appropriate childhood programs;
  5. To help family members improve their understanding of their children and to enhance their skills as parents; and
  6. To participate in building support networks for families by providing them with opportunities to interact with program staff and families.

Section 3: Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues

  1. Establish and maintain relationships of trust and cooperation with co-workers;
  2. Share resources and information with co-workers;
  3. Support co-workers in meeting their professional needs and in their professional development:
  4. Give co-workers recognition due to professional achievement;

5. Assist the program in providing the highest quality of service and;

  1. Remain loyal to the program and uphold it’s professional reputation

DFPS Regulations

Section 3300 of the DFPS Guidelines states that each staff member has the following responsibilities:

  1. To know and be aware of the object and purpose of the minimum standards stated in the DFPS Guidelines.
  2. To report suspected abuse and neglect to the DFPS and to law enforcement as required by the Texas Family Code. The Family Code provisions are contained in an Appendix to the DFPS Guidelines. In addition to this regulation, it is school policy that if you suspect abuse or neglect, you should immediately report it to the Director. Attached, as appendix A to this handbook is information concerning evidence of child abuse and neglect.
  3. To supervise children at all times.
  4. To demonstrate physical, emotional and intellectual competencies necessary for self-control and good judgment when performing assigned responsibilities.
  5. To recognize and respect the uniqueness and potential of all children, their families and their culture.
  6. To interact frequently with children, showing affection, interest and respect.
  7. To foster developmentally appropriate independence in children.
  8. When a staff member leaves and another assumes responsibility for a group of children, please provide the incoming staff member with significant information about the children, as well as the attendance sheet of the children in the group.

Section 3500 of the DFPS Guidelines requires that all new staff without prior experience in a regulated child-care facility or relevant training complete 8 hours of pre-service training covering the following areas:

  1. Developmental stages of children;
  2. Age-appropriate activities of children;
  3. Positive guidance and discipline of children;
  4. Fostering children’s self-esteem;
  5. Health and safety practice in the care of children;
  6. Positive interaction with children;
  7. Supervision of children; and
  8. Detection and reporting of suspected child abuse.

All new staff and volunteers, including those with prior experience, must be oriented in the following when they begin work:

  1. The requirements of the minimum standards contained in the DFPS Guidelines;
  2. The facility’s child-care policies, including discipline guidance, and the release procedures of children;
  3. The procedures to following handling emergencies;
  4. The use and location of fire extinguishers.

Finally, all staff must obtain 15 clock hours of training annually, exclusive of CPR and first aid, selected from the following areas:

  1. Child development
  2. Care of children with special needs
  3. Adult and child health
  4. Nutrition
  5. Safety
  6. Curriculum planning
  7. Risk management
  8. Identification and care of ill children
  9. Recognition of child abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and the responsibility for reporting these
  10. Cultural diversity
  11. Professional development (e.g., communication, time management, stress management);
  12. For staff assigned to particular groups of children, topics from the following areas are included in the clock hours;

a)Care of infants

b)Care of toddlers

c)Care of preschool children

d)Care of school-age children

SECTION III

General Administrative Policies And Procedures

Equal Opportunity Employment

It is the intention of the school to be in compliance with Federal, State and local laws at all times. The school does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, creed, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, age, gender, sexual orientation, or number of dependents. A staff comprised of people of varied religious, racial and culture background is encouraged for the good of children, their parents, and the community, as well as the staff and the School.
No employee shall aid, coerce, or conspire to cause dismissal, or resignation of another employee because of illegal discriminatory factors as mentioned before.

Employee Classification(A) FULL-TIME SALARIED employees regularly work at least thirty (30) hours per week, receive a designated annual salary, paid semi-monthly.

(B) PART-TIME SALARIED employees work less than thirty (30) hours per week, as the school requires, and receives a designated annual salary paid semi-monthly.

(C) FULL-TIME HOURLY employees work at least thirty (30) hours per week and receive a designated hourly rate for hours worked, paid semi-monthly.

(D) PART-TIME HOURLY employees work less than thirty (30) hours per week, as the school requires, and receives a designated rate per hour for hours worked, paid semi-monthly.

(E) TEMPORARY, SUMMER AND SUBTITUTE WORKERS contract to fill in for regular staff members for a limited period of time (up to three months), are paid on an hourly basis, and are not eligible for benefits (including paid Paid Time Off).