Pennsylvania child care licensing legislation
These are posted on the front bulletin board, and may also be obtained from the regional day care office at Broad and Spring Garden Streets, 560-2807. Licensing regulations cover health and safety standards and minimum policy and procedure requirements for child care programs in the state of Pennsylvania.
Child Care Food Program (CCFP)
The menu and serving sizes are always posted, as required. We can answer other questions you may have about the program, or you can write to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., 20250.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
This professional organization has developed a voluntary accreditation process which addresses several program areas including curriculum, teacher/ child interactions, and parent/ staff issues. In 8/96, Children's Village was awarded accreditation by NAEYC after a lengthy self-evaluation and outside review process. Brochures about NAEYC standards are available in the front desk display, or by calling 1-800-424-2460.
Head Start
Wrap-around Head Start services are provided to eligible families enrolled in Children's Village Child Care. Many requirements of Head Start program are already met in a quality child care setting, but additional features of Head Start include home visits by the teacher, increased tracking of children's health care (including some screenings here at the center and documenting medical care like pediatric check-ups and dental visits), a family interview and family partnership agreement, parent participation in the program and stepped up monitoring of children's growth and development in all areas. Our regional Head Start office is right in Philadelphia: Box 13716, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19101, 596-1224
Children's Village provides services and refers families (parents and children) to other services without regard to race, color, religion, creed, handicap or disability, ancestry, national origin, age, sex or sexual orientation.
If you feel that you have been discriminated against on the basis of your race, color, religion, creed, handicap or disability, ancestry, national origin, age, sex or sexual orientation, you may contact:
Director, Children's Village Child Care
Department of Public Welfare
Civil Rights Compliance Unit
1400 Spring Garden Street
State Office Building - Room 502
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Office of Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Region III
P.O. Box 13716
Philadelphia, PA 19101
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
711 State Office Building
Broad & Spring Garden Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19130
The Right to Confidentiality
Types of information which are kept confidential and shared only with those who need it to carry out their jobs include: medical history including any current or suspected medical problems; family status; financial information; and other personal issues like family matters or children's behaviors.
Access to written records is restricted to administrative staff, state monitors, and the teachers directly responsible for the child. In order for records to be released to any other person, school, or agency, permission is needed from the child's parent.
Areas of concern (like problem behavior or other special needs) are discussed with parents in private and in a problem-solving manner, respecting the roles we all can play in helping children feel competent and successfully become part of the group.
The Right to Participate in Your Child's Education
The teaching staff has professional education and experience with children and the way they develop and learn. Parents have very specific experiences of their own child and family, culture and background. Finding time to regularly share these perspectives benefits everyone (especially the children!).
Opportunities like Fall parent orientation, workshops, semi-annual parent/ teacher conferences (including an initial adjustment report about one month after enrollment), daily informal conversations, and visiting in the classroom or helping out on field trips are all meant to involve parents in our joint responsibility; the education and care of your children. Teachers want you to feel welcome in the classroom. The lead teacher can always give you suggestions about ways you can participate here at school or in learning activities you and your child can do at home.
Center-wide monthly calendars, memos, a daily classroom bulletin of the day's activities, posted lesson plans and curriculum themes, and displays of children's work are written methods of communicating and keeping you, the parents, informed and involved.
The Right to Express Concerns
If you have a concern or problem involving the classroom, the lead teacher is the first person to talk with. Since it can be difficult to constructively air concerns in the classroom, arrange a meeting with the lead teacher. This way concerns and problems can be discussed productively and privately.
Problems can also be raised with any administrative staff member. Set up an appointment to give you plenty of time to talk confidentially
Serious grievances should be communicated in writing to the Director, Mary Graham. You may also request a meeting with the Director at any time.
We look forward to working with you on our joint concern: the education and care of your children. With a teamwork approach we are all better able to help children learn and grow to their potentials. Let us know how we can assist you, and we will let you know how you can help us in our efforts.
I HAVE READ AND I UNDERSTAND MY RIGHTS. I KNOW I CAN DIRECT QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS STATEMENT TO AN ADMINISTRATOR IF I NEED TO.
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