New St.

Paul Head Start Agency,

Inc.
(0-5) Grantee

15362 Southfield – Detroit, MI 48223

(313) 835-4400
(313) 835-4422 (Fax)
www.nspheadstart.org

PARENT HANDBOOK

Funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services

This Agency offers GSRP and this is a free program
 Information for Parents
Center/Classroom Number: _____________________________
Center Supervisor: ____________________________________
Family Advocate: _____________________________________
Teacher: ____________________________________________
Assistant Teacher: ____________________________________
Cook: ______________________________________________
School begins at: 8:00 a.m. or 8:15 a.m.- Depending on Center
School ends at: 3:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. – Depending on Center
Classes are held Monday- Friday
 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Executive Director: Cheryl McFall
Fiscal Director: Angela Brown
Accounting: Jovon Porter
Program Services Director: Monica Easterling
Food Service Coordinator: Shelly Battles
Early Head Start Education Manager: Avis Green
Head Start Education Coordinator: Sharifa Brand
Transition Coordinator: Tomika Cooks
ERSEA Manager: Cherie Turmon
Health Manager: Brandi Moore
Health Assistant: Jullisa Travis
Administrative Assistant: Felisha Hearn
Disabilities/Mental Health Manager: Tamiko Fields
Operations Director: Angela McDaniel
Human Resource Manager: Sparkle Morgan
Family & Community Engagement Manager: Trae Grant
Parent Educator: Vivica Spencer-Miller
Quality Assurance Manager: Rhonda Berry
Perinatal Educator: Shaquanda Williams
 New St. Paul Head Start Agency, Inc.
(0-5 Grantee)
15362 Southfield Drive * Detroit, Michigan 48223
Greetings Parents:
Welcome to New St. Paul Head Start/ Early Head Start Agency,
Inc. We thank you for enrolling your child in our program where
we have an excellent Early Child Development Program with a very
dedicated staff. We provide comprehensive services that include:
Education, Nutrition, Disability Services, Family and Community
Partnership, Mental Health, Health, Transition Services, Parent,
Family and Community Engagement, Fatherhood, and Fiscal
Management.
We are excited about working with your children. Our goal is to
provide your children with safe, clean classrooms and facilities. By
bringing your children to school daily; they benefit from our vast
services and preparation for transitioning to elementary schools.
Our classrooms are monitored on a daily, monthly and quarterly
basis. Our facilities are in compliance with local, state and federal
guidelines and regulations.
Safety is the number one priority for the children, families and staff.
Our safety procedures are posted at each center. We have “Zero”
Tolerance for violence around our children, families and staff.

Studies show that attending a quality Early Childhood program

prepares children for greater success in school. These children are
less likely to be convicted of a crime and earn more as adults than
children who did not attend pre-school.
The Program Design for this year is Head Start /Early Head Start,
Child Care Partnerships, Pregnant Mothers. To enroll a child in
full day classroom programs, parents are required to attend
school/training or be working.

Welcome to New St. Paul Head Start/Early Head Start Agency! I

look forward to working with you and your family

Cheryl McFall
Executive Program Director

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 Parent Code of Conduct

New St. Paul Head Start Agency expects parents and family
members to conduct themselves in a professional, ethical and
responsible manner. The Agency wants to promote a spirit of
cooperation and teamwork amongst parents and staff that are
respectful of the children, families, volunteers and members of the
public with whom we interact. We have policies and guidelines in
place to ensure that the children, parents, staff and affiliates are
safe and respected. Failure to adhere to these policies will result in
disciplinary actions.
Safety is NSPHS's number one priority for the children, staff
and families. Our safety procedures are posted at each center. We
have “Zero Tolerance” for violence on the Agency’s property.
 Fighting or any physical altercations with parent(s), staff
or children will not be tolerated.

These fighting and physical altercation violations will result in

immediate termination of parent(s) and child(ren) from the
NSPHS program.
The following is a list of prohibited conducts:
 Speech that physically harms or threatens others or that is
abusive to or disrespectful to staff, parent(s), child(ren)
and affiliates.
 Theft, destruction or misappropriation of property owned
by the NSPHS and staff members.
 Failure to conduct yourself in a professional and
cooperative manner while on Agency property. (We must
remember that parents are the child(ren) first teacher and
should display appropriate behavior as role models).

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  Social Media Bullying: We understand that parents use
Social Media outlets (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram,
etc). However, differences that you have with others,
including individuals who may also attend the NSPHS
program should not interfere or be a problem at the
centers. Any inappropriate behavior due to Social Media
conflicts can risk your child’s placement.
 Smoking is prohibited at all times in the centers and on the
Agency’s property. The ACYF Program Instruction
(ACYF-PI-HHS-95-04) mandates a smoke-free
environment.
 Insubordination/Failure to cooperate with the Center
Administrator and Management.

Any adult(s) unwilling to abide by these policies will result in

disciplinary actions. If a parent, family member or adult violates
any of these conducts an investigation will occur. During the
investigation the parent(s) and child(ren) will be suspended from
the program until a decision is made.

After the investigation, if it is determined the child(ren) can

continue to attend the NSPHS program but the parent(s) are
prohibited due to their violations, the parent(s) will not be
allowed in the centers or even on NSPHS premises (including
the parking lot and administration office). It will be the
parent(s) responsibility to identify someone to drop off and pick
up their child(ren) and that individual must be on the child
information card. Any parent(s) who continue to not cooperate
and act insubordinately, that parent(s) and child(ren) will be
terminated from the NSPHS program.

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 Parent
Policies
Terminations
We reserve the right to terminate the participation of any child
whose parents, legal guardian, relative or parent’s friend(s) that
threatens the safety of our Head Start children, families or staff.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Items

As a child caring agency, it is to be expected that the children will
get involved in such activities as painting, drawing with markers,
water play, and playing outside. With that in mind, it is important
to remember that your child and his or her clothes may get dirty.
The New St. Paul Head Start Agency purchases only non-toxic,
washable paints and markers however, accidents can happen.

Year End Celebrations

No formal graduation exercises are to be conducted
at Head Start centers or under the auspices of the
Head Start/Early Head Start program. This would
include any activity where children wear caps and
gowns or other costumes and march across a stage
or central area to receive a diploma or certificate!!!

FEE POLICY 1302.18

A Program must not charge eligible families a fee
to participate in Head Start, including Special
events such as field trips and cannot in any way
condition an eligible child’s enrollment or
participation in the program upon the payment of
a fee.

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Head Start provides all the services to your child/children and
you and your family are not required or expected to pay for
anything.

Homeland Security Procedures

Non-Perishable Foods for Emergency Lock Down or Disaster

In the event that the Head Start/Early Head Start or a site should go
on emergency lockdown, no one will be allowed to leave or enter a
location.
1. Bottled water (equivalent to at least two gallons a day per
child) will be on hand. This will depend upon availability
of storage space at each location.
2. As an extra precaution, each location will keep extra
containers (in jars, pitchers, etc.) of water in their
refrigerator for approximately 30 days.
3. After 30 days, the refrigerated water containers will be
emptied and refilled.
4. Non-perishable food items will be on hand for nourishment.
5. Each location will store enough non-perishable food items
for approximately three days. This will depend upon
availability of storage space at each location.
6. After non-perishable emergency food is exhausted, each
location will begin to use any other food that is at the
location as long as it is safe for consumption.
7. Non-perishable food to keep on hand should include but is
not limited to:
 Canned chicken
 Wheat Bread
 Canned Fruit (preferably Fruit Cocktail)
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  Crackers
 Fluids, apple juice (orange juice should be available if
someone is known to have diabetes)

Educational Services
Parents play an important role in the education of their child by:
 Providing input about their child’s interests and activities
 Participating in Home Visits (see details on page 9)
 Participating in Parent/Teacher Conferences
 Having ongoing conversations and developing individual
goals for their child.

Bring your child to school every day. It is important to your

child’s success because it helps children:
 Learn the skills they need for Kindergarten and beyond.
 Build self-confidence
 Make new friends

We believe that children learn from adults and other children in

the classroom because they:
 Gain independence
 Learn communication skills
 Learn problem-solving skills
 Learn from each other’s strengths

Your child will be observed daily to assess their developmental

progress:
 These observations will occur throughout the year.
 Activities based on these observations will help to increase
their learning and ensure children are making progress
toward their individual goals.
 Children work to increase their reading, writing, math,
science and social skills

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We believe that children learn through play because:
 It encourages active involvement and interest in the
activities. The classroom is set up with materials to promote
this learning.

Your child’s day in Head Start or Early Head Start

To ensure that your child gets the most out of their

experience, he/she should be in attendance for their
full session every day!

All children thrive when they have a consistent,

predictable daily routine. This encourages
independence that they so greatly crave and the
foundation for telling time.

It is for this reason that each day, your child will

experience each part of the daily routine/schedule in
the same sequence.

A typical Head Start daily routine will include:

 Greeting Time
 Message Board
 Meal times (Head Start children eat as a group at
designated times, 3 times each day)
 Tooth Brushing after each meal
 Small Group Time
 Plan- Do- Review
 Outside Time

(For more details, see the “The Young Child’s Daily Routine”
handout from your child’s 1st Home Visit)

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 Because we want to respect each infant and toddler's
natural sleeping, eating, and play schedules, the Early
Head Start daily schedule will look very different than
the Head Start daily routine.

A typical Early Head Start daily routine will include:

 Arrival and Greeting Time
 Choice Time
 Meals (infants and younger toddlers eat on
demand while older toddlers eat on a more
regular routine)
 Group Time
 Outside Time
 Bodily Care, including gum wiping after each
meal or bottle.

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 WHY DO HOME VISITS?
WHAT ARE TEACHERS LOOKING FOR?

There are questions that are commonly asked regarding our

teachers doing home visits. It is our hope that this information
will clear up any concerns/questions you might have.

1. Home Visits are a requirement (part of HS regulation),

not only for New St Paul, but also for all Head Start
agencies across the United States.
2. Home visits occur two (2) times per year. Typically
during the Fall and Spring.
3. The advantages of Home Visits and why they occur
include:
 Making connections between the home and
school.
 Learning more about parent/child interactions
 Developing positive relationships that allow
parents and staff to get to know one another
 Identifying learning opportunities in home
environments
 Identifying techniques that can be generalized to
other children in the family
 Focusing individualized attention to family
strengths, interests, and goals
 Creating individual goals for your child

We hope that this will answer any questions or concerns that

you may have regarding your scheduled Home Visits.

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 TRANSITION

T
he Head Start Program Performance Standards require that
our Head Start agencies establish and maintain procedures
to support successful transitions for enrolled children and
families from previous child development programs or
homes to Early Head Start, to Head Start, and into Kindergarten.

ransition services assist parents of transitioning children

T work toward preparing for a smooth transition from Home

to Early Head Start, to Head Start into a school environment
that will best suit the needs of their children.

he process includes:

T Preparing parents and their children for Early Head Start to

Head Start and Kindergarten and helping parents and their
children adjust to the differences between Home, Early
Head Start, Head Start and Kindergarten. We also provide
transitioning families information about the different schools
and/or services available in their communities so that they can
make the best decision about their child’s elementary school.

New St Paul’s Staff will work diligently with pregnant moms

to develop goals regarding birth and baby care. We will work
with mom and family to ensure that baby and family have a
smooth transition into Early Head Start and Head Start.

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 Disability Services

New St. Paul is committed to providing high-quality services for

children and encourages enrollment of children with differing
abilities. New St. Paul supports inclusion which allows children to
participate in a full array of activities in a natural setting with an
integrated approach.

The Disabilities/Mental Health Services Team makes sure systems

are in place to provide a full range of services to children with
differing abilities from birth to five and their families. The
services provided is based on the individual child and family
needs. It is very important parents are involved in every step. This
begins with valuable information shared during the initial
enrollment process by the parent and their child’s doctor.

Several of our centers are accessible to meet the unique needs of

children which allows accessibility for full inclusion of our
children and their parents. In addition, provisions for comfort,
safety and participation are followed by the use pull-ups, potty
chairs, medication cabinets and more. Established procedures for
individualized services as diapering and medication
administration available in each classroom.

Staff and parents work together with appropriate professionals

such as speech therapist, social workers, nutritionists and
psychologist. All professionals ensure that children with differing
abilities are provided the most successful experience appropriate
to ensure successful school readiness outcomes.

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 Mental Health
Services

Early Head/Head Start programs are required to provide a broad

spectrum of mental health services. The services include mental
health promotion, prevention, early identification of mental health
concerns and referral for treatment and families.

New St. Paul Head Start has a strong commitment to promoting

the mental health (social and emotional well-being) of young
children and their families. Social and emotional development sets
the foundation for all other areas of development and learning for
young children. Children who are ready for school are children
with strong social and emotional skills.

The Disabilities/Mental Health Team Services nurtures the mental

wellness of Head Start, staff parents and children. New St. Paul
secures an onsite Mental Health Consultant to provide classroom
and individual observation, behavioral improvement strategies and
external referrals.

Maternal Support for pregnant moms is absolutely vital to the role

of parenting. There are times moms experience the (Baby Blues) a
form of depression during and after pregnancy.

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 Child Health and Developmental
Services
The goal of Child Health and Developmental Services is that each
child receives ongoing, continuous healthcare. The Health
Services area is responsible for ensuring children enrolled in Early
Head Start and Head Start are up-to-date on a schedule of well
child care. The schedule of well child care is based on Michigan’s
Early, Periodic, Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment program
(EPDST). The schedule of well child care visits corresponds with
children’s development and age. Also, the well child examinations
include tests, screenings, and measurements based on children’s
development and age. For more information regarding the well
child examinations, you may refer to the following:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/suppl/2007/12/03/120
.6.1376.DC1/Preventive_Health_Care_Chart.pdf .

All medical, dental, and immunization information is reviewed

and tracked by each center’s Family Advocate. We need your
cooperation and assistance in ensuring all children participating in
the program are healthy. You can assist us by being vigilant in
providing the requested health information to the Family
Advocate.

Oral health is essential for the healthy growth and development of

children. Brushing teeth regularly with fluoride and wiping
infant’s gums is important. Visiting a dentist twice a year
beginning at age 1 is important. A dentist can help in the
prevention of oral health diseases before they start. As part of our
services in Early Head Start, staff will wipe each infant’s gums
with clean gauze after each feeding. Children age 1 (with
assistance) and older will brush their teeth daily after lunch.
Children less than age 1 will need a dental screening, this can be
completed by a dentist or a licensed medical provider. Children
age 1 and older will have an oral health examination twice a year.
In addition, it is important to follow-up with a dentist, if your
child is identified as needing additional dental services.
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All children participating in Early Head Start and Head Start must
have age appropriate and up-to-date immunizations prior to their
initial attendance. If you have any personal and or religious
objections to your child having immunizations, a waiver must be
completed and submitted to the agency prior to your child’s first
day of school. Waivers are obtained from the Detroit Health
Department. If there are any medical reasons why your child
cannot have any immunizations, a medical contraindication form
must be completed by a medical provider and submitted to the
agency.

Vision and Hearing

The early childhood years are the most important in young

children’s development. Each day in a child’s life he or she learns
something new. As children develop and grow, their hearing and
vision is developing. Children’s academic success depends on
how well they can see and hear. Most vision problems can be
corrected, if detected and treated early.

In Early Head Start and Head Start children are screened for
vision problems; however, this does not substitute eye
examinations performed by a medical doctor. We strongly
encourage you to talk with child’s doctor about your child’s vision
during each well child visit.

An eye and vision assessment is an important step in making sure

your baby is learning to see properly. The InfantSEE program
provides a one-time, no cost eye and vision assessment for babies
6 to 12 months old. To find a participating optometrist in your
area, visit www.infantsee.org or call (888) 396-3937.

How can you tell if your child may have a vision problem?

Many young children do not know they a have problem seeing.

They think everyone sees the way they see.

Below are some common signs to look for:

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· Redness or frequent tearing of eyes

· Squinting or closing one while trying to see

· Head tilting or positioning while trying to see

· Frequent complaints of headaches, dizziness or eyes hurting or

itching

· Physical observations, such as eyes appearing crossed or

wandering, or uneven or droopy eyelids.

Being able to hear impacts how a person communicates. Hearing

loss interferes with how children learn and interact with others.
Hearing loss in children is often subtle and goes undiagnosed. It is
also associated with middle ear disease during the childhood
years. It is important to screen young children for outer and
middle ear disorders. As part of the services in Early Head Start
and Head Start, children are screened for hearing problems. This
is only an informal screening; and does not replace professional
testing by a medical provider. Children should be screened during
their well child visits.

Below are some common signs of hearing loss in children:

· Limited, poor or no speech

· Frequently inattentive

· Difficultly learning

· Often increases the volume on the TV

· Fails to respond to conversation-level speech or answers

inappropriately to speech

Sleeping Arrangements for Infants

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Children in Early Head Start are laid to rest based on their
individual needs. In efforts to reduce the risks of sleep fatalities,
infants in our care will be placed on their backs while sleeping. If
your infant must be placed in any other sleeping position besides
on his/her back, written instructions from a medical provider is
needed. Also, non-essential items such as stuffed animals,
blankets, bumpers pads, toys, etc. will not be placed in cribs with
infants while they are sleeping.

Child Health and Safety

Diapers

We will provide disposable diapers for infants, toddlers, and

disposable training pants for children who are not potty trained
while in our care. If your child requires a specific brand of
diapers, cloth diapers or training pants due to allergies or other
medical reason(s), a written physician’s order must be provided to
the agency. If cloth diapers are required, weekly the
parent/guardian must provide a sufficient supply of diapers. The
soiled cloth diapers must be taken home daily to be laundered by
you.

Soiled Clothing/Cloth Diapers

For emergencies purposes we request all infants, toddlers, and

preschoolers have at least one set of clothing (socks, underwear,
pants, and shirt). If you are unable to provide extra clothing,
please contact your center’s Family Advocate. The Family
Advocate will assist you in locating resources so that your child
will have an extra set of clothing onsite. Some centers may have a
clothing closet you can use.

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For health and safety precautions of staff, it is our policy that staff
cannot rinse or wash soiled diapers and/or clothing. Soiled
clothing/diapers will be doubled bagged, placed in a plastic bag
and labeled with the child’s name and must be picked-up by the
parent/ guardian at the end of the school day. Below are the
Michigan Daycare Licensing Rules related to soiled
clothing/diapering:

R. 400.8137 9 (a-g) Diapering; toileting

The following shall apply when cloth diapers or training pants are
used:

(a) Each cloth diaper shall be covered with an outer waterproof

covering. Outer coverings shall be removed as a singular unit with
wet or soiled diapers and with wet or soiled training pants, if used.

(b) Diapers, training pants, and outer coverings shall not be reused
until washed and sanitized.

(c) No rinsing of the contents shall occur at the center.

(d) Soiled diapers shall be placed in a plastic-lined, covered

container and used only for that child’s soiled diapers.

(e) Soiled diapers or training pants shall be stored and handled in

a manner that will not contaminate any other child contact items
and shall not be accessible to children.

(f) Soiled diapers or training pants shall be removed from the

center every day by the child’s parent.

(g) A child’s supply of clean diapers or training pants shall only

be used for that child.

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Emergency Contact Information

We need current family contact information in case of emergency

with your child. At enrollment, you are asked to complete a set of
Child Information Cards. The Child Information Cards must have
current and accurate family contact information throughout your
child’s enrollment. In the event any of your family’s contact
information changes, please inform your center’s Family
Advocate to have the information updated. Please keep in mind
we will not release your child to anyone that is not listed on the
Child Information Cards. The Child Information Cards must be
updated in person with your center’s Family Advocate. Child
Information Cards are not updated by phone, e-mail, text or fax
because we cannot verify that it is actually you. Unfamiliar
person(s) listed on the Child Information Cards will be asked to
present picture identification before we will release your child.
The pick-up persons must be of legal age, meaning they must be
18 years or older.

Children will be released to the non-custodial parent that presents

legal documentation of parentage even if they are not on the Child
Information Card unless the custodial parent presents legal court
documentation that says otherwise.

We discourage the releasing of a child to an intoxicated person.

For the safety of the child and the person we will try other
strategies to discourage driving while intoxicated.

Hand Washing

Washing hands is the single most effective defense against the

spread of germs and diseases. All staff, children, and volunteers
will properly wash their hands throughout the day, including when
they arrive each day.

The following is the hand washing procedure:

· Use liquid soap, disposable towels, and running water

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· Wet your hands with clean running water and apply liquid soap

· Rub hands together to make lather and scrub all surfaces for 30
seconds. It is the friction of the hands, rubbing together with the
soap that actually removes the dirt, bacteria, etc.

· Rinse hands until they are free of soap

· Dry hands with a clean, disposable paper towel or air dryer

· Shut off water with a paper towel

· If possible, use a paper towel to open the door

Sick Child/Illnesses

Providing a safe and healthy environment is vital in the care of

young children. As they grow, their immune system will begin to
develop and build antibodies to fight against a lot of common
infections and viruses. Young children do not have a fully
established immune system to fight common infections and
viruses. We recognize from time to time children may become ill
and not feel well. Staff in Early Head Start and Head Start are
trained to screen children as they arrive to school each day. Staff
will check for changes in appearance or behavior (lethargy or
drowsiness), skin rashes, itching, complaints of not feeling well,
and other signs of illness. These Daily Health Checks are
important in our efforts in keeping the environment healthy. If
your child exhibits any signs and/or symptoms of an illness, we
will notify you and you will be requested to pick your child up
within 1 hour.

We asked that you do not send your child to school if he or she is

not feeling well, showing signs/symptoms of an illness or have
been diagnosed with an illness. Listed below are some common
signs and symptoms for keeping your child at home:

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· Complains of not feeling well and/or unable to do regular
activities

· Has the flu or shows flu-like symptoms (fever above 100

degrees, vomiting, muscles aches & diarrhea)

· Unexplained rash

· Head lice or scabies

· Redness and/or discharges from eyes

· Profusely runny nose

· Coughing or Sneezing

· Sore throat

· Temperature above 100 degrees

· Vomiting within the last 24 hour period

· Diarrhea within the last 24 hour period

If your child is sent home or not in school because of a

communicable disease or illness your child cannot return without
the following:

· Symptom free of the communicable disease

· A signed physician’s note stating what the disease is, the

treatment prescribed and when the child may return to school

If you have any comments and/or questions, please contact the

Health Manager.

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Medication Administration and Storage

Please inform your center’s Center Supervisor and Family

Advocate of any medication needs for your child while in school.
A Medication Authorization form is required prior to us
administering any medication. All medication (including over-the-
counter medications) needed while your child is in the center will
be administered by trained staff, require the written consent of the
parent and written instructions from a health care provider. All
medicine (both prescription and over-the-counter) must be in the
original, labeled container with the child’s name, expiration date
and dosage/instructions on it. Dosages and times of medication
administration will be recorded and signed by the staff member.
Medications must be given to the Center Supervisor or his or her
designee and not to the classroom teacher.

Note: Initial or first time doses of medications must be given

at home by the parent/guardian.

Parents are to inform the Center Supervisor the time of any

medications given to their child before they leave the child at the
center. Staff will keep a record of all medications administered
while a child is at the center. All medications at the center are kept
in a locked box away from children’s access at all times. All
expired or unused medication will be returned to you when your
child no longer needs the medication, when your child is no
longer participating in the program and/or at the end of the school
year.

Please note we will not add any medications to food or beverages

unless we are provided with written instructions from a medical
provider.

Rescue medications (Epi-Pens, inhalers) are not locked up;

however, they must be kept out of children’s reach and be
accessible to staff at all times, on the playground or on field trips.
Any staff person administering rescue medications, whether in the

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classroom, on the playground, or on field trips, must be trained in
the administration.

Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications are only to be

administered when:

· The staff person administering the medication has attended

training

· The medication is in the original container

· The medication is not expired

· The medication has the name of the child and the dosage and/or
label instructions

· The name of the prescribing healthcare provider is listed on the

original container (for prescription medication)

· The healthcare provider has provided written notice of approval

for prescription medication (follow state child care licensing for
over-the-counter medication)

· The parent provides written consent

Special Health Conditions

If your child has a special medical condition that requires us to

perform any special services, we asked that you inform the
center’s Family Advocate and Center Supervisor. The Family
Advocate or the Center Supervisor will provide you with an
Individualized Health Plan and/or Medication Authorization form.
The Individualized Health Plan and Medication Authorization
forms must be completed by a medical provider. An

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Individualized Health Plan and/or a Medication Authorization
form may be needed depending on your child’s health condition.

Please keep in mind that we reserve the right not to allow a child
to attend school until we have an Individualized Health Plan
and/or Medical Authorization and the prescribed medication(s).
This ensures the health and safety needs of the children are met in
the program. If you need assistance, please contact your center’s
Family Advocate or Center Supervisor.

Accident/Injury

Staff is trained to administer first aid and CPR for serious and
minor accidents/injuries. Each of the classrooms has a first aid kit
and a travel first aid kit that is appropriate for the care of young
children. It is our policy to cleanse any minor scrapes, bumps,
and/or bruises with sterile water. We will not apply any
antiseptics, alcohol, ointments, etc. on any wounds. We will report
all injuries to you within 30 minutes of the accident. If you cannot
be reached, we will contact the person(s) listed as the emergency
contact on the Child Information Card. If emergency medical
transportation is needed, you or your emergency contact person
will be informed what medical facility your child is being taken.
You may request a copy of the accident report by contacting the
center’s Center Supervisor.

Shoe Free-Infant Classrooms

All persons entering infant classrooms are to remove their outside

shoes. Shoe covers will be made available for parents, staff,
visitors and volunteers to be worn while in the infant classrooms.

Emergency Preparedness-Fire Drill and Tornado Drills

Each month staff and children will practice fire drills. Fire drills
are important for young children. Fire drills help the young to
know how to safely evacuate, in the event of a real fire. We
suggest that as a family you practice being prepared for
23
emergencies such as fire and tornados. Also, starting in April
through October, staff and children will practice tornado drills.

When immediate danger exist or the threat of danger, the center

will follow lockdown and/or shelter in place procedures. During
this time, NO ONE is allowed to Enter or Exit the premises until
the danger or the threat of danger no longer exists.

Services to Pregnant Women

The goal of the NSPHS Service to Pregnant Women program is to

improve the birth outcomes for pregnant women and teens by
identifying and coordinating comprehensive health care, oral
health, mental health, social services, and education services. We
believe healthy child development begins with a healthy
pregnancy. Healthy behaviors during pregnancy reduce poor
health conditions later in life. We use the Injoy Birth and
Parenting curriculum.

We will establish a Family Partnership Agreement with expectant

families to identify goals and create strategies through which
goals will be achieved. Staff will assist expectant families in
developing timelines to carry out the plan. Fathers are important
during, after pregnancy, and throughout a child’s life. We want to
involve fathers throughout the family’s enrollment in our Birth to
Five program. We are committed to increasing health awareness
to expectant mothers and families through a series of educational
workshops and support groups throughout the year. The
workshops and support groups will educate families on: Fetal
Development, Labor and Delivery, Postpartum Recovery,
Nutrition, Risks of Smoking, Drinking, Alcohol and Drug Use,
Breastfeeding, Oral Health, Stages of Development, Parenting,
Domestic Violence, Fatherhood, Sudden Infant Deaf, Safe Sleep,
Car Seat Safety.

.
24
25
 Nutrition Services
Each child’s nutritional health status is assessed based on forms
submitted and completed at enrollment time. Families of children
who have been identified as having a nutritional risk will be given
nutrition education materials to continue and/or promote improved
nutritional health. In the classroom children learn about good
nutrition by taking part in small nutrition education and cooking
activities. Children will learn about foods from the five different
food groups and why some foods are better for you than other
foods. Parents are provided with nutrition and health information
through newsletters, handouts, workshops, and trainings that
encourage and help families to develop healthy behaviors that
promote optimal growth and development and lessen the risk for
chronic diseases. If you have any questions about your child’s
nutrition or any other nutrition concerns, please feel free to call the
Nutrition Manager at ( 313) 835- 4400 ext. 113.

Meals are planned to meet at least 2/3 of your child’s nutritional

needs taking into consideration their developmental readiness and
feeding skills. We help children learn to try new and different
foods. We never force them to eat. They are encouraged to try all
foods. Food Substitutions can be made for children who have food
allergies or food restrictions. Meals are paid for by funds from the
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Meal service
operations follow the USDA CACFP regulations.

The U. S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination

against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment
on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex,
gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political
beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation,
or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public
26
assistance program, or protected genetic information in
employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by
the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs
and/or employment activities.)

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of

discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination
Complaint form found online at
http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint filing cust.html. or at any
USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may
also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the
form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail
at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of
Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.
20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at
program.intake@usda.gov.

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities

may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-
8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Head Start Meal Schedule

Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Snack: 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

In order for New St. Paul Head Start to receive full reimbursement
from USDA, your child must be present to eat during scheduled
meal times!

Early Head Start Meal Schedule

The following time frames are the times during which feedings
are reimbursable from USDA. Infants are feed on demand and
will be served during and after these meal times as needed.
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Breakfast: 8:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Lunch: 10: 30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Snack: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Pot Lucks

To be sure that our food is safe, all the food served to the children
is purchased from vendors who are regularly inspected and
licensed. * Strict sanitary procedures are followed. We do not serve
the children food brought from outside sources*

*We never serve the children potluck

or other foods brought from home.*

*Except Breast milk

Please. . .
Do not bring cake, ice cream, candy and/or other treats or
food to the Center for your child’s birthday or to celebrate a
certain day (i.e. Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day,
Easter, etc.) or any other special occasion.

Family Community Partnership/ Social Service

Child Care Licensing Regulations

The following are some important state regulation:

28
R.400.8143

Rule 143: The center shall maintain an accurate record of daily

attendance at the center that includes each child’s first and last
name and each child’s arrival and departure time.

NSP Policy: A sign in sheet is provide each day and all Parents/
Guardians must sign their child in and out of the center on a daily
basis.

Parents are expected to be on time for pick up and drop off.

It is the parents' responsibility to contact the agency when arriving

late to school. If the parent does not contact the agency within the
first hour of school, then the agency will contact the parent to
assure the child is safe.

R.400. 8143

Parent’s written permission for the child’s participation in the

field trips shall be obtained at the time of enrollment or before
each field trip and kept on file at the center.

NSP Policy: Parents will be required to give permission for field

trips.

R. 400.8146 Rule 146 (1) Information provided to Parents/

Guardian

A center shall provide a written information packet to each parent

enrolling a child that includes at least all of the following (a)
Criteria of admission and withdrawal. Schedule of operation,
denoting hours, days and holidays during which the center is open
and services are provided. Fee Policy, Discipline Policy, Program
philosophy and typical routine.

29
All parents will receive a Parent Handbook and it will also be
available on the www.nspheadstart.org

R. 400.8140 Discipline

Policy; All staff receive training in Child Abuse and Neglect and
all Parents/Guardians

1. Positive methods of discipline that encourages self-control,

self-direction, self-esteem and cooperation shall be used.

2. All of the following means of punishment shall be prohibited:

· Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, or inflicting other

forms of corporal punishment.

· Restricting a child’s movement by binding or trying him or her.

· Inflicting mental or emotional punishment, such as humiliating,

shaming or threatening a child.

· Depriving a child of meals, snacks, rest or necessary toilet use.

· Excluding a child from outdoor play or other gross motor

activities.

· Confining a child is an enclosed area such as a closet, locked

room, box, or similar cubicle.

3. Non-severe and developmentally appropriate discipline or

restraint may be used when reasonably necessary, based on a
child’s development, to prevent a child from harming himself or
herself or to prevent a child from harming other persons or
property, excluding those forms of punishment prohibited by
subrule (2) of this rule.

30
 Parent Understanding
The following is information that was reviewed with you at the
time of enrollment. Remember that it is vital to your child/
children success that you agree and understand the statements
below:
I understand that all children in Early Head (EHS)/Head Start
(HS) Program must have an up-to-date health exam. EHS is
required to have a current well baby exam at all times. HS
requires a health exam annually, which includes hemoglobin and
Lead, TB, Hearing/Vision and Blood Pressure. I understand that I
can enroll my child without the health exam, but have to obtain
one within 30 days of my child’s first day of service.

I understand that my child must have up-to-date immunizations to

enter and remain in Early Head Start. I will submit proof of
immunizations at the time of enrollment. If my child’s
immunizations are updated during the school year; I will provide
proof of those immunizations.

I understand and have received and reviewed the Parent Code of

Conduct and discipline policy. Parent must conduct themselves in
a positive manner and treat staff, children and other parents with
respect. The staff shall use positive methods of discipline that
encourage self-control, self- direction, self-esteem, and
cooperation.

I understand that my child's attendance is vital to his success in

the program and is expected to attend school on daily. I
understand that I should contact the school when my child will be
absent; I understand if frequent absenteeism (2x a week) should
occur then my child risks being placed on the wait list.

31
I understand that it is important that my child arrives to school on
time. I understand it is my responsibility to pick my child up at the
end of the school session, however if I do not contact the agency
they have the right to notify Child Protective Services.

Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection,

Enrollment and Attendance
(ERSEA)
The selection of a child into Early Head Start/Head Start Program
is determine by a point system that reflects the community that we
service, therefore children and families who demonstrate the
greatest need are selected based on the criteria system.

1302.13 Selection Process

As a Head Start program we are required to have a process of
selecting children and families for the program. We consider the
income eligibility of the family and the child’s age. All children
and families accumulate points and these points determine the
neediest families and we maintain the wait list according to the
point systems.

Head Start provides all the services to your child/children and

you are not required or expected to pay for anything.
1302.18 Policy on Fees
A Head Start program must not prescribe any fee schedule or
otherwise provide for the charging of any fees for participation in
the program. If the family of a child determined to be eligible for
participation by a Head Start program volunteers to pay part or all
of the costs of the child’s participation, the Head Start program
may accept the voluntary payments and record the payments as
program income. Under no circumstances shall a Head Start
program solicit, encourage, or in any other way condition a child’s

32
enrollment or participation in the program upon the payment of a
fee.

Family Community Partnership/

Community Engagement

The Family Advocates will complete a Family Needs Assessment

(F.N.A.) with each parent several times a year to determine what
needs, services and resources are essential for both the Family
Advocate and parent/family to focus on. Also, the Family
Advocate will assist each parent/family to complete and develop a
Family Partnership Agreement (F.P.A.). This Family Partnership
Agreement identifies individual and family goals for the
parent/family to improve and enhance their lives and family.
Family Advocates will work with the families to achieve these
goals and provide assistance with their needs. The Family
Advocate will meet with each family monthly to follow-up and
update goals. We want to empower families to move ahead in life
with their goals and aspirations and the Family Advocates will be
supportive in helping to meet their goals while they are in the
program. The goal is to meet parents where they are and work
with them in meeting their goals. This is an ongoing process. We
will work with parents who have existing goals in other programs.
The first Family Needs Assessment and Family Partnership
Agreement should both be completed during enrollment or the
beginning stage of the school year.

33
 Parent Research-Based Curriculum
ReadyRosie.com

NSPHS has selected a social-emotional research based curriculum

that allows 100% of parents enrolled in the program the
opportunity to participate with the intent of increasing their
parenting and problem solving skills. The curriculum, Ready
Rosie is an early education tool that is currently helping schools
and communities across the nation deepen their parent
engagement efforts by leveraging the power of video modeling
and mobile technology to meet and equip parents where they are.
ReadyRosie has hundreds of brief videos in English and Spanish
that model everyday interactions in familiar environments with
real parents. First, complete a ReadyRosie sign up form with your
Family Advocate to start receiving three (3) videos to your phone
or computer every Monday. These videos have real life parents
and children modeling different family activities you can perform
at home with your child/ren to enhance their learning and
development. Parents can also download the ReadyRosie app. for
free. After viewing the videos and doing the family activity,
please complete the ReadyRosie in-kind form monthly. The
Family Advocate will distribute monthly status reports to each
family. The parents with the most views and in-kind will receive
incentives and prizes. NSPHS also has workshops for the parents
to interact and engage with the ReadyRosie curriculum.
www.readyrosie.com

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The following Centers are Head Start
(Monday –Friday)

Bibleway I Center
Citadel Center
Corpus Christi
Metro
St. John
Third New Hope Center
Summer Pre- School Learning Center
Greater Grace

The following Centers are Early Head Start

(Monday-Friday)

Bibleway II Center
Corpus Christi
Greater Brunette
New Westside Central
St. John
Summer Pre- School Learning Center
Greater Grace

35
1. LATE ARRIVAL

Parent Responsibility
□ Bring your child/children to school on time.
□ If you arrive late you will be required to go to the office
and sign the late book and your child will need a pass to
enter the classroom.

Early Head/Head Start has a structure schedule and it is important

that your child receives the benefits of all services.

If your child has a consistent problem being tardy to school the

agency reserves the right to place your child on the waiting list.

2. LATE PICK-UP

Parent Responsibility

□ Pick up your child/children on time.

□ Make sure you update the Child Information Card in
person.

All children need to be picked up on time. If you are going to be

late you need to contact the center i.e. Family Advocate/ Center
Supervisor prior to your arrival. You also will be responsible for
signing the late book. It is also important that the persons whom
you identified on the Child Information Card as an emergency
contact have current phone numbers and transportation to pick
your child up if necessary. You the parent are the only person
allowed to update or make changes to this record.

36
3. DISCIPLINE

New St. Paul Head Start Agency is an advocate for children and
the Head Start staff is responsible for establishing a safe learning
environment.

All staff receives training on Child Abuse and Neglect annually

and completes a discipline agreement form.

We ask that all parents use positive methods of disciplining while

on the Head Start premises.

STAFF/VOLUNTEERS IN THE PROGRAM SHALL BE

PROHIBTED FROM USING ANY FORM OF CORPORAL
PUNISHMENT. EXAMPLES AND NOT LIMITED TO:
Hitting, shaking, biting, pinching
Binding or tying children down,
Denying or withholding food or bathroom privileges

As a child caring agency all staff are consider mandated

reports. If any staff should suspect or witness any form of child
abuse it will be reported to the Department of Human Service
Protective Services Unit.

4. CONFIDENTIALITY

It is the policy of New St. Paul Head Start to protect the privacy
and confidentiality of all families. All information shared at the
time of enrollment and throughout the school year will be uphold
with the utmost privacy. All of the children records are kept in a
locked file cabinet. New St. Paul Staff and business associates
with access to the private and/or confidential information will be
held accountable for maintaining confidentiality.

37
 PARENT, FAMILY &
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Parent Volunteers

Everyone who volunteers on a regular basis must comply with

state and local laws. Volunteers must obtain a TB test, Police
Clearance and Food Handlers Card. See your Center
Administrator or Family Advocate for the appropriate forms.

38
 IT PAYS TO VOLUNTEER!!!

Parent Campaigns/ Elections

This is an opportunity for you to become a leader, without any
previous experience. Staff will train and prepare you for this
exciting leadership experience. Please let the staff know you are
interested in running for office. They will give you directions.
We guarantee new and wonderful opportunities. Elections will be
held the first week in October.

Parent Committee
Parent Meetings are held once a month at your center. Learn about
new and exciting events happening at your center, meet new people,
make new friends and most importantly…become a part of your
child’s learning environment.

Policy Council
The Policy Council consists of elected representatives from each
center; the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Recording
Secretary. They work in partnership with key management staff
and is a part of the administrative decision-making process. ALL
OFFICERS SERVE FOR ONE YEAR, but can be re-elected
annually.

Meetings are the 3rd Friday of the month at the Administrative

Office, beginning promptly at 9:00 a.m.

Attending officers receive a “stipend” for each meeting.

Parent Leadership Conference

The Parent Leadership Conference is for elected parent officers,
from each center where they receive detailed training in regards to
their new roles and responsibilities, enrollment (ADA),

39
administrative operations, and other informational materials and
presentations.

The conference is scheduled for the last week of October. Details

will be given to the newly elected officers by the Family &
Community Engagement Manager, ext. 118.

Parent Reimbursements (Stipends)

Stipends are given to parents who serve in the following
categories ONLY:

*Policy Council/Sub-Committee’s Meetings

*Annual Self-Assessment

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

 Parent Banquet

 Parent Conferences

 Parent Workshops

 Self-Assessment

 Newsletter

 School Readiness

 Parent, Family and Community

Engagement Events
40
 REMEMBER, WHATEVER
NEW ST. PAUL HEAD
START AGENCY, INC.
(0-5) GRANTEE OFFERS
TO OUR PARENTS…IS
ALWAYS FREE.

WE DO NOT ASK
PARENTS FOR MONEY FOR
ANY OF OUR SERVICES.

41
 Parent Educator

Some of the services offered are:

 Parent-Child Academic Development
Activities
 Relationship/Communication Training
 Workforce Skills Training
 Computer Training
 Social Events
 Workshops
 Adult Literacy

Call (313) 835-4400, Ext. 128 for more information

42
 NEW ST. PAUL HEAD START
CENTER CLOSINGS

New Year’s
Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday
Easter Break-
(Good Friday and Easter Monday)
Memorial Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas/Holiday Break

43
 Last but not least………

10 WAYS
TO BECOMING A GREATER
PARENT

Continue to:

1. Be a good role model

2. Respect your child’s feelings
3. Make your child feel loved
4. Keep your word
5. Encourage your child
6. Build you and your child’s self-
esteem
7. Stay involved with their lives
8. Discipline with love, not anger
9. Establish healthy traditions,
boundaries, standards
10. Be positive. Use words of praise.
Give hugs and kisses

44
 New St. Paul Head Start
Head Start Centers/ Early Head Start Centers

BIBLEWAY CENTER I- HS
16431 Plymouth Road
Detroit, Michigan 48227
(313) 659-0142
_____________________________________________________
BIBLEWAY CENTER II- EHS
16401 Plymouth Road
Detroit, Michigan 48227
(313) 272-2048
_____________________________________________________
CITADEL CENTER- HS
14595 Heyden
Detroit, MI 48223
(313) 533-3947
_____________________________________________________
CORPUS CHRISTI-EHS/ HS
19900 Evergreen
Detroit, Michigan 48219
(313) 326-4238
_____________________________________________________
GREATER BURNETE – EHS
16801 Schoolcraft
Detroit, Michigan 48227
(313)273-6020
 NEW WESTSIDE CENTRAL CENTER- EHS
19840 West Chicago
Detroit, Michigan 48228
(313) 836-4330
____________________________________________________
GREATER GRACE- EHS/HS
23500 W. 7 Mile Rd.
Detroit, Michigan 48219
(313) 543-6175
____________________________________________________
METROPOLITAN CENTER- HS/GRSP
13400 Schaefer
Detroit, Michigan 48227
(313) 493-0279
_____________________________________________________
St. JOHN-EHS/ HS/ GRSP
4950 Oakman
Detroit, Michigan 48204
(313)933-3980

_____________________________________________________
THIRD NEW HOPE CENTER- HS
12850 Plymouth Road
Detroit, Michigan 48227
(313) 931-1834
_____________________________________________________
SUMMER PRE- SCHOOL- EHS/HS
Early Learning Center
3121 West Mc Nicholas
Detroit, MI 48221
(313) 345-5111
 WE WELCOME YOU
Family & Community Engagement Manager, ext. 118