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Early Education ServicesFamily HandbookA Partnership in CaringUpdated April 2021Early Education ServicesUniversity of California at Santa Cruz599 Koshland WaySanta Cruz, CA 95064(831) 459-2967childcare.ucsc.edu1
Table of ContentsEES Phone Numbers2Mission Statement & Program Philosophy3Overview4Staff6Meals6-7How to Qualify for the Program7Enrollment Process8Daily Schedules & Program Centers12-13Health & Safety14-15Illness Policy16Emergency Plans17-18Mandated Reporter Information19Positive Guidance Discipline Policy20General Policies22Termination Policies25Early Education Services Phone NumbersEES ADMINISTRATIVE STAFFEES Main Officeearlyeducation@ucsc.eduEES Main Office FAX459-2967459-5222EES Director: Emili Willetiwillet@ucsc.edu459-4073EES Program Site Supervisor: Alison Steinbergalmstein@ucsc.edu459-3013EES Enrollment Coordinator: Paulette Carneyplcarney@ucsc.edu459-3396EES Business Coordinator: Alex Ferreyrajf51698@ucsc.edu459-5980INFANT /TODDLER CENTERInfant/Toddler Center Classroom459-3344Infant Center Teacher Message Phone429-5660PRESCHOOL CENTERPreschool Room459-4088SCHOOL AGE CENTERSchool Age Classroom459-44722
UCSC Child Care Services Mission StatementThe mission of Child Care Services is to promote access to higher education through provision ofaffordable, accessible, quality developmental childcare for university parents. We assist parents inreaching their educational and career goals particularly non-traditional, underrepresented, and at-riskstudents; support diversity, and productivity; and support the university’s research, teaching, andcommunity service goals.We provide child care services and programs to attract, serve and retain a diverse population of studentsby serving those of low-income and others for whom lack of child care is a barrier to education.We provide high quality affordable and accessible childcare.We provide an educational program that is culturally and developmentally appropriate for the childrenserved, which facilitates children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth.We provide family education, family support services, and family involvement opportunities.We provide nutrition, health and social services, community involvement, developmental assessment, andstaff development components as required by the State Department of Education.We provide a strong recruitment vehicle for the university by attracting nontraditional andunderrepresented students, and increasing retention of these and other at-risk students.We provide meaningful employment and training opportunities to students who support themselves whileachieving their education.We provide field research and observation opportunities for students to accommodate the instructional,research, and service interests of academic divisions.We support positive university relationships with the greater Santa Cruz community by helping to addressthe shortage of quality, affordable childcare in the Santa Cruz area, particularly infant, toddler,kindergarten after-school, and school age care.Program Philosophy, Goals & ObjectivesPhilosophyEES is dedicated to providing the highest quality developmental care possible in a secure, homelikeenvironment characterized by warmth, affection, and support. We believe that children learn through playand exploration while engaged in relationships with peers and responsive, caring adults. We nurture allaspects of a child’s development: cognitive, emotional, social, creative, and physical. Individuality isacknowledged and respected, as children are encouraged to develop skills in decision-making and socialinteraction.Children play an important role in our curriculum development We build on the expressed interests andideas of children and their families to create a continuously developing and exciting curriculum.Learning is a balance of independent exploration and teacher-directed activity, carried out at the child’sown pace.We believe that caring and education are inseparable. Children need to feel comfortable and secure, toknow what is expected of them, and to have opportunities to express themselves. Adults in our programestablish positive personal relationships with children to effectively foster development.Children learn in the greater context of their families and community. Family involvement positivelyreinforces each child’s family traditions and culture. EES creates a culturally stimulating, accepting, andnurturing setting in collaboration with families. We share in the rearing of our community’s children in thespirit of respect and cooperation, characterized by effective communication, and shared decisionmaking.3
EES has a zero tolerance for abuse philosophy. Parents of enrolled children may observe our programs atany time without prior notice.All of our programs are licensed and administered under Title 22 regulations of the State of California, andTitle V Terms under the Department of Education. EES receives State Department of Education funds,Student Registration Fees, Housing Auxiliary Funds, Student Referendum Fees, and Parent Fees. This fundingenables us to provide free or low-cost care for qualifying families.OverviewNondiscrimination PolicyEarly Education Services programs are open to all families without regard to race, color, national origin,gender, religion, age, physical or mental ability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.We refrain from religious instruction or worship. We are committed to making all reasonable accommodationsto meet every child’s needs. Please call 459-2967 or email earlyeducation@ucsc.edu if you requirealternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) or if youneed disability-related accommodations to visit us. No optional or supplementary services are offered.Anti-bias CurriculumBetween the ages of two and five, children become aware of differences in gender, race, ethnicity, andabilities. They are also sensitive to the attitudes (both positive and negative) that family and society attach tothese differences. EES embraces age-appropriate anti-bias curriculum that reflects the diversity of ourcommunity and world which conveys complete respect for ethnicity, gender, age, class, family structure, andphysical ability. Our goal is to create a learning environment where each child develops a strong personalidentity, feelings of comfort with diversity, the ability to talk about differences, and to challenge bias.During the course of the year we: Present children with material from different cultures and ethnic groups Talk about many kinds of families, e.g., single parent, blended, nuclear, extended, adoptive, gay,lesbian, and multi-racial Present images of women and men in roles that challenge the prevailing stereotypes Include curriculum materials which encourage respect and appreciation for aged and physicallychallenged individualsAs in all of our work with children, we begin with the premise that the role of the teacher is to help childrenexplore their world in an open-minded and inquiring way. The teacher presents alternatives, asks thoughtprovoking questions, and gently guides children to think critically and act responsibly. We are happy to shareour resources with you, and/or to discuss any ideas or comments you would like to share.Desired ResultsThe EES is under Title V Quality program and receive funding from the California Department of Education(CDE) to provide affordable child care. EES is required by the CDE to assess children.A desired result is defined as a condition of wellbeing for children and families (e.g., children are personallyand socially competent). Desired results reflect the positive effects of the child development system on thedevelopment and functioning of children and on self-sufficiency and functioning families.Developmental AssessmentAssessment of children is the process of observing, recording, and otherwise documenting the work childrendo and how they do it. We practice “authentic assessment” at our programs, which means that we assesschildren in the process and context of their everyday play and routines. We use assessment as a basis for4
planning for classrooms, small groups and individual children. It shapes curriculum and gives us valuableinformation to communicate to parents regarding their child’s development.Portfolios, Core Files, Child Summaries and Developmental Profiles must be developed and maintained foreach child throughout their stay at EES. This information will follow your child from program to program. ADevelopmental Profile and Child Summary must be completed within sixty days of your child’s enrollment.The Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) is performed for each child twice a year. Thisdocumentation process includes: Children’s portfolios: samples of artwork, photographs and periodic anecdotal records.The DRDP is performed for each child twice during the academic year over fall and spring quarters.The Child Summary is a synopsis of the DRDP, which is presented to the family at the family/teacherconference. After reviewing the document, both parent and teacher sign. Families are provided acopy of the Summary.Communicate, Communicate, CommunicateIn addition to daily exchanges with classroom staff during drop-off and pick-up, meetings can be arrangedfor more extensive or private conversations outside of the classroom. The teachers, Program Supervisor, orthe Director can make themselves available at your request. Feel free to call or email at any time. You areinvited to leave written notes for teaching staff in the program’s office. Please check your classroomparent pocket daily for messages, program news, and communication and EES information.We will do our best to keep you informed about your child’s day at school, our curriculum, and ourobservations of your child’s growth and development. Please let us know if unusual circumstances areoccurring at home or elsewhere in your family or child’s life. We can better assist your child during the daywhen we know how the evening and the morning went at home, or how vacation was. When we areinformed, we are prepared to help your child think and talk about what is happening. All sensitive familymatters are treated confidentially, and discussions regarding such information are limited to the regularteaching staff.Reporting Concerns - Reports to EES can be made in person, by email or by phone.Emili Willet Director, EES831-459-4073iwillet@ucsc.eduAlison Steinberg, Site Supervisor, EES831-459-3013almstein@ucsc.eduWritten anonymous reports of concern may be placed in the EES secured drop box to the left of the EESconference room door in the FSH Lobby. This box will be checked at least twice weekly.Family ConferencesTeachers conduct family conferences twice a year, and more often for family with infants. Additionalconferences may be scheduled at any time you or your child’s teacher request one. Conferences provideuninterrupted time for you and your child’s teacher to focus on your child’s growth and development.Please use conferences as an opportunity to let us know how we are meeting your family’s needs bysharing information, concerns, and goals.Program EvaluationWe want to know how we are doing! A complete program evaluation is done annually in the SpringQuarter. Staff completes a self-study of the program, and families are asked to complete an anonymous5
questionnaire. Your feedback is essential and will be evaluated by staff to use in planning, developing andimproving our programs for the up-coming year.“I Have a Concern or a Suggestion. Where do I go?”We value your feedback and encourage you to talk with EES teachers. When appropriate, we encourageyou to speak directly to any individual with whom you have an interpersonal issue. We realize that it is notalways comfortable or that you may not reach a satisfactory resolution.If an issue should arise regarding policy, staff, physical environment, health and safety issues or your child’steacher(s), you can speak with the Program Supervisor. If you feel you still need more assistance, you maycontact the Director.Staff DevelopmentUCSC Early Education Services is committed to quality early childhood education. We hire qualified staff.All staff holds the appropriate credential/permit required by the state of California. New employees are provided an orientation to guide them to understand how agency policiesrelate to their perspective job description We support continuous staff growth by assessing the needs of staff and providing professionaldevelopment activities to enhance their growth Our staff members are evaluated annually. New hires will receive both a three-month and sixmonth evaluation during their probationary period.StaffAll EES staff meet or exceeds the Quality Rating and Improvement System and are background checkedas required by the State of California and are fingerprinted through the Department of Justice. In order tobe hired, and for continued employment, the employee must have the following: Fingerprint Clearance,Clearance of any convictions, Mandated Reporter Statement, Physical Exam and TB Clearance, Picture ID& Social Security Card, Personnel Record, Signed Employee Handbook and Verification of Education. Wechoose teaching staff who are warm and nurturing, and are able to apply their knowledge respectfullytoward children and families.The State Commission on Teacher Credentialing grants all credentials to EES teachers. On-goingprofessional development, which keeps us current in the field of early education, is a valued component ofEES programs. Our dedicated work-study student teaching assistants (TA’s) receive extensive training invaluable child development and education skills. The EES Program Supervisor and Director are highlyexperienced and qualified early childhood professionals. Teaching staff including Teacher Assistants andvolunteers, are monitored by the Director and Site Supervisor. These visits are both announced andunannounced. We have a very comprehensive checklist to record and document the findings.Meals and NutritionEES provides highly nutritious, appealing breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon snacks. We participate in theChild and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and follow all CACFP guidelines. We emphasize whole grainsand avoid processed sugar. Whenever possible, produce may be organic. We attempt to provide mealsfrom a variety of ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of our families. Menus are posted monthly inthe program. All served children may participate in our food program. The children’s meals are providedby UCSC’s dining services.In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited fromdiscriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex age, or disability. If you feel you have6
experienced discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, orpolitical beliefs, we encourage you to talk to our Civil Rights Coordinator. Because we participate in theChild and Adult Nutrition Programs, we are required to inform you of the USDA (United States Departmentof Agriculture) complaint procedure. Any person alleging discrimination has the right to file a Discriminationor Civil Rights Complaint within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory action. For more information on howto file, please go to this site USDA How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint.Food AllergiesTo provide the at most safe environment for those children with severe allergies of nuts, our entire programis a NUT-FREE ZONE. If your child has specific food allergies or intolerances, we can make reasonableaccommodations. Upon request, EES will provide you with a medical statement to be completed by yourchild’s physician. With this form on file, we can supply appropriate substitutions of food and beverage for achild with medically recognized dietary restrictions. Unfortunately, we cannot offer alternative foodsbecause a child simply does not like what is being served. For the safety and health of all children in ourprogram, no outside food is allowed.WICThe California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) providessupplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant,breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be atnutritional risk. To be fully eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be determined by a healthprofessional, at no cost, to be at nutritional risk (i.e., have certain medical-based or diet-based riskconditions). More information can be found at WICHow to Qualify for Childcare at EESWho is eligible?Families must have an affiliation to UCSC as a student, and be currently enrolled in classes to be eligible forenrollment in EES programs. EES follows the guidelines of the UCSC Child Care Access Policy, and the Title VTerms for families receiving subsidy.EES receives state funding to provide families with subsidized care (reduced or no cost tuition fee forchildcare). Since we are obligated by state contract to utilize the funds, at enrollment, all families will beevaluated for eligibility for subsidy, and if they are qualified to get a reduced tuition fee, they must beenrolled as a subsidized family.How to qualify for Subsidized ProgramEligibility and Need QualificationIn order to qualify for subsidized care, a family must prove income eligibility. The family must receive publicassistance or have a combined gross monthly income at or below 85% of the State Median Income. Needand qualification for care are established at the time of initial enrollment, and referred to as “12 montheligibility”.EES is required by Title V to fully document need before care is authorized. Services will not be provided tonewly enrolling families until all documentation requirements have been met. Currently enrolled families mustprovide all documentation required to update contract information upon request. Failure to meetdocumentation requirements by the deadline provided may result in termination.7
To receive General or Full-Day State Preschool subsidy, families must demonstrate need in addition to incomeeligibility. In the case of two-parent families, BOTH parents must be fully occupied; attending school ortraining programs, working, or seeking employment. Parental incapacity, homelessness, or need for childprotective services are also cases to demonstrate needed care.Subsidized FamiliesOur program offers California Department of Education (CDE) subsidized child care to low-income familieswho qualify for services. Subsidized eligibility waiting lists are maintained in accordance with CDE AdmissionPriorities Eligibility and Need.Eligibility is based in documentation and verification of family size and at least one of the following: IncomeCurrent Aid recipientHomelessnessChild Protective ServicesAt Risk of Abuse, Neglect, and/or ExploitationIncome documentation will be required at certification or recertification.What is Need?Criteria-need for services is based on documentation and verification of at least one of the following: Child Protective Services At-Risk Parental incapacity Employment Training toward Vocational Goal Seeking employment Seeking Permanent HousingPaymentEES parent fees statements for fee service and parent fees fee-paying subsidized families will be emailed afew days prior to each month. Payment is due upon receipt. You will be provided a written receipt when yourpayment has been posted. Since EES does not automatically give you a summary billing statement, weencourage you to keep these receipts as verification of childcare fees. Rates are figured as an annualamount which considers total days of operation. EES does not prorate fees due to holidays or academicclosure, (except for end of academic year and beginning of academic year). Famili
UCSC Early Education Services is committed to quality early childhood education. We hire qualified staff. All staff holds the appropriate credential/permit required by the state of California. New employees are provided an orientation to
