Apprentice Project

Kelly Woodward
ECD 201

Table of Contents
Section One....................................................2
Leadership characteristics..........................3-4
Mission statement.......................................5-6
Environment description.............................7-8
Montessori curriculum...............................9-10
Budget....................................................11-12
Recruitment............................................13-14
Section Two..................................................15
Job descriptions.......................................16-18
Evaluation...............................................19-22
Staff Code of Conduct.............................23-26
Student Code of Conduct........................27-28
Advocating for children...........................29-30
General information for Staff...................31-33
Section Three...............................................35
Mission Statement...................................35-36
Student Code of Conduct........................37-38
Families Roles and Responsibilities..........39-41
General Information for Families.............42-44
Addendum...............................................45-46

Section 1:
Basic Guidelines

Question #1
Describe leadership characteristics
an early childhood professional
aspiring to become a leader should
possess

Leadership Characteristics:
Patience- it takes a long time to develop and or
teach leadership skills
Communication- communicate with the
children and families
Flexible- be willing to take things the way they
come and adapt to situations
Influential- leaders should influence others to
better themselves or to be better at something
Respectful- they respect others views, culture,
opinion, etc.
Compassionate- they genuinely care for others
Open minded- they are open to listen and try
others way of doing things
Good listener- listens to what others have to
say
Optimistic- they always try to find something
positive in every situation
Enthusiastic- they keep the energy up in the
environment
Intellectually challenging- they challenge
others in order to help them broaden their
intellect
Unselfish- they put others needs before their
own and are apt to try different ideas, even if
theyre different from their own

Question #2
Develop a mission statement for
the educational institute youre
creating

Our mission is to motivate, inspire,

encourage, and support students.
We strive to provide a safe, secure,
and loving environment for our
students and families. We aim to
educate the student socially,
emotionally, and cognitively so
they can continue to build a
foundation for life-long learning.
We acknowledge and respect
diversity in our program so each
and every student and family feels
welcomed and respected.

Question #3
Describe the environment you will
establish that will encourage
leadership

I will strive to create an environment

that conveys mutual trust between
the employees and families,
demonstrates ethical behavior,
provides a clear vision and goals for
the program, clearly states
expectations for teachers, children
and families, offers a network of
support, involves others, provides
opportunities for everyone to be a
leader, encourages and motivates
others to be a leader, communicates
openly and promptly, listens to others
ideas, concerns, and opinions,
acknowledge and respect others as
individuals, and provides resources.

Question #4
Select basic model that you will
use; discuss major components of
that model

Montessori
Child centered environment- the environment
should be based about the children and whats
best for them
Respectful interactions between adults and
children- the teachers should respect children and
also teach children to respect others
Family friendly program- the program should be
inviting where families feel comfortable and
friendly
Hands-on child directed activities- activities
should be self-correcting where the child should be
able correct it themselves
Intrinsic motivation to learn- the child should
have motivation within themselves to want to learn
Opportunities for children to learn social skillschildren work in small groups to learn how to
behave in social situations
"Freedom within limits"- the child has the ability
to do whatever activity they want, but they know
the limits of the classroom
Structure and order- the materials should be
placed where the child can easily access them
without having to get the help of an adult
An atmosphere that is attractive, warm and
inviting- the classroom should be colorful and
intriguing to the children
Variety of ages- older children mingle with
younger children and they can learn from each
other
10

Question #5
Develop a proposed budget for
your first year of operation

11

Income
Initial income......................................................................................$350,000
Fundraisers.............................................................................................$4,000
Startup loan........................................................................................$400,000
Weekly fee ($150x80x52)...................................................................$624,000
Grants...................................................................................................$10,000

Total income....................................................$1,388,000
Expenses
Payroll.................................................................................................$546,000
Director ($25/hrx40hrs/wkx52wks).......................................................$52,000
Head Teachers (6x$20/hrx40hrs/wkx52wks).......................................$249,600
Teacher Aides (6x$15/hrx40hrs/wkx52wks)........................................$187,200
Cooks (2x$10hrx40hrs/wkx52wks)........................................................$41,600
Janitor (1x$10hrx/30hrs/wkx52wks)......................................................$15,600

Fringe benefit (18%x$546,000)............................................................$98,280

Rent ($5,000x12mths)..........................................................................$60,000
Advertising..............................................................................................$4,000
Alarm system ($150x12mths).................................................................$1,800
Insurance..............................................................................................$15,000
Water/sewer ($100x12mths)..................................................................$1,200
Electric ($350x12mths)...........................................................................$4,200
Phone/fax/cable ($200x12mths).............................................................$2,400
Classroom supplies...............................................................................$30,000
Classroom furniture..............................................................................$20,000
Janitorial supplies..................................................................................$10,000
Teacher training......................................................................................$2,000
Legal paperwork.....................................................................................$1,500
Maintenance/repairs.............................................................................$20,000
Food......................................................................................................$50,000
Playground equipment..........................................................................$20,000
Fundraisers.............................................................................................$1,000
Loan repayment ($2,000/12mths)........................................................$24,000

Total Expenses....................................................$911,380
TOTAL INCOME...............................................................$1,388,000
TOTAL EXPENSES..............................................................$911,380
TOTAL PROFIT/LOSS..........................................................$476,620

12

Question #6
Describe the planned program that
you will use to recruit students

13

I will have flyers to

place out in the
community for
people to take
home. I will have
profiles on social
media websites
such as Facebook. I
will have
advertising on
websites such as
Yellowpages,
Angies List, etc. I
will offer a discount
on the first few
weeks of enrollment
for new students.

The Preschool
Playhouse

We have openings!
Open 6:00am-6:00pm
Monday through Friday
Accepting children ages
1 through 10
Safe Environment
First Aid/CPR certified
Indoor and Outdoor play
Reasonable Rates!

CALL NOW!!!
555-5555

14

Section 2:
Faculty/Staff
Handbook

15

Question #1
Decide what personnel you will
employ and write a brief job
description for each category

16

Director

Child care center directors are

responsible for setting the tone for the
facility, managing the curriculum,
overseeing physical facilities, hiring staff
and managing the overall image of the
center. They sometimes also ensure
compliance with all local and federal
laws governing child care, both in regard
to the physical environment and the
staff, and manage the financial affairs of
the child care facility. Needs to have at
least 5 years of experience in a
childhood education program and must
be CPR and First-Aid certified.

Head Teacher

Head teacher will provide developmental

care and supervision to children enrolled
in the Child
Development Center; implement age
appropriate curriculum for children;
establish and maintain
supportive relationships with children
and parents; act as lead worker to Child
Care Associate Teachers;
model appropriate child care practices
for Child Development students; and
perform related work as
required.

Teacher Aid

Teacher aids will assist the head teacher

in providing direction for the program
and staff in the classroom and
implement program curriculum in the
classroom. They will work cooperatively
with teachers and administrators to
carry out the child care mission and
vision. They will help with supervision,
curriculum planning, and day-to-day
activities.

17

Cook

Cooks will prepare nutritious meals and

snacks for enrolled children, prepare
substitute items for children on
restricted diets, distribute food to the
classrooms, practice safe food handling
techniques in food preparation and
storage, plans for and purchases all food
and necessary supplies needed to
provide food service, keep a daily record
of menus, and maintain a safe and
sanitary kitchen, pantry and storage
areas; washes items used for food

Janitor

The janitor is responsible for cleaning

buildings, removing debris, and keeping
areas neat and tidy. Vacuums and buffs
floors, shampoos carpets, empties trash
receptacles, and replace lining of trash
cans.

18

Question #2
Create a simple evaluation
instrument that you will use in
evaluating members of your staff

19

F = Frequently
O = Occasionally
N = Never

General Work Habits

Arrives on time
Reliable in attendance
Responsible in job duties
Alert in health and safety matters
Flexible with assignments and schedule
Maintains a positive attitude
Gives ample notice for absence
Remains calm in tense situations

Interaction with Children

Friendly, warm and affectionate
Eye to eye interaction
Uses modulated, appropriate voice
Shows respect for individuals
Is aware of developmental levels
Encourages independence and self-help
Avoids stereotyping and labeling
Reinforces positive behavior
Uses positive discipline techniques
Regularly records observations of children

Classroom Management
Creates an inviting learning environment

20

Maintains a safe environment

Provides age appropriate activities
Develops goals from observations
Facilitates growth in all areas of development
Serves as an appropriate role model
Anticipates problems and redirects behavior
Is flexible, responsive to children's needs
Is prepared for the day's activities
Handles transitions well

Working With Parents

Available and approachable with parents

Listens and responds well to parents
Is tactful with negative information
Shows respect for those from diverse backgrounds
Maintains confidentiality
Seeks a partnership with parents
Regularly shares information about the child's progress
Involves parents in center activities and events

Working With Co-workers

Is friendly and respectful
Strives to assume a fair share of work
Shares ideas and materials
Communicates directly, avoids gossip
Approaches criticism with learning attitude
Looks for ways to be helpful

21

Solves conflict independently

Professionalism and Growth

Takes job seriously, seeks skill improvement

Participates in workshops, classes
Sets goals for personal growth
Behaves in an ethical manner

Evaluation Category

Examples of Behavior

General Work Habits

Working With Children
Classroom Management
Working With Parents
Working With Co-workers
Professionalism and Growth

Additional Comments:

(Child Care Lounge)

22

Question #3
Develop a 1-2 page Code of
Conduct that you and your staff will
follow

23

CHILD CARE STAFF CODE OF CONDUCT

1. In order to protect the staff, volunteers, and program participants at no time
during a program may a staff person be alone with a single child where they cannot
be observed by others. As staff supervise children, they should space themselves in
a way that other staff can see them.
2. Staff shall never leave a child unsupervised.
3. Restroom supervision: Staff will make sure the restroom is not occupied by
suspicious or unknown individuals before allowing children to use the facilities. Staff
will stand in the doorway while children are using the restroom. This policy allows
privacy for the children and protection for the staff (not being alone with a child). If
staff are assisting younger children, doors to the facility must remain open. No child
regardless of age should ever enter a bathroom alone on a field trip. Always send
children in threes, and whenever possible, with staff.
4. Staff should conduct or supervise private activities in pairs - diapering, putting on
bathing suits, taking showers, etc. When this is not feasible, staff should be
positioned so that they are visible to others.
5. Staff shall not abuse children including:
Physical abuse strike, spank, shake, slap;
Verbal abuse humiliate, degrade, and threaten;
Sexual abuse inappropriate touch or verbal exchange;
Mental abuse shaming, withholding love, cruelty;
Neglect withholding food, water, basic care, etc.
Any type of abuse will not be tolerated and may be cause for immediate dismissal.
6. Staff must use positive techniques of guidance, including redirection, positive
reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition, comparison and
criticism. Staff will have age appropriate expectations and set up guidelines and
environments that minimize the need for discipline. Physical restraint is used only in
pre-determined situations (necessary to protect the child or other children from
harm), is only administered in a prescribed manner and must be documented in
writing.

24

7. Staff will conduct a health check of each child, each day, as they enter the
program, noting any fever, bumps, bruises, burns, etc. Questions or comments will
be addressed to the parent or child in a nonthreatening way. Any questionable
marks or responses will be documented.
8. Staff will respond to children with respect and consideration and treat all children
equally regardless of sex, race, religion, culture, disability, physical characteristics,
family orientation, or age.
9. Staff will respect childrens rights to not be touched in ways that make them feel
uncomfortable, and their right to say no. Other than diapering, children are not to
be touched in areas of their bodies that would be covered by a bathing suit.
10. Staff will refrain from intimate displays of affection towards others in the
presence of children, parents, and staff.
11. While the childcare does not discriminate against an individuals lifestyle, it does
require that in the performance of their job they will abide by the standards of
conduct set forth by the childcare.
12. Staff must appear clean, neat, and appropriately attired.
13. Using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during
working hours is prohibited.
14. Smoking or use of tobacco in the presence of children or parents during working
hours is prohibited.
15. Profanity, inappropriate jokes, sharing intimate details of ones personnel life,
and any kind of harassment in the presence of children or parents is prohibited.
16. Staff must be free of physical or psychological conditions that might adversely
affect childrens physical or mental health. If in doubt, an expert should be
consulted.
17. Staff will portray a positive role model for youth by maintaining an attitude of
respect, loyalty, patience, courtesy, tact, and maturity.
18. Staff may not be alone with children they meet in the childcare programs
outside of the childcare facility. This includes babysitting, sleepovers, and inviting
children to your home. Any exceptions require a written explanation before the fact
and are subject to administrator approval.
19. Staff are not to transport children in their own vehicles.
20. Staff may not date program participants under the age of 18 years of age.

25

21. Under no circumstance should staff release children to anyone other than the
authorized parent, guardian, or other adult authorized by the parent or guardian
22. Staff are required to read and sign all policies related to identifying,
documenting, and reporting child abuse and attend trainings on the subject, as
instructed by a supervisor.
(Grant County YMCA)

26

Question #4
Develop a basic Code of Conduct
for students including general
expectations

General Information
School Hours:

27

Our program will be open Monday through Friday from 7:00am-6:00pm. If there are
any closures, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Early Dismissal:
No student will be allowed to leave the program prior to dismissal time without
parental permission. No student will be released to a person other than a custodial
parent(s), or those authorized by the custodial parent, without a permission note
signed by the custodial parent(s) or other legal authorization.
Visitors:
Visitors and volunteers are always welcomed. Parents should coordinate visits with
the students teacher(s). All visitors are expected to check in at the office to obtain
a visitors tag. A photo ID is required to be permitted access to the building. All
appointments will be reported to administration as a precaution for the safety of our
children.
Cafeteria/Food Service:
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided to each child every day. If your child
has dietary restrictions or any food allergies, please notify us as soon as possible
and we will make adjustments to provide food for your child.
First Aid/Medicine:
If your child gets hurt while he/she is at our program, we will contact you and notify
you immediately. If there is any need for your child to be sent to the emergency
room, we will inform you as well. If your child needs to take medication, you must
turn in the prescription and the medicine into our director. The director will
administer each time your child takes their medicine.
Fire, Tornado, and Safety Drills:
The School complies with all fire safety laws and will conduct fire drills in
accordance with State law. Specific instructions on how to proceed will be provided
to students by their teachers who will be responsible for safe, prompt, and orderly
evacuation of the building.
Each child is expected to follow the school policies and abide by their teacher.
Failure to do say may lead to expulsion from the program.

28

Question #5
Discuss how you and your staff will
carry out the responsibility of being
an advocate both individually and
as a group.

29

As a preschool teacher or someone who works

in a preschool program, we have the
obligation to advocate for children. We have
to stand up for them because they cant
represent themselves. We must advocate for
children on any level, whether its just for one
child or children in general. Child advocates
have the childrens best interest in mind. They
want what is best for children and makes sure
that children are receiving proper education
and care. As child care advocates, we must
get involved to ensure the best possibility for
children. In our program, our staff will report
any altercations that they may think be
harmful to the children. We will also provide
the best materials to the children in ways that
they learn the most. We will provide proper
care to all children and we will not
discriminate against any children for any
reason. We strive to provide your child with
the best education as possible.

30

Question #6
Include general information you
want your staff to have during the
coming year

31

Faculty/Staff General Information

Arrival and Departure Times:
Our program will be open for teachers at 6:30am and will close by 7:00pm. All
teachers should stay until all their children have been picked up, unless permitted
otherwise by the director.
Early Leave/Vacation Time:
Each staff member is allowed 5 vacation days per semester. If you have to leave
your classroom for any reason, please contact the director before doing so and
further arrangements will be made.
Alcohol/Drug/Tobacco Policy:
No alcohol or drug use is allowed while on the programs property. Prescription
medication must be approved by the director. There is a smoking section for staff to
use while on their breaks located behind the cafeteria. All tobacco products and any
prescription medication must be kept in a locked cabinet, out of the childrens
reach.
Duties:
It is your duty as a teacher to provide your children with proper materials that are
developmentally appropriate and safe. You also have to maintain a clean and safe
classroom environment for the children. It is your duty to clean any messes that
happen during the day and to maintain a clean classroom during the day. The
janitor will come by each afternoon and further clean your classroom. If you have
any concerns or questions about your duties, please contact the director.
Confidentiality:
As a member of our program, you may not share any information about other staff
members or children of this program. This include personal information, information
about situations in the program, and any information that may be harmful to the
staff, children, or program. Failure to follow this rule may lead to dismissal from this
program.
Dress Code:
Acceptable attire:

Clothes that maintain a professional and appropriate appearance

Clothes that are neat, clean, and in good repair.

32

Rules of staff dress code

No denim jeans
No skirts or slits in skirts/dresses that are shorter than 4 inches above the
knee
No cleavage showing neckline appropriate
No spaghetti straps, no sleeveless less than two (2) inches, unless covered by
a jacket or a top
No graphic T-shirts
No hats
No showing of skin between shirts and pants/skirts
All staff will wear their district issued ID badges
No flip flops
School principal/supervisor discretion on questionable clothing
(Fruitland School District)

Substitutes:
If you need a substitute, please request one at least 3 days in advance. If there is an
emergency and you need a substitute, please contact the director immediately.
Harassment/Bullying:
Harassment and/or bullying of any staff member, child, or member of our
community will not be tolerated. This includes but not limited to cyber bullying,
gossiping about others, and harming others with our words and/or actions. If you are
caught harassing and/or bullying someone, you may be dismissed from the
program.
If you have any questions or concerns about the school policies, please contact the
director.

33

Section 3:
Handbook for
Families

34

Question #1
Include the Mission Statement from
Section 1

35

Our mission is to motivate, inspire,

encourage, and support students.
We strive to provide a safe, secure,
and loving environment for our
students and families. We aim to
educate the student socially,
emotionally, and cognitively so
they can continue to build a
foundation for life-long learning.
We acknowledge and respect
diversity in our program so each
and every student and family feels
welcomed and respected.

36

Question #2
Include the Basic Code of Conduct
for Students developed in Section 2

37

General Information
School Hours:
Our program will be open Monday through Friday from 7:00am-6:00pm. If there are
any closures, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Early Dismissal:
No student will be allowed to leave the program prior to dismissal time without
parental permission. No student will be released to a person other than a custodial
parent(s), or those authorized by the custodial parent, without a permission note
signed by the custodial parent(s) or other legal authorization.
Visitors:
Visitors and volunteers are always welcomed. Parents should coordinate visits with
the students teacher(s). All visitors are expected to check in at the office to obtain
a visitors tag. A photo ID is required to be permitted access to the building. All
appointments will be reported to administration as a precaution for the safety of our
children.
Cafeteria/Food Service:
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided to each child every day. If your child
has dietary restrictions or any food allergies, please notify us as soon as possible
and we will make adjustments to provide food for your child.
First Aid/Medicine:
If your child gets hurt while he/she is at our program, we will contact you and notify
you immediately. If there is any need for your child to be sent to the emergency
room, we will inform you as well. If your child needs to take medication, you must
turn in the prescription and the medicine into our director. The director will
administer each time your child takes their medicine.
Fire, Tornado, and Safety Drills:
The School complies with all fire safety laws and will conduct fire drills in
accordance with State law. Specific instructions on how to proceed will be provided
to students by their teachers who will be responsible for safe, prompt, and orderly
evacuation of the building.
Each child is expected to follow the school policies and abide by their teacher.
Failure to do say may lead to expulsion from the program.

38

Question 3
Develop a one page paper outlining
the Roles and Responsibilities of
families

39

Legal Responsibilities
Parents have a responsibility and duty to make their children obey laws. In
some states, if a child breaks a law and causes damages, the parent can be
legally and financially responsible for that damage, according to "Financial
and Legal Responsibilities of Parents for Their Children" posted on the Oregon
State Bar website. For example, according to the Illinois Legal Aid website, if
a 13-year-old child goes to the mall and purposely destroys a store window
or a water feature, his parents can be liable for damages, and the court can
force the child's parents to pay for the repair or replacement. Parents are
expected to make their children obey the law, which includes curfews, as
well as attending school.
Safe Environment
Children have a right to live in an environment that is safe physically and
mentally. Parental responsibilities include providing a safe home for their
offspring, according to "8 Essential Parent Responsibilities," published on the
FamilyResource.com website. For example, the home should have proper
heating, free from excessive clutter, pests and bugs, and not present any
immediate dangers to the children. Immediate dangers can include lack of
supervision, access to loaded weapons, and exposure to harmful chemicals
such as poisons or cleaning solutions. Parental duties also extend outside of
the home, which include making children wear seat belts in vehicles and
supervising them during activities.
Physical Needs
Children must have nutritional food and water. In addition, parents must seek
medical care for children who need it, according to "8 Essential Parent
Responsibilities." For example, a child with diabetes whose parents refuse to
seek medical supervision or provide necessary medication, are not
complying with their parental rights and responsibilities. While what the
children eat is up to the parents, children's food must be nutritious and in
sufficient quantity to maintain their health. Clothing appropriate for the
climate is also a parental responsibility.

40

Education
Parents have a duty to educate their children in accordance with the local
and state laws where they live. Whether the children are homeschooled or if
they attend public or private schools, parents must follow the laws the laws
that govern education in their state and school district. For example, the
state of Tennessee mandates that every parent who has control of a child
over the age of 6 and under 18 must enroll the child in either public or
private schools or in approved homeschooling. (Webb)

41

Question #4
General Information for Families

42

All families are welcomed in our program. We will not discriminate anybody
for any reason. Our mission is to motivate, inspire, encourage, and support
students. We strive to provide a safe, secure, and loving environment for our
students and families. We aim to educate the student socially, emotionally,
and cognitively so they can continue to build a foundation for life-long
learning. We acknowledge and respect diversity in our program so each and
every student and family feels welcomed and respected.
General Information
School Hours:
Our program will be open Monday through Friday from 7:00am-6:00pm. If
there are any closures, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Early Dismissal:
No student will be allowed to leave the program prior to dismissal time
without parental permission. No student will be released to a person other
than a custodial parent(s), or those authorized by the custodial parent,
without a permission note signed by the custodial parent(s) or other legal
authorization.
Visitors:
Visitors and volunteers are always welcomed. Parents should coordinate
visits with the students teacher(s). All visitors are expected to check in at
the office to obtain a visitors tag. A photo ID is required to be permitted
access to the building. All appointments will be reported to administration as
a precaution for the safety of our children.
Cafeteria/Food Service:
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided to each child every day. If your
child has dietary restrictions or any food allergies, please notify us as soon as
possible and we will make adjustments to provide food for your child.
First Aid/Medicine:
If your child gets hurt while he/she is at our program, we will contact you and
notify you immediately. If there is any need for your child to be sent to the
emergency room, we will inform you as well. If your child needs to take
medication, you must turn in the prescription and the medicine into our
43

director. The director will administer each time your child takes their
medicine.
Fire, Tornado, and Safety Drills:
The School complies with all fire safety laws and will conduct fire drills in
accordance with State law. Specific instructions on how to proceed will be
provided to students by their teachers who will be responsible for safe,
prompt, and orderly evacuation of the building.
Parent/Teacher Conferences:
Parent teacher conferences will be held twice each semester. If you need to
meet up with your childs teacher at any other time, please contact the
teacher and set up an appropriate time for you to come in. teacher also have
the responsibility to notify you if they need to discuss your child with you at
any other time during the school year. They will notify you and set up a time
for you to come in.
Harassment/Bullying:
Harassment and/or bullying of any other member of our program Is not
tolerated. If a child is harassing and/or bullying another child, the teacher will
contact both childs families and set up conferences to discuss the situation.
If the child continues to harass and/or bully other, they may be removed
from the program.

44

Addendum
References and Resources

45

(n.d.). Retrieved November 2014, from Fruitland School District:

http://www.fruitlandschools.org/staff-dress-code-policy/
(n.d.). Retrieved October 2014, from Child Care Lounge:
http://www.childcarelounge.com/director-articles/staff-evaluation.php
(n.d.). Retrieved October 2014, from Grant County YMCA:
http://www.grantcountyymca.org/pdf/CHILD%20CARE%20STAFF
%20CODE%20OF%20CONDUCT.pdf
Webb, C. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2014, from Global Post:
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/responsibilities-duties-parents7816.html

46