June, 2010
STAFF MANUAL
....................... SAGE COTTAGE is incorporated as a
non-profit educational organization overseen by The Board of Directors and
operated under the direction of Cheri Host & Susana Lopez. Sage Cottage
offers high quality Montessori Play-based and Science education in a warm,
ordered, loving environment for infants through early childhood. Sage Cottage School accepts all children
without regard to ethnic origin, religion, etc.
The policies, programs, and rules of conduct set forth in this handbook
may be changed as circumstances warrant.
Staff will be notified of changes.
No part of this handbook may be interpreted as an employer/employee
contract.
Table of
Contents
Professional Attitude
and Code of Ethics
Performance Evaluation
Procedure
Teacher's Assistant Job Description
Substitute Teacher Job Description
Aide in Training (AIT) Information Sheet
Infant Classroom and Toddler Classroom
Transition Classroom and Early Childhood
Classroom
Conferences &
Communication with Parents
Health, Sickness, and
Medication
Snow Days - School Cancellation
Student Admissions and
Discharge
Schedule
B - State Regulations for Licensed Child Care Facilities
Schedule
C - Staff Orientation Verification Form
Schedule
D - Sage Cottage Career Lattice
Schedule E - Job Evaluations &
Development Plans
Administrative
Details
Emphasis must be placed on the fact that we are a team -- a family.
This manual is intended to define the culture of
Organizational Chart
Payroll, Leave & Benefits
New Hires
Employees are hired on a three-month
probationary period during which either party can terminate employment. An
employee will go through an orientation, at which time the Director will run
through the new employee orientation form (see Section C). Upon completion of the three-month
probationary period, an employee may be considered a regular employee of the
school year or continued on another probationary period. Regular employees are eligible for the
following benefits.
Paid time off
Full-Time employees (40 hours/week) 8-hours
per month for the 1st 5 years of employment, 10-hours per month
after 5 years of employment, 14-hours per month after 10 years of
employment. Part-time employees accrue
leave based upon hours worked. Accrued leave is not paid if the employee
terminates employment without sufficient (at least 2-weeks) notice to the
Director.
Leave Without Pay (LWOP)
LWOP is discouraged except in illness and
emergency situations. Our school is open
twelve months of the year with two significant breaks and multiple holidays
throughout. To minimize the disruptions to the classroom and the children it is
expected that under normal circumstances LWOP will not be used. Leave without pay must be approved by the
Director.
Holidays
Paid holidays include New Years, The 4th
of July and 3 floating holidays. All
other Sage Cottage closures are non-paid. (See Calendar in section A) Part-time employees are paid based on average
hours worked the month containing the holiday.
The floating holidays may be taken for any scheduled Sage Cottage
closure.
Monthly set-up time
Each teacher may be paid for up to 4 hours of
classroom set-up time per month.
Training and Development
Each teacher is expected to obtain 24 hours
of annual training and development as defined later in the handbook. Sage Cottage will provide opportunities to
meet this requirement.
Teachers are given 3 hours with pay during the
school year to observe another early
childhood school. Scheduling of
a substitute must be done in advance and notice must be given to the Director
prior to the observation.
Salaries
All teaching positions at Sage Cottage are
non-exempt (hourly pay rate)) positions.
The rates are determined based upon experience, performance, and value
to the school. The Director position is
exempt (annual pay rate).
Pay periods are 2 weeks, Saturday - Friday. Paychecks are distributed every two weeks on
the Thursday following the end of the pay period,
Health Insurance
Insurance options are provided to full-time
(32+ hours/week) employees should they choose to take advantage of the offering
and agree to pay a portion of the cost.
Retirement
Sage Cottage provides a Simple IRA program,
available to employees with at least one year of continual service at Sage
Cottage. This program is pre-tax savings
and includes monthly employer contributions.
Employees may also elect to contribute to the plan.
Professional Attitude and Code of Ethics
Standards
of ethical behavior in early childhood care and education are based on
commitment to core values that are deeply rooted in the history of our
field. We have committed ourselves to:
·
Appreciating
childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle
·
Basing
our work with children on knowledge of child development
·
Appreciating
and supporting the close ties between child and family
·
Recognizing
that children are best understood and supported in the context of family,
culture, community and society
·
Respecting
the dignity, worth and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member and
colleague)
·
Helping
children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of
relationships that are based on trust, respect, and positive regard
A
teacher is entitled to his/her private life while not at school. However, a
teacher must maintain a manner of conduct that does not negatively impact Sage
Cottage’s integrity or reputation or his/her ability to perform his/her
job. If a teacher uses alcohol to excess
or drugs and the teacher’s ability at school is affected, it becomes a
problem with which the school must be concerned. A teacher will be sent home without pay if
there is evidence of substance abuse or for any other reason that prevents
him/her from performing assigned duties and protecting the children’s
safety. If substance abuse continues
after being sent home, this is grounds for dismissal.
Stealing
is a serious matter at Sage Cottage.
Stealing is defined as misuse, borrowing, or taking of anything that is
the property of the school or children at school. Theft of any kind is prohibited. Examples of stealing are: Taking of school supplies
for personal use, taking food from a child’s lunch, willfully misusing the
time clock or not clocking out during non-paid breaks, making long distance
phone calls on the school’s account, copying personal matter on the
school’s copier, etc. An employee caught in an act of theft will be
dismissed.
Reliability
and promptness are important characteristics of a teacher. Children depend upon the staff to be there
consistently and on time. Excessive, habitual and unauthorized absence and
tardiness are disruptive to the care of the children and create a burden on
other staff members. Every staff member
has a defined schedule and is expected to maintain it. There are circumstances such as illness and
emergencies that warrant the teacher’s absence. Under these circumstances, it is the
employee’s responsibility to notify the Director who will secure a
substitute from the approved list. It is not acceptable to leave a phone
message for someone to discover later in the day. Make contact with the Director prior to the
start of your shift. If tardiness or
attendance becomes regular in a staff member’s performance, it will be
addressed with the employee and a change will be expected immediately. Should the identified change in behavior not
happen, this is grounds for dismissal.
A
teacher may resign her position at any time from
School
affairs MUST NOT be discussed with clients (parents) of the school, nor should
personal family information be discussed with personnel of the school. This is
grounds for dismissal. This information is confidential and should only be
discussed with the appropriate person involved. Never discuss a child’s progress in
front of the child when talking to staff or parents. It is contrary to the interest of the school
and the children we serve to give out information regarding children, parents,
or staff. Such information should be
held in strict confidence and should not be discussed with anyone outside of
the school. Inside the school, such information should be discussed only when
it will benefit the care we offer the children and the parent. Refer any inquiries on children, their
performance, and parents to the Director. The following are considered
confidential school affairs.
1)
Teacher’s salaries, schedules, work expectations, and working conditions.
2)
Student progress, ability, emotional development, or any area of concern
related to school, home, and family.
3)
School related decisions regarding staff, children, and school. These issues are not to be discussed outside
the school until the Executive Director or Board makes a public announcement.
When a
group of people are working together, it is necessary to have common rules of
conduct so that the actions of one individual will not be detrimental to other
staff persons or the children. The
purpose of these rules is to define and protect the rights of all who work
here, and to assure that all staff work under the same conditions. In addition
to other matters discussed earlier in this chapter, RULES INCURRING IMMEDIATE DISCHARGE ARE:
1
Striking
or abusing a child (emotionally or physically), endangering the life of a
child, humiliating a child, or withholding food from a child as punishment.
2
Any act,
willful or otherwise, that jeopardizes the physical and emotional well being of
a child.
3
Leaving
a child unattended or a group of children out of child/staff ratio (phone calls
are a particular circumstance creating this type of situation).
4
Abuse or
inconsiderate treatment of staff or visitors.
5
Unauthorized
removal or use of school property.
6
Unauthorized
removal/misuse of records or unauthorized divulgence of parents, children, or
school confidential information.
7
Misrepresentation
of qualifications or credentials.
8
Refusal
to perform assigned work or follow instructions (insubordination).
9
Gross
carelessness or negligence.
10 Willful destruction of property.
11 Sleeping during working hours.
12 Coercing or inciting others to limit work
performance or engage in any practice in violation of school rules.
Sage
Cottage is a professional workplace and it is expected that employees’
behavior will reflect this. The
following commonsense rules of behavior will minimize hurt feelings,
disagreements, and disruptions to our valued children:
1. Do not talk behind someone’s back. If you have an issue with someone, be
courageous and discuss it with that individual in a polite but honest
manner. If the complaint cannot be
resolved through informal dialog, the employee should document the problem and
bring it to the attention of his/her supervisor.
2. If the employee does not feel a resolution
has been reached the problem should be documented and a meeting scheduled with
the Director.
3. There is no job at Sage Cottage that is below
another; treat everyone with respect.
Disrespect will drive away people and destroy the unity we are trying to
achieve and foster for a fertile learning environment.
4. If there is ever a question of character of
another staff member, notify your supervisor immediately.
5. Put your positive attitudes into the school
and bring negative aspects to the Director.
Positive attitudes transmit positive feeling to the children, parents,
and staff members. NEGATIVE ATTITUDES
DETERIORATE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS AND ARE PICKED UP BY THE CHILDREN.
Dress Code & Appearance
The school staff will maintain a professional
appearance. It is expected that
employees will wear comfortable, neat and clean clothing. Clothing shall be in good
condition and not have holes or tears in them.
Tops and tank tops must have straps measuring at least one inch –
no spaghetti straps. Please wear
appropriate undergarments. Shorts are
permissible during the warmer months, but they must be fashioned in good taste
– no short shorts or cut-offs. Sandals are acceptable in the summer as long
as they do not impede movement in an emergency.
Your midriff and lower back are to be covered at all
times. This means that any shirt you
wear must cover you completely (especially when you are wearing low riding
pants). A good way to test this is to
stand in front of the mirror in the morning, raise your hands as far as they
will go over your head. If any part of
your stomach or back is showing, your shirt is too short or your pants are too
low.
Inappropriate clothing, personal hygiene, or general appearance
is grounds for excusing a staff member from class to make the correction. We
are models for the children as well as professionals to the parents and we must
have our appearances reflect it!
Harassment Policy
Any employee who believes he or she is being discriminated against or harassed based on any of the grounds stated above should report it immediately to his or her direct supervisor or the director. This should be followed up with a written report from the complainant. The Sage Cottage Executive Director or Board will investigate the complaint (which may include outside professional involvement), make a written determination of its conclusion and when appropriate, prepare a plan of action to correct the problem and prevent reoccurrence. The Executive Director of Sage Cottage shall inform the complaining employee of its determination. CYFD will also be informed of the incident.
Under no circumstances will an employee be penalized for reporting what the employee believes in good faith to be harassment under this policy. If you believe that you are being retaliated against for bringing a complaint of harassment or discrimination, you should report such conduct immediately to your direct supervisor or the director of Sage Cottage. Any supervisor or director who retaliates against an employee for making a complaint shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Performance Evaluation Procedure
The Director and employee will get together on an annual basis to review the employee’s performance and discuss a development plan. The appropriate evaluation form found in Section E of this manual will be used as a guide. An employee may be evaluated sooner if a new employee is being evaluated after 90 days, due to behavior, or if the employee requests it.
During the school year, employees will be monitored for exemplary work as well as problems. The career lattice for moving from one job position to another can be found in Section D of this Manual.
Criteria for a successful employee evaluation include, but are not limited to:
On time attendance
Following
Maintaining a positive, professional attitude
Following Sage Cottage guidelines and Sage Cottage Job
Descriptions
Teaming and getting along with other Sage Cottage staff
Putting the needs and safety of the children FIRST
General
Work
time is for work. Any conduct that
interferes with the work time of a staff person is not acceptable. Personal phone calls and visitors are
distractions and are discouraged during school hours. Also, staff is not permitted to leave work or
do personal business (i.e. running personal errands, making or receiving
personal phone calls that are not emergencies, tardiness returning from lunch)
during paid work hours without consulting the Director.
Smoking
is strongly discouraged. If an employee
must smoke, it is to be done outside of work hours and clothing and person
should not smell of smoke.
The
school telephone is for business purposes.
In order that the school phone may be free to conduct school business,
the use of the phone for personal business is not acceptable while you are on
the playground or while you are responsible for children in the classroom. In general, the school office will take
messages on all personal phone calls unless there is an emergency or a family
member needs to speak to you.
Staff
is permitted to have drinks in the classroom but they must be in an appropriate
container and kept out of reach of children.
The
school maintains a personnel file on each of its employees. Each employee file
will have at minimum the following:
1) Application for employment.
2) Employment History and References Staff
Records - The school uses this form to verify employment for the past three
years and check character references.
3) Criminal fingerprint verification
letter. If a new investigation is
required, the
4) Documentation of training taken. Obtain 24 hours of training annually. The
State of
5) Child Abuse Statement.
6) Teacher emergency information form.
7) W-4 form.
8) I-9 Form.
9) NM New Hires reporting form.
10) Copy of HS Diploma and if applicable, College
transcripts, diploma, and certifications
Job Descriptions
Director
Job Description
Summary of
Job: The Sage Cottage Director must be
professionally prepared and adept as a leader of the early childhood program
and administrator of the school. The Director shall be experienced in the
fields of early childhood development, Montessori education, school
administration and small business management; and must be a sensitive, loving,
mature individual who is able to relate well with children, staff, and parents.
Requirements: Must have proven experience
leading and managing an Early Childhood program.
Should have an Early Childhood degree, Montessori Certification,
CDA, or equivalent, and must maintain the annual state continuing education
requirements.
Work Schedule: As determined by children’s schedules and Executive
Director
Major Duties: Major
duties include, but are not limited to:
Personnel
- Be diligent and proactive in the recruitment of new
staff.
- Maintain a list of qualified and available substitute
teachers.
- Keep employee files complete and current.
o
Check
and document employment for previous 3 years for new employees.
o
Ensure
new employees have completed a W-4 form and examine credentials.
o
Ensure
the Child Abuse form is signed and dated prior to a new employee having contact
with children
o
Make
sure employee has completed and signed an application for employment.
o
Confirm
completion of Emergency Form.
o
Place
a copy of employee’s job description (excerpted from this handbook) in
the file.
o
Place
the employee’s current work schedule in the file.
- Follow school’s 90-day probation period with new
employees.
- File criminal background check fingerprint cards with
Department of Public Safety.
- File NM
New Hire reports.
- Perform
an orientation with each employee before they start in the classroom.
- Review and approve employee hours from time clock
system prior to paychecks being issued for payroll periods.
- Serve as agent to the NM Department of Labor regarding
unemployment issues.
- Respond
to claims for unemployment.
- Serve as agent for NM Workman’s compensation
insurance.
o
If
an accident occurs on the job, file a report with Workman’s compensation
insurance company.
- Collaborate with Board on the annual raises, changes
to salary and rate schedules.
- Report to the Board issues that require action or
assistance.
- Promote an internal organization that permits
effective communication.
Teacher/Staff Relations
- Maintain personal contact with employees to foster
good relations and communications, promote high morale, and identify
personnel problems as early as possible.
- Establish daily staffing schedules that include breaks
and planning time and minimize overtime.
- Ensure teacher/child ratios are in compliance with
State regulations.
- Perform annual performance review and development
planning with each employee.
- Promote
a safe/accident-free work culture through staff training and
policies/procedures.
o
Arrange
for an annual CPR/First Aid training.
o
Arrange
for appropriate staff trainings and workshops, and conferences.
- Schedule
and lead monthly staff meetings, and ensure Lead Teachers schedule and
hold monthly LT meetings.
Parent Relations
- Implement enrollment during March of each year for the
new year beginning June 1. Coordinate enrollment and maintain a waitlist
to optimally fill all classes throughout the entire year.
- Provide school program information and school tours to
prospective clients and visitors.
- Ensure new clients are given a warm welcome and
provided a school orientation.
- Work with Lead Teachers to schedule, plan, and
implement parent/teacher conferences at least 2 times per year (Fall and
Spring).
- Serve as
coordinator for special conferences related to behavior issues.
- Gather
input from staff and publish the Newsletter by the first week of each
month.
- Schedule
and coordinate special Parent and Family school events. (e.g. Open House/Parent Orientation,
Family Nights,
Operations
- Hold general operating responsibility for the
safety and well being of all students and staff. Safety is a priority.
- Maintain an aesthetically attractive environment.
- Print and distribute student sign-in sheets on a
weekly basis.
- Keep children’s schedules current in the Sage
Cottage database and provide input to billing.
- Renew
- Renew
licenses of Sage Cottage 60 days before expiration.
- Issue & account for keys (keys are stamped and
numbered).
- Maintain compliance with CYFD (State Licensing)
regulations and report reportable matters to CYFD.
- Support
the annual inspection of Sage Cottage.
- Support
audits and investigations.
- Train and supervise teachers and children in the
execution of fire drills.
- Hold
fire drills at least once each month.
- Arrange
for annual fire inspection.
- Implement and follow policies and procedures in staff
manual.
- Keep the Board informed of school matters, issues, and
problems.
- Understand and exhibit a professional manner and
appearance.
- Always document anything that concerns you. This will protect the Director and the
school.
- Report to the Board, physical deficiencies and
improvements of the grounds that need to be made to maintain desired
standards of appearance, safety and adequacy.
- Coordinate regular facility maintenance. (e.g. sprinkler system, swamp coolers,
heaters, pest control,…)
Financial
- Maintain purchases within a monthly budget. Contact Board for Capital purchases >
$5,000.
- Input expenditures and receipts to the financial
database.
- Issue biweekly employee paychecks.
- Work with Board to develop an annual budget.
- Work with Accountants to develop annual financials and
tax returns.
- Ensure bills are paid on-time.
- Issue monthly statements to parents and collect
tuition and fees.
Programs
- Ensure that the environments and materials are changed
out at least monthly.
- Ensure that curriculum schedules are developed, posted
and followed.
- Work with Teachers to design and continually improve
student programs and services.
- Encourage and help coordinate field trips. Ensure that authorization forms are
signed and returned by each parent prior to student participation in the
field trip.
Child Protection
- Ensure that the discipline policies of the school are
being followed.
- Inform
the Board of all situations and circumstances that pertain to the well
being of children in the care of the school. This includes any suspicion of physical
or sexual abuse. Contact CYFD to report even a suspicion of child abuse.
- Be aware of all unusual or suspicious situations with
the children at the school. Insure
that such situations are documented in the child’s file and it is
indicated that the child is under observation by the staff.
- Ensure that the staff is following the
accident/incident reporting and documentation procedures of the school.
- Serve as a resource and provide support for the
staff. Answer questions teachers
might have about their classroom, philosophy, behaviorally challenging
children, etc.
Record
Keeping
- Assure that parents are signing their children in and
out accurately. Keep student files
current, including immunization records and transportation authorization.
- Keep accurate records of problems or concerns in the
child’s file, including physical or sexual abuse, and all troubling
situations. Accident reports and
medication authorization forms must be kept as part of the child’s
permanent record in the office.
- Ensure
accident reports, incident reports, medication forms, and other paperwork
are being completed.
- Keep an organized notebook of daily events and a
record of operations.
- Maintain the school financial database and employee
time clock data
Health and Medical
- Serve as the overseer of providing medication and
storing the medication according to State requirements. This includes receiving the parental
authorization and establishing a procedure that administers the medication
properly and timely.
- Inform parents when a child in the school has
contracted a contagious illness such as chicken pox, mumps, measles, etc.
- Contact parents when a child appears to have an
illness and needs to be picked up.
Work Habits
·
Have a cheerful, positive, and professional attitude. Set the example!
·
Assume responsibility for the school.
·
Be on time to work and other Sage Cottage events.
·
Follow Sage Cottage policies and procedures.
Work Environment
·
Salary As
determined by the Executive Director
·
Paid
Personal Leave,
Holidays
·
Health
Insurance Medical,
Dental, Vision offered
·
Working
Hours As
scheduled
·
Overtime/Compensatory
Time None – Salaried
position
Training Requirements
·
At the minimum, must maintain CYFD continuing education
requirements for a center director position.
Continuing education courses, conferences, and self-study are strongly
encouraged.
Lead
Teacher Job Description
Summary of Job: A Sage Cottage Teacher must be professionally prepared and adept
as a teacher of young children. The Teacher shall be experienced in the fields
of early childhood development and Montessori education, and must be a
sensitive, loving, mature individual who is able to relate well with both
children and adults.
Requirements: Must have a High School diploma or GED and have
completed “The 45 hour entry level class” or be willing and able to
complete the class within 6 months. An
Early Childhood degree or Montessori Certification or highly desired. Must maintain the annual state continuing
education requirements.
Work Schedule: As determined by
children’s schedules, director, and teacher and posted on the daily work
schedule list.
Major Duties: Major
duties include, but are not limited to:
Curriculum
·
Plan, supervise and implement the daily program,
gearing it to the needs of the individual child with concerns for his/her interests,
disabilities, special talents and individual style and pace of learning.
·
Give children a variety of learning experiences.
·
Develop appropriate lesson plans.
·
Keep skills up to date by reading journal articles and books on
practices and theory on early childhood education.
Children
·
Treat
each child with dignity and respect.
·
Help
each child develop self-worth and a good self-image.
·
Manage
the classroom atmosphere and dynamics.
·
Provide
many opportunities for children to communicate.
·
Maintain
the confidence of the school concerning matters of child relationships.
Environment
·
Manage
the classroom to include maintaining a calm, inviting, supportive environment
for the children and visitors.
·
Care
for and maintain classroom materials
·
Regularly
(at least monthly) rotate and change out classroom materials.
·
Keep the room clean and empty the trashcans each night. Take
laundry to kitchen after afternoon snack.
·
Clean up after snacks,
lunches, and crafts.
·
Care for and feed classroom plants and animals
Parents
·
Encourage
parents to observe and participate in the program.
·
Communicate
regularly with parents.
·
Hold
parent conferences at least 2 times each year.
·
Team
with parents in the education and guidance of their children.
Staff
·
Work
with and communicate appropriately with the entire staff to develop a smooth
educational process and experience for the children.
·
Team
with and mentor Teaching Assistants.
·
Participate
in staff meetings, training programs and other Sage Cottage activities.
·
Refrain
from gossip and keep sensitive matters in confidence.
Health and Safety
·
Ensure for the safety of the children at all times.
·
Inform the Director of any unusual or suspicious situation with
any Sage Cottage student, including suspected physical, sexual, or emotional
abuse.
·
Maintain child-teacher ratios at all times.
·
Follow the Sage Cottage and State safety rules.
·
Be active in identifying and mitigating day-to-day safety issues.
Work Habits
·
Have a cheerful and positive attitude.
·
Assume responsibility for the classroom and the school.
·
Be on time to work and other Sage Cottage events.
·
Follow Sage Cottage policies and procedures.
·
Actively participate in monthly Lead Teacher meetings.
·
Attend all required staff meetings.
Work Environment
·
Salary
As determined by the Executive Director
·
Paid
Personal Leave,
·
Health
Insurance Medical, Dental, Vision offered
·
Working
Hours
As scheduled
·
Overtime/Compensatory
Time 1.5 times salary
over 40 hours/week
Record
Keeping
·
Maintain an ongoing portfolio for each child which includes
written observations, pictures, and developmental checklists.
·
Maintain daily attendance records for the class.
Training Requirements
·
At the minimum, must maintain CYFD continuing education
requirements. Continuing education
courses, conferences, and self-study are strongly encouraged.
Teacher's Assistant Job Description
Summary of
Job: A Sage Cottage Teaching
Assistant must be adept as a teacher of young children. The Teaching Assistant
must be a sensitive, loving, mature individual who is able to relate well with
both children and adults.
Requirements: Must have a High School
diploma or GED and have completed “The 45 hour entry level class”
or be willing and able to complete the class within 6 months. Must maintain the annual state continuing
education requirements.
Work Schedule: As determined by
children’s schedules, director, teacher, and teaching assistant and
posted on the daily work schedule list.
Major Duties: Major
duties include, but are not limited to:
Curriculum
·
Implement the daily program, gearing it to the needs
of the individual child with concerns
for his/her interests, disabilities, special talents and individual style and
pace of learning.
·
Give children a variety of learning experiences.
·
Keep skills up to date by reading journal articles and books on
practices and theory on early childhood education.
Children
·
Treat
each child with dignity and respect.
·
Help
each child develop self-worth and a good self-image.
·
Manage
the classroom atmosphere and dynamics.
·
Provide
many opportunities for children to communicate.
·
Maintain
the confidence of the school concerning matters of child relationships.
Environment
·
Manage
the classroom to include maintaining a calm, inviting, supportive environment
for the children and visitors.
·
Care
for and maintain classroom materials
·
Keep the room clean and empty the trashcans each night. Take laundry to kitchen after afternoon
snack.
·
Clean up after snacks, lunches, and crafts.
·
Care for and feed classroom plants and animals
Parents
·
Encourage
parents to observe and participate in the program.
·
Communicate
regularly with parents.
·
Team
with parents in the education and guidance of their children.
Staff
·
Work
with and communicate appropriately with the entire staff to develop a smooth
educational process and experience for the children.
·
Team
with Teachers.
·
Participate
in staff meetings, training programs and other Sage Cottage activities.
·
Refrain
from gossip and keep sensitive matters in confidence.
Health and Safety
·
Ensure for the safety of the children at all times.
·
Inform the Director of any unusual or suspicious situation with
any Sage Cottage student, including suspected physical, sexual, or emotional
abuse.
·
Maintain child-teacher ratios at all times.
·
Follow the Sage Cottage and State safety rules.
·
Be active in identifying and mitigating day-to-day safety issues.
Work Habits
·
Have a cheerful and positive attitude.
·
Assume responsibility for the classroom and the school.
·
Be on time to work and other Sage Cottage events.
·
Follow Sage Cottage policies and procedures.
·
Attend all required staff meetings.
Work Environment
·
Salary
As determined by the Executive
Director
·
Paid
Personal Leave,
·
Health
Insurance Medical,
Dental, Vision offered
·
Working
Hours As
scheduled
·
Overtime/Compensatory
Time 1.5 times salary over
40 hours/week
Record
Keeping
·
Work with the Lead Teacher to maintain portfolios for each child
which include written observations, pictures, and developmental checklists. of
each child that includes statements of the child’s developmental
progress.
·
Maintain daily attendance records for the class.
Training Requirements
·
At the minimum, must maintain CYFD continuing education
requirements. Continuing education
courses, conferences, and self-study are strongly encouraged.
Custodian Job Description
The Custodian is to clean the school regularly as arranged
by the Director.
Cleaning will be done after hours or on the weekend as
agreed between the Custodian and Director..
1.
Vacuum
carpet in all rooms. Prior to vacuuming,
pick up all rocks, beads, or other small objects that will damage the vacuum
cleaner. Periodically sweep along shelf
edge with broom prior to vacuuming. Once a month check the vacuum cleaner bag
and replace as necessary.
2.
Sweep
& damp mop all floor surfaces.
3.
Clean
all 4 bathrooms and Infant sink. (1 in Toddler Classroom, 1 in Early Childhood
Classroom, 2 in Transition Classroom).
·
Sweep
and mop floors.
·
Scour
sinks & toilets.
·
Refill
paper towel holders as necessary.
·
Empty
trashcans.
·
Fill
soap dispensers.
4.
Clean
windows and mirrors with Windex.
5.
Special
as-needed jobs:
·
Dusting
(Shelves and windowsills).
·
Base
board cleaning.
·
Anything
else to maintain a clean facility.
Substitute Teacher Job Description
Summary of Job: The substitute
teacher at Sage Cottage fills in for the sick or absent teacher and under most
circumstances will work with a second regularly scheduled teacher in the
classroom. The job of the substitute is
one of flexibility, but primarily he/she is there to provide a safe and
nurturing environment for the child and to assist the regular staff member with
classroom management.
Requirements: Must have a High School
diploma or GED. Completion of “The 45 hour entry level class”
is desired. Must maintain the annual state
continuing education requirements as outlined for part-time substitutes.
Work Schedule: When called and agrees to
work.
Major Duties: Major duties include, but are not
limited to:
Curriculum
·
Work with the regular classroom teacher to implement
the daily program, gearing it to the needs of the individual child with concerns for his/her interests,
disabilities, special talents and individual style and pace of learning.
·
Give children a variety of learning experiences.
·
Keep skills up to date by reading journal articles and books on
practices and theory on early childhood education.
Children
·
Treat
each child with dignity and respect.
·
Help
each child develop self-worth and a good self-image.
·
Manage
the classroom atmosphere and dynamics.
·
Provide
many opportunities for children to communicate.
·
Maintain
the confidence of the school concerning matters of child relationships.
Environment
·
Manage
the classroom to include maintaining a calm, inviting, supportive environment
for the children and visitors.
·
Care
for and maintain classroom materials
·
Keep the room clean and empty the trashcans each night.
·
Clean up after snacks, lunches, and crafts.
Parents
·
Encourage
parents to observe and participate in the program.
·
Communicate
regularly with parents.
Staff
·
Work
with and communicate appropriately with the entire staff to develop a smooth
educational process and experience for the children.
·
Team
with Teachers.
·
Invited
and encouraged to participate in staff meetings, training programs and other
Sage Cottage activities.
·
Refrain
from gossip and keep sensitive matters in confidence.
Health and Safety
·
Ensure for the safety of the children at all times.
·
Inform the Director of any unusual or suspicious situation with
any Sage Cottage student, including suspected physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
·
Maintain child-teacher ratios at all times.
·
Follow the Sage Cottage and State safety rules.
·
Be active in identifying and mitigating day-to-day safety issues.
Work Habits
·
Have a cheerful and positive attitude.
·
Assume responsibility for the classroom and the school.
·
Follow Sage Cottage policies and procedures.
Work Environment
·
Salary As
determined by the Executive Director
·
Paid
Personal Leave,
·
Health
Insurance none
·
Working
Hours As
scheduled
·
Overtime/Compensatory
Time 1.5 times salary over
40 hours/week
Record
Keeping
·
Maintain daily attendance records for the class.
Training Requirements
·
At the minimum, must maintain CYFD continuing education
requirements as outlined for part-time Substitutes. Continuing education courses, conferences,
and self-study are strongly encouraged.
Aide in Training (AIT) Information Sheet
Name: Age/Grade Completed
Address:
Phone:
Parent/Guardian:
Question: Why would you like to be an "Aide in
Training" at Sage Cottage?
GUIDELINES
1.
Age Requirement: The
AIT must be 12 to 15 years of age, and have completed the YMCAs Red Cross Baby
Sitting course.
2.
Each individual will
be reviewed as to whether he/she is a good candidate to be an Aide in Training and will be assigned
a primary Teacher as his/her mentor.
3.
The Cottage Director,
mentor Teacher, and the AIT will agree upon the AIT’s work schedule. The
Director is responsible for going over rules, guidelines, and expectations with
the AIT, orienting the AIT to the Cottage layout, supplies, and introducing to
other Cottage staff.
4.
AITs may only touch
children in positive, appropriate ways; tying shoes, combing hair, putting
sunscreen on, holding a hand, holding a child on his/her lap when reading to
them, etc.
5.
AITs may not be left
alone with any child, may not assist a child in the restroom, may not change
diapers, kiss, lift, bandage or clean cuts, or administer first-aid.
6.
AITs will be limited
to no more than 1 per classroom.
7.
The AIT may work no
more than 3 hours per day during his/her school year, and no more than 24 hours
per week during school break periods.
Policies
Accidents/Incidents
All
accidents, injuries and incidents must be documented using the Accident or
Incident Report Form. If a child is
injured or involved in an accident requiring treatment beyond standard first
aid, the staff member in charge should notify the Director, who will then
notify the child’s parents or other emergency contact if the parents
cannot be reached. The incident must be
documented using the Accident Report Form and the form placed in the
child’s file. If the accident is
of a severe nature, CYFD will be contacted to report the incident.
Accidents
involving teachers require that a First Report of Accident be completed and for
the teacher to seek medical attention (if necessary) from the preferred
provider according to the school’s Workmen’s Compensation
Policy. If the accident causes severe
injury, call 911 or have them seek medical attention immediately, and then
complete the First Report of Accident.
Incidents are situations such as child abuse,
missing child, or behavioral issues (biting, hitting, etc.). When a child hurts a classmate, this is
considered a behavioral issue and an incident report needs to be completed for
that child. An accident report is then
completed for the child who was hurt.
The child who was the victim should be kept anonymous on the incident
report and the child who was the instigator should remain anonymous on the
accident report. This protects both
children and parents from awkward encounters that may arise due to the
behaviors of their children.
Classroom Observations
Sage Cottage has an open door policy and
encourages parents to become involved and to observe their child’s
class. Montessori is a philosophy of
observation, and what better way to gain support at home than through observation.
Child
Protection
It is the number one responsibility of all
staff to monitor the well being and protection of all children at Sage Cottage.
The Sage Cottage policy is that classrooms are staffed with two personnel where
possible as a two person control system to maximize the protection and safety
of the children.
Abuse/Neglect
All suspected child abuse must be documented
on an incident report, kept on file, and reported to the CYFD.
Missing
child
In the unlikely event that a child is discovered missing from school, the school will go into immediate lock-down. Designated teachers/aids/parents will be stationed at each entrance/exit area. A designated person(s) will search the area around the school. The Director will contact the parent, guardian, or emergency contact person. The local police and CYFD will be notified immediately.
Classroom Snacks
Infant
Classroom and Toddler Classroom
Families are to provide all foods the child
will eat each day. A basket in the
Toddler classroom is provided to put the food in. Infant classroom places their food in the
refrigerator where their child’s name is written. Parents
need to provide a training/sipper cup with their child’s name written on
it in permanent ink.
Transition
Classroom and Early Childhood Classroom
Families take turns providing simple,
nutritious snacks for their child's class.
A snack schedule is posted in the class. Parents shall sign up for snack
twice a month per child. The State of
Snack Suggestions
· Fruits (cut to child's
finger size)
· Fruit Cups
· Tortillas w/cheese, cream
cheese or jelly
· Raisins (plain or yogurt
covered)
· Different baked breads or
bagels (banana, raisin, carrot)
· Crackers such as Triscuit,
or whole grain
· Nutritious cookies and
muffins (oatmeal, carob, fig)
· Yogurt
· Cheese cubes, string cheese
· Cream Cheese w/bagels
· Apples
· Applesauce
· Granola
· Sandwiches: cut into fourths - peanut butter, cheese,
etc., on various kinds of bread
Clothing
Although Sage Cottage does not have a strict
dress code for children, we expect children to be dressed appropriately. Play clothes are encouraged; simple,
washable, sturdy, and easy-to-manage. Messy activities will be taking
place, so do not dress them in special clothes. Pants and jeans are
preferred and non-slip, closed toe shoes are advised.
Plan on outdoor play whatever the
weather may be. It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure their children are dressed in
appropriate winter clothing--snow pants and jackets, hats, mittens and snow
boots. Children without the proper attire may be restricted from playground activities.
Please provide a change of clothing for children in the Transition and
Early Childhood classrooms and 2 changes for the children in Infant/Toddler
classroom. We do keep a few articles of
clothing at school in case of emergency, and request that they be returned
laundered after use. Please label all clothing.
Complaints/Grievances
Complaints and grievances by parents or staff
should be reported to the Director right away.
In the event the complaint or grievance requires a policy or staff
change, the Director will address the Board to come up with the appropriate
action.
Addendum’s to the Parent Handbook
and/or the Staff Manual will be made and issued accordingly.
Confidentiality
Policy
Family and staff information will not be
discussed with other parents or staff.
This information is confidential!
Never discuss a child's progress in front of the child when talking to
staff or parents. It is contrary to the
interest of the school and the children we serve to give out information
regarding children, parents, or staff.
Such information should be held in strict confidence and should not be
discussed with anyone outside of the school.
Inside the school, such information should be discussed only when it
will benefit the care we offer the children and the parent. Refer any inquiries on children, their
performance, and parent information to the Director.
Conferences
& Communication with Parents
Conferences are scheduled at least two times
each year, once during the Fall and again during the Spring. Conferences are used for reporting and
communicating with parents and are an important aspect of the complete education
process. Interim conferences can be
arranged through the Teacher or Director to discuss issues that require
immediate attention.
Disaster Preparedness
If an accident or
attack that creates contaminated air occurs in the nearby area the following
steps will be followed:
- Remain calm and keep students calm.
- Bring students, faculty and staff
indoors.
- Close the school.
- If visitors/parents are in the building,
provide for their safety by asking them to stay.
- A designated person will answer school
calls.
- A designated person will call parents.
- The voice mail will be changed to
indicate that the school is closed and students and staff are remaining in
the building until authority advises that is it safe to leave.
- Close all windows and doors and shut
down the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This will create a neutral pressure in
the building, meaning the contaminated air would not be drawn into the
building.
- Select interior rooms with the fewest
windows or vents.
- Bring everyone into the room(s). Shut and lock the door(s).
- Write down the names of everyone in the
room, and call the police department to notify them of where you are and
who is in the room with you.
- Listen for an official announcement from
the Los Alamos Police Department for decisions that will come for the
Parents may be concerned that, during a shelter-in-place activity, they
couldn't pick up their children and might be separated from them for long
periods of time. If parents show up at
the school, they will be encouraged to shelter-in-place at the school. It is not Sage Cottage's intention to keep
the children from their parents, but to keep the children as safe as possible
during a disastrous situation. We are
merely endeavoring to keep your children safe for the parents until it is safe
for the parents to come and pick them up.
In the event we need to evacuate the building we will be walking to
either
Discipline
We work to promote self-discipline and encourage the
children to assume personal responsibility for their actions. We teach respect for property and others and
encourage fair play. When rules are not
followed, or a child is hurting or interfering with other children, logical
consequences are imposed. The consequences are made clear and understandable
to the child; and are explained to the child before and at the time of the
action.
The following
methods are used when disciplining a child:
- The
actions of the child are criticized, not the personality.
- Careful
physical restraint (bear hug) is permitted when a child is out of
control.
- The
child is provided opportunity to express and define his/her feelings.
- The
child may be removed from participating in the activity until the problem
is solved or resolved.
- The
child may be kept at the side of an adult until he/she calms down and
appears cooperative.
- The
child may be asked to sit somewhere within the classroom, isolated from
activity, until he/she is ready to resolve the problem.
- When
the whole classroom is being disrupted, the child may be removed and asked
to sit with the Director until he/she is ready to return.
All discipline shall be carried out with respect for the dignity and self-esteem of those involved. The Teacher is responsible for informing parents about unacceptable behavior on the day it occurs.
The objective at Sage Cottage for all behavior issues is to understand the child and teach the child proper strategies to cope with situations he/she will face throughout life. Should the situation become ongoing (each child/situation is unique, so defining a time frame is not possible) the Teacher and Director may request a meeting with the parent(s) to discuss the behavior problems. The goal is to identify inconsistencies between home and school, and develop a joint plan on how to change the behavior. It is an opportunity for exchanging ideas on how to best help the child.
If the child’s behavior still remains unacceptable, Sage Cottage reserves the right to withdraw the child from the program and terminate the contract with the parents or guardians.
The following
disciplinary practices are prohibited at Sage Cottage:
- Physical
punishment
- Withdrawal of food, rest, or bathroom
opportunities
- Abusive or profane language
- Any form of public or private humiliation
including threats of physical punishment that is hazardous to the physical
or mental health of the child.
Emergencies
In the event of an accident or sudden onset
of illness, the School will not hesitate to seek proper care for a child,
staff, or parent. In the case of a
child, the parent will be called immediately after first aid is given and 911
is called if required. If the parent
cannot be reached, then calls will be made to the emergency numbers indicated
on the child’s enrollment form. If
these persons are not available, the child's doctor will be called and if
necessary 911 will be called to transport the child for medical services.
For this reason we require you to sign the emergency release statement on the application, before the child enters school. The consent statement that you signed will accompany the child so that treatment can be given immediately in your absence.
All
accidents requiring some kind of medical attention are documented and signed by
parents, as well as staff on duty and placed in your child's file, as per State
requirements. CYFD (Children, Youth and Families Department) will also be notified of
all incidents revolving care of a child off property.
In the event of an emergency with a staff member, emergency contacts from the form in their file will be contacted. In the event of a parent who may have an emergency situation, we will ascertain who needs to be notified for them, and proceed with whatever first aid is required in the situation.
Emergency
Kit and Supplies
The
following is a list of items contained in the Sage Cottage Emergency Kit and
supplies kept on hand in case of a shelter-in-place disaster:
- Copies of all contact list - name, phone
number and email as well as information or someone preferable
out-of-state, or at least out of the immediate area. Phone numbers and emails for immediate
supervisor.
- Flashlights with extra batteries - Long
life, emergency flashlights.
- Battery-operated radio and extra
batteries - AM/FM, Weather band/TV band
- Manual can-opener
- First Aid Kit - Add gloves and Kleenex
- Notepad and pens/pencils
- Scissors
- Hand-Sanitizer and Cleansing
Agent/Disinfectant
- Whistle
- Disposable Cups
- Wet Wipes
- Water
- Non-Perishable food items like soft
granola bars, cereal, cheese and crackers, cans of fruit, special infant
items, etc. - should be nut-free in case of allergies.
- Extra supplies of critical medication
such as insulin, epi-pens, etc. for children and staff
Each
child should have - a change of seasonally appropriate clothing, a blanket,
extra formula (one-day supply as space allows) and extra diapers (one-day
supply as space allows).
Evacuation
Building evacuation will be signaled by the Director or designee
sounding the fire alarm. An emergency
evacuation map is prominently displayed in all classrooms, showing routes to
follow during a fire drill or actual fire.
Fire drills will be conducted monthly.
All children, staff and visitors are required to leave the building by
the safest route and go to the assigned area.
The lead teacher will take the attendance sheet and first aid kit, and
leave with children and any volunteers or visitors. The aide, assistant teacher or director
should check classrooms and bathrooms to ensure no children are remaining,
close outside doors (but do not lock), and follow others out of the
building. The lead teachers should
ensure that all children are accounted for.
Staff should keep children calm and quiet and await further
instructions. When/if it is safe to
return to the building the Director or alternate will inform the lead teachers
to return.
Field Trips
Field trips will be announced in advance, and
all children must have a signed permission form on file at the School before
participating. We will typically ask for
parent participation/help with field trips.
Health, Sickness, and
Medication
Health, Sickness, and Medication
State Law requires that all children be
properly immunized before entering school. Staff members will only administer
topical medications, ointments, and creams (sunscreen, diaper rash ointment,
teething gel …) and only after having a signed medication form
on-file. All medications must be in the
original container.
The one medication exception will be an
epi-pen for a highly allergic child.
Staff will continue to be trained in allergy awareness and the use of an
epi-pen. Should we have a child who
potentially needs an epi-pen, it will be stored in a locked container in the
child’s classroom.
Staff
and children both get sick. Staff who
become ill during school hours will be required to leave. When they are no longer in danger of passing
the illness onto the children, they will be allowed to return to school.
Children who become sick at school must be
separated from the other children until the parent(s) arrive to remove the
child from the school. The staff
monitors the children closely to determine whether a fever is teething or
immunization related before calling the parents to pickup the child. Parents will be notified of any fever or
behavior which indicates the child is not feeling well. The child will be sent
home if the armpit temperature is 100.4o F or greater, or if the
child shows signs of illness. Children
are not to be brought to school if any of the following symptoms are present
within the previous 24 hours:
1. Fever (temperature over 100.4o F)
2. Unexplained rash
3. Severe cough
4. Discharge of green mucous from the nose
5. Diarrhea
6. Vomiting
7. Sore throat
8. Swollen or crusted eyes
9. Acute body aches (i.e. headache, stomach
ache)
10. Open sores on the body
Incident Notification
Staff
will notify the Director (who will notify Children Youth and Families
Department where appropriate) of any incident that has or could threaten the
health and safety of children and staff members. An incident report will be filed in these
circumstances. Parents or their
emergency contacts as well as the CYFD will be contacted in all of these
examples:
·