Early Childhood Education Policy Handbook
IT SAVES TO BE A BANGOR YMCA MEMBER!Early ChildhoodEducationPolicyHandbookRevised August 2019
THE BANGOR REGION YMCAIntroduction to the YMCAMission StatementThe Bangor Region YMCA is a community leader in supporting children,adults and families in their lifelong quest for physical, emotional andsocial wellness.Early Childhood EducationHello Parents, Guardians and Friends,It is our absolute pleasure to welcome you and your family toThe Bangor Region YMCA Early Childhood Education (ECE). We aregrateful for your participation in our program and look forward topartnering your family.The Bangor Region YMCA ECE Program is committed to YouthDevelopment, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. We havemade it our mission to make a positive impact on every child inour program. We fulfill our commitment everyday through healthysnacks, outdoor activity, swim lessons, positive adult and peerinteractions, learning centers and our caring and educated Teachers!Our program encourages your child’s total development. Throughteacher and self – directed activities your child will learn new skills,grow intellectually, expand creatively and mature socially. We teachour core values of Honesty, Respect, Caring and Responsibility ineverything that we do.Should you have any questions, concerns or comments throughoutyour experience in our program, please feel free to contact BethSeger, Early Childhood Education Manager at 941-2808 ext. 317or by email, bseger@bangorY.org or Jennifer Laferte-Carlson,Youth Development Director, jcarlson@bangorY.org, 207-941-2808ext. 331.Thank you for choosing The Bangor Region YMCA ECE Program!Beth SegerEarly Childhood Education Managerbseger@bangorY.org207-941-2808 ext. 3172Our Bangor Region YMCA Early Childhood Education Program islicensed by the State of Maine, for children ages 0 to 12 years of age.We provide care for children ages 2.5 years to 18 months. We wantour families and our staff to be partners, working together in the bestinterest of the child.We welcome you and your child to our program and to our YMCA.If you have not received a program guide outlining all the programsand services we offer to our community, please request one from ourWelcome Center.We believe the most important and influential people in a child’s lifeare his/her parents/guardians. Our goal is to utilize that influenceby building a relationship of mutual trust and support with parents/guardians. Using open communication, we work with parents andguardians to create the best possible care for each child. Please feelfree to talk with our teaching staff and program manager at any time.Open communication about each child helps provide quality care.Program Goals To support working parents/guardians with (part and full time)childcare that is safe, affordable and fun. To provide quality childcare service to outlying communities(when needed and feasible) not limited specifically to the BangorBrewer area. To provide quality experiences, companionship, activities,supervision and guidance for the child in a safe and nurturingenvironment. To provide opportunities for the child to develop physically,emotionally, socially and intellectually. To help children develop positive attitudes and character traits. To help children develop self-confidence and independence. To provide an atmosphere in which children can learn to share andbe a supportive member of a group or team. To help children make friends and get along with others. To provide children with choices. To offer a variety of activities that meets the interests and needsof children. Through participation in the Bangor YMCA programs, childrenwill gain: Positive peer interaction Interaction with positive adult role models Learn or improve self-help skills, which lead to improvedself-esteem. To provide a planned program of developmentally appropriateactivities. To employ qualified, experienced and caring staff. To provide ongoing staff training and development. To provide ongoing program monitoring and evaluation
ECE HANDBOOKSecurity SystemTo ensure the safety of the children in our Youth Development programs,we use an Access Control System. Each family receives one key FOB at nocharge. You have the option to rent up to two additional FOBs for yourfamily for 7.50 each at the Welcome Center. Once the additional FOB ispaid for, please allow 3-4 business days for it to be issued. If your FOBhas been lost or stolen, please notify the Program Manager assoon as possible. A replacement FOB can be purchased at the WelcomeCenter. There are two ways into the Youth Development Center, one isthe elevator and the other is the 2nd stairwell past Studio 2. To enter theYouth Development area, wave your FOB in front of the black box locatedto the left of the stairwell door, when the light turns green open the door.If you’re taking the elevator, wave your FOB in front of the black boxlocated to the left of the 2nd and 3rd floor buttons, when the light turnsgreen, select the floor you need. If a friend or family member is picking upyour child and doesn’t have a FOB, he/she needs to go to the WelcomeCenter. They will need to tell the Welcome Center the name of the child he/she is picking up, the classroom the child is in, and provide a photo ID. TheWelcome Center will then call the appropriate classroom and a staff personwill come downstairs to let him/her in the Youth Development Center.Please note that all fobs must returned to the program manager when yourchild leaves the early childhood education programQuality Rating System“Quality for ME” is a voluntary system for licensed childcare providers tohave their program quality assessed on a 4 step rating scale. Expectationsat each step must be met before acheiving a higher level. Every step is animportant quality measure based on the following criteria: Licensing history Learning environment (daily schedule, activities planned, etc.) Program evaluations (looking at strengths and weaknesses) Staff development (training opportunities for staff) Administrative policies and procedures (holiday closings, illnesses, etc.) Family involvement (welcoming parents/guardians into the classrooms) Community resources (where to find other services to help families) Child observations (watching for children’s interests and skills)The Bangor YMCA Youth Development Center has achieved a Step 1Ranking. Meaning that our programs exceed standards as defined bylicensing standards.Staffing (requirements and training)Our Promise to Parents/GuardiansWe will provide the Best Practices in childcare programming.The Bangor Region YMCA Youth Development Center understands thatparents/ guardians are the primary influence in their children’s lives. Wecomplement that influence by building a relationship of mutual trust andsupport with parents/guardians. Using open communication, we work withthe parents/guardians to create the best possible care for each child.Why strive for best practices in our childcare programs?When Best Practices are implemented, a positive environment forthe staff and the children in our care is the inevitable outcome.Our Youth Development Team strives to offer a high quality programfor families. A high quality center is a stimulating, caring, and learningenvironment where: Children have the opportunity to develop secure relationshipswith staff. All children are treated equally. Children learn the ability to respect the rights of others. Staff cooperate with each other to provide positive role modeling. Children’s self-esteem and individuality are encouraged. Staff provides a consistent approach with children and parents/guardians. Staff and parents/guardians work together. Staff and parents/guardians show mutual respect for one another. Staff respects the knowledge and abilities of others. A variety of activities are provided for children. Children are given choices throughout their day. Parents/guardians are listened to. Parents/guardians have the opportunity to contribute to the programand its evaluation process. The program reflects individual children’s needs, abilities, and interests. The program enhances all areas of their development throughthoughtful planning, observations and communication.The Early Childhood Education Manager supervises and supports theoperations of both program and Staff.ECE Program is staffed by the Program Manager whose responsibility isthe operation of that particular program, included but not limited to thesupervision of children and staff, program planning and implementation,communication and parents/guardian relations. The Program Managers aresupported by additional staff based on the needs and size of the program.Qualifications and training of staff- the following requirements andqualifications are established in the Rules for the licensing of childcarefacilities for the state of Maine.Director and/or Program Manager:The Director and Program Manager shall be at least 21 years of age andmeet one of the following: Degree in Early Childhood Education – Bachelor of Science/Bachelorof Arts. Degree and experience – an Associate in Arts/Associate in Science(AA/AS in Early Childhood Education and (3) years direct childhoodexperience; or AA/AS and experience – AA/AS in a related field with (18) credit hoursin Early Childhood Education and (3) years direct childhood experience BA/BS and experience – BA/BS in related field with (18) credit hours inEarly Childhood Education and (3) years direct childhood experience. Credential and experience – Child Development Associate (CDA) asawarded by the CDA National Credentialing Program with (5) yearsdirect experience, or Experience and training – (7) years of experience and (180) hourtraining in healthy, safe environments, child development; observationsand assessment; developmentally appropriate practice; guidance;relationships with families; individual and cultural diversity or businessand professional development; childcare, early childhood educationtopics related to operating a childcare facility; or other subjects relatedto age or characteristics of children for whom care is planned.3
THE BANGOR REGION YMCAQualifications of Childcare Staff All must be at least (18) years of age to work in our ECE program. All staff shall have a high school diploma or equivalent or is attendinghigh school or enrolled in a GED (General Education Development)preparation program.All staff shall demonstrate the following: The ability and willingness to comply with all applicable laws and rules; The ability to provide, safe, compassionate services; A history of honest and lawful conduct. We require two completebackground checks.In addition, all staff will be required to obtain and maintainthe following trainings: CPR/First Aid in infant, child and adult How to be a Mandated Reporter Child Abuse Prevention Bullying PreventionAnnual Training Requirements: Staff scheduled to work 20 hours or less per week must have 18 hoursof training per year. Staff scheduled to work more than 20 hours per week must have30 hours of training per year.Supervision of StaffUpon hire, immediate supervisors and the Program Manager will orientnew staff, including volunteers, prior or during the first week of services inthe following: Rules for the licensing of childcare facilities YMCA Personnel Policy Handbook YMCA Best Practices Handbook for ECE Employees Fire drills and other emergency proceduresAll current staff will show documented evidence of on-going trainings.Each staff member will be evaluated yearly on performance and will havedocumented evaluation on file. Volunteers and substitutes will be providedorientation to enable them to carry out their assigned responsibilities.ConfidentialityWe believe that our parents/guardians, children and staff deserve the rightto privacy. It is our goal to represent the YMCA mission and core values.Absolutely no information regarding a present or former individual child,family, student or employee is discussed by staff with anyone outside ofour Youth Development Team or posted online.Photos will not be taken of children in our care unless it is forprogramming purposes. Parent permission is required. Please noteparents and guardians are not permitted to take photos or videosof any children in our program.4General InformationDays and HoursChildcare is available from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday.We are not able to accommodate hours outside of this time frame.There is a late fee of 1 per minute for each minute a child is incare past 6:00 pm.Please be considerate and pick up your child on time. We know that onoccasion there may be an emergency that arises. If you are going to bedelayed please notify the Bangor YMCA at 941-2808. A child who ispicked up late from program 3 times may be removed from program.Cost Per WeekFireflies Classroom (ages 18 months – 2.5 years) Full Time - 200 Mon/Wed/Fri - 150 Tues/Thurs - 120Ladybugs Classroom (ages 2.5-3.5 years) Full Time - 175 Mon/Wed/Fri - 128 Tues/Thurs - 100Caterpillars Classroom (ages 3-4 years) Full Time - 170 Mon/Wed/Fri - 120 Tues/Thurs - 92Butterflies Classroom (ages 4-5 years) Full Time - 158 Mon/Wed/Fri - 114 Tues/Thurs - 88Dragonflies Classroom (ages 4-5 years) *1/2 Day Pre-K Full Time - 100 Mon/Wed/Fri - 75 Tues/Thurs - 50 Transportation Cost (Bangor Pre-K Only) - 5 per day*The Dragonflies classroom only runs for the school year.School vacations and snow days must be registered for separatelyand is first come, first served.Multi-child and Military Discounts available as of January 2020.
ECE HANDBOOKHolidays and ClosingsThe Early Childhood Education is closed to observe the following holidays: New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Jr. Day Presidents’ Day Memorial Day Independence Day ( 4th of July) Labor Day Columbus Day Veteran’s Day (If Veteran’s Dayfalls on a weekend we will beclosed either the Friday beforeor the Monday after) Thanksgiving The day after Thanksgiving Christmas Eve (At noontime) Christmas Day Day after Christmas New Year’s Eve (At 3 pm)There is no reduction of weekly fees assessed as a result of theseholidays. It is not customary for the Youth Development programsto close due to weather. If you are unsure if we are open due to asnowstorm please call the YMCA, check Facebook, bangorymca.orgor check your local news stations for postings.Arrival and DepartureChildren must be brought into the Center by an adult. The adult must signtheir child in and out on the attendance sheet, located in each classroom.When dropping off your child: Please escort him/her to the classroom Sign in your child Convey messages to the staff Help your child unpack Say a nice goodbye and departChildren will be released only to a parent, legal guardian or those peoplelisted on the emergency contact sheet/registration form for pick up. PhotoID is required for all parent and guardian pick-ups. Parents/ Guardiansmust authorize the Youth Development office in writing to release theirchild to a person not listed on the authorization form. In the event thatwritten notice is not possible, parents/guardians must advise by telephoneas soon as possible. When the escort arrives, he/she will be required tosubmit a photo ID for verification purposes. If a parent or legal guardianarrives to pick up their child and appears to be under the influence ofalcohol or drugs, the Program Manager will request the local policeevaluate the parent/guardian to determine fitness to drive.Payments for Early Childhood EducationPayment is due on the Friday BEFORE the service is given. Fees arebased on enrollment, not attendance. To maintain a reserved space,your fee must be paid during the absence of a child due to illness, holidays,or other reason.Payments are automatically withdrawn from a checking or savingsaccount, or a credit or debit card on Fridays. If the payment is returnedthere is a 25 late payment fee added to your balance. You willreceive an invoice, phone call and/or email from the Bangor RegionYMCA. You will be given until Wednesday of that week of service to bringyour balance current. If your balance is not paid in full by Wednesday,your child will not be allowed to attend child until full payment isreceived. You will also be responsible to pay the next week of childcare atthat time. We are unable to hold spots for accounts in arrears. If your childis held from attending due to lack of payment for one week, we will thenhave to open up their spot to another child on our waiting list.Our Early Childhood Education Program accepts families who receiveAspire, Transitional Care and the Subsidy program. If you participate inone of these programs, a copy of your award or coverage letter needsto be provided before your child’s first day in program. If we have notreceived a copy before your child’s start date you will be billed directly foreach week of care until the letter is received.If you have a full time subsidy award your child needs to be in programfor a minimum of 30 hours per week. If you have a part time subsidyaward your child needs to be in program for a minimum of 20 hours perweek. The subsidy program will not pay the full awarded amount if yourchild does not attend for the minimum required hours. If your child will notbe coming in on a regularly scheduled day, please call his/her teacher to lethim/her know. If you are unable to ensure your child attends the minimumrequired hours he/she will be removed from Early Childhood Education.Enrollment Procedure and FormsEarly Childhood Education Enrollment ProcedureThe Early Childhood Education enrollment process for newparticipants includes: A one-time visit with a parent/guardian, child and Program Manager.The visit will acquaint the parent/guardian and child with the teachers,kids, daily routine and the facility. The best time to visit is 9:00am –11:00 am or 3:00 – 4:30 pm. Additional visits may be scheduled asdeemed necessary by parents/guardians and the Program Manager(until the child feels secure, comfortable, and at home in the new setting). Immunization Record** Physician’s Consent Form Completed YMCA Childcare Registration Form Payment Contract Emergency Information If there are custody arrangements in place for a child, the custodialparent/guardian is requested to make those arrangements known tothe Early Childhood Education staff at the time of enrollment. If anyrelevant court orders are in effect, a copy of the court order(s) willneed to be provided.We cannot withhold a child from a parent, legal guardian orauthorized adult without valid court documentation thatspecifically outlines the arrangements.**Please note: A copy of current immunizations is required uponenrollment. If you have chosen for religious, ethical or philosophicalreasons to abstain from vaccinations licensing requires a writtendocument from parent or physician stating this upon enrollmentis required.5
THE BANGOR REGION YMCAClothingExploration and play are essential to a child’s healthy development.Children should dress in comfortable play clothes that are weatherappropriate. Children often soil their clothes when eating, playing, andparticipating in program activities. A spare set of clothes should be sent each day or left in yourchild’s cubby. Please label all clothing with your child’s name. We strongly encourage shoes that support active play. If a child does not have extra clothes and diapers and wipes(If applicable) the parent or guardian will be notified to bring extra,or the child will be sent home. If your child is potty training he/she will need 3 sets of extra clothingin case of multiple accidents.Please ensure that your child is appropriately dressed for programactivities and weather.The scheduled transition from one classroom into another will take placeover a minimum of one business week. During the process, parent(s)/guardian(s) and classroom teachers of the respective programs will meetto d
Early Childhood Education Our Bangor Region YMCA Early Childhood Education Program is licensed by the State of Maine, for children ages 0 to 12 years of age. We provide care for children ages 2.5 years to 18 months. We want our families and our staff to be partners, working together in the best interest of the child.
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