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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC19-412 Family Learning CenterSIXTH AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN EAGLE COUNTY, COLORADO AND THE FOUNDATION OF TRUSTE(S FOR THE FAMILY LEARNING CENTER THIS SIXTH AMENDMENT (“Sixth Amendment”) is effective as of __________________, by and between The Foundation of Trustees for the Family Learning Center, a Colorado nonprofit corporation (hereinafter “Consultant” or “Contractor”) and Eagle County, Colorado, a body corporate and politic (hereinafter “County”). RECITALS WHEREAS, County and Consultant entered into an agreement dated 3rd day of January, 2017, for certain Services (the “Original Agreement”); and WHEREAS, by a First Amendment dated the 19th day of September, 2017 the parties increased the compensation to include COLA funding; and WHEREAS, by a Second Amendment dated the 6th day of December 2017 the parties extended the term of the agreement to December 31, 2018; and WHEREAS, by a Third Amendment dated the 10th day of April, 2018 the parties amended certain provisions in the Original Agreement; and WHEREAS, by a Fourth Amendment dated the 3rd day of August, 2018 the parties increased the compensation to include COLA funding; and WHEREAS, by a Fifth Amendment dated the 25th day of June, 2019 the parties increased the compensation to include COLA funding; and WHEREAS, and as modified herein, the term of the Original Agreement expires on the 31st day of December, 2019 and the parties desire to extend the term of the Original Agreement for an additional year on the same terms and conditions as set forth in the Original Agreement . SIXTH AMENDMENT NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual rights and obligations as set forth below, the parties agree as follows: 1. The Original Agreement shall be amended to include additional Services as described in Exhibit 1, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. 2. The compensation for the additional Services set forth in Exhibit 1 shall not exceed $242,872 or a total maximum compensation under the Original Agreement and this Sixth Amendment of $242,872. DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5  C19-412 2 Eagle County Amendment Ext Term Final 5/14 3. The Original Agreement shall be amended to include additional Services as described in Exhibit 1, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. 4. The Original Agreement shall be amended to extend the term to the 31st day of December, 2020. 5. Capitalized terms in this Sixth Amendment will have the same meaning as in the Original Agreement. To the extent that the terms and provisions of the Sixth Amendment conflict with, modify or supplement portions of the Original Agreement, the terms and provisions contained in this Sixth Amendment shall govern and control the rights and obligations of the parties. 6. Except as expressly altered, modified and changed in this Sixth Amendment, all terms and provisions of the Original Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and are hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects as of the date hereof. 7. This Sixth Amendment shall be binding on the parties hereto, their heirs, executors, successors, and assigns. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Sixth Amendment to the Original Agreement the day and year first above written. COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF COLORADO, By and Through Its BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS By: ______________________________ Jeanne McQueeney, Chair Attest: By: _________________________________ Regina O’Brien, Clerk to the Board CONSULTANT By: _____________________________________ Print Name: ______________________________ Title: ___________________________________ DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5     EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES, PAYMENT & FEE SCHEDULE Description of Services: This contract is for services provided beginning in January 2020 and ending December 31, 2020. The Family Learning Center is defined as Contractor for purposes of this Exhibit. Contractor will provide Early Head Start child care services for up to 21 children enrolled in the Eagle County Early Head Start (“EHS”) program in compliance with State child care licensing regulations, the most current Head Start Performance Standards and the Head Start Act. These child care spaces are four days a week from 7:30am - 5:30pm. Additional Provisions: 1. Eligibility Determination: a. County will determine the eligibility of the children to be enrolled under this agreement and inform families of eligible children of their rights,obligations and fee requirements. The County will also notify the Contractor when a previously eligible child is no longer eligible. Payment for individual clients will not be made after the Contractor is notified in writing of the children served under this Agreement's ineligibility. b. It is agreed that when EHS children transition out of the EHS program, that the parties will make every effort to provide a smooth transition into another early childhood program including but not limited to Head Start, Colorado Preschool Program, or Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (“CCCAP”). Early Head Start Requirements: The EHS program will: 1. Share children's assessments with classroom teachers, with parent permission. 2. Work with the Contractor to develop action plans for issues or concerns that arise during program monitoring and observation of the Contractor's site. 3. Offer training opportunities to Contractor's staff that care for infants and toddlers in specific issues pertaining to infants and toddlers up to age three. 4. The Contractor shall complete attendance records in Child Plus on a weekly basis. Parent(s) Responsibilities: Parents of EHS children will: 1. Complete all registration forms and to update immunization records and well child visits as required by the State and Contractor. 2. Be available for two parent conferences at the Contractor's site each year. 3. Be available for teacher home visits twice a year. 4. Follow the Center's Policy and Procedure manual. Contractor should inform the EHS program if any parent does not comply. Maintenance and Access to Records: The Contractor agrees to keep records dealing with frequency of service delivery, services 1 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 provided, fiscal records, and retain all bookkeeping, records, and other documents relevant to this agreement for three years after final payment and such records must be destroyed within a reasonable timeframe after such records are no longer needed or required to be maintained. The Contractor agrees that any persons duly authorized by the EHS Program (county, state or federal) shall have full access to and the right to examine any of said materials. Program Records, Controls, Reports, and Monitoring Procedures: 1. The Contractor agrees to maintain program records required by County and agrees that a program and facilities review including meetings with consumers, review of service records, review of staffing ratios, job descriptions, staff qualifications and meetings with any staff directly or indirectly involved in the provision of services may be conducted at any reasonable time by state and federal personnel and other persons duly authorized by the County. 2. The Contractor agrees to maintain program records required by the County and to complete an invoice on forms furnished by the County. Further, the Contractor agrees to make available its facilities/services to County's designees (staff, students, parents), for training or observation. Staff Qualifications and Development: 1. Individuals employed and representing the Contractor shall demonstrate the skills/qualifications required by the Federal Office of Head Start. Section 645A(h)(1) of the Head Start Act requires that “not later than September 30, 2010, all teachers providing direct services to children and families participating in Early Head Start programs located in Early Head Start centers, have a minimum of a child development associate credential (CDA), and have been trained (or have equivalent coursework) in early childhood development." 2. Staff must keep their CDA current with renewal every three years. 3. Every teacher must attend at least 15 clock hours of professional development per year. 4. Contractor must provide a copy of its state license and CDA, an Associates degree, Bachelor of Arts credentials for staff qualifications per this agreement. 5. Contractor must make every effort to reach and sustain compliance with the requirements for infant and toddler center-based teaching staff. The first priority is to hire qualified, credentialed staff in accordance with the Head Start Act. If the program cannot recruit and hire qualified, credentialed staff, the program may hire a person who is in the process of completing their credential, has experience working with infants and toddlers, and has one of the following: a. Course work with infant and toddler content. b. Degree in a related field. c. Training with infant and toddler content. 2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 d. Contractor has 12 months from the date of hire to get teacher the minimum required qualifications. The Contractor agrees to provide child care services to EHS program families as follows: 1. Early care and education for infants and toddlers whose families are enrolled in EHS and enrolled by County. 2. Contractor must provide primary caregiving and continuity of care to all EHS infants and toddlers as defined in the performance standards: a.45 CFR 1304.52(g)(4)—Grantee and delegate agencies must ensure that each teacher working exclusively with infants and toddlers has responsibility for no more than four infants and toddlers and that no more than eight infants and toddlers are placed in one group. b.45 CFR 1304.21(0)(1)(i)— Grantee and delegate agencies' program of services for infants and toddlers must encourage: The development of secure relationships in out-of-home care settings for infants and toddlers by having consistent teachers over an extended period of time. Teachers must demonstrate an understanding of the child's family culture and, whenever possible, speak the child's language. c.45 CFR 1304.21(a)(3)(ii)-Grantee and delegate agencies must support social and emotional development by: Planning for routines and transitions so that they occur in a timely, predictable and unrushed manner according to each child's needs. 3. Inclusion of infants and toddlers with special needs and disabilities. 4. Allow for and participate in assessments to be conducted in classrooms such as, but not limited to, Ages and Stages Developmental Questionnaire, the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale, Colorado Shines ratings, EHS ongoing monitoring, and EHS annual self-assessment. Results will be shared with EHS Director and the EHS Education Coordinator. 5. Staff will be involved in the development and implementation of quality improvement plans based on the results of the assessments. 6. Comply with all Head Start Performance Standards and the Head Start Reauthorization Act as defined in Exhibit B, including teacher credentials, teacher-child ratios, and group size at all times of the day. Exhibit B will be updated and replaced to reflect and assure compliance with any changes in state licensing regulations and/or Head Start Performance Standards. 7. Maintain a current, working Policy and Procedure manual that is distributed to families at enrollment, as well as to EHS, and go over the policies with the parent before enrollment. 8. EHS children should not be denied services if they cannot provide diapers and/or formula. Families are to contact their Family Advocate or Education Coordinator in order to address the issue. 3 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 9. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to enforce the Policy and Procedures manual including health exclusions, pick-up and drop-off policies and procedures. 10. Child care center director will participate in EHS Director and EHS Education Coordinator meetings as scheduled. 11. Child care center director will contact County staff prior to denying services excluding health related issues. 12. Teachers will complete individual portfolio files for each child per Teaching Strategies GOLD online system assessment system. 13. Teachers will meet children's early learning needs by individualizing the curriculum for each child based on their observations and the child's developmental goals. 14. At the time of transition to a new classroom or childcare site, the child's portfolio will accompany them to the new placement. 15. Teachers will participate in the development of individual child goals for each child by convening two parent teacher conferences at the child care site annually and participating in two EHS home visits annually. Based on observations and assessments, all parties will contribute to a plan for the child's development. Copies of conference reports and the child's GOLD assessments will be filed in the child's portfolio on site and in the child's chart maintained by the EHS program. 16. Allow County staff access to childcare sites during the hours of operation. This includes the Mental Health Coordinator, Health Coordinator, Education Coordinator, and Home visitors who will conduct classroom observations and or trainings. 17. Notify County of planned transitions and develop a transition plan with each family. 18. Complete weekly lesson plans and document observations for quarterly checkpoints in GOLD 19. Share menus, health and safety checklist, and licensing reports with County as requested. 20. Make changes to menus based on recommendations from a Registered Dietician provided by the County. 21. Provide snacks and meals to the children served under this Agreement and submit receipts for USDA reimbursement. 22. File on site and, as requested, provide EHS a copy of current child care license(s) for child care facility in this agreement. 23. File on site and, as requested, provide EHS with a copy of the Notice of Survey Findings from every health department visit to the Center. 24. File on site and, as requested, provide EHS with copies of educational credentials for all staff members. 25. File on site and, as requested, provide EHS with a copy of stated private pay tuition rates. 26. Children will not be required to participate in religious activities. Contractor must offer alternate developmentally appropriate activities at these times. 27. All information regarding children and families must be kept confidential. 4 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 28. Contractor must identify a curriculum to be used in each classroom and inform County which curriculum will be used. 29. Contractor must have a process for all parents to sign their children in and out in order to assure safety. 30. Contractor shall work cooperatively with Coaching and Consultation agencies as funds allow in the infant and toddler classrooms. 31. Contractor shall invoice CCCAP funding for eligible EHS children. 32. Contractor shall notify Eagle County DHS immediately of all reports of suspected child abuse or neglect involving Contractor, including, but not limited to, employees, volunteers and clients. DHS contractors are considered to be mandatory reporters for suspected child abuse and neglect and are to make those reports directly to the Colorado statewide hotline 1-844-264-5437. The above-listed services will be provided expeditiously to the children served under this Agreement. The legislation supporting the Early Head Start effort explicitly solicits and advocates the fullest possible cooperative and supportive approach from existing local and state agencies to enhance the efficacy of Early Head Start and its proposed measurably productive, pro-social impact on involved families. Performance Standards and the Head Start Act are located at the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc. Payment and Fee Schedule: Contractor shall be compensated for the performance of assigned services as follows: 1. County agrees to pay to Contractor $11,232 per year per space for up to 21 full time child care slots starting in January 2020. County will only compensate Contractor for spaces being occupied by a child or reserved for County during each month. Said child care payments may not exceed $235,872 annually. 2. Contractor shall notify County within 2 working days of a child care slot vacancy. Vacancies of such slots shall be filled within 30 days, if there is a waiting list at the time of notification. If the child care slot is not filled within this time frame, the County may deduct a pro rata amount from the monthly payment for the time the child care slot remains vacant. 3. County will compensate Contractor for the purchase of supply items such as diapers, wipes and supplies and stipends for teachers doing home visits as approved by the County Infant-Toddler Specialist. Said supply purchases may not exceed $3,000 annually. 4. County will provide funding for Contractor's staff training and/or development including tuition to community colleges and universities for staff training as identified in the training and technical assistant plan and teacher stipends, which expenses may not exceed 5 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 $4,000 annually. 5. Cost of living adjustment (COLA). Each educator/teacher who works directly with EHS Children shall receive a minimum 1.8% increase of annual salary. This contract will be updated if COLA is distributed at the federal level within this time frame. COLA would be provided in order to assure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards. 6. Maximum compensation under this Agreement shall not exceed $242,872. 6 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 EXHIBIT B HEAD START PERFORMANCE STANDARDS CHECKLIST BLENDING THE STANDARDS FOR A HEAD START The following checklist lists the Head Start Performance Standards as they relate to centers providing direct services to children in the Early Head Start program. Some standards are also Colorado Regulations for Licensing Childcare Centers. The highest standard of the two must be adhered to. CHECKLIST FOR FACILITIES 1. Safe, clean, attractive and spacious a. Soft areas b. Open areas for movement c. Clearly defined activities areas (centers) d. Toys and materials are accessible to children on low shelves e. A variety of surfaces outdoors f. Areas for sun and shade play g. A variety of physical activities for outdoors h. Outdoor activities for individual and group 2. Appropriate areas for all program activities such as: a. Food preparation b. Resting and napping areas 3. Classroom arrangement to promote spaces for centers, provide for interaction and prevent running 4. Infants and toddlers must be separate from walkways and areas used by preschoolers 5. 35 square feet of usable indoor space per child 75 square feet of usable outdoor space per child 6. Facilities must meet all state licensing requirements 7. Provides for maintenance, repair, safety and security of facilities, materials and equipment a. Weekly check of all toys and equipment b. Remove or replace all broken toys and equipment immediately c. Play areas are safe i.e. no broken glass, sharp objects, standing water, etc. d. Monitor entry into the building e. Daily cleaning of indoor and outdoor areas f. Check for conditions that present hazards to children, plumbing, electrical, or structural g. If facility is owned by another party, define the landlord responsibilities for 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 maintenance and responsibilities 8. Ensure the facility is free of toxins a. Prohibit the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs in center b. Pesticides applied by a licensed exterminator c. Remove children from areas being exterminated and ensure that children cannot touch or mouth surfaces that have been sprayed d. Inspection and removal of any environmental health hazards only by certified or licensed contractors 9. Outdoor play areas will be safe a. Areas will be fenced preventing exit of children from premises b. Children will be buckled into strollers and seats, and will be supervised at all times c. Outdoor play is fully supervised at all times d. Establish and enforce procedure for loading and unloading children from bus and checking to ensure no children are left on the bus 10. Insure that physical environments are consistent with the health, safety, and developmental needs of the children a. Heating and cooling systems are safe and effective at all times b. No flammable furnishings, materials, or equipment c. Dangerous materials and potential poisons are stored in locked cabinets d. All medications (including those required by staff and volunteers) are labeled, stored under lock and key, and kept out of the reach of children e. Rooms are well lit and provide emergency lighting i.e. Flashlights f. Working fire extinguishers are in accessible locations and staff is trained on their use g. Appropriate number of smoke detectors are installed and tested regularly h. Exits are clearly visible and evacuation routes are marked and posted i. Indoor and outdoor premises are cleaned regularly j. Paint coatings do not contain lead k. Minimizing the possibility of injury by: inspection of playground equipment l. Situate equipment so that proper clearance space is available m. Electrical outlets are safety proofed n. Windows and glass doors are adapted to prevent injury to children o. Only approved sources of water are used p. Toilets and handwashing facilities are adequately clean and in good repair and can be reached by children. q. Toilet and diapering areas are separate from food service and other activities r. Handwashing sink is adjacent to diapering table s. Clean and sanitized toilet training equipment is available for children 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 t. Garbage and trash are stored away from children in closed containers and emptied regularly u. Adequate provisions are made for children with disabilities by, having an accessible environment, accommodations for special diets, emergency plans and appropriate space v. Provide a variety of equipment, furniture, and toys that can impact the children in the program, that is safe and durable w. Materials are chosen that are developmentally appropriate for all areas of learning x. Rotate toys to provide a variety and new experiences y. Provide equipment that demonstrate: gender, family, race, language, and culture z. Materials and equipment are inviting for play, child sized and allow children to make choices aa. Each infant is to have their own crib bb. Walkers are not to be used cc. Supervision is given at all times dd. Provide safe, durable storage, low shelves for children's activities and high shelves for adult items ee. Toys must be made of non-toxic materials and must be sanitized regularly ff. Non-mobile infants should sleep in their own crib on a firm mattress on their back, avoiding the use of fluffy blankets and other soft materials gg. Maintain a smoke-free environment hh. Avoiding overdressing infants during play or sleep ii. Burping infants during and after feedings, and before they are put to sleep CHECKLIST FOR CHILD HEALTH AND SAFETY 1. Ratios and group size are maintained consistently a. Children under the age of 36 months will be in a classroom with no more than eight children and two teachers, or a 4:1 ratio 2. Emergency plans are made and posted in clear sight, including first aid procedures and emergency phone numbers 3. Emergency contact list for each child including: names and phone numbers of parents, emergency contact person, child's primary health care professional, immunizations, allergies and parent's written consent for emergency care 4. Posted emergency evacuation plans a. Two planned exit routes b. Unannounced drills, recording the drills and the time it took to evacuate 5. In event of accident or injury to a child, inform family and document the injury on an incident form 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 6. Have a procedure for handling cases of suspected child abuse and neglect a. Establish a reporting plan to utilize in case of suspected abuse b. Train staff to identify and report abuse to proper agencies c. Cooperate with enforcement agencies d. Ensure confidentiality of the individual reporting the abuse 7. Program must exclude a child from the program for a short term if: a. Child has a contagious illness as stated from the health department, that could harm the child or other children, this policy needs to be conveyed to parent at enrollment b. Child has an injury that the program cannot accommodate 8. Program may not exclude a child that is currently enrolled due to a health care reason a. Must make accommodations for the child b. Ensure that parents and health care professionals supply instructions on proper care for the child c. Ensure program has policies, staff training, and equipment to perform necessary health procedures d. Understand child's health needs and parent's concerns, and protect the family's privacy 9. Parents must inform program of special health or safety needs of the child a. Establish and enforce a policy for medication distribution, and storing of medicine b. Medication must be labeled and stored in a locked box i. Medicine is to be labeled by a pharmacist, with the child's first and last name, name of the medication, date medicine was filled, name of the doctor, expiration date, administration, storage and disposal instructions ii. Over the counter medicine with a note from a doctor will have instructions, including the applicable specifications from above c. Medicine is provided in the original child resistant container d. Medicine (including staff medicine) will be stored away from food, in a locked container, (in the refrigerator if it is required) e. Medicine will not be used after it has expired f. Medication needs to be transported, an adult will be in charge, making sure the temperature of the medication is controlled 10. A designated trained staff member or nurse administers the medication 11. Parents must fill out a form for medicine distribution, including doctor’s instructions, and parent's written authorization 12. Medication forms are kept in the child's file listing: the time and date medicine was given, amount, name of person administering the medicine, and the dose given 13. Watch for medication reactions, record and contact parents if necessary 14. Staff knowledge of proper ways of handling medications for the safety of the children 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 15. Ensure that all staff and volunteers use safety precautions a. Use proper seat belts for vehicles, strollers, car seats, highchairs, swings and infant seats b. Keep firearms, medications, and other hazardous material away from children c. Supervise children at all times 16. Incorporate safety practices into child and parent activities a. Involve the child in making and enforcing rules of safety b. Use teachable moments when someone gets hurt c. Teach children what to do in an emergency 17. Staff and volunteers must wash their hands with warm water and soap a. After diapering or toilet use b. Before handling food c. Whenever hands are contaminated due to blood or other bodily fluids d. After handling animals 18. Staff and volunteers must also wash their hands a. Before and after administering medicine b. Before and after treating a wound c. After assisting a child in the bathroom 19. Nonporous gloves must be worn when in contact with blood, or other bodily fluids a. At all diaper changes, a clean pair of gloves needs to be used on each child 20. Spills of bodily fluids must be cleaned immediately with disinfectant (red bags, table, changing table) 21. When diapering a child, safety procedures must be used a. Child is safe at all times b. Diaper on a flat, elevated, nonporous surface that is used only for diapering c. Talk to the child while diapering d. Have access to a water source near the changing table e. Change children at regular intervals and when needed f. Minimize the contamination risks i.e. use gloves, and wash hands between children, and sanitize the changing table 22. Portable potties must be emptied and disinfected after each use 23. Infant cribs should be placed three feet apart and children should sleep head to foot a. No child is to sleep on an uncovered surface 24. Accessible first aid kits must be available, fully stocked 25. First aid kits must be restocked after each use and inventoried on a regular basis 11 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 CHECKLIST FOR CHILD NUTRITION 1. Each center's food program must meet the nutritional needs for each child a. Programs will serve a variety of foods which consider cultural and ethnic preferences b. CACFP will be the primary source of reimbursement for food c. Children in a full day program must receive meals and snacks that provide 1/2 to 2/3 of the child's daily nutritional needs d. In center based settings, children are to receive breakfast if they have not had breakfast at home e. Infants and toddlers are to receive foods appropriate to their needs and feeding skills f. Breast milk is the optimal food for infants g. Cow's milk is not recommended for children under 12 months of age h. Solid foods are introduced between four and seven months of age (after consultation with the primary health provider and parent) i. New foods are introduced one at a time, a week apart to look for allergies j. Encourage toddlers to select from a variety of foods k. Providers will cut food into small pieces for young children l. To avoid choking hazards, centers will not serve the following foods: hot dogs, sausage rounds, whole grapes, hard raw vegetables and fruits uncooked, dried fruit, candy, whole nuts, pretzels, chips, popcorn, marshmallows, gum, spoonfuls of peanut butter, and chunks of meat. Hot dogs, sausage rounds and grapes must be cut lengthwise and across rounds to make pieces small enough and non-circular to prevent choking. Honey will not be served to children under 12 months of age. m. Milk is served at each meal n. 100% juice is served o. Meals and snacks must be scheduled, but flexible to meet the needs of the children p. Feeding infants on demand is the best way to meet nutritional and emotional needs q. Children should never be forced to eat r. Nutritious snacks are part of children's daily intake of food s. Staff promote good dental hygiene after meals t. Parents and community agencies must be involved in planning and evaluating center's nutritional services u. Food related activities and leisurely meal times provide opportunities to develop 12 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 positive attitudes v. Serve meals in a pleasant, well-lit, and ventilated area w. A variety of food is served to broaden each child's food experience x. A small amount of new food is offered with a familiar meal y. Children are prepared for new foods through activities z. Food is not to be used for punishment or rewards aa. Sufficient time is allowed for children to eat bb. Children and adults prepare meals together, cleaning, sharing conversation and sometimes pass food among themselves cc. Staff set good examples of eating different foods, and polite behaviors dd. When high chairs are used for infants, security straps are used ee. Young infants are held while being bottle fed and not laid down to sleep with a bottle ff. Establish eye contact with infants while feeding and talk to the baby gg. Wash hands before and after feeding with soap and water hh. Hold infants in a semi-sitting position with head tilted forward and slightly higher than the rest of the body ii. Hold bottle still and at an angle jj. Ensure that the liquid flows from the bottle kk. Burp the infant at a natural break in feeding and at the end of feeding ll. Infant cereal is fed with a spoon, as is all infant food mm. For dental reasons, children are not to carry bottles around for long periods of time nn. Medically-based diets or other dietary requirements are accommodated oo. Food related activities are provided CHILD MENTAL HEALTH 1. Agencies must work collaboratively with parents a. Request parental observations, information, and concerns about their child's mental health b. Share observations with parents about child behavior, development, and other issues c. Information on child development should be shared with parents such as: typical development of young children, development of individual children, recognizing and understanding behaviors expressed when children are under stress, assisting parents with separation and attachment issues d. Discuss with parents appropriate, positive response to their child's behaviors e. Provide children with opportunities to succeed f. Staff will use positive guidance techniques: undesirable behaviors will be 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 discouraged or redirected, anticipation of potential problems, giving the child choices that are acceptable to staff and parents, helping children learn about natural consequences, and encouraging respect for the feelings and right of others NEVER USE CORPORAL PUNISHMENT, such as spanking with hand or any implement, slapping, swatting, pulling hair, yanking arm, etc. g. Staff discuss with parents how to strengthen nurturing and supportive environments, in the home and program by: smiling, comforting, and reassuring children to promote self-esteem. h. If a child has mental health issues, design the program to be beneficial to the child i.e. make curricula enhancements, implement practices responsive to infants and toddlers and their rapidly changing needs. EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT 1. Parents should be consulted when a health problem is suspected 2. The program should be individualized for each child by: a. Conducting two parent-teacher conferences each year b. Conducting two home visits per year that include classroom teachers 3. Services, referrals and resources for children with disabilities will be provided 4. Program is arranged to meet a variety of children's needs and strengths a. Program is developmentally and linguistically appropriate b. Curriculum meets individual needs, interests, temperaments, languages, cultural backgrounds, and learning styles c. Program responsiveness to individual children is accomplished through comprehensive curriculum d. A variety of supplies and planned activities for group and individual play e. Provide experiences for children to succeed f. Increase the complexity and challenge of activities as children develop g. Identify the children's preferred ways of interacting with the environment h. Ensure that children receive specialized education and support if needed i. Enable teachers to include children with disabilities into their program j. Develop learning environments that are varied and interesting k. If a child has an IFSP, use routines and experiences to help achieve those goals l. Participate in meetings with experts in disabilities to implement IFSP m. Provide environments that support and respect gender, culture, language, ethnicity and family composition n. Universality is the key in organizing and planning the environment o. Provide environments that reflect different cultures, each child's primary language, avoid activities that stereotype, and model respect and help children appreciate others 14 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 p. Balance the program with child initiated activities and teacher directed activities q. Provide opportunities for children to take initiative, make meaningful choices, and learn the consequences of decision-making r. Take opportunities to extend children's thinking, interests and develop problem solving skills s. Assist children in developing decision-making skills t. Allow children to independently use toilet facilities when appropriate u. Toilet training provides opportunities for children to learn: self control, autonomy, and responsibility v. Milestones for toilet training include: muscle control, emotional readiness, willingness to cooperate, and ability to communicate toilet needs 5. Invite parents to be involved in the program development by attending 2 parent teacher conferences and 2 home visits per year a. Parents are involved in the program: assist in the development and implementation of curricula, part of which is based on relationships, routines, and daily experiences b. Increase children's observation skills, assess these skills to help plan learning experiences c. Encourage input from observations at home d. Communicate regularly with parents through, conferences, home visits and daily reports e. Staff communicate informally as well as formally with families 6. Staff support the social and emotional development of children a. Staff provide an environment that is responsive to children, predictable and consistent, which strengthens a child's confidence and builds trust b. Staff communicate with children in their home language c. Staff fosters children's independence d. Staff promotes the development of self-help skills e. Staff provide opportunities for language development f. Staff encourage self-control by setting clear, consistent limits and having realistic expectations g. Staff use positive techniques to assist children to develop self control, such as modeling expected behaviors, redirecting children, and intervening to enforce consequences for unacceptable or harmful behaviors h. Staff provide activities daily that challenges children mentally and physically i. Staff develop clear, and consistent rules j. Staff reinforce positive social behavior k. Staff talk with parents about child rearing practices to support the child and bridge the gap between home and the program 15 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 l. Staff encourage the children to learn respect for others feelings and rights m. Staff encourage children to understand expressions of emotions model respect of others n. Staff foster positive social behaviors such as cooperating, helping, and turn-taking o. Staff discuss the consequences of behaviors and redirect children p. Staff support and respect each child's home language, culture and family composition, in ways that support the child's health and well-being q. Staff give children a sense of acceptance by learning key words from their home language, or providing books, and other materials that reflect their family's home culture r. Staff plans for routines and transitions so they occur timely and predictable. s. Staff give children notice to prepare for a change t. Staff allow children to participate in routines u. Staff minimize waiting time in group setting 7. Support each child's learning, experimentation, inquiry, observation, play and exploration a. Support children's cognitive development by posing problems and asking questions b. Have conversations with the children to expand their thinking and learning c. Provide opportunities for children to gain knowledge in areas such as science, social studies, creative arts, numeracy, and language d. Ensure opportunities for creative self-expression through activities, such as art, music, movement, and dialogue e. Support using art materials, engaging in rhythmic activities, and music, stimulate imagination and language through drama and other dialogues f. Encourage all language interactions g. Recognize infants' communication skills and respond to their cues h. Give children time to talk and respond to each others i. Respect children's developing skills in English and in their home language j. Use simple, clear sentences when communicating to young children k. Speak in pleasant tones l. Expand children's language through songs, games, poems and stories m. Engage in dramatic play n. Model appropriate language o. Expand upon rather than correct children's speech p. Set a foundation for reading and mathematics q. Activities should be developmentally appropriate, interesting, engaging and meaningful r. Read and discuss stories everyday s. Have reading and writing material accessible every day 16 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 t. Plan opportunities for children to hear stories every day u. Encourage oral traditions through storytelling v. Provide stories from children's own culture w. Provide opportunities for children to reflect upon experiences x. Provide books and stories with repetitive verses, words, sounds or pictures y. Use rhymes to help children develop an awareness of language sounds z. Show children functional uses of language, (ex. street signs, grocery list) aa. Provide objects for counting, and sequencing bb. Provide toys that show cause and effect cc. Plan family activities dd. Support the use of libraries and other community resources 8. Promote each child's physical development by: a. Providing sufficient time, indoor and outdoor space, equipment, materials, and adult guidance for active play and movement that support gross motor skills b. Arranging physical space so children have room to roll over, crawl, sit, walk, and test new skills c. Providing climbing structures that are challenging and give opportunities for success d. Providing padded and safe structures for exploration e. Encouraging the use of riding, pushing and pulling toys f. Providing supervision and guidance through these activities g. INFANT WALKERS AND JUMPERS ARE NOT USED h. Providing time and space for the development of children's fine motor skills i. Planning experiences for developing motor skills and physical activity through repetition of actions j. Increasing the complexity of manipulative activities k. Fostering self-help skills, like buttoning, lacing, and zipping l. Providing an appropriate environment and adult guidance for children with special needs m. Children with special needs require an environment that is responsive, and inclusive n. Helping implement an IFSP o. Adapting materials and equipment so all children can share activities p. Ensuring equipment and materials are accessible q. Assisting children in using materials r. Being sensitive to parent's expectations s. Integrating all children and enabling them to participate in activities 9. Developing secure relationships in out of home care by, having consistent teachers who understand the child's family structure 17 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 a. Curriculum focuses on relationships, respect, and responsiveness b. Safe and secure environment nurtures positive relationships with peers and adults c. Provide positive communication with family members encouraging families to volunteer to increase understanding of a child's culture and home routines d. Provide trust and emotional security to enable children to explore the environment e. Feed infants when they are hungry and comfort them when they are distressed f. Interact with infants and toddlers by gently holding, talking and gesturing with them g. Provide an emotionally secure and physically safe environment h. Give children choices and provide opportunities for them to do things for themselves i. Provide opportunities for children to explore a variety of sensory and motor experiences j. Move infants or reposition them to have a change of scenery k. Change or rotate toys to promote stimulation l. Encourage movements and playfulness m. Engage children in sensory activities n. Interact with children face to face o.CRIBS, HIGH CHAIRS AND CAR SEATS ARE USED FOR THEIR INTENDED PURPOSES ONLY p. Support the social and emotional development of children by providing environments that encourage self-awareness, autonomy and self-expression q. Affirm each child as an individual r. Respond to each child's sense of pleasure in their successes s. Use pictures of children and their families t. Respond to children's behaviors associated with fears and needs u. Provide opportunities for children to express themselves freely v. Engage children in verbal and non verbal communication w. Use descriptive language during routine activities x. Respond to young children's first attempts at language y. Support the physical development of children including gross motor skills: grasping, pulling, pushing, crawling, walking and climbing z. Assist children, rather than do the task, when it becomes frustrating aa. Recognize developmental milestones that indicate children's changing needs for independence bb. Allow children to play and explore objects in a safe environment cc. Bring objects and activities to non-mobile children dd. Provide open and accessible indoor and outdoor space for children to practice skills 18 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 ee. Create opportunities for fine motor development ff. Provide activities that promote grasping, dropping, pulling, pushing, throwing, touching and mouthing gg. Provide activities for hand-eye coordination hh. Implement a curriculum that is consistent with Head Start Performance standards ii. Ensure the curriculum is comprehensive, based on child development principles, specific goals and objectives for children's development and learning that is achievable yet challenging jj. Ensuring an inclusive and developmentally appropriate curriculum kk. Program is supportive of spontaneous learning opportunities ll. Curriculum is intellectually engaging and meaningful mm. Program is informed by the community, cultural beliefs, and the language of those being served nn. Program supports each child's individual pattern of development and learning oo. Plan time for children's involvement in teacher planned activities pp. Plan opportunities for children to work alone or with other children qq. Respond to children's interests and learning styles rr. Enable children to develop emerging skills and practice existing skills ss. Provide for the development of cognitive skills tt. Provide environments that offers experiences which vary in complexity uu. Ask questions that have more than one answer to extend children's thinking vv. Engage children in creative activities and problem-solving ww. Integrate aspects of health, nutrition, and mental health into activities xx. These aspects are incorporated into daily experiences: hand washing, brushing teeth, preparing food, and talking about feelings yy. Talk about doctor's appointments before they happen zz. Encourage role playing before appointments aaa. Help children develop emotional security and social relationships bbb. Provide an environment of acceptance, and respect ccc. Facilitate opportunities for children to develop social skills ddd. Nurture children's friendships eee. Model communication with conflict resolution techniques fff. Encourage children to resolve their own conflicts ggg. Help children manage stressful situations hhh. Encourage individuality and self-awareness iii. Provide individual space for each child jjj. Use photos, drawings and tape recordings of children and their families kkk. Model respect lll. Provide children with opportunities to succeed 19 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 mmm. Encourage children to do things for themselves nnn. Regularly and continually observing and recording children's behaviors and progress ooo. Knowing each child's capabilities and modes of learning ppp. Include parents in ongoing assessments qqq. Rearranging the program environment to respond to children's developmental progress rrr. Expanding goals for children 20 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 EXHIBIT C Insurance Certificate 21 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7630B17F-1F55-4156-B94E-597A10F250E5