Enrollment

There are two ways to fill out an eligibility form:

Fill out the form to request your child be placed on the waiting list. Fill out all questions completely and submit one request form for EACH child you wish to enroll.

Please be advised that for the safety and security of all children, only biological parents or legal guardians may enroll a child into our district. 

1. Complete our Online Eligibility Form.
2. Come into the office in person at 5309 Kenneth Ave., Carmichael, CA 95608. 

After submission of your online request form, you will receive an email stating your form has been received and your child will be placed on a waiting list.

Due to the high number of enrollments, please allow 2-4 business days to receive this email from our team.

These are the documents that are required to enroll your child. You will email your required enrollment documents to the Admissions and Family Services Department directly after they contact you.

Preschool Required Documents:

• Preschool Required Documents in English and Spanish
• Required Documentation - Dari and Farsi
• Required Documentation - Arabic
• Required Documentation - Russian

Infant/Toddler Required Documents:

• Required Documentation for Infants and Toddlers - English and Spanish
• Required Documentation for Infants and Toddlers - Dari/Farsi
• Required Documentation for Infants and Toddlers - Arabic
• Required Documentation for Infants and Toddlers - Russian

Additional information for required documents: 

• Please click here for Required Immunization for information on immunization requirements
• Shared residence form (if applicable - Webpage for Shared Residency Surveys in many languages)

Upon successful receipt of the required enrollment forms and documents, the enrollment technician assigned to assist you will contact you via email/phone to confirm that your student has completed the initial stage of enrollment.

Please be advised that the enrollment technician may contact you for questions, clarification, or if more information is needed during the processing of your child's enrollment. 

After successful completion of the initial step of enrollment, the Health Department will contact you to schedule an appointment for a health screening. 

After successful completion of all the initial steps of enrollment, your child's teacher will contact you to schedule an appointment for Orientation! 

WELCOME TO PRESCHOOL 

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT

Respecting the uniqueness of each child, the mission of the San Juan Early Childhood Education Department is to educate and inspire each child and family to become active collaborators and innovators in a diverse world by fostering creativity, critical thinking, communication, and citizenship in a safe, nurturing, and citizenship in a safe, nurturing, and evolving learning environment.

Head Start programs promote the school readiness of young children from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Preschool Curriculum

The Creative Curriculum System for Preschool and social emotional Second Step curricula are project based where the interests of your child are highlighted and lead the way to greater engagement in their learning process. There are different study topics offered and these topics last 5-8 weeks depending on the persistence of classroom child interest. Specific activities planned daily expand knowledge in the domains of social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

HEAD START/STATE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM POLICIES & PROCEDURES

ENROLLMENT AND ELIGIBILITY POLICY

All families qualify based upon specific income and child-age criteria and reside within the San Juan Unified School District. Children are eligible on their third birthday. Refer to your program registration material for more specific information.

Program registration materials contain more specific enrollment policy information. Please call the Early Childhood Education program preschool Enrollment office at (916) 979-8760 or visit https://www.sanjuan.edu/academics/early-childhood-education/enrollment for more information.

CHILD HEALTH

Our Early Head Start (EHS) and Head Start (HS) Programs are committed to the health and wellness of children and families. Research demonstrates that healthy growth and development are critical for school readiness and later learning. All families are counseled and encouraged to secure a medical and dental provider for the care of their child. Routine medical visits are important for early detection of medical and developmental disabilities and prompt referrals and treatment. The ECE Health team are available to answer questions and provide you with community resources. Parent education classes may be provided according to need or interest. The EHS and HS programs require children to have an up to date Well Child/Physical examination, immunizations, dental exam, and blood screening for lead and anemia.

Well Child Checks (Physical Examinations)

Parents must provide a current physical exam to enroll in the Early Head Start EHS and HS Programs. The exam must be appropriate to the child’s age as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Bright Futures schedule as follows. After your child is enrolled, parents are required to provide a copy of any additional physical exams. If you are having difficulty obtaining a physical examination, please notify the Health staff who are available to assist.

Please note: If your child’s medical provider follows a different Well-Child Check schedule, the next scheduled appointment must be noted.

Immunization Guidelines

Children are required to have up-to-date immunizations before acceptance to Center-based programs. Currently enrolled or continuing children must maintain up-to-date immunizations or will be excluded from school. Children attending Marvin Marshall and General Davie’s CCTR program/preschool WRAP programs, who do not have an up-to-date immunization record, may be terminated from the program. Please note that documents such as written letters and lab results about immunity do not suffice for meet school and child care requirements. For more information about immunizations required for childcare and school entry, https://www.shotsforschool.org/.

Medical Exemptions

Under Senate Bills (SB) 276 and SB 714 (Pan, 2019), medical exemptions for immunizations can only be issued by California licensed MDs or DOs via the California Immunization Registry – Medical Exemption website (CAIR-ME) and must meet applicable Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) criteria. Schools and childcare facilities may only accept medical exemptions that are issued using CAIR-ME. Personal belief or religious belief exemptions are is no longer accepted. See the following website for additional information: https://cair.cdph.ca.gov/ exemptions/home.

Tuberculosis Risk Assessment

Per Child Care licensing and Bright Futures Periodicity Table, all children must be evaluated for risk factors of tuberculosis (TB) prior to enrollment and at appropriate intervals. If a child is found at risk for exposure to TB, a TB clearance from the medical provider is required. Children may be excluded from school/child care until clearance is received.

Blood Lead Screening

A lead test measures the level of lead in the blood. Lead is an odorless and tasteless metal that is present in our environment and is very dangerous for young children. Lead can harm a child’s brain and make it hard for them to learn, pay attention and behave. Young children have increased risk of lead poisoning because their bodies are still maturing and developing. Younger children also have tendencies to put things in their mouth.

Risk factors for lead include:

Ø  Child is receiving services from publicly programs (e.g. Medi-Cal, WIC, etc.)

Ø  Homes or childcare centers built before 1980 1978 with peeling/chipped paint or under renovation.

Ø  Family member who works with lead (examples: work on cars or recycling center) or has been treated for lead poisoning,

Ø  Homes located near a highway, airport, or Lead manufacturing industry where there is increased levels of lead in the air, water or soil;

Ø  Child eats non-food items, chew on painted surfaces, or frequently put non-food items in their mouth (e.g. dirt, paint chips, jewelry, keys, etc.)

Ø  Imported medicinal remedies or cosmetic products that may contain lead.

Ø  Food cooked, stored, or served in imported ceramic/antique pottery.

Ø  Imported candies, yogurt, and spices.

Lead can cause anemia (low blood count), learning difficulties, hyperactivity/ impulsivity, hearing, and speech problems, and slower growth and development. Very high levels of lead can cause seizure and coma. Most children with lead poisoning, however, may not show symptoms and the only way to detect it is through a blood test. Remember, this simple screening will help determine if your child has been exposed to lead. Detecting a high lead level early can avoid permanent organ damage and improve your child’s health and developmental outcomes.

Anemia Screening (Hemoglobin/Hematocrit Testing)

Our bodies need oxygen for energy and growth. Red blood cells, hemoglobin, and iron carry oxygen through the blood to the body. Anemia is when the body does not have enough red blood cells, iron, or hemoglobin. Anemia can slow a child’s energy, growth, and development.

Early diagnosis and treatment of anemia can help improve the child’s health and development. Anemia screening checks the amount of hemoglobin (or hematocrit) in the blood. It can be done at the doctor’s clinic, laboratory, or WIC office.

Get Your Child Tested!

Anemia affects your child’s attention and learning Anemia Testing (Hemoglobin/Hematocrit) is required at ages 1 and a risk assessment done yearly.

Other Required Screenings

Occasionally, you may receive a Health letter requesting follow up if vision, hearing, or dental issues were identified, and if the results of blood lead and Hemoglobin tests were abnormal. EHS and HS are required to track height, weight, hearing, vision, oral health, nutrition, and other test results. It is your responsibility as a parent to follow up with any necessary referrals or appointments for your child as requested. The ECE Health Staff are available to assist you.

DENTAL HEALTH

Dental health is essential to the overall health and well-being of children. Childhood caries (tooth decay) is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, five times more common than asthma (NCHS Data Brief, 2012). If left untreated, dental caries can lead to problems in eating, speaking, and learning. Baby teeth are important! Good oral health habits should be established before the teeth have not erupted and continue throughout for the rest of their lives. Here are some tips for good oral health:

•   Do not have child sleep with a bottle or sippy cup containing milk or juice

•   Do not share your toothbrush, spoon, fork, or cup

•   Set a good example—Brush and floss your teeth with your child every morning and night

•   It is important that all family members have optimum dental health to avoid transmitting cavity-causing germs to each other.

Each EHS and HS child is required to provide a current (within the previous 12 months) dental examination form at enrollment. Each child is required to have a yearly dental exam as well as reports of all dental restoration work until complete. ECE Health staff is available to provide dental forms for completion and assist families in locating dental care.

Your Child Should Be Seen By the Dentist…

Before their 1st tooth, or 1st birthday, and every 6 months afterward. Please have dentist complete dental forms at each visit.

CENTER-BASED HEALTH INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES

Well Child Participation in Daily Activities:

Children in attendance are encouraged to take part in all the activities, indoors and outdoors. It is expected that children well enough to attend the program are well enough to be full participants. If your child has an injury away from the classroom, please explain to the teacher what has happened. Please notify ECE Health Staff or teacher if your child develops any new health conditions or has updates to their health.

Illness Policy

Please do a symptom check EACH DAY on your child before bringing your child to class or having a home visit. Parents are to keep their child home when signs of infections or illness appear. This is for the child’s own welfare, as well as for the consideration of others. During an onset of a cold, a child may have weepy eyes, coughing/sneezing, or a runny nose. Your child is contagious at this time and is to be kept at home until these symptoms are significantly improving, or as directed by district/county guidance.

Please do not send your child to school if he/she has experienced any of the following in the last 24 hours:

•    fever greater than 100.4o (99.4o if taken under the armpit)

•    red eyes with discharge

•    vomiting

•    diarrhea

•    unexplained rash

Parents must keep sick children home and notify the teacher as soon as possible of child's illness and symptoms. We strongly recommend that you contact your child's medical provider for advice. Provide the teacher with a medical note that states child's diagnosis and when your child may return to school if your child was seen by the doctor, was seen in the Emergency Room was hospitalized, or had surgery. Based on your child's level of care, and county health recommendations, the teacher or school nurse will make the final decision if the child is able to return to the classroom.

Should your child be diagnosed with a communicable disease (e.g. COVID-19, RSV, chicken pox, impetigo, etc.) please notify your child’s teacher immediately. We request that you submit a medical note that states what communicable disease your child may have and when it is safe to return to school. During the COVID pandemic/endemic, once a teacher is notified that is a child is at home with COVID symptoms or if a child is sent home from school/childcare with symptoms, the NOTIFICATION OF SYMPTOMS form with instructions on when a child can return to school will be sent to the parent/guardian.

Daily Health Checks

The teacher will perform a health check every day when your child arrives to class in the morning. If the teacher determines your child has symptoms and cannot stay in the classroom, you will be required to take your child home. Our teachers cannot diagnose illness, they observe symptoms and determine if children should be in class. Children sent home may not return to class until they meet the criteria provided.

Due to licensing guidelines, you are required to accompany your child to their classroom and remain until your child’s health check is completed.  Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Head Lice and Nit Policy

When live lice or untreated nits are found during the school day, the student shall be sent home at the end of the school day with proper parental notification. Staff shall make every effort to maintain privacy of students identified as having head lice and excluded for treatment. (SJUSD BP 5141.33) The affected child’s hair may be inspected upon return to school to verify no live lice are found.

Injury or Illness While at School/Childcare

Minor Injuries and Illnesses: If a child has been slightly injured at school with a non-emergent incident (such as bruises, scrapes, or bumps) the staff will provide the necessary first aid. Parents will be notified as soon as possible.

If your child becomes ill during the day, you will be called to pick him/her up within one hour. A doctor’s note may be required upon return, depending on the type of illness. Note: Health requirements may change according to the guidelines set by Sacramento County Public Health Department and San Juan Unified School District.

Emergency Treatment: In the event of a serious injury/illness, every effort is made to contact a parent or emergency contact on file. If necessary, we will call 911. Please thoroughly complete the emergency card, providing us with the most recent phone numbers or emergency contacts and current health information for your child.

INCIDENTAL MEDICAL SERVICES

Special Medical Needs

Occasionally a child may need special accommodations due to a health condition or concerns. This may include sleep positions, feeding instructions or medication administration. EHS and HS requires a signed order from your child’s medical provider before special needs will be accommodated. The school nurse may also need to write an Individualized Health Care Plan for medical conditions that would/may need monitoring or special health procedures.

Medications

Continuing Program of Medication (Ed. Code 49480) – State law requires that parents or guardians notify the school when their child is on continuing medication for a non-episodic condition (such as asthma, hyperactivity, diabetes, epilepsy). Parents are encouraged to give medications to their child before or after school hours if possible. If child needs emergency medications such as epinephrine or rescue inhaler, child will not be allowed to start school until the medications and Medication Authorization form are available. Parents are encouraged to ask the child’s physician to prescribe long- acting medication if possible, so that medication does not need to be given at school. All medication forms must be updated at the beginning of each school year.

Medications must be in the original box with child’s name and current medication label. Parents are required to replace medications before they expire. For liquid medications, parent must also provide a measuring syringe or cup.

Administration of Medication (Ed. Code 49420-49425; District Policy 5141.21) – A designated school employee may administer medication (prescription and over-the-counter) during the school hours only upon written request of both the physician and parent(s) or guardian, detailing the method, amount, and time the medication is to be taken. Medication will be administered only to students whose parent and physician deem it necessary for potentially life-threatening medical conditions or for those who need medication administered during the school day in order to interact appropriately at school.

SUN SAFETY, INCLUDING SUNSCREEN

Protecting your child from sun exposure during outdoor activity is important. Head Start Performance Standards allow use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater for children six months or older without a doctor’s prescription. Manufacturer’s instructions should be followed. Parents are required to send the sunscreen to the classroom and sign a written permission form (see last page in handbook). Sunscreen must not contain other ingredients such as insect repellants. Sunscreen is not recommended to be used on infants younger than six months. Sun protection for infants includes avoiding exposure to direct sunlight; dressing child in protective clothing, use of hats with brim, and avoiding sun exposure at peak hours - typically from 10am to 2pm.

TOILETING

Young children entering the program may be at varying stages of toileting. When children show signs of readiness, teachers work together with parents to develop a toileting plan that will maximize a child’s success with this very important self-help skill.

CHILD EMERGENCY CARDS AND PROCEDURES

Every child enrolled in the program must have current emergency cards on file. In the event of an emergency, when a parent or guardian is unavailable, we will use the authorization information that has been completed on your child's Emergency Information form that your teacher will complete with you at Orientation.

ADULT EMERGENCY CARDS

All parents are required to fill out adult emergency cards. Please keep all information up-to-date. This is for the safety of the parent in the event that something happens while they are volunteering in the classroom and the emergency information is needed.

SAFETY PLAN

·     Monthly Earthquake, Fire and Lockdown Drill are conducted monthly to prepare student in case these events occur.

·     During the Drill Site you may not have access to your child/ren to assure safety remain in place for all concerned.

·     Please follow the instructions provided by the Site Staff in case you are on the premises during a drill.

CHILD ABUSE AND CHILD NEGLECT

All San Juan Unified School District employees are mandated by law to report any suspicion of child abuse and neglect. Therefore, if your child has had an accident away from the program which has resulted in an injury, please explain what happened to the person in charge.

CHILD MANAGEMENT AND FAMILY COUNSELING

Families enrolled in the preschool programs have access to a mental health counselor, school district professionals and other community resources for child management and family counseling. If your child is having serious behavior problems, please discuss this with your teacher or with your School Community

SIBLINGS

Due to State and Federal regulations, only children enrolled in the preschool programs may attend class. Siblings, or any other non-enrolled children, are not allowed to participate in the class or attend field trips. Siblings may not wait for parent pick-up in the classroom.

PARENT/ADULT CONDUCT

Any verbal or physical misconduct by a parent/adult is a violation of the State Education Code which protects teacher and children in these situations. Abusive conduct, harassment, or inappropriate language around teachers or children is cause for exclusion of the parent/adult from the preschool. An officer may be requested to respond when adult behavior is perceived to jeopardize the safety of the children or adults on the school campus.

ARRIVAL/SIGNING IN PROCEDURE

The primary way of signing in your child(ren) will be through ChildPlus Attendance on an iPad. If the iPad is not working, the teacher will have a back-up paper sign in/sign out sheet with the name of your child(ren). You must sign with your full signature (on both the iPad, or in blue or black ink on the back-up paper, and enter actual time of arrival on our daily attendance sheets). Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Plan time to make the transition smooth for your child and be sure that the teacher is aware of your child’s arrival.

Children are expected to arrive at the beginning of their scheduled day in order to receive the maximum benefit of the academic preschool program.

Upon arrival, all children will have a daily health check by the teacher. If it is determined that a child is not well enough to stay in the classroom, the child will not be permitted to stay/attend until the child’s good health has returned. Parents must remain until the health check is complete.

Important: If someone else should bring your child to school, please inform them of the sign-in procedure.

DEPARTURE/SIGNING OUT PROCEDURE

It is your responsibility to sign your child(ren) out each day, primarily with ChildPlus attendance app. If the iPad isn’t working, the teacher will have a back-up paper sign-in/ sign-out sheet with the name of your child(ren). In the case of using the back-up, you will document the actual time of departure, and with your full signature in blue or black ink. Children may leave the preschool only with the parent or guardian, or an adult 18 years or older authorized by the parent on the emergency card. Authorized adults must always be prepared to show photo identification to pick up a child.

LATE PICK-UPS

We realize that emergencies and unusual circumstances occur which may prevent you from picking up your child at the appropriate time. For these reasons, it is required that you have at least one alternative, reliable person that you can call to pick up your child on time. If your child has not been picked up by the end of class and no parent contact has been received, the following steps will be taken:

•      Persons on the emergency card will be contacted in order to locate someone to pick up your child immediately. Please make sure that the information on your emergency card is kept current. (Remind them to bring proper photo identification.)

•      If the teacher is unable to locate someone, he/she will contact the ECE office and a staff member will advise and assist the teacher in making arrangements to have your child picked up.

•      If all efforts to arrange pick-up are unsuccessful, the Sacramento Sheriff's Department will be contacted to assume the responsibility for your child.

•      Three (3) late pick-ups may result in your child being disenrolled from the class.

•      Late pick-up policy applies to regular and early closure days.

ATTENDANCE, ABSENCES AND ABANDONMENT

You are expected to bring your child to the program on a daily basis, except when your child is ill or when there is a family emergency. Excused absences are illness and/or doctor's appointments of child or parent (must specify if its parent or child who is sick, on sign in sheet), doctor’s appointment, or family emergencies which may include death in the immediate family, serious illness of a family member, court appearances, lack of transportation, and crisis intervention situations.

Other family situations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the program Administrator. Please notify your child's teacher when your child is going to be absent from school.

Daily attendance provides your child with the maximum opportunity to benefit from the program.

State Preschool families are entitled to ten (10) Best Interest Days (i.e., vacation days), per fiscal year, per child.

 •      You are requested to contact the classroom by phone, prior to his/her arrival time, if your child will be arriving to school late or will be absent. If there is no contact from you, the teacher will phone you at home the same day.

•      After two (2) consecutive days of absence without notifying your child's teacher of reason for absence, other support staff will contact you, either by phone or through a home visit to offer assistance.

•      You must verify all absences in writing by stating the reason for absence and signing your complete signature (in ink) in the space provided on the sign- in/out sheet. The specific excuse must be written each day that the child is absent.

Abandonment of Care

Abandonment of Care When the family has not been in communication with the provider for seven (7) consecutive calendar days and has not notified the provider of the reason the family is not using services, the provider will attempt to contact the parent through a variety of communication methods. If after 30 consecutive calendar days, there is no contact, the family will be disenrolled via a Notice of Action, based upon abandonment of care.

PHOTO AND MEDIA ACCESS TO STUDENTS

 It is the policy of San Juan Unified School District to allow photographs and video footage for students to be used in district-produced materials including but not limited to web sites, brochures, posters, other printed materials, social media and cable television programming.

PHOTO OPT-OUT FORM

 Parents and guardians may request photographs and video footage of students not be used by completing a Photo Opt-Out form. This form will be given to families during the Orientation with the child’s teacher. Completed forms will be kept on file with the district. Ask your teacher for details on how to fill out this form. The teacher will turn in the form for you at the District Office.

CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS

 The goal of classroom celebrations is to provide simple child-centered activities which create an understanding of the diversity of culture and traditions in our community. These activities must be inclusive of all members in the classroom community, geared at the level of child understanding, and linked to the learning goals outlined in the curriculum.

Families are encouraged to share about their family’s traditions and celebrations. Please let your child’s teacher know if there are any traditions and or celebrations valued by your family that your child would be interested in sharing with the class.

CLOTHING

Children are active in the program. They will be using expressive materials including paint, water, and sand. They will also be involved in many climbing and running activities. Please dress your child in comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes that can accommodate these activities. In the preschool program, it is essential to leave an extra set of clothing in your child’s cubby. Please label your children’s clothes to prevent lost items.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Children with special needs often learn successfully with other typically developing children in a general education setting with support services.

GENERAL COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES

Sometimes miscommunication or incomplete information causes concern. Immediately clarifying the situation with the people involved is efficient and creates opportunities to develop successful solutions. A team approach to resolution helps everyone. To resolve questions, concerns or problems as successfully as possible, the district asks parents and students to:

·      Meet informally with the person(s) involved.

·      State the facts with the problem.

·      If you need further help, call the ECE office (916) 971-5988 and make an appointment with the support staff assigned to support your site.

·      If you need further help or clarification, request a meeting with the program Administrator. The Administrator will try to resolve the concern at the site level.

·     If you need further help or clarification, the Administrator will assist you in making an appointment with the ECE Program Director. The Director will meet with you for clarification and resolution.

BEHAVIOR STANDARDS/INTERVENTION POLICY

Program rules are intended to protect the rights of all students to promote a safe learning environment. The behavior of the child must not interfere with his/her safety and security or that of other children and adults in the classroom. If all appropriate interventions prove to be ineffective, the child will not be permitted to continue. The same basic classroom rules will be posted by each teacher. Interventions may include:

·      Staff interventions and redirections

·      Call/note toparent

·      Parent conferences

·      Adjustment of hours or days of attendance to meet the child’s ability to comply with safety and security requirements

·      Recommendation for counseling

·      Transfer to another classroom or program location

·      Expulsion or Unernollment of a Child due to Behavior (State Preschool)

A parent may be asked to pick up the child if the child cannot respond to adult interventions. The parent or the designated adult must pick up the child within one hour of phone contact

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are planned to enhance and extend the children’s experiences. Although destinations frequently include public places (e.g., parks, zoo), please note that siblings and other children not enrolled in the class may not attend due to Licensing, in some cases even when accompanied by another adult. Your teacher will inform you of these particular situations.

1.          All teachers will accompany the children on the field trips.

2.          On field trip days, part day programs will offer the field trip experience in lieu of the classroom program. No classroom activities will be offered on those days.

VOLUNTEER PROCEDURES

Volunteers are Important! The district values and encourages the assistance of parents/guardians and other members of the community in sharing their special knowledge and abilities with our students in roles as classroom assistants, art docents, reading tutors and in other areas. The district also welcomes volunteer improvement projects (self-help projects) that enhance the classroom or school, such as beautification projects, painting and gardening. Use of volunteers in services to the school district must comply with laws, regulations and policies.

GETTING STARTED - VOLUNTEER VERIFICATION

San Juan Unified values volunteers in our schools and community. To ensure a positive experience and protect the safety of our students, staff and others the district implements a volunteer verification process.

All volunteers must complete the verification process BEFORE they can be allowed to volunteer on a school campus or at a school-related activity.

BACKGROUND REVIEWS (FINGERPRINTING)

Volunteers may be required or requested to have a background review completed depending on what they'll be doing. Background reviews consist of completing a form and visiting a local office to submit fingerprints for verification. The district then receives reports from the California Department of Justice and/or Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Who needs a background review?

Any volunteer who has the potential to provide services, even momentarily, outside the supervision of a district staff person must have a background review completed. Volunteers who will be in close contact with students such as those who are providing transportation for trips, athletic coaches, and certain interns or mentors require an enhanced review.

How does a volunteer get a background review?

Volunteers must first complete the volunteer verification form found at www.sanjuan.edu/volunteer. If they have not previously completed a background review and will be in a volunteer role that requires it, they will receive instructions and the necessary forms as part of the verification process.

Is there a cost to the volunteer for a background review?

No. San Juan Unified pays the cost of a background review for all volunteers.

VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES

◦  Sign in immediately upon arrival (at the school office or other designated sign-in area) each time you visit a campus

◦  Wear or show appropriate identification

◦  Act in the best personal and educational interest of every child encountered

◦  Maintain confidentiality outside of the school; do not discuss student issues, concerns, or behaviors with anyone except teachers or school administrators

◦  If you have concerns about student welfare or safety, discuss those concerns with teachers or the school administrator

◦  Promptly inform the teacher and school office when you are unable to attend or when you are no longer interested or available to volunteer.

VOLUNTEERS SELF HELP PROJECT

A self-help project is a community-driven project that improves school grounds or contributes in some other way to the school environment.

If you are interested in completing a self-help project, please see the principal or site administrator for additional information regarding the district's self-help application process.

WHAT CAN MY CHILD LEARN BY GOING TO SJUSD PRESCHOOLS?

As your child moves from Infant Toddler programs into our Preschool programs, he/she will experience a consistent project-based curriculum approach where the interests of your child are highlighted and lead the way to greater engagement in their learning process. In Infant Toddler classrooms, the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers, and Two’s is implemented and in Preschool we continue with Creative Curriculum System for Preschool and our social emotional curriculum is Second Step. Your child’s progress is tracked through regular observations and this information is shared with families as the Desired Results Developmental Profile assessment is completed. Families can view assessment data and collaborate with teachers on classroom and home strategies during two parent conferences and two home visits during the year.

Parent Committees

WHAT DOES THE POLICY COMMITTEE DO?

·         Assists in developing and planning of the Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

·         Approves funding applications, program plans and goals, budgets, personnel policies and decisions, training and technical assistance plans, and more.

·         Participates in the program’s self-assessment process.

·         Plans and approves activities for parent engagement.

·         Acts as a liaison between classroom parent committee and Policy Committee.

 WHO IS ON THE POLICY COMMITTEE?

·         At least 51     of the Committee must be made up of current Head Start or Early Head Start parents. This includes elected parent representatives and alternates.

·         The remaining representatives may be community representatives and/or past parents selected by the Policy Committee members.

 WHEN AND WHERE ARE THE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD?

·         The meetings are usually held in the morning for approximately two hours.

·         The Policy Committee meets once a month during the school year.

Most of the Policy Committee meetings are held at Marvin Marshall, Room 19, 5309 Kenneth Avenue, Carmichael 95608.

PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (State Preschool)

WHAT DOES THE PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE DO?

·         The PAC provides advice and guidance to the agency regarding policy, program, and budgets.

·         Representatives participate in the assessment and improvement of program services, and legislative and community involvement

·         Representatives are presented with training and given resources to take back to the respective sites.

·         Representatives plan and promote program meetings and functions

 WHO IS ON THE PARENT ADVISORYCOMMITTEE?

This advisory group is composed of parent representatives from each class selected at the beginning of the school year.

WHEN ARE THE PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD?

·         The PAC meets four times per year: November, January, March and May.

·         Located at Marvin Marshall, Room 19, 5309 Kenneth Avenue, Carmichael 95608.

WAYS TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

PARTNERSHIPS WITH FAMILIES: The Preschool programs support a child’s family as the primary educator, nurturer, and advocate for the child. When the family is engaged in their children’s education, the children do better in school and the program improves. A vital part of the program is family engagement. Each family is encouraged and welcomed to participate in their child’s preschool program, as well as attend community and school events. Regular volunteering in the classroom is one very important and valuable way to be involved; however, because today’s parents have very busy home, training, and work schedules, this traditional approach may not work for every family. Your child’s classroom teacher will help you find a way to be a part of your child’s preschool experience.

PARENT EDUCATION: Parent education in the areas of health, nutrition, child growth and development, and parent-child relationships is invaluable to the growth and well-being of the child. Ready Rosie, a research-based parenting skills curriculum is provided for all preschool families to access. Ask your teacher for details. Accessing community resources, education and training opportunities, job skills, and entering the work force, as well as personal growth and empowerment, are also offered.

PARENT MEETINGS: Classroom parent meetings are held monthly. During parent meetings, parents and teachers plan curriculum, field trips, and special activities. Teachers and parents discuss and learn about discipline, child development,

nutrition, and other topics of importance to families with young children. Head Start Policy Committee and State Preschool Parent Advisory Committee representatives present information from the committee meetings at classroom parent meetings.

POLICY COMMITTEE (PC) & PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAC): These policy groups are composed of parent representative selected at the beginning of the school year. The parent committees meet regularly with members of the Early Childhood Education support staff to discuss and review program content areas. The PC/PAC reviews and approves funding applications, family engagement activities, proposals, and budgets. Representatives may participate in the staff interview process, assessment and improvement of program services, and legislative and community involvement. Representatives are presented with training and given resources to take back to their respective sites. All parents are encouraged to attend the Policy Committee/Parent Advisory Committee meetings.

HEAD START PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT OUTCOMES:

1.       Family Well-Being

2.       Positive Parent-Child Relationships

3.       Families as Lifelong Educators

4.       Families as Learners

5.       Family Engagement in Transitions

6.       Family Connections to Peers and Community

7.      Families as Advocates and Leaders

HOW CAN THE SJUSD PRESCHOOL PROGRAM HELP MY FAMILY?

School Community Workers, teachers, and the mental health therapist in our program provide caring and appropriate resource referrals for available services within the San Juan Unified School District and Sacramento County. A School Community Worker (SCW) meet with families multiple times over the course of the school year to assess the need for resources, provide community referrals, and partner with families to meet goals. It is the goal of our programs to see families grow and thrive alongside the support of dedicated teachers and service support professionals. Teachers and School Community Workers assist families in the following ways:

·  Engage Head Start parents in the Family Partnership Agreement process by assisting to set goals and design an individualized approach for achieving those goals.

·  Make appropriate referrals to community agencies as part of the Family Partnership Agreement process.

·  Provide up-to-date community resources.

·   Invite representatives from various community agencies to speak with individual families or at parent and committee meetings.

·   Assist in locating services, translators, and translations in the families' preferred languages.

·   Form partnerships with other community agencies to assist families in gaining access to services and resources.

·   Help you and your child make school attendance a priority.

·   Help you achieve the seven Parent and Family Engagement Outcomes.

The Head Start/ Early Head Start family partnership agreement is a process where teachers and school community workers assist parents to identify and define beneficial and achievable personal and family goals within a set timeline.

Our primary goal is to become partners with parents so that working together you and your family may achieve the seven parent and family engagement outcomes:

·      Family well-being (families are safe, healthy, and achieve some sense of financial security)

·      Positive parent-child relationships (parents develop warm, nurturing relationships with their children)

·     Families as lifelong educators (parents promote and participate in their children’s education at home and at school)

·     Families as learners (parents advance their own interest in education and training)

·      Family engagement in transitions (parents support their children’s transitions through life’s various stages)

·     Family connections to peers and community (parents develop positive connections with peers and community that enhance their social well-being)

·     Families as advocates and leaders (parents promote educational policies that benefit their children at the local, state, and national level)

HOME VISITS AND PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

Teachers and/or School Community Workers meet individually with parents and at least four times during the school year.

Head Start Home Visits

Home visits provide an opportunity for you to:

·         Build a trusting and respectful relationship with staff.

·         Ask questions about the program.

·         Discuss your expectations.

·         Express concerns.

·         Share information about your child.

·         Learn how to participate in the curriculum study topics.

In August, during your first Home Visit with your teacher, you will receive information on how to engage your child as you read to them.

We value you as your child's first teacher. Reading daily, as a family, is the best home-school link activity there is!

In the spring, during your home visit, you will receive a fun packet of math activities which can be done at home with counting and sorting of socks or shoes for younger children and then a grocery store outing that includes measuring and weighing fruits and veggies. For those families with children who are Kindergarten bound, there will be information shared about the Kindergarten enrollment process as you transition in to the elementary school world.

Head Start and State Preschool Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parents will have two opportunities in the fall and the spring to meet with their teacher for a parent conference. These are important opportunities to build close connections with teachers as they share information with you about your child.

During the parent teacher conference, you and the teacher will review your child's progress on their Individual Development Plan form, known as an IDP. Information for this assessment is gathered through ongoing observations and a collection of your child's work samples, such as drawings. The Desired Results Developmental Profile is the California State assessment used for preschool children. The learning concepts embedded in this assessment cover the domains of social emotional, cognitive, and physical development. This conference is an opportunity for you and your teacher to collaborate on strategies to be used in class and at home to support the success of your child in school.

ATTENDANCE MATTERS!

Please understand, too many absences, excused or unexcused, can keep my child from succeeding in school and in life.  10 missed days or 1 day a month, can cause a student to go off track. Every day counts and every minute matters.

I agree:

·         to make the effort to have my child at school every day and make attendance a priority;

·         to have my child attend school regularly;

·         my child should not miss school unless she/he is ill or if there is a family emergency;

·         to notify the teacher first thing in the morning if my child will be gone; and, attendance habits start early.