Policy and Procedure
What should take place anytime there is a change in staffing pattern in the classroom or playground?
Scan and Count will be completed when there are changes in staffing patterns within the classroom/playground. Staff will scan and count, at a minimum, on the hour and record the number of children and time on the Magic Number Board. This process requires the reconciliation of the Daily Sign In/Sign Out Worksheet Form and the number of children present at that time. This can be completed without interrupting activities
Employees will not consume personal beverages during mealtimes or while interacting with a child.
What percentage of the month are children required to attend school?
85%.
What is the tool that is used if there are changes in the weather which will help you determine the length of outside play?
Child Care Weather Watch
When spraying the tables with the sanitizer spray and children are present in the classroom, how should your body be positioned when spraying?
Your back should always be to the children when spraying the table with any solution with chemicals in it, using your body as a shield so it does not splash or spray on children.
When should a classroom scan, count and roll call?
North Carolina (only):
- Staff will scan, count and roll call when the whole classroom transitions out of and into the classroom i.e., playground, bus and bathroom (where bathrooms are located outside of the classroom). Roll call includes verbally acknowledging the children present are those listed on the 30 Minute Head Count Form. Tangible transition supports may be used to aid in the process of completing roll call. (Example: train tickets, ducks, small manipulatives)
What are the only pre-approved combinations of staffing for a preschool classroom according to the Risk Mitigation policy?
Preschool Classrooms
Teacher+ Assistant
Teacher + Center Aide
Assistant +Assistant
Assistant + Substitute (for states that employ qualified substitutes)
Assistant + Education/Disabilities Specialist
All other staffing combinations should be discussed and approved by the state leadership team to mitigate program risk. Decisions will be based on factors including years of experience, qualifications, and knowledge of the classroom routines and children
Where should employee beverages be stored?
At all times when not in use, employee beverages must be kept out of reach of children (ex: supervisor approved area or locked cabinet). Employees will use caution when drinking hot beverages.
What does weather permitting mean?
is defined as every day, unless there is active precipitation, extremely hot or cold conditions, or public service announcements that advise people to stay indoors due to weather conditions that could be hazardous. The Division allows child care operators to use their best judgment when deciding to take children outdoors in order to make sure children remain safe.
How should medications be stored?
*Emergency medication is not locked up
*Non-emergency medication is locked up
When should a door alarm be used and when should a door chime be used?
Specific sounds or the absence of them may signify reason for concern. Staff who are listening closely to children immediately identify signs of potential danger.
- Door Alarm: All external doors will have a working alarm to notify when the door is opened or closed. These must remain on at all times.
- Door Chime: All internal doors will have a bell or chime to notify when the door is open or closed. These must remain on at all time including quiet period.
- In order to actively supervise and listen for sounds, employees will refrain from wearing earbuds/headphones while children are present.
How far in advance should all time off requests be made?
At least 2 weeks in advance. If it is less than 2 weeks, a conversation MUST be had with supervisors to discuss the request.
According to the Standard of Conduct policy, define verbal punishment?
Verbal Punishment/Abuse – defined as but not limited to, screaming, teasing, humiliating, intimidating, insulting, blaming, threatening, frightening, laughing at, or discussing a child’s behavior in the presence of the child, other children, staff or parents, etc.
What does entrapment mean regarding to the playground?
Entrapment is considered any opening greater than 3 ½ inches but less than 9 inches that would allow a child’s body to pass through but could trap a child’s head. Entrapment is a situation where a child's body part becomes stuck or trapped in an opening or gap in the playground equipment, potentially leading to injury
What is the proper procedure for a bathroom transition in relation to proper sanitation procedures?
Children use the bathroom, wash their hands for at least 20 seconds (following proper handwashing procedure), get a paper towel and throw it away. Once all children are finished, one teacher will be engaging children in a transition activity while the other teacher is using the sanitizing the stalls and sinks. The teacher will also sweep the bathroom. Once that teacher is finished, they will wash their hands and then switch places with the other teacher who will then wash their hands.
Teachers will then conduct Active Supervision procedures before the classroom moves away from the bathroom.
When should quiet time boxes and activities be used in the classroom?
Teachers must provide developmentally appropriate activities during quiet periods. Activities may occur on cots/mats, at tables, or in a classroom space where children are not sleeping. Activities must be offered to children who have not fallen asleep after a 15-30 minute period of rest, depending on the needs of the child.
Can we send a child home for head lice?
No, schools should not send a child home for having head lice; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations recommend that students with head lice be allowed to stay in class and go home at the end of the day to begin treatment, rather than enforcing "no-nit" policies. This policy change reflects that head lice are a nuisance but not a disease, and it helps avoid unnecessary missed school days and family burdens.
What are some examples of inappropriate physical interactions with children?
Kisses
• Showing affection in isolated areas or while one-on- one
• Wrestling
• Piggyback rides
• Tickling for an extended period of time
• Allowing a consumer to cling to an employee’s or volunteer’s leg
Any type of massage given by or to a consumer outside of accepted and documented medical treatment
• Any form of affection that is unwanted by the consumer or the employee, volunteer, consultant/contractor, Part B/C provider, or private therapist
• Touching bottom, chest, or genital areas that is outside authorized and documented personal care assistance
• The use of corporal punishment\ including, but not limited to: hitting, spanking, shaking, slapping, twisting, pulling, squeezing, or biting.
• Demanding excessive physical exercise, excessive rest, or strenuous or bizarre postures;
• Compelling a child to eat or have in his/her mouth soap, food, spices, or foreign substances;
• Exposing a child to extremes of temperature.
• Isolating a child in an adjacent room, hallway, closet, darkened area, play area, or any other area where a child cannot be seen or supervised;
• Binding, tying to restrict movement, or taping the mouth
• Using or withholding food or beverages as a punishment
• Toilet learning/training methods that punish, demean, or humiliate a child
• Any form of emotional abuse, including rejecting, terrorizing, extended ignoring, isolating, or corrupting a child
• Any abuse or maltreatment of a child
• Any form of public or private humiliation, including threats of physical punishment
• Physical activity/outdoor time taken away as punishment;
Placing a child in a crib for a time-out or for disciplinary reasons
How many square feet per child is required for outdoor space?
There must be 75 square feet of outdoor space per child, or for the number of children indicated by the center’s licensed capacity.
What is the name of the new system that DCDEE is using for criminal background checks?
ABCMS
Placement of cribs and cots/mats must adhere to state licensing requirements or Caring for Our Children requirements, in the absence of licensing requirements. How far apart should cots be from one another?
North Carolina- Cribs and Cots-3 feet
What should active supervision look like during quiet time?
Staff must collaborate to ensure that planning time does not impact active supervision during quiet time. Staff must continue to implement supervision strategies by positioning themselves to see all children and utilize zoning to ensure safety. Teachers and staff backs should never to any children at any time.
When do you exclude a child according to the CDC?
Exclude if directed to do so in the chart below or if: The child’s health care professional recommends exclusion.
The child is unable to participate in activities, as normal.
The child needs more care than staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children.
The child has a fever (taken at armpit or orally). o A child older than two months has a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher o An infant younger than two months has a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
The child has two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12-hour period.
What are the three key ingredients for supporting children's outdoor play?
The three key ingredients for supporting children's outdoor play are time, space, and freedom, allowing children to engage in active play, connect with nature, and develop crucial social, cognitive, and emotional skills.
What is the temperature range for tempered water?
Between 80 and 110 degrees
The Curricula implementation in classrooms should include the following:
All classrooms must have a posted, approved lesson plan each week
• All preschool classrooms must implement curriculum studies
• Evidence of current study must be observable
• All classrooms must implement Mighty Minutes, Intentional Teaching Experiences, Highlights Hellos, and Book Discussion Cards
• Classroom activities/materials should be developmentally appropriate and open-ended
• Foundation books must be utilized for classroom set-up and arrangement should be approved by the Education Disabilities Specialist to ensure interest areas and materials align with the Creative Curriculum and are developmentally appropriate
What are the two types of screen time listed in the Teaching and Learning Environment Policy and how long are appropriate times for each of them?
Passive Screen Time-occurs when children passively sit and watch the screen encouraging sedentary behavior (no movement, no questions, children are just sitting and staring). 10 minutes of passive screen time per day/not to exceed 50 minutes per week
Active Screen Time- occurs when children are actively engaged in media use; dancing along to a video, moving images on screen, playing a game that prompts a question and requires a response. 25 minutes of active screen time per day/not to exceed 125 minutes per week
What is the new acronym for the new Telamon Core Values and what does each letter stand for?
PIECES
P-Progress
I-Integrity
E-Empowerment
C-Collaboration
E-Engagement
S-Safety
Active play should always be happening on the playground with active supervision. Teachers should be engaging the children in active play such as playing organized games, throwing and catching balls with children, etc. Teachers should not be sitting down on the playground or have their backs to the children.
Who is a mandated reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect?
Every citizen has a responsibility to report suspected child abuse, neglect or maltreatment. This occurs when a parent or caregiver injures or allows another to injure a child physically or emotionally. It may also occur when a parent or caregiver puts a child at risk of serious injury or allows another to put a child at risk of serious injury. It also occurs when a child does not receive proper care, supervision, discipline, or when a child is abandoned. North Carolina law requires any person who suspects child maltreatment at a child care facility to report the situation to the Intake Unit at Division of Child Development and Early Education at 919-527-6335 or 1-800-859- 0829. Reports can be made anonymously. A person cannot be held liable for a report made in good faith. The operator of the program must notify parents of children currently enrolled in writing of the substantiation of any maltreatment complaint or the issuance of any administrative action against the child care facility. North Carolina law requires any person who suspects child abuse or neglect in a family to report the case to the county department of social services.
What does the personal cell phone memorandum state?
This memo is to remind all ECFS employees that personal cell phones and other electronic devices should not be used during the workday when working with children and families. This is to ensure that children and families receive your full attention and all staff are attending to and actively supervising children. This includes refraining from using personal devices when children are awake & active as well as when they are sleeping/resting.
In the event that you have extenuating circumstances that require you to have access to your personal cell phone, please communicate that to your supervisor.
What are examples of Quiet Time Activities that should be present in each classroom?
A. Quiet Time Boxes- Shoe box size boxes that contain a variety of materials. Shoe boxes should be unique to allow children the opportunity to swap boxes for new activities. Refer to the attached resource on Quiet Time Box Ideas.
B. Folder Games-Age appropriate folder games that provide opportunities for increasing skills aligned with the HSELOF domains.
C. Literacy Sacks- Books with corresponding story pieces (paper or flannel) to allow children to retell the story. These sacks may also include sequencing cards, matching cards, games, etc. that relate to the story.
D. Classroom Tablets with ECE software- use of technology must follow state guidelines and time limits.
E. Listening Centers- Books on CD/Headphones, eBook collection from MTS studies
F. Dry Erase Boards/Dry Erase Markers
G. Fine Motor Activities- String Beads, Gears, Lacing Cards, Puzzles, Pattern Blocks/Cards, Button Snake,
H. Wooden Story Blocks/Story Stones/Story Cubes
I. Individualization activities based on child’s needs and areas identified in Teaching Strategies
What is the expectation for teacher/child interactions during circle time and center time?
Circle time-both teachers sitting at circle time with the children, engaging in conversation, documenting things children are sharing for graphs and charts related to project study. Also, one teacher can be leading circle time while the other teacher is supporting children with behaviors and redirecting children back to listening to circle time.
Centers-Both teachers should be interacting with children in centers, sitting, engaging in their play, teaching academics and social emotional skills. Fostering meaningful conversations, building relationships, expanding their thinking and vocabulary.
*Classroom notebook should only take a minute of your time during educational times such as center and circle time
According to NC Licensing laws, how often should a playground be inspected by a trained individual?
A monthly playground inspection must be conducted by a trained individual. A trained administrator or staff member must make a record of each inspection using a playground inspection checklist provided by the Division.
How many times a year do we have a visit from licensing and sanitation?
Licesning-2 times a year- 1 announced and 1 unannounced .
If there is an incident at the center, licensing will visit more frequently
Sanitation-2 times a year-both unannounced