Confidentiality
Where must children's files be stored and who may access assessment data?
Children's files must be kept in locked cabinets; assessment and screening data are accessible to the child's teachers and program administrative staff (PSD and program director)
How long should staff rub hands with soap and water during handwashing?
At least 20 seconds.
What is the maximum teacher-to-child ratio stated for classrooms?
Teacher/child ratios do not exceed 1 to 10 (often better than 1:10).
Name two communication tools listed for staying in contact with families (updated).
Apptegy and ReadyRosie (also newsletters, home visits, phone calls)
What are the dress code rules about footwear and slogan T-shirts?
shoes must be enclosed and allow for movement (no flip-flops); T-shirts with slogans or inappropriate messages are not allowed — staff should dress business casual without ripped clothing, midriff exposure, or plunging necklines.
Name two actions staff must avoid to protect confidentiality when using electronic devices or social media.
Do not enter information about children, families, or staff into home computers or cell phones; do not post or share confidential information on social media.
What maximum temperature is listed for liquids/foods to keep them out of children's reach?
Liquids and foods hotter than 110°F must be kept out of children's reach (handbook lists 1100 but intended and standard is 110°F).
How does the handbook suggest teachers support a child who is not fully toilet trained?
Make a collaborative plan with families: use consistent toileting words, create consistent routines, decide on pull-ups vs. underwear, meet as needed, update plans, and share successes.
How often should family service staff make purposeful parent contact and where must contacts be recorded?
Purposeful parent contact no less than once a month; all contacts must be entered in real-time in COPA.
What is the maximum number of hours a part-time staff member may work per week?
Part-time staff may work no more than 19.5 hours per week.
What is the policy about sharing parent phone numbers and where should meetings about sensitive issues be held?
Parent phone numbers should not be shared with outsiders except to DCF when applicable; meetings about sensitive issues must be held in private areas.
How often are fire drills conducted after September, and how often are lockdown practices held?
Fire drills: twice in September then once a month thereafter; lockdown practices: every three months
After an aggressive incident (biting, hitting), what immediate steps should staff take?
Remove the hurt child and apply first aid; briefly move the child who acted out to another area with brief, simple statements (e.g., "That hurts"); teach alternatives (ask, wait, ask for help); if behavior continues, convene parent-teacher conference and create home/school strategies; for extreme risk, parent may be asked to remove child while an action plan and referrals are implemented.
When are parent-teacher conferences scheduled and how many progress reports are sent home each year?
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year (Fall and Spring); one progress report is sent home in Winter (in addition to conference reports).
List three required steps for new staff regarding orientation, training, and attendance expectations.
Attend New Staff Orientation; participate in all assigned training sessions and staff meetings (make up missed mandatory training on own time); arrive on time, be available for all scheduled days, and sign in/out personally at the main office
List three specific restrictions about discussing staff, children, or families that the Professionalism section requires.
(1) Staff must not discuss other staff members with parents; (2) Information about children and families should be shared only on a need-to-know basis; (3) Staff must never identify specific children when discussing general program concerns and must respect families' privacy.
Name four situations when staff and children must wash hands as listed in the handbook.
Upon arrival for the day; before and after eating; after using the toilet or helping a child use the toilet; after handling bodily fluids (mucus, blood, vomit). (Other required times include before handling food, before giving medication, after outdoor play, after handling animals, etc.)
What items are specified as part of a child's portfolio used in assessment?
Work samples, photographs, observation notes and other artifacts documenting developmental progress from entry to exit to "tell a developmental story."
What activities does the handbook recommend to support transition to kindergarten between December and June?
Parent workshops on kindergarten readiness and registration; "Get Ready for Kindergarten" curriculum (stories, songs, playing school, discussions about worries); field trips to kindergarten classrooms; and completion of a comprehensive kindergarten portfolio including screening/assessment information, work samples, and family information.
What is the policy on cell phone use during work hours and where may staff use phones?
Cell phones (including Bluetooth/headset devices) are not permitted in classrooms, playgrounds, hallways, or during naptime; staff may use phones during scheduled breaks and lunchtime outside the classroom
Under what condition may assessment and screening data be shared with outside agencies?
Assessment and screening information may be shared with outside agencies only with written parent permission (Confidentiality §1304.52).
Describe the required procedure if a serious accident occurs at school.
Call 911 immediately for serious accidents; the school nurse or classroom teacher tends to the child's injuries; parents are called immediately; if parent can't be reached, the emergency contact on file is called.
What are the program expectations for observation and assessment — primary purposes and evidence sources?
Primary purposes: benefit children by identifying strengths, needs, and interests to inform instruction and program improvement. Use multiple sources of evidence: observations, work samples, anecdotal records, audio descriptions of problem-solving, records from whole-group, small-group, individual settings, parent input.
Describe parents' role and the program's obligations during the pre-referral/referral process for developmental concerns.
With parent permission, a six-week pre-referral period begins where teachers, parents, and specialists implement targeted strategies; supervisors complete observations and teachers complete developmental inventories; a meeting reviews progress; if insufficient progress, staff refer to the Early Childhood Assessment Team or mental health providers; parents are partners in decision-making and documentation of concerns/referrals/communications must be recorded in COPA.
Explain the Constructive Use of Work Time policy including naptime and breaks expectations.
Staff must use scheduled work time productively and not attend to personal business during work time; personal business is allowed during scheduled breaks and lunch; before/after dismissal use time to clean and plan; naptime is designated planning time to be used for team meetings, lesson planning, and preparing materials.