PDF Version: About Our School 10.4.2021

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

OUR MISSION

We are a Christ-centered early childhood program where teachers and parents teach and strengthen each child’s emotional, social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual skills while we are all playing and learning together.

PHILOSOPHY AND VISION STATEMENT

St. Luke’s Day School is committed to the development and enhancement of the whole child.  In support of this, we view the family as the main source of security and identity for the young child.  It is our ultimate goal, therefore, to achieve a fellowship of Christian love and understanding between parent, child, and school.

Our School Culture

We are a Christ-centered school where our foundation of spirituality is honored, nurtured, and celebrated.

We maintain a balance of consideration and support for children, parents, teachers, administrators, and church family.

Our school is a place that encourages, upholds, and strives for professional excellence.

We have an ambiance of happiness, love, and warmth that radiates throughout our campus.

We specialize in appropriate, child-centered early childhood education that prepares each child for the next step

ADMINISTRATIVE MODEL OF DAY SCHOOL

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Director:  Oversees SLDS program development, staff hiring, supervision and training, budgeting and financial management, communication with parents and church members, maintenance of state licensing and national accreditation standards.

Assistant Director: Works with Day School Director to oversee the SLDS program.  Assists with supervision, communication, training, and maintenance of licensing and accreditation standards.  In addition, the Assistant Director is the Program Coordinator for identified age-level departments (see definition below). The Assistant Director acts as Director when necessary.

Program Coordinator:  Responsible for support of curriculum and instruction for identified age-level departments, including SLDS Part-day and Luke’s Place Full-day programming.  Assists the Director with staff supervision and training of the designated age levels.  Communicates with Departmental Team Leaders to insure administrative attention to teacher ideas, concerns, and other issues of age-level program development.

Assessment Coordinator: Works with the Director and Assistant Director to monitor school-wide assessment processes as per our SLDS policies. Observes and assesses children as requested; suggests strategies to support children’s success. In consultation with the Director and/or Assistant Director, meets with teachers, parents, consultants, and therapists regarding action plans for potential or identified children with special needs. Coordinates plans as agreed.

Office and Finance Manager:  Oversees office management. Responsible for creating and maintaining necessary computer records and various documents for programming and communication.  Collects and tracks tuition payments and other receivables. Supervises and assists Registrar and SLDS Receptionists.

Registrar and Director’s Admin Assist:  Often first SLDS contact to the greater community. Handles SLDS tours, student enrollment, student records, and waiting lists. Conducts duties related to calendar requests, room bookings, volunteer coordination, child care requests, and office tasks as requested by the DS Office Manager. Also serves as the Director’s Administrative Assistant.

Facility, Event, and Resources Manager: Oversees management of the indoor and outdoor children’s areas used by the Day School and SL Children’s Ministries. Liaison to the SLUMC Director of Facilities and DTK housekeeping staff. Works closely with parents, administrators, and church staff to manage SLDS events. Oversees the Staff Resource Support Coordinator position and maintains the resource budget.

Staff Resources Coordinator: Purchases, organizes, and maintains equipment and supplies for classroom and administration as overseen by the Facility and Events Manager. As the new teacher mentor, meets regularly with teachers during their first year at SLDS to offer information and answer questions. Oversees the SLDS Library and works closely with Library volunteers.

Staff Systems Coordinator:  Conducts duties related to staff schedules, teacher substitutes, payroll timekeeping, teacher’s computer lab, and other office tasks as requested by the Director or Assistant Director. Also works closely with the Office Manager in regards to the Receptionist’s daily schedule.

Team Leader:  Teaching staff liaison to the administrative team.  Responsible for bringing the ideas, suggestions, and concerns of the teachers to the attention of the Director and Program Coordinators.  Works closely with Program Coordinator to develop strategies for curriculum and instruction and other issues of age-level program development.

 COMMUNICATION

Establishing Teacher/Parent Communication

Please carefully read the Parent Communication section of the Family Handbook for important information regarding this subject.

Classroom and Families Shutterfly Communication

Shutterfly Share Sites are utilized for teachers and families posting of photos and other classroom information.

A monthly calendar is prepared by the teachers for their classroom Shutterfly share site; school wide events are provided by the office.  A brief summary of the day is posted daily – “Today we…”  Other communication is sent as needed.

Photocopying 

We need to be conservative in our copy needs:

• Be aware of and follow copyright laws for articles from books and magazines.
• Any and all parent communication needs to be approved by the Day School office and typed before it can be given out.  Please allow ample turn-around time.
• Teachers may use the copiers in the Day School or Auxiliary office for copying handouts, etc. for your classroom. Please refrain from using the large copiers in the mail room (exception for photos). Office staff are available to make copies for you; be sure to note how many copies are needed.
• Copy code for all copiers is 004. The Day School is charged $.09 per page for b/w copies and $.22 per page for color copies.

Oral Communication

Remember the most effective way to communicate with the parents is to talk to them.  Regular conversations in person or by phone help to maintain strong parent/teacher relationships.

E-mail and Other Electronic Communication

St. Luke’s Day School on Instagram

Our school may be found on Instagram by searching for St. Luke’s Day School. This is a school-wide communication managed by the Director; individual classrooms do not have Instagram accounts.

Instagram is a mobile, desktop, and Internet-based photo-sharing application and service that allows users to share pictures and videos. SLDS uses this form of social media to communicate regularly with our SLDS families and faculty, as well as the general public. In respect to the privacy and safety of our young children, our SLDS photos for Instagram should express an idea or story without showing the children’s faces. Please see the Director if you have questions. Classroom photos are appreciated and may be saved or air-dropped directly to the Director’s IPod.

School Wide E-mail

For the 2021-22 School Year: The St. Luke’s Day School Weekly Parent Communication highlights COVID-19 conditions and SLDS news and is sent via email.

Teacher/Parent E-mail

All SLDS staff members are given an individual SLDS work e-mail account. Additionally, classroom teachers share a class e-mail account. Please use these for your e-mail communication related to the school. Notification of events, birthday greetings, and other specific communications that apply to your class is appropriate. Copy (cc) your program coordinator on every email to parents. Do not use email to notify parents of a behavior concern, developmental issues, or any other sensitive information.  All communication of this kind must be made in person—no exceptions allowed.

One Call Now

One Call Now is a text messaging service. Teacher and parent cell numbers are uploaded into the system and those parties are responsible for opting in to receive texts messages. Text alerts are sent in case of school closing, emergencies, or helpful information to know in the most time-sensitive manner.

Social Networking and Blogging

Be aware that your on-line presence and actions captured via photo images, posts, or comments can reflect on our program.

Do not reference or cite the children, families, or co-workers of St. Luke’s Day School without their express consent. In all cases, do not publish any information regarding a Day School child and do not use photographs of the Day School children online.  In addition, Day School logos may not be used without written consent.

Please understand that whatever you post online is public and you have no privacy rights in what you put out for the world to see. Anything in cyberspace can be used as grounds for employee disciplinary action, no matter whether it was written from work or outside of work.

Be mature, be ethical, and think before you type.

Texting

Texting to parents is discouraged. As with all cell phone communication, texting that interferes with supervision of the children is never permitted and can result in employee disciplinary action and/or termination. Parents are alerted of this policy in the Family Handbook.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

St. Luke’s Day School is a ministry of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and therefore Christian Education is seen as a natural and important part of the daily program.  Children will pray before meals, sing songs to God, celebrate major holidays of the church year, and hear religious stories suitable for their age.  Children of all faiths and cultural backgrounds are welcome at our school.

Children enrolled in our Twos, Threes, PreK, and Transitional Kindergarten classes will participate in our weekly children’s chapel services.  The children experience a brief worship service where they sing songs, hear a story from the Bible, and share a birthday blessing for all of the children celebrating birthdays during that week.  Parents are invited to join us.

Chapel Etiquette

In order for our chapel service to be a meaningful time for the children we have created chapel etiquette guidelines which are published in the Family Handbook:

• School begins at 9 a.m.  Please be on time so that your child can come to chapel with classmates.
• If chapel has begun, do not send your child in.  The chapel usher will open the door in time for late arrivals to join the birthday celebration and music.
• Strollers and large bags must be left outside the chapel.  Parents who arrive late must deliver their children’s belongings to the classrooms.
• Parents are asked to model chapel manners for their children.  Enter quietly, participate joyfully in the service, listen respectfully without talking, and remain for the entire service.
• Birthdays are celebrated each week.  Those with birthdays Sunday through Saturday of the current week are honored. Summer birthdays are recognized in May. You are welcome to attend chapel for your child’s special birthday blessing.
• When guests attend chapel, we request that they sit on the benches at the back so that children can see the worship leaders.

Service Projects

There are opportunities throughout the year for our children to learn about caring for others.  Age-appropriate service projects are planned, including canned food donations at Thanksgiving, a special Christmas donation, canned soup (“Souper Bowl”) in January, and a book donation later in the spring.  Various community agencies benefit from these donations.

Additionally, our PreK and TK classes choose their own annual service project as a part of their age-level curriculum and instruction.

ANCILLARY CLASSES

St. Luke’s Day School offers the following ancillary classes which enhance individual classroom curriculum. Frequency is one or two times per week, depending on the number of days your child attends.

Music – all ages, Infants through Transitional Kindergarten

Motor (children’s physical education) – Twos through Transitional Kindergarten

Science – PreK and Transitional Kindergarten

Early Literacy Resource Teacher – Threes

Early Literacy Lab – PreK and Transitional Kindergarten

PDF Version: The St. Luke’s Day School Teacher 9.22.21

THE ST. LUKE’S DAY SCHOOL TEACHER

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Characteristics

Teachers are chosen for the following:

1. Love for children and ability to teach them.
2. Competency and experience with age group to be taught.
3. Willingness to learn more about child development and early childhood education.
4. Ability to get along with colleagues.
5. Commitment to work in a Christian environment.

Day School Classroom Teacher

Day School Classroom Teachers work as the core teachers for an assigned group of children.

Lead One: Completes all tasks with another Lead One Teacher or is given responsibility for guiding a Lead Two Teacher

Lead Two and Lead Three: Completes all tasks under the guidance of a Lead One Teacher

Qualifications

A Day School Teacher (Lead One or Lead Two) is expected to have appropriate educational background. A minimum of a CDA certification is required.   Bachelor’s degree or higher in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a closely related field are desired.   An Associate’s degree in such fields as listed above or an unrelated degree held by a person with other outstanding qualifications may also be considered appropriate at the discretion of the Director.   Those with degrees or certifications in progress may also be considered at the discretion of the Director. If hired, the teacher will be placed as a Lead Three.

A Day School Teacher is expected to have experience working with children, preferably in a pre-school setting.   Student teaching is acceptable experience for new graduates. Other background, such as experience as a nanny, may be accepted.

A Day School Teacher must also meet the requirements for that position as stated in Minimum Standards for Day Care.

Essential Job Functions

Planning and carrying out a developmentally appropriate program in accordance with the policies of the school:

• Read, and periodically review, Texas childcare licensing standards. Uphold the requirements of accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
• Work with your teaching partner/s to:
  • prepare the learning environment
  • create a daily class schedule and submit a copy to the office
  • write lesson plans to be turned in to the designated Program Coordinator
  • submit requests for classroom supplies
• Cooperate with the Director, other Administrative staff, your age-level department, and other members of the Day School and St. Luke’s UMC staff to carry out the work of the school.

Insuring the welfare, health, and safety of each child in your care:

• Maintain constant supervision of each child while on church property.

• Stay with children at dismissal time until all have been released to family or office personnel.
• Follow good practices of health and hygiene.
• Report suspected cases of child abuse to the Director and appropriate agency.

Maintaining appropriate records:

• Child assessment: Keep up-to-date records on the development and progress of each child.   This includes writing weekly anecdotal records, completing the individual assessment record for each child and preparing an individual portfolio noting each child’s progress in five developmental domains.
• Write daily reports (as assigned by age-group) and Today We daily communications.
• Keep daily attendance report.

• Document parent contacts including phone calls and parent conferences.

Maintaining good communication with children, families, and co-workers:

• Orient each child prior to his/her entrance to school. Follow the instructions issued by the Admin Team for the school welcoming plan.
• Make contact with a late enrollee before the child’s first day. Follow the checklist for late enrollee’s orientation.
• Determine if your classroom is shared by Sunday School or other SLUMC programs and learn guidelines that are helpful for all.
• Take turns with your teaching partner to be at the door to cheerfully greet children and their families daily.
• Plan and conduct regularly scheduled school-wide parent conferences and reports; make parent contacts at other times as needed.
• Brainstorm lesson plan ideas with your teaching partner/s. Lead One Teachers are responsible for the final draft; Lead Two and Three Teachers are expected to share ideas and suggestions and participate in decision making regarding classroom activities.
• Place lesson plans in your classroom Parent Communication Binder. Make sure each teaching partner has a copy.
• Maintain your classroom Shutterfly Share Site, as outlined in the Shutterfly Share Site Standards Document. Includes writing notes as needed to inform families of classroom activities and events, a monthly classroom calendar, Today We postings, and so forth as directed.
• All e-mails to families go through your St. Luke’s employee e-address.
• Work with your partner to create and maintain displays on the bulletin boards in your area.   Refer to Classroom Environments section for information about parent postings, displays, and bulletin boards. Post calendar, notices, and brief reviews of activities for families in a manner that is orderly and not cluttered.

Taking care of school and church property:

• Complete requests for maintenance of equipment and property as needed and turn in to the Facilities, Events, and Resource Manager. Do not contact the maintenance department directly.
• Cooperate in the care and organization of the areas of common use, such as the resource room, age level materials closets, children’s kitchen, aux office, teacher’s lounge, etc.
• Keep the classroom neat, and attractive and uncluttered. (more information in Classroom Environments and Classroom Procedures sections)
• Abide by the policies and procedures for the St. Luke’s UMC and Day School iPods, iPads, computers, and other equipment.
• Comply with the classroom iPod/iPad agreement.

Supporting the school by participating in staff development opportunities and special school events:

• Complete a minimum of 24 contact hours of continuing education each year.
• Attend staff meetings, age level team meetings, the annual Methodist weekday ministry training event (ECMC), and other professional development opportunities as requested by the Director.
• Lead One Teachers will train Lead Two and Lead Three Teacher(s) in appropriate classroom practices, if needed.
• Carry out other requests made by the Director or other members of the Administrative Team.
• Attend and assist in special events such as Parent Orientation, Book Fair, and Spring Fundraiser/Family Picnic.

Other Job Functions:

• General assistance in any area of the church’s ministry where your special talents and abilities are needed or requested.

Apprentice Teachers

All first-year teachers at SLDS are considered apprentice teachers and will receive orientation to our school and intentional first year professional development.

Lead One Apprentice Teachers: Meet with an assigned mentor weekly for their first 90 days of employment.Lead Two and Lead Three teachers will be assigned a mentor at the Director’s discretion.

Shepherding Teachers

Experienced Lead Teachers who are assigned to work with Apprentice Lead Teachers are considered Shepherding Teachers. These teachers are responsible for guiding the new teachers through SLDS classroom procedures during the Apprentice’s first year at our school. The Shepherd/Apprentice teaching partners will share all the duties for successful teaching and classroom management, while respecting the learning curve of the new staff member.

Coaching Teachers

Experienced Day School Lead One Teachers may be assigned to coach other teachers on specific areas of job performance as requested by the Director. Coaching allows teachers to work together professionally to encourage reflection and analysis of teaching practices, eliminate feelings of isolation, give specific feedback over time, foster collaboration, focus on continual improvement in teaching and learning.   Coaching partners maintain a confidential relationship and meet weekly for an assigned period of time.

Day School Support Teachers – Campus Champs

Day School Campus Champs work as floating teachers to support the Admin staff and classroom teachers as needed throughout the week. Assignments vary.

Support One: Serves on the Day School staff; CDA or higher educational background

Support Two: Serves on the Day School staff; Documented training in early childhood education and/or child-care

Substitute: Serves “on call” basis

Support Teacher

Qualifications

A Support Teacher is expected to have appropriate early childhood educational background.   Preference is given to those who have degrees or credentials in child development, early childhood education, or in a closely related field.

A Support Teacher is expected to have experience working with children.   While working in a classroom setting is preferred, other experience, such as working as a church school volunteer or nanny, is acceptable.

A Support Teacher must meet the requirements as stated in Minimum Standards for Day Care.

Essential Job Functions

Responsibilities of the Support Teacher include, but are not limited to:

• Read, and periodically review, Texas childcare licensing standards. Uphold the requirements of accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

• Assist the Day School Teachers in carrying out a developmentally appropriate program in accordance with the policies of the school.

• Work with your temporarily assigned teaching partner to prepare the learning environment.
• Cooperate with the Director, other Administrative staff, the classroom teachers, and other members of the St. Luke’s UMC staff to carry out the work of the school.

Insure the welfare, health, and safety of each child in your care:

• Maintain constant supervision of each child while on church property.
• Follow good practices of health and hygiene.
• Report suspected cases of child abuse to the Director and the appropriate agency.

Maintain good communication with children, families and co-workers:

• Cheerfully greet children and their families each day. Nametags may be used to identify children by name during the day.
• If assigned to a classroom, before the children arrive, review the lesson plans with your assigned teaching partner.
• Assist teachers in the Infant, Toddler, and Twos classes with written daily reports for each child as needed in a classroom assignment.
• Always defer to the classroom teacher on talking to parents regarding children’s behavior or answering parents’ questions. If the Lead Teacher is not available, assure the parents that the teacher will get back to them.

Take care of school and church property:

• Cooperate in the care and organization of the areas of common use, such as the resource room or consumable closet.
• Keep the classrooms neat and attractive.
• Abide by the policies and procedures for the St. Luke’s UMC and Day School iPods, iPads, computers and other equipment.

Support the school by participating in staff development opportunities and special school events:

• Complete a minimum of 24 contact hours of continuing education each year.
• Attend staff meetings, the annual Methodist weekday ministry training event (ECMC), and other in-service training requested by the Director.
• Carry out other requests made by the Director or other members of the Administrative Team.
• Attend and assist in special events such as Parent Orientation, Book Fair, and Spring Fundraiser.

Other Job Functions:

• General assistance in any area of the church’s ministry where your special talents and abilities are needed or requested.

Substitute Teacher

Qualifications

Substitute Teacher is called to work on an as needed basis. The substitute is expected to have experience working with children.   While working in a classroom setting is preferred, other experience, such as working as a church school volunteer or nanny, is acceptable.

A Substitute Teacher must meet the requirements as stated in Minimum Standards for Day Care.

Essential Job Functions

Responsibilities of the Substitute Teacher include, but are not limited to:

• Assist the Day School Teachers and other Day School staff in carrying out a developmentally appropriate program in accordance with the policies of the school:
• Read, and periodically review, the St. Luke’s Day School substitute guidelines for school procedures including Texas childcare licensing standards.
• Work with your daily assigned teaching partner to prepare the learning environment.
• Cooperate with the Director, other Administrative staff, the classroom teachers, and other members of the St. Luke’s UMC staff to carry out the work of the school.

Insure the welfare, health, and safety of each child in your care:

• Maintain constant supervision of each child while on church property.
• Follow good practices of health and hygiene.
• Report suspected cases of child abuse to the Director and the appropriate agency.

Maintain good communication with children, families and co-workers:

• Before the children arrive, review the lesson plans with your assigned teaching partner.
• Cheerfully greet children and their families each day. Nametags may be used to identify children by name during the day.
• As requested, assist teachers in the Infant, Toddler, and Twos classes with written daily reports for each child.

Take care of school and church property:

• Cooperate in the care and organization of the areas of common use, such as the resource room or consumable closet.
• Keep the classrooms neat and attractive.

Other Job Functions:

• General assistance in any area of the school where your special talents and abilities are temporarily needed or requested.

*The Physical Demand charts in the job descriptions list the physical requirements of our teaching positions.  An employee must be capable of meeting these physical demands as these abilities are inherent to the job.

DAY SCHOOL TEACHER POLICIES/PROCEDURES

Ethical Conduct

All teaching staff know and use ethical guidelines in their conduct for serving in a faith-based Christian setting and the early childhood education profession. Please review the N.A.E.Y.C. code of ethical conduct each year to refresh yourself on these important practices.

Staff Professional Development Plan

Professional development is a core value of our program. We encourage our staff to play and learn right alongside our children! All teaching staff evaluate and improve their own performance based on participation in training experiences as well as on-going reflection and feedback from supervisors, peers, children, and families. Please take advantage of the many opportunities for continuing education that will be offered to you throughout each school year.

Our formal education goal is for every classroom teacher to have a CDA certification or a higher degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. CDA is the minimum classroom teacher educational requirement for accreditation, and we make sure that all of our teachers who do not have higher degrees meet this criterion. We provide the CDA training on our campus through the Ella Hawes Institute for Early Childhood Educators. Each CDA candidate’s class tuition and all associated fees are underwritten by our school. At time of hiring, an agreement will be made for teachers without this qualification to complete the CDA certification during the first year of employment.

All CDA teachers must keep up with renewal procedures and follow them carefully to maintain certification. The Assistant Director will go over the procedures and teachers are responsible for taking initiative to carry them out. This includes being aware of the renewal date and required professional development hours and beginning the procedure in a timely manner before expiration of certification.

We have partnered with San Jacinto Junior College to support teachers who want to continue their education and get an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. A plan has been made to award college credit for teachers who have completed the CDA through the Ella Hawes Institute as they continue their studies at the college.

Teachers who wish to go further with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees have our highest encouragement and admiration. We do our best to help our teachers find educational scholarships through professional organizations like the Early Childhood Methodist Conference and Houston’s Collaborative for Children.

Additionally, all of our staff, including CDA and degreed teachers, receives a minimum of 24 clock hours of professional development each school year. Most of our teachers clock more than this minimum amount. Our teachers receive on-going training in policies, procedures, all aspects of curriculum, developmentally appropriate teaching practices, health and safety, building positive relationships, partnering with families and community, teamwork, and ethical issues.

Other specialized training is offered such as summer institute and yearlong internships with the Rice University School Literacy and Culture Project, Gesell Child Development screening certification, various workshops, and professional conference attendance.

New Lead One, and sometimes, Lead Two and Three teachers are assigned a mentor for their first year of service. Mentoring and coaching are available for all staff as the need arises.

We provide incentives for our staff to participate in staff development opportunities by paying the all fees associated with the required 24 clock hours of approved staff training, CDA certification, professional conferences, and other opportunities as we are able. Staff training hours are to be completed during the twelve-month school year. Director’s discretion will be used for financial sponsorship of summer training opportunities. On-line restrictions as per state licensing apply.

Parents are our partners in supporting professional development. A portion of the funds from our annual Book Fair is designated for this purpose. We are grateful for the generosity that has allowed us to provide great training and offer educational opportunities that otherwise would have been missed.

Compensation

At time of hire, the Day School salary compensation scale is based on education and relevant experience in early childhood education and care. Current employees receive an annual review which is considered for their on-going compensation plan at St. Luke’s.

Opportunities for additional compensation for teachers include but are not limited to the following positions: Team Leader, Teaching Coach, Shepherding Teacher, Substitute Teacher, and Outdoor Classroom Ambassador.

If you have questions regarding compensation, including possible pay rate errors, notify the Director or the SLUMC Payroll Accountant. Compensation is confidential and not reviewed by other SLDS Administrators including the Staff Systems Coordinator who manages SLDS payroll hours.

Proper Attire

Every SLDS employee represents the Day School and our ECE profession in her or his appearance.   Proper attire is required of each employee.

An employee reporting for work improperly dressed or groomed shall be instructed by her or his immediate supervisor or the Director to return home for a change of clothes or other appropriate corrective action may be taken.

The attire of Day School staff members should be appropriate for working with young children.

Please note the following examples of inappropriate clothing:

• any clothing that restricts movement
• any clothing that would cause the teacher to limit interactions or activities with the children
• high heels
• leggings or tights worn with tops that do not cover the buttocks
• jogging shorts, bicycle shorts; cutoffs; short shorts
• miniskirts
• t-shirts or other clothing items with inappropriate logos or political statements
• slacks or jeans that are faded, frayed, have holes, or are cut off
• sweat suits, warm-ups, or athletic wear
• tight or revealing clothing; again, beware of leggings or other tight pants paired with short shirts/blouses, and choose shirt/blouse length to cover appropriately
• extreme visible piercings or tattoos; see the Director if you have a question about this; may be asked to cover tattoos or remove piercings during work hours

All SLDS t-shirts represent St. Luke’s UMC. Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed in public while wearing St. Luke’s t-shirts or other school clothing items.

Identification Badge/Key Card and Classroom Keys

SLDS teachers are issued an ID Badge/Key Card to be worn at work every day. The Key Card allows each teacher access to the Children’s Secure Area. Each teacher signs an acknowledgement of procedures when the ID Badge/Key Card is issued. The employee is responsible for reporting loss of badge immediately and paying for replacement badge.

Additionally, each teacher is issued a classroom key and keys to lockable classroom cabinets. If you have questions regarding the keys, please report to the Staff Resource Coordinator.

Addressing SLDS Staff Members

When in the presence of children, follow the tradition of addressing other SL staff members using their last name. No nicknames, please.

SLDS Staff Parking

Teachers are requested to park in spaces furthest away from the Activity Center/Student Ministries buildings, leaving spaces closest to the main entrance to our school available to families loading and unloading young children. This includes the central spaces between the Activity Center and The Story Houston buildings. Limited parking is also available in the St. Luke’s UMC/St. John’s parking deck on the east side of the campus.

If you have a young child, or if you have a health issue that prohibits you from walking the further distance, please see the Director or Assistant Director for permission to park closer to the Activity Center entrance.

Logging In and Out 

Day School Staff is expected to log in upon arrival each day and log out upon departure.  This includes assigned break time of 30-60 minutes.  Please be in your room at your assigned arrival time. At end of class time, you may leave as soon as all your children have been picked up and your room is in order.   Note that there is a 7-minute window after each pick-up time to allow you to deliver any late children to the office and to put your room in order.

Computers/kiosks for logging in and out are located throughout the school campus. Staff may also choose to do this on their phones. Teachers must not log out/ leave the building without letting the designated office staff know that all children are released.

Mailbox

Day School Staff members are provided with mailboxes where written communications and other items are delivered.

Teachers should check their boxes upon arrival and before leaving each day.   Administrative staff will contact the teaching staff if teachers should check their boxes during the day.

Holidays and Time Off (PTO)

Paid Holidays

St. Luke’s Day School currently recognizes the following paid holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Easter Friday and Monday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Break*
• Christmas Break*

A list of holidays for the upcoming year, and the dates of their observance, as well as days for school breaks*, will be published and distributed by the Director at the start of each school year. At its discretion, St. Luke’s Day School reserves the right to change the paid holidays observed.

In order to be eligible for holiday pay, an employee must be:

• Employed on a full or part-time basis; temporary, seasonal and intermittent employees are not eligible for holiday pay.
• Regularly scheduled to work a minimum of 18 hours per week in their primary job.
• In an active, paid status; inactive employees and employees on unpaid leave are not eligible for holiday pay.
• At work, or on approved PTO, both the work day preceding and the work day following a holiday. An employee experiencing an unexpected absence immediately prior to or after a holiday may not be eligible for holiday pay.  At the discretion of the Director, the employee may be asked to provide a physician’s statement or other substantiating documentation, for their absence, to be paid for the holiday.

Paid Weather or Other Closure Days 

In case of school closures for weather days, or other hazardous conditions, employees scheduled to work on those days will receive closure pay.

Pay for individuals with previously scheduled PTO is not considered closure pay.

Paid Time Off – PTO

PTO is available to employees to use for vacation, Spring Break, illness, medical leave or any other type of personal absence.  Excluded from PTO are jury duty and time for bereavement, which are covered separately in the SLUMC Employee Handbook.  Holidays that fall during a scheduled PTO period will not be counted as PTO days.

In order to be eligible for PTO, an employee must be:

• Employed on a full or part-time basis; temporary, seasonal and intermittent employees are not eligible for PTO.
• Regularly scheduled to work a minimum of 18 hours per week in their primary job.
• In active status; inactive employees and employees on leave do not accrue PTO.
• Have completed at least one school year of employment. In addition to Spring Break, new hires are granted five days of PTO. If hired after March, no PTO is granted until the next school year, when they begin their first year of PTO. Starting September 1^st of the year following their year of hire, new hires are credited with a full year of service for PTO accrual.
• Employees who leave for more than a year and then return, will begin again as a second-year employee in regards to their PTO.
• Employees who work only during the summer as substitutes or in temporary positions, do not get PTO.

PTO Administration and Procedure

Requests for PTO must be scheduled and approved by the Staff Systems Coordinator in consultation with the Director or Program Coordinators. Requests for PTO cannot be granted during certain times of the Day School year and are noted on the staff calendar as “blackout days.”  Exceptions must be approved by the Director.  Unanticipated PTO, such as for illness or personal emergency, must be handled per the procedure detailed in Absences/Substitutes. If plans change and the day off is not required, the Staff Systems Coordinator must be notified prior to the day of the scheduled absence.

PTO may be approved and paid for scheduled vacations prior to being accrued; scheduled vacations have definitive start and end dates. PTO for sick and other medical absences will only be approved and paid to the amount the employee has available; the duration of a medical absence may be indefinite.  Employees may not use PTO in less than 15-minute increments. Partial day and per day requests must be submitted with sufficient notice so that classrooms will not be disrupted. Requests for 3-5 days, or requests that extend a weekend or holiday, must be approved BEFORE employees make travel arrangements.  PTO may not be used to cover for an employee’s tardiness or leaving early from work.

Advance scheduling of PTO does NOT guarantee approval. When an employee’s PTO has been exhausted prior to the requested dates the procedures are as follows: If unanticipated absences happen during the school year, due to illnesses and other personal emergencies that occur prior to the requested time off, an employee’s PTO may be exhausted before their requested vacation occurs. The employee may NOT automatically take the vacation without pay. This is a particular concern during the summer. The Staff Systems Coordinator will review requests for unpaid time off and submit to the Director or Assistant Director as warranted. Taking unpaid time away without approval, regardless of prior approval when PTO was still available, may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

Additionally, some PTO requests may be returned noting that the employee is on a waitlist for the requested days. This can happen when all our Support Teachers are already scheduled for the day/days requested. Please do not make plans or travel arrangements if you are wait-listed for requested days. We will let you know any updates on the status of your request as soon as possible.

Regarding Summer full week requests. If the employee must release days, summer weeks must be released in full weeks, unless approved by the Director. A waitlist will be kept and people on the waitlist will be notified.

Employees are advised to keep a personal record of their PTO. The Staff Systems Coordinator, in consultation with the Director and Assistant Director, will report the amount of PTO used/available for each employee to Payroll.  The Staff Systems Coordinator will, as a courtesy, advise each employee of the amount of PTO used/available at regular intervals during the employee’s 9- or 12-month school year.  Questions regarding PTO should be directed to the Staff Systems Coordinator.

For all eligible employees, PTO accrual starts on September 1^st of each school year and ends on August 31^st.  At the end of the school year, remaining accrued, unused PTO may be rolled over. Rollover PTO is limited to the prior school year’s accrued, unused PTO and does not carryover from year to year.  To retain their rollover balance, an employee must have taken at least 1 full day of PTO during the school year. Rolled over PTO will be used first in the new school year. The Church requires employees to use PTO toward any approved leave.

As of the 2019-2020 school year: All PTO request are to be submitted through the Paylocity system. Following annual PTO procedural training, questions regarding the use of or complications with Paylocity are directed to the SLUMC Payroll Accountant. 

Time periods for requesting PTO

September-December: Open after PTO Presentation in August

January-August: After October 15^th

Full Weeks in Summer: After Summer PTO Presentation in March

Summer Single Days: After April and subject to availability

Employees may be limited to no greater than two consecutive weeks of PTO.  Requested PTO which exceeds two consecutive weeks must be approved by the Director.

Please see the SLUMC Human Resources Manager for specific questions and updates regarding remaining accrued unused PTO.

Twelve-Month Employees – Spring Break and PTO Accrual

All twelve-month employees, who start before December of the current school year, including new hires, are required to take at least five consecutive days of PTO as Spring Break.  Spring Break must be taken between February 1st and April 30th (ECMC week excluded). Twelve-month teachers, with core classroom responsibilities in the nine-month, part-day program and ancillary teachers, will take Spring Break during the program’s Spring Break closure, unless an alternative date is requested by the Staff Systems Coordinator in consultation with the Director or Assistant Director.

The chart below displays PTO accrual for twelve-month teachers, based upon hours worked and years of service. Teacher working less than 18 hours a week only get spring break.

12 Month Employees – 26 Paychecks

Nine-Month Employees – Spring Break and PTO Accrual

Spring break for nine-month employees, who start before December of the current school year, will occur during a week designated by the Director; typically the week when the nine month, part-day program is closed for Spring Break. All nine-month employees will be required to take this week as PTO. Nine-month employees are given a defined amount of PTO per school year, based upon hours worked, which includes Spring Break.  PTO for nine-month employees does not increase based upon years of service. Nine-month employees should plan their vacations and other time away from work for when school is not in session.

The chart below displays PTO awarded to nine-month teachers, based upon hours worked.

9 Month Employees – 20 Paychecks (may change depending on # of paychecks within Sept to May)

Scheduling Spring Break

Teachers in the 3 Teacher Luke’s Place Classrooms will work with their teaching partners to coordinate Spring Breaks, so that two teachers remain on duty when one is away. Each LP teaching partnership will receive a Spring Break worksheet at the end of January, come to an agreement, and turn the worksheet into the Staff Systems Coordinator.

Teachers with core classes in the nine-month, part-day program will not be issued preference forms; if requested by Administration to take an alternate Spring Break from the designated part-day Spring Break, that teacher’s assigned week will be given separate consideration. Ancillary/Campus Champ teachers request Spring Break in coordination with the Assistant Director and Staff Systems Coordinator.

Once dates are selected/assigned, they cannot be altered. If a teacher picks a week with a holiday in it, that day’s PTO is placed back in their PTO bank.

Any Spring Break PTO that is not used during the designated Spring Break period will be forfeited unless an exception has been approved by the Director. Questions or unusual circumstances should be directed to the Staff Systems Coordinator.

Separation or Termination from Employment

Upon separation from employment, an employee’s rollover and current year accrued, unused PTO will be paid out in their final paycheck.  If an employee has taken and been paid for more PTO than they have accrued or been awarded, the negative PTO balance will be deducted from their final paycheck.

Absences/Substitutes

Unanticipated Absences

1. The procedures for an unanticipated absence, such as illness, family emergency, and so forth, are as follows: Email schedule@stlukesdayschool.org to report your absence; let us know your circumstance and when you expect to return. Please include your daily scheduled hours.
2. Lead Teachers, or Support Teachers in interim assignments, such as covering a maternity leave, will call their teaching partners to let them know of the change in plans for the day.
3. You must have a doctor’s return to work for absences due to illness exceeding 3 consecutive days.
4. If plans change and the day or time off is not required, notify the Staff Systems Coordinator as soon as possible.

Guidelines for Working with Campus Champs or Substitute Teachers

The following are a few reminders of how the classroom teachers can help the substitutes as they assist in the classroom.  Just as children can feel ill at ease and uncomfortable in strange surroundings, so can a substitute. Even our experienced Campus Champs appreciate your help as they learn about your classroom. Here are some guidelines for helping a substitute become familiar with a room, children, and a schedule. Remember, the more comfortable a substitute feels in a room, the more help she/he will be!

1. Greet the substitute, show her/him around the room, and make sure the sub has a name tag.
2. Make sure the substitute is aware of any children who have allergies.
3. Point out the centers, emergency exit maps, cubbies, where the lunches are kept, where the teacher’s supplies are kept: i.e., mats, tissues, disinfectant, cups, napkins, etc.
4. Briefly go over your daily schedule, including transition songs, etc. you may use.
5. Show her/him the lesson plan that is posted in your Shutterfly account and explain the activities.
6. Be specific about what you want her/him to do. You may want to assign her/him a particular task, such as supervising the art table, changing diapers, reading a story, etc.
7. When the children start arriving, be sure to introduce the substitute. This will help the children and the sub feel more comfortable. The sub will wear a nametag so the parents will know what to call her/him.
8. Nametags on the children are really helpful. This can be as simple as using a sharpie to write the child’s name on masking tape. Generally not necessary to put the taped name on the child’s back; this is a common practice that can cause confusion as adults need to constantly turn the child around to see the name.  (Masking tape on the back for the little ones.)
9. Make sure all items brought in by the children are marked with their names (lunch packs, blankets, sheets, coats, toys, etc.).
10. If appropriate, explain the diapering procedures. Be sure to instruct the sub as to where changing supplies are kept, where the diapers are discarded, how to disinfect the mat, and to wash hands after every change.
11. For older children, explain your procedure and times your class goes to the bathroom.
12. Ask the substitute to help you keep a head count with the face to name count when coming and going from the room.
13. Let the substitute know when she/he can take a break and describe the teacher lunch procedure. Impress upon her/him that she/he needs to tell you if she/he is leaving the indoor or outdoor classroom.

This looks like a lot, but most of it takes only a few minutes, and can be done during the course of your day. The reward will be a relaxed, confident substitute, who will help make your day go more smoothly.

Personal Breaks

Teachers should not work more than four consecutive hours directly with children without taking a 15-minute break. SLDS Part-day teaching partners are responsible for providing this opportunity for each other. Breaks of five to 15 minutes may be taken when the licensing standards for staff/child ratios will not be compromised. For example, one teacher may take a break when a music or motor teacher is leading activities with the children or during the children’s nap time. Teachers must not take a break during outdoor classroom time unless there are three teachers assigned to the classroom.

Luke’s Place Full-day teachers working in three teacher classrooms will coordinate their one-hour breaks with their teaching partners.

In some circumstances, the administrative staff may work with teachers to determine if a “break person” is needed. A Campus Champ may be assigned to the classroom to maintain staff/child ratios during teacher breaks as directed.

In addition, staff may request temporary relief when they are unable to perform their duties.

If your scheduled hours on campus are:                Your break is:

8 hours or less                                                  5-15 minutes as above (during times when ratio allows)

9 hours                                                             1 scheduled hour (coordinated with teaching partners)

Examples: 8:30-2:30pm is 6 hours; 7:00-3:00pm is 8 hours; 7:00-4:00pm is 9 hours; 8:00-5:00pm is 9 hours; 8:30-5:30pm is 9 hours

Cellular Phones, Tablets, and Other Personal Electronics

Cell phone or personal electronics use, including talking, texting or messaging, that interferes with supervision of children is never permitted and can result in employee disciplinary action and/or termination of employment.

Cellular telephones should be kept out of reach of children. Employees are free to use telephones on break as desired. Employees may only use cellular phones in the classrooms on a limited basis for emergency situations. See your Program Coordinator and follow accepted procedures. Please do not use your cell phone to check the time or take photos as this may be misunderstood by others and may result in a report that you are using your phone inappropriately.

Use of SLUMC Technology (see SLUMC Handbook)

The SLUMC policies are inclusive of all equipment issued to and used by SLDS staff; examples include but are not limited to iPad tablets, iPods, laptops, and computers.

Transporting Children

Day School teachers are not allowed to transport children other than their own family members to and from school. See your Program Coordinator if you have questions regarding this policy.

Babysitting Children Attending Your Current Class

Teachers (Leads and Campus Champs) may not babysit children attending classes in which they have a current assignment.

Program Review

Periodically teachers will be asked to complete a program evaluation to measure our policies, procedures and program quality. In addition, teachers are asked annually to submit program evaluation information to help our Leadership Team of administrators and Team Leaders as they set program goals. Goals and expectations for each year are shared with the entire staff.

Parents are also asked to evaluate the program. All teachers with children in the program should participate in any parent surveys.

Your ideas and suggestions are important to us! Please participate in these opportunities to assist in the decision-making process to make necessary changes and improvements to our program!

MID-YEAR MEETING and EMPLOYMENT REVIEW

The Director and/or designated Program Coordinator meet with individual teachers mid-way through the current school year, usually in Dec/Jan/Feb. These mid-year meetings are not formal reviews. The purpose of the mid-year meeting is to give each teacher the opportunity to meet face-to-face with supervisors to discuss how the year is going so far. Teaching teams will meet together unless they request individual meetings. Professional development training logs may be checked and feedback and/or coaching are offered as needed.

All SLDS staff members participate in annual employment reviews with the Director and designated assigned Program Coordinator. Please see the end of this section for an example of the self-evaluation form you will be typically required to complete prior to your end-of-year conference/employment review. These reviews are generally held late April and May at the end of the nine-month school year or during the summer.  In addition to the self-evaluation, each teacher may be expected to present a professional portfolio at the time of the review. At the time of the annual review, the teacher and supervisors will also set an individual professional development plan for the up-coming school year.

If circumstances prevent an annual review meeting, your Director and Program Coordinator will review your self-evaluation and inform you of your invitation to continue employment at SLDS. Professional development portfolios will be reviewed separately. All terminations of employment will include a meeting.

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE

Steps are taken to reduce occupational hazards. For instance, teachers are trained in sanitation procedures and proper hand washing techniques that prevent the spread of diseases.

Precautions will be taken with pregnant staff, as we are able, to notify them of infectious diseases and to insure their safe daily practices. We ask all employees to notify administrators immediately of pregnancy so that we may support them.

Our building is monitored by our SLUMC Director of Facilities for environmental exposure and we are alerted of any concerns and plans of action.

See the Benefits, Policies and Procedures section for cases of on the job injuries.

VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASES and RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS

Based on the level of risk the employee presents to children by the employee’s routine and direct exposure to children, St. Luke’s Day School recommends, but does not require, employee immunizations. This may be changed at any time in accordance with direction from St. Luke’s Executive Staff and Church governance boards and committees.

Immunizations are not just for children. Keeping up-to-date on your vaccinations helps protect you and the children you work with from vaccine-preventable diseases that can be transmitted in a child care setting, including influenza, pertussis (whooping cough), and varicella.

As an early childhood educator, you come into contact with many viruses and bacteria while working with children. Some diseases, such as pertussis, are more serious in children, while others, such as chicken pox, are worse for adults.

What vaccines should SLDS staff consider?

The COVID-19 fully vaccinated staff member is protected from COVID-19 and the virus variants to the published percentage of the vaccine received (i.e., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J). COVID-19 vaccination by eligible staff members significantly protects unvaccinated children and colleagues from the spread of COVID-19, a life-threatening virus. Currently, SLUMC recommends but does not require the COVID-19 vaccine for church employees including SLDS staff. Prompt notification will be given if this position changes.

Yearly Flu vaccine not only protects you from the flu each year but also helps make sure you do not spread the disease to children. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. Since the type of flu that sickens people every year changes, you should get a vaccination every year.

One Tdap vaccine protects against pertussis (whooping cough), which affects the lungs and is spread from person to person through the air. Pertussis can be very serious, especially for infants who are too young to be vaccinated. An individual with a mild case of pertussis may have a bad, lingering cough and can still transmit the disease to young children. You likely received a series of vaccines as a child to prevent pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria. However, the protection from those vaccines may have worn off. You can receive one Tdap vaccine as the best way to prevent pertussis as an adult.

Td is a booster vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria. It does not protect against pertussis. Routine booster shots of the Td vaccine every 10 years adequately protect against tetanus and diphtheria.

Varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox. Many adults already have had chickenpox and are now immune to it. However, the disease can be serious for adults so adults who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated should get two doses of the vaccine.

Resources

Talk to your doctor about getting the vaccines you need. Many places offer free or low-cost vaccines to people who do not have insurance or who cannot afford their copay. Call 2-1-1 to find out which clinics in your area offer immunizations.

The Texas Department of State Health Services provides Texas resources and you can also order posters and brochures. www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize or (800) 252-9152.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers reliable information about vaccines, vaccine-preventable diseases, and national recommendations. The website includes many resources, including a printable version of the adult immunization schedule www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.html.
For more information on vaccine safety and frequently asked questions go towww.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Concerns/Index.html.

The Immunization Action Coalition offers educational materials on vaccines and diseases.

TEACHER SUPPORT AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

Our SLDS staff strives to support one another in maintaining personal balance emotionally, socially, physically, intellectually, and spiritually just as we support these aspects of child development.   A variety of strategies are established each year so that teachers and administrators may get to know and care for one another.

Prayer requests may be submitted to the Admin Team at any time and are honored faithfully. St. Luke’s UMC prayer requests may be written and submitted at the SL prayer tree. Any staff member or SLDS family may complete confidential requests to the SL Prayer Team and clergy. Membership not required.

The Director and Program Coordinators have resources to promote wellness, prevention and treatment of depression, and stress management. Please come see us if you need support or suggestions. The pastors of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center (formerly known as the St. Luke’s Counseling Center) are also available to you as needed.

JUST FOR FUN

Staff Birthdays

Staff birthdays are important and recognized at the school.  Birthdays are announced and celebrated in the school-wide morning greetings or at Campus Connection meetings. Summer birthdays may be celebrated during the nine-month school year, since many of our teachers do not work in our summer program.

Class families typically celebrate their children’s teachers as well. (Please wait for them to ask if you have favorites birthday treats and do not send out a personal birthday wish list.)

Secret Santa

Christmas celebrations at St. Luke’s include a tradition of Day School Staff Secret Santa Days. Staff members who wish to participate fill out a Secret Santa Information Sheet. Names are drawn and staff members are surprised with small, thoughtful items for a week in December. Items such as notes, candy, and small inexpensive gifts are delivered secretly each day (we encourage free or very minimally expensive items; please do not exceed a total of $10 over the week) and a final gift of approximately $10 to $15 in value is exchanged when Secret Santa identities are revealed at the Day School Christmas party.

Pink Day

Pink Day was originally established on a day in October to honor SLDS staff members, and their loved ones, diagnosed with breast cancer. Over time breast cancer education has become our school’s designated public health awareness cause. Teachers, children, and families are encouraged to wear pink on a designated day in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We explain this simply to the children by saying that we want to keep our mommies and other loved ones healthy. Adults receive information regarding the disease and preventative care. Staff members are offered many fun incentives to take care of themselves and others.

Go Texan Day

The Day School supports community awareness by encouraging participation in Houston’s annual Go Texan Dayassociated with the opening of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Staff, children, and parents dress western for the day.

School Spirit Days

From time to time the School Spirit Team and Administrators will organize fun activities to encourage camaraderie and a sense of school identity and community.

PDF Version: Health and Safety 11.10.21

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Children depend on adults to make safe and healthy choices for them and to teach them to do this for themselves. Our program strives to promote and protect children’s health and control infectious disease; to ensure children’s nutritional well-being; and to maintain a healthy and safe environment.

SUPERVISION

Supervision is basic to the health and safety of each child in our program. Every teacher must be familiar with Standard 746.1205 of the Minimum Standards of Childcare Licensing regarding appropriate supervision of the children. (Also see, Supervision section of SLDS Classroom Procedures regarding Face to Name procedures)

In addition, for PreK and Kaleidoscope TK (TK) children, supervision is primarily by sight. Sound supervision is permissible as long as the children who are in sound supervision are checked frequently and teachers are aware of where in the classroom the children are at all times.

TK children may be out of sight and sound supervision for a short period of time (example: going to the restroom) if they are in a safe environment. Teacher will check on these children if they do not return promptly to the classroom. Children in TK are not allowed anywhere but the restroom without adult supervision.

HANDWASHING

Hand washing technique for adults and children: Children 18 months of age and older and adults must wash their hands with soap and running water. Pre-moistened towelettes or wipes and waterless hand cleaners are not a substitute for soap and running water and are not to be used.

1. Turn on water to a comfortable temperature.
2. Moisten hands with water and work up heavy soap lather. Liquid soap is recommended.
3. Rub hands for at least 15 to 20 seconds, paying attention to the areas between the fingers and under nails and the backs of both hands.
4. Rinse well under running water.
5. Dry hands with a disposable paper towel.
6. Use the same towel to turn off the water faucet and discard the towel.
7. Use a hand lotion to help prevent skin from becoming dry or cracked.

For infants and toddlers, you can modify this technique to allow more frequent hand washing.

1. Moisten a damp paper towel with liquid soap to wipe the baby’s hands.
2. Use a second towel moistened with clean water to rinse the hands.
3. With a third towel, dry the baby’s hands and turn off the water faucet.

INFECTION CONTROL

Sometimes the best way to control the spread of illness is the easiest. Proper hand washing has been identified as the single most effective means of stopping disease infection. Studies also show that when you wash and how you wash are more important than what you wash with (Healthy Young Children, 1991). Children and caregivers should always wash their hands:

• before handling food
• before feeding or eating
• after diapering or toileting
• after sneezing or wiping noses
• after playing outdoors or in sand or water
• after handling or cleaning up body fluids
• after handling or feeding pets

Teach children and caregivers how to catch a sneeze or cough. Sneeze and cough away from other people and toward the floor, into the crook of your elbow. If you catch a sneeze or cough in a tissue or your hands, immediately wash your hands.

PROTECTING FROM SUN EXPOSURE AND INSECT-BORNE DISEASE

In addition to extreme cold or heat and injury, children must be protected from sun exposure and insect-borne disease to the best of our abilities. Review and follow procedures as stated in this section of the Family Handbook.

SANITIZING PROCEDURES

Read and follow the NAEYC Cleaning and Sanitation Frequency Table included at the end of this section on the next page.

Equipment and materials in child-care facilities should be made of washable materials, especially if they are mouthed during play. Mouthed toys should be washed, rinsed, and disinfected between users. Label a “Dirty Toy” bucket where mouthed toys are placed after they have been put down by a child. These toys are washed and disinfected at naptime.

The school provides a disinfectant for classroom use. Use a labeled spray bottle to dispense the solution and store it out of the reach of children. Children may not spray the disinfectant when helping with classroom clean-up.

Sanitizing requires a four-step process. For the sanitizing process to be effective, you must follow these steps in order:

1. Washing with water and soap;
2. Rinsing with clear water;
3. Soaking in or spraying on a disinfecting solution (at least two minutes). Rinsing with cool water only those items that children are likely to place in their mouths; and
4. Allowing the surface or article to air-dry.

Additional sanitizing procedures:

• Surfaces that may come in contact with potentially infectious body fluids must be disposable or made of a material that can be sanitized.
• Staff use gloves and other barriers that minimize contact of mucous membranes or of openings in skin with potentially infectious body fluids to reduce the spread of infectious disease.
• When spills of body fluids occur, staff clean up immediately with detergent followed by water rinsing.
• After cleaning, staff sanitize nonporous surfaces by using the procedure for sanitizing designated changing surfaces described in the Cleaning and Sanitation Frequency Table.
• Staff clean rugs and carpeting by blotting, spot cleaning with a detergent-disinfectant, and shampooing or steam cleaning.
• Staff dispose of contaminated materials and diapers in a plastic bag with a secure tie, which is then placed in a closed container.

DIAPER CHANGING PROCEDURES

Teachers must promptly change soiled or wet diapers or clothing and follow the following steps:

• Gather diapering materials (clean diaper, wipes, gloves, plastic bag for soiled diaper) before starting
• Roll out fresh paper onto the changing table
• Put new gloves on both hands
• Place child on the changing table and secure with straps
• Remove diaper and place soiled diaper in bag
• Wipe the child’s diaper area gently and thoroughly
• Place soiled wipes and gloves in bag, tie bag, and throw away in a trash can with a lid. Put clean diaper on the child
• Wash child’s hands with soap and water; dry hands with a paper towel; turn water off with paper towel
• Tear off paper on changing table and throw away
• Spray and wipe changing table with soap.
• Spray and wipe changing table with water.
• Spray and wipe table with disinfectant
• Wash hands with soap and water; dry hands with a paper towel; turn water off with paper towel.

Diaper Cream Application

Diaper cream is considered a medication. Therefore, we will require permission to apply the cream and then document the application. Here is a review of our procedures:

• Parent brings diaper cream and signs the permission form (kept in classroom)
  • Signed permission forms are kept in the child’s information sleeve.
• Once we obtain diaper cream with permission form, both the cream and the permission slip may be kept in the classroom
  • After the original application, you must notify the parent (in person or by telephone) before applying the cream on a new rash
  • Diaper cream must be kept out of the reach of children.
• Record the application of diaper cream on the diaper cream log
• Note application on the child’s daily report. Example: 1:15 dc (dc for diaper cream).

ILLNESS POLICY FOR CHILDREN

All Day School staff must read the current Day School Family Handbook section, Security, Health, & Safety. This includes our Illness Policy and detailed information for parents regarding medications. Parents and teachers will be notified of any updates or changes to the policy that occur after the annual printing of the handbook.

An ill child needs to be at home. The following symptoms are to be used to determine whether or not a child should be at school:

• The child is unable to participate comfortably in all activities
• The child has a greater need for care than teachers can provide while caring for the other children
• The child has one of the following:
  • An ear (tympanic) temperature of 100 accompanied by behavior changes or other signs of illness
  • Uncontrolled diarrhea
  • Two or more vomiting episodes
  • Excessive coughing
  • Rash with fever
  • Mouth sores with drooling
  • Behavior changes or other signs that the child may be severely ill.

If a child becomes ill during the day, the Day School office will call the parent and ask them to pick up the child. Depending on the circumstances the child may remain with a familiar teacher or may be cared for by the office staff until the parent arrives. All parents are advised that they must have emergency plans established to care for ill children. Children must be fever/symptom free without medication for 24 hours or one program day, whichever is longer, before returning to school.

REPORTING COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Communicable diseases must be reported to the Day School Administrative Staff. Notices will be emailed from the Day School office concerning children who have been exposed to communicable diseases. Parents are asked to notify the school at once if their child has a communicable disease or has been exposed to one (the Communicable Disease Chart is available in the Day School office).

The Administrative Staff contacts the health department as required for certain diseases.

FOOD AND OTHER ALLERGIES

Parents of children with severe food allergies will request an Allergy Action Plan form from the Day School office. Copies of the completed form will be kept in the classroom and the office. We ask that families of children with food allergies give us consent for posting information about each child’s allergy so that it is a visible reminder to all who interact with these children during the program day. An allergy alert sign will be posted at the classroom door. Specific information for each child is posted near the classroom sink. All common areas such as the playgrounds, Children’s Chapel, and hallways are allergy alert areas, and parents and staff must strive to prevent these areas from becoming contaminated. No food of any kind may be consumed in these areas.

Due to the severity of some food allergies, such as peanuts and tree nuts, we will prohibit all classmates from bringing food items that are life threatening to an individual child. For other known allergies that require special procedures, parents will be contacted for instructions.

Once school has started, any parent who reports a newly diagnosed allergy should be referred to the main office.

MEDICAL INJURY OR EMERGENCY

Medical Emergency Statement from Family Handbook

In the case of illness or injury during school hours, the following procedures will be followed:

1. Office staff will attempt to contact one or both parents.
2. If parents cannot be reached, designated persons in the child’s file will be contacted.
3. Parents will be notified immediately if it is suspected that a child has sustained a concussion.
4. If a child needs urgent medical attention, an administrator will call 911.
5. In the event a parent or guardian is not present and cannot be reached, St. Luke’s Day School will follow the recommendation of 911 emergency personnel for treatment and/or transport to the emergency room. All expenses incurred are the responsibility of the parents.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

Ambulance/Police                      911

Poison Control                             1-800-222-1222

Campus Security                          713-416-3004

STAFF INSTRUCTIONS

ACUTE MEDICAL EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Take appropriate First Aid measures while another adult contacts the office or person in charge.

911 will be called to obtain an ambulance. If you must call, state clearly:

Your name

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Day School

3471 Westheimer

The phone number you are calling from and/or

713-402-5030-Day School Office

713-402-5075-After School Care

713-622-5710-Church Office

Answer any questions you may be asked

DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL TOLD TO.

The Director or person in charge will attempt to call the parents or child’s physician immediately to coordinate emergency services.

Send copy of the Emergency Medical Information form with the child.

Complete an Accident Report Form and place in the Director’s box.

MEDICAL ATTENTION NEEDED/NOT ACUTE SITUATION

Take appropriate First Aid measures then contact office.

The office staff will contact the parents or child’s physician immediately. If you are the designated person, call the parents or child’s physician and tell them of the situation. Ask them for their hospital preference.

MINOR EMERGENCY OR ILLNESS

When a child is injured (scrape, cut, bump, bite, etc.) take appropriate First Aid measures. Simple First Aid kits can be found in the classroom backpacks. The Resource Room has more extensive supplies. If a second opinion is needed, take the child to the office, or designated first aid area. Complete an accident report to be sent to the parents and one for the office to be placed in the Program Coordinator’s box.

Sometimes a child sustains an injury to the head or face, an abrasion that causes considerable bleeding, or some other minor injury that might alarm a parent but does not require sending the child home immediately. In such case, the teacher or office will call the parent to give a report as soon as possible and before regular dismissal time.

If the child becomes ill or appears ill during the school day, take the child to the office or designated first aid area to have his temperature taken and symptoms assessed. The office will contact the parents to pick up the child if needed.

DISPENSING MEDICATION

If, during the school day, a child needs medicine authorized by a parent with written permission, bring the child to the Resource Room or designated first aid area to take medicine. Complete the Medication Dose form in the Medicine Book. A second person must witness and initial the form. This is required when dispensing medication.

Licensing requires that parents bring all medication in their original containers and clearly labeled with the child’s first and last name, name of clinician, expiration date, and manufacturer’s instructions. Over the counter medications must have dosage instructions for the child’s age. If there are no dosage instructions for the child’s age, the medication must be accompanied by a signed doctor’s note stating the dosage instructions.

When staff administer care to children requiring special medical procedures, we ask for guidance from the health care provider. See the sample Allergy Action Plan form. A parent and doctor must sign the form. Specific guidance for using the Epi Pen is on the back. In addition, our staff is trained in the administration of medication including Epi Pens.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

The following forms are posted in every classroom: Fire Drill Procedures, Emergency Contacts with Phone Numbers, and an Evacuation Map. You must notify someone in the chain of command in the event of an emergency in your classroom or elsewhere on the campus.

FIRE

3 minutes or less to clear building

Alarm will make a continuous whooping sound including a voice over instruction to clear the building.

1. Classroom teacher one – Line children up at the door. Do a quick Face to Name, check and count the children as you leave the room. Take the classroom backpack with you.
2. Classroom teacher two– Position yourself at the end of the children’s line. Check classroom and restroom to assure clearance and close the classroom door as you exit. Do not touch the light switch.
3. Proceed to the designated Fire Drill gathering area for this room (see evacuation posting).
4. Count children again and repeat your Face to Name check. When all children and adults from your room are accounted for, raise your class binder with room number visible until noted by office staff.
5. Return to building when All-Clear signal is given. Repeat your count and Face to Name procedures.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Refer to the map of the building (About the School section) for location of fire extinguishers and fire alarm pull stations.

1. Take fire extinguisher off the wall holder or out of cabinet.
2. Stand back from fire 6-8 feet.
3. Pull out ring pin.
4. Hold fire extinguisher upright.
5. Aim nozzle at the base of the fire.
6. Squeeze handles.
7. Spray, using a side-to-side motion.

SHELTER IN PLACE

We will Shelter in Place in the event of a biological or chemical emergency in our city. We will lock down the building for the safety of the children.

In the event of an actual chemical/biological emergency, teachers will be instructed to move the children to a designated area of our building. Once we have accounted for each child and staff member, this area will be locked. The area will be secured and not opened until we receive an all clear from the proper authorities.

Should an emergency occur, all parents are advised to follow instructions given by the local authorities. Parents who arrive at St. Luke’s after the children are secured in the building will be directed to a safe place in the Church building where they may wait for children to be released.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN

Certain emergency circumstances might lead the school to release students quickly and safely to their homes. Parents will be notified of an emergency dismissal through the following communication network: an SLDS text message, an E-Spirit group e-mail notification, a recorded message on the school’s main telephone line, as well as notification on the school website if time permits the website update. In the event of an emergency dismissal the school will release a student directly to the parent(s) or to others authorized by the parent(s) as per the child’s current release form.

Should extreme circumstances require the immediate evacuation of our campus, St. Luke’s Day School maintains a reciprocal agreement with St. John’s School (2401 Claremont Lane, 713-850-0222) and River Oaks Baptist School (2300 Willowick, 713-623-6938). In some scenarios, children could be evacuated across Edloe Street from our main campus to other property that is owned by SLUMC. Parents are given this information in the St. Luke’s Day School Family Handbook.

In such case, depending on the circumstances, the Director or other administrative personnel of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church will advise the teachers of the plan for evacuation. Emergency backpacks are issued to the teachers at the beginning of each school term and include parent contact information. During emergency evacuation teachers are responsible for their assigned group of children and may not be released from that duty without the permission of the Director. We will transport children via church vans, private automobile, or on foot, with assistance from all school and church staff.

Children younger than 24 months of age, children who have limited mobility, or who otherwise may need assistance will be transported in routine manner as they are able (i.e., in evacuation cribs, by foot, in individual equipment provided for handicap, such as a wheelchair). If necessary, they will be relocated with proper supervision to the safest area of the building (determined at the time of the emergency by Director or person designated in charge) until transportation can be provided.

SEVERE WEATHER ALERT

If threatening weather conditions occur, such as extremely dark clouds, high winds, or hail, keep children away from classroom windows and be ready to respond if the DS office calls a severe weather alert.

In case of an immediate severe weather event in our area, the alarm will be given by intercom and/or room to room notification. “We have severe weather NOW.”

1. Classroom teacher one– Gather children into designated place in your classroom or line up to go to your designated place and follow previously stated procedures.

Designated areas are identified on your evacuation map and reviewed with you periodically. If there is a restroom in your classroom, this is most likely your designated area to shelter from severe weather. (Check your posting)

2. Classroom teacher two – If leaving classroom, position yourself at the end of the line, check classroom and restroom to assure clearance, and close the door. Do not touch the light switch.

3. In case of immediate danger, seated children and teachers should put their heads on their knees and clasp their hands behind their necks if possible.

4. Await an All-Clear signal before returning to classroom. (Repeat count/Face to Name)

SECURITY PROCEDURES

In case of need to alert the office of a suspicious person on campus:

It is the responsibility of every staff member to be alert to all individuals they see in the building. We are often called upon to give directions to people entering the church for appropriate reasons.

If someone appears suspicious and danger is not imminent you will intercom, call, or send word to the DS office (5140), or the Aux office (5030) and help will be sent immediately to follow up with that individual.

If a threatening situation is imminent call 911 from a school phone or your cell phone and report it to the office as quickly as possible.

To reach campus security call 713-416-3004.

Intruder Alert/Lockdown:

Office personnel or other DS staff will announce “Intruder in the building” to alert the DS staff of a threatening situation. This will be done in the fastest manner possible via intercom or word of mouth. If the location of the intruder is known, the last known location will be stated. In this case, stay clear of that area and proceed to the nearest secure location.

Inside the building, classroom doors should already be locked. Teachers turn out the lights, close the blinds, and move furniture in front of the door, and hide. As quickly and safely as possible, teachers should take the classroom backpack and move their students to the room’s designated intruder alert location. If possible, cell phones should be silenced, and everyone should remain calm and quiet. If outside of the building during an alert, teachers will use best judgment to keep the children out of harm’s way, including crossing the street to leave the campus if necessary.

All teachers & staff are to complete a class count and Face to Name check and keep children secure until an All-Clear notification is received from DS office staff or emergency personnel. Do not leave the room or respond to anyone at the door, even if a fire alarm is sounded, until notification of an ALL-CLEAR is made by appropriate staff.

Lockout Alert:

Should security personnel notify St. Luke’s of a suspected threat near campus, the school will go on lockout. All classes outside of their rooms will be instructed to return to their classrooms immediately. Teachers will lock the door and close the blinds. Classes will participate in planned activities inside of the classroom until given the All-Clear by administrative staff.

In case of a missing child:

The teacher who is missing a child will contact the office immediately. All staff will be alerted.

When you hear this announcement quickly check your room and restroom. At the same time the office staff will be checking the common areas upstairs and downstairs. If you find the child, report to the Day School office immediately. A follow-up announcement will be made to let staff know when the child has been located.

In case of a utility failure:

Teachers will use their flashlights, located in their backpacks, as temporary light. Lanterns are also available. If the school is informed that the failure is to be extended, parents will be notified, and children are to be picked up as soon as possible.

VOLUNTEER AND VISITOR INFORMATION

Classroom volunteers must complete a registration process and be approved before working with children. All volunteers and classroom visitors must sign-in and sign-out in the DS office or the classroom volunteer/visitor binder on the day of the visit and wear a nametag.

With prior approval from the director, teachers’ children may visit their parent’s classroom to be a reader or help with a party. Check with the registrar to make sure your child has the proper forms on file. The children are often called “helpers,” but it is critical that staff remember that all children under 16 years of age must be counted in the child/staff ratio. The children must remain with their parent or another adult at all times.

SUPPORTING GOOD NUTRITION

The program takes steps to ensure proper food-serving practices, healthy eating, health department requirements, refrigeration requirements, and allergies restrictions. Each teacher must be familiar with Texas child-care licensing and NAEYC accreditation guidelines from Standard 5.B for nutritional well-being and food service. Also see the Family Handbook sections Snacks and Lunches at School and Healthy Lunch Suggestions.

The Day School supports nursing mothers by properly storing/serving expressed milk and by offering a place to breastfeed with comfort and privacy. Breast-feeding may take place in the classrooms or the church Nursing Nook (designated lactation room) as most appropriate for the family and classmates.

Parents are requested to bring food cut into small, bite sized pieces which are the appropriate size for the child’s ability to chew and swallow. If the food is not the correct size, then the staff will cut foods into pieces no larger than ¼ inch square for infants and ½ inch square for toddler /twos, according to each child’s chewing and swallowing capability.

Talk directly or send a note home to parents if they send any food that is not the correct size or is on the choking hazard list (i.e., raisins and popcorn). We cannot serve food considered to be a choking hazard.

At snack and mealtimes teaching staff regularly sit and eat with children and engage in conversation.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AREAS

Teachers must check the Outdoor Classrooms for safety issues each time they take the children outdoors. Make sure that gates are locked. Immediately report to the Facilities, Events & Resources Manager any broken equipment or unsafe conditions on the playgrounds.

Buggies and strollers should remain on sidewalks as able. In areas where the buggy/stroller route includes the driveway (near playgrounds) extra precaution must be taken. Do not take buggy/stroller rides in the main parking lot or enter any area where there are moving vehicles.

REPORTING ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Teachers and/or other Day School personnel meet with the Director immediately when abuse or neglect of a child enrolled in the school program is suspected.

Texas law requires caregivers to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Texas Health and Human Services or to law enforcement. Call 1-800-252-5400 to make confidential reports. Failure to report suspected abuse or neglect is a crime. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against caregivers who make reports in good faith.

PDF Version: Classroom Environments 10.4.2021

CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENTS

Classroom Environments Initiative

St. Luke’s Day School has established 3 important values to guide our decisions
for ongoing design changes in our classrooms.

Child-Centeredness

Thoughtful selection of materials, equipment, furnishings,

and lessons that support our mission;

 Visual Order

Uncluttered space to set the tone for
appropriate play & learning and peaceful interactions;

Natural Elements

 Physical reflections of our Creator, God,
who made all this beauty with great love for us!

The Director, Program Coordinators, and Facility, Events and Resources Manager will offer guidance as our plan continues to develop.

COMMON CLASSROOM DESIGN ELEMENTS

Child-Centeredness Checklist

• Large photos of children will be displayed in one area of the Lambs, Bunnies, and Honeybees classrooms
• All classrooms will incorporate photos of children in action as appropriate for documentation of activities, class books, etc.
• Children’s artwork will be thoughtfully and respectfully displayed (no curled edges or out of season artwork) in one area of classroom (chosen in collaboration with Resource Coordinator) and should include documentation.
• Family photos will be included in one area of classroom. Possibilities include class books, placemats, crib photos and framed displays.
• A Birthday wall celebrating each child will be displayed in one area of the classroom; location chosen in collaboration with Resource Coordinator.
• Cubbies will be labeled attractively with child’s name and photo.
• All equipment, toys and books will be chosen and thoughtfully arranged according to the age/stage of children assigned to the classroom.
• Special postings (who’s here, pictorial daily schedule, etc.) are limited and placed in collaboration with Resource Coordinator.

Visual Order Checklist

• Countertops will remain free of clutter. Teacher materials should be organized attractively and purposefully. Use enclosed storage efficiently.
• Tops of manipulative shelves will remain free of teacher clutter and only hold items which enhance classroom environment or pertain to curriculum (plants, natural objects, lamps, photos, manipulatives).
• Nothing is to be stored on top of or behind cabinets, furniture, or doors.
• A Parent Communication bulletin board, issued by the Resource Coordinator, will be located near each classroom entry door.
• Items posted for parents are limited to Daily Schedules and, if applicable, the monthly Big Luke’s Place snack calendar. Additional pertinent information may be posted if it fits neatly on your Parent Communication Board without hanging off the edges.
• All other parent communication will be kept in the Parent Communication Binder.
• A Communication Crate, including children’s folders and Parent Communication Binder, will be located near classroom entry for parents’ easy access.
• No postings or decorations on exterior of classroom door except for Sign-in sheet/Today We.
• Centers will remain open and inviting for children; please do not cover with cloth or turn them to indicate centers are closed. (See Resource Coordinator for suggestions)
• Window of classroom door will not be obstructed.
• Rest mats will be stored out of sight.
• No Teacher Supply Store or similar “store bought” decorations will be used in classroom; see the Resource Coordinator if you have questions.
• No items with logos, product placement, cartoon, or Disney characters are to be used in classrooms.
• Classroom rules are not posted on walls.
• Lunch box notes are not posted; instead make a binder that can be kept in your Book Nook.

Natural Elements Checklist

• Natural elements will be used liberally throughout your classroom environment (creative uses for baskets and light as well as materials for children to explore including shells, rocks, water, sand, and plants).
• Windows will be accessible to children; do not block with furniture without approval.
• Window blinds will remain open until nap time to allow for natural light.
• Include lamps or alternative light sources in classroom when possible.
• Manipulatives and materials will be shelved in open, natural baskets or neutral colored containers (not plastic tubs). Limit choices so as not to overwhelm or clutter, and rotate materials frequently.
• Please incorporate at least one live plant in your classroom. You may enhance other areas with a limited number of approved artificial plants.
• Neutral colored soft elements and textiles should be used throughout your classroom and must be washable.

Classroom Set-up Checklist

Arrange the room attractively in a variety of developmentally appropriate learning

centers. The centers are arranged to accommodate children individually, in small groups, and in large groups.  Private areas where children may play alone are available.

1. Assess your furniture needs. Speak to your program coordinator about furniture ideas before turning in an official request. Make sure all furnishings are clean and in good repair. Request maintenance as needed.
2. Check out toys, manipulatives, puzzles and books for your classroom. Make sure they are all in good repair and no pieces are missing.
3. Wash dramatic play and baby doll clothes as necessary.
4. Get crayons, markers, paper, etc. from the Teacher Work Room (B136).
5. Complete a final safety check: no sharp edges; no pinch, crush, or shear points. Toys for children two years and under must be checked to insure that they are large enough to prevent swallowing and/or choking.
6. The room is arranged so that adults can supervise children at all times.
7. Diverse, nonsexist, non-stereotypical pictures, dolls, books, and materials are available.
8. The environment includes soft elements.

Organize your closet space to best meet your needs. Due to our extremely limited storage space teachers may not keep large amounts of personal teaching items at school. See the Resource Coordinator with specific questions.

• Make sure storage areas (i.e., cubbies, hooks, closets) are ready for each child’s personal belongings.
• Create photo/name labels for cubbies, hooks and diaper bag storage for younger children.
• Prepare your classroom Parent Communication Binder (see example binder in the Resource Coordinator’s office)
• Ready your approved bulletin boards with appropriate displays, or make them ready to post children’s work. No pre-packaged bulletin board sets or borders from the teacher supply store! Be creative.
• Make sure the Emergency Procedure Plan and Evacuation Map are posted near or on the back of the classroom door.
• Hand-washing and Diaper Changing Rebus Charts are posted by the Resource Coordinator. Please notify the Resource Coordinator if yours is missing.
• Children’s Name/Birthday List is kept nearby for reference.
• Allergy information will be posted inside the cabinet near your sink area (Any rooms without a sink area will see the Resource Coordinator for alternative)
• Notes for a Substitute are kept in an easily accessible folder in the teacher area of the classroom.

Obtain “Where Are We?” sign from Resource Coordinator

Determine the type of “Today we…” sign you will use to communicate the day’s activities to the parents. See your Resource Coordinator for instructions.

Locate all necessary diaper changing supplies, including wipes, gloves, changing paper, soap and water bottles, and disinfectant. The diapering area and covered trash can are clean.

All chemicals and potentially dangerous products are stored in labeled containers out of the reach of children – preferably in locked cabinets.

Check that a broom and dustpan are available and stored appropriately for use in your
classroom.

Each room has two trash cans, lined with plastic bags. Plastic trash cans are clean. Food items and diapers go in the cans with lids. All paper and other non-food trash goes in open cans. Materials contaminated with blood or bodily fluids should be sealed in a plastic bag before disposal in a can with a lid.

Comfortable arrangements for rest time are planned. The school provides mats for all Toddler classes. Parents of Twos-K purchase mats from the school and bring to the class. If a mat is torn, it must be replaced. Bedding (cover sheets, blankets, etc.) may not be stored with mats. Parents may not send cloth covered mats. Blankets are not allowed for infants under one year old.

A FEW MORE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR DAY SCHOOL CLASSROOM

Housekeeping

At days end:

1. Toys are back on shelves
2. Blocks are put back according to size
3. Tables are wiped clean and sprayed with disinfectant
4. Messy art areas are cleaned up
5. Floors are swept of food
6. Glue is removed from tables
7. Paint brushes are cleaned
8. Paint cups are wiped clean or disposed of; paint should never be poured down a drain
9. Chairs pushed under tables (downstairs classrooms) or stacked on top (upstairs classrooms)
10. Countertops are cleared of clutter and teaching materials are put away
11. Lights are turned off
12. Doors closed and locked

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Please make every effort to make our school an environmentally friendly place. Look for ways to “go green” in your classroom and teach the children appropriate practices for reducing waste while reusing and recycling classroom materials. Children and adults are to bring re-usable cups, containers, and utensils that will be sent home daily for washing/disinfecting. Watch for the DS newsletter for occasional environmentally friendly tips.

Maintenance Requests

Maintenance requests for classrooms or DS equipment should be submitted to the Resource Coordinator as per current instructions. Do not make requests directly to the building managers or custodial staff.

No Postings on Day School Painted Hallways

Do not use staples, tick-tack, tape, or any other materials on painted hallway walls – ever! Notices may be placed on a clipboard or standard inside your room, or on designated bulletin boards.

Coming Soon

PDF Version: Resources and Forms 11.10.21

RESOURCES AND FORMS

 RESOURCES

Listed below are all resource rooms/closets and a basic list of what is stored in each location.  Questions regarding resources should be directed to the Facilities, Events and Resources Manager or the Staff Resources Coordinator.

Literacy Closet (EW132)

Big Books

Circle Time Story Boxes (CTSB)

• Please take and return the entire Circle Time Story Box. A complete list of CTSBs is
  posted in the Literacy Closet.

Story Basket Boxes (SBB)

• Please take and return the entire Story Basket Box. A complete list of SBBs is
  posted in the Literacy Closet.

Dramatization Books

Felt Boards/Felt Story Sets

Folder Games

Puppets

Story Tapes/Books

Teacher Workroom (EW136)

Note: Please take only what you need; do not take containers. If supply is unavailable, list the need on supply request clipboard posted in the Teacher Workroom. Please clean up after yourself.

Die Cut Machine

Laminator

Paper Cutter

Paper

Craft Materials

Office and basic supplies

Paint

Film Strips – must request from Staff Resources Coordinator

Seasonal/Holiday books and toys (distribution dates vary)

Resource Closet (EW134)

Note: Please take and return the entire box with lid and all contents unless otherwise noted on the box.

Manipulatives for 2’s and 3’s

Extra Book Collection

Puzzles

Prop Boxes

Auxiliary Office (EW102)

Teacher Resource Books

Infant/Toddler Closet (EW125)

Manipulatives for IT

Puzzles for IT

PreK / K Closets (2nd Floor)

EW202/EW206 &           Puzzles, construction, literacy, manipulatives distributed

EW209/EW211:              between closets

EW208:                           Kindergarten resources

Science Materials Closet (EW207)

This closet is located inside a classroom. Access only between 7:30-8:45 a.m. See Science teacher for assistance.

Children’s Kitchen (EW119)

Cups, Kleenex

Wipes, gloves, other diapering supplies (wipes are for Luke’s Place and Kingdom Kids classes only)

Children’s Chapel (EW116)

Bible Story Boxes for Chapel Centers

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT RESOURCES

Supply Requests

• Regularly stocked materials needing replenishing should be noted on the “Supply Requests” clipboard in the Teacher Work Room.
• Classroom budgets are to be used for expendable class-specific resources.  Your classroom budget will be charged for items purchased that are class specific.

Repair Requests

• Please report classroom or Outdoor Classroom maintenance/repair needs by email to CFrazier@stlukesmethodist.org.
• Urgent repair needs should be communicated directly to the Facilities, Events and Resources Manager.
• Do not directly request repairs from any Maintenance Staff (DTK) or Building Engineers.  All requests for repairs must go through Facilities, Events and Resources Manager; DTK requests go through the office.

3rd Floor Attic

• Storage space in the attic is very limited.
• Requests for items to be moved to or from the attic must be made through the Facilities, Events and Resources Manager or Staff Resources Coordinator.
• Do not leave furniture, etc. in the hallway without prior authorization.

1. LUKE’S CHILDREN’S LIBRARY

The library here at St. Luke’s is open for use by Day School teachers. It is also heavily used by church members and Day School families. The collection grows annually by donations of pre-selected books during the Book Fair (December) and Birthday Book Club (throughout the year).

Along with the library volunteers, please help us keep the library in good working order by following these procedures:

• Take time to check books out (teacher’s last name and room number). Do not remove books from the library until the library card is filled out and placed in the check-out box.
• Return books to the library in a timely manner to the bin outside the library. Library staff will check books in and re-shelve them.
• While you have books in your classroom, treat them gently and with respect.
• Teach the children in your class how to properly handle books, including turning pages. When they are still learning, please supervise them. Board books are a great learning tool for young children. If a book is damaged, put a note with it so repairs can be made before it is re-shelved.

Please feel free to offer suggestions on children’s books to purchase—new titles or current books of which we need more copies. Email book suggestions directly to Anne McIntyre at AMcintye@stlukesmemothdist.org.

EARLY LITERACY LAB and EARLY LITERACY RESOURCE TEACHER

The SLDS Early Literacy Lab was created to reinforce the developmentally appropriate and excellent approach to early literacy teaching endorsed by the Rice School Literacy and Culture program. PreK and Kindergarten classes will spend one morning a week in the ELL. The PreK/K classroom teachers collaborate with the Early Literacy Lab Lead Teacher for a comprehensive and cohesive approach in the lab and throughout the week.

Our Early Literacy Resource Teacher consults with teachers in the Threes, PreK, and Kindergarten departments regarding specific practices that enhance the development of early literacy skills. Teachers in younger classrooms may also utilize the ELL Resource Teacher to answer questions about appropriate practice as needed.

DONATIONS FROM PARENTS and/or TEACHERS

Teachers may not request monetary donations from parents at any time for any reason. Requests for materials are limited to boxes of wipes (Infant, Toddler & Twos part-time classes) and recycled items for occasional special projects in the classroom.

We appreciate donations of gently used toys and books from parents. If a parent in your class asks about making such a donation, please direct them to the Day School office or the Staff Resources Coordinator. *All products must be approved for safety and suitability for group usage using the guidelines of the Consumer Product Safety Commission before they are placed into classroom inventory. Books and toys in good, safe condition that cannot be used by the school will be forwarded to the Christian Community Service Center.

*This includes any toys and resources supplied by classroom teachers.

FORMS and FONTS

The Day School uses four fonts: Arial, Calibri, Comic Sans, and Century Gothic. Please choose one of these fonts for all communication. Century Gothic should be used for any items posted in the classroom.

The forms listed below are located in the AUX office in a file cabinet or in other locations as directed by the office staff.  If you take a form and notice that there are only 2-3 remaining in the folder, please notify the receptionist so additional copies can be made.

Many forms are available as templates on the computer network or on the classroom iPad. They can be accessed by going to the DS (Z:) drive and opening the folder named @FORMS TEMPLATES. When using a template, open the file, click “File”, then “Save As” to create a new document. You may rename the document and it must be placed in your personal folder on the DS drive.

ACCIDENT REPORT

   Who:               Any staff member/teacher

Purpose:         To inform the Director/Program Coordinator and to document an accident

When:             Any time a child has an accident on the school/church campus that requires medical/
personal care

Where:          The completed Accident Report goes in your Program Coordinator’s box located in the                           Day School Office the same day

ACCIDENT – PARENT NOTIFICATION OF ACCIDENT OR INJURY

   Who:               Any staff member/teacher

   Purpose:         To inform the family of the injured child of the accident

   When:             For every accident, complete and send home a parent notification form

   Where:          The form goes home with the child the same day

DAILY REPORTS

   Who:               Distributed to the teachers of Infant, Toddler, and 2s classes by semester by DS office

Purpose:         To give parents details of child’s day

When:             Throughout the school year

Where:            The form goes home with the child that same day

INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT

   Who:               Teachers

Purpose:         Tool for observation and assessment

When:             Throughout the school year, checked periodically by Team Leader

Where:            Kept in individual assessment binder; turned in to Registrar at year end

INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN (IEP)

   Who:               Teachers of children with diagnosed special needs

Purpose:         Provide individualized support in curriculum planning

When:             Upon diagnosis of special need

Where:            Kept in lesson plan book, turned in to the office at end of school year

INFANT CARE FORM

   Who:               All teachers of children under 1 year of age

Purpose:         Record of feeding and care required by licensing

When:             Must be updated and signed by parents every 30 days

Where:            Posted inside a cabinet in classroom. Turned in to Registrar at year end.

REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST

   Who:               Administration and teachers

Purpose:         To receive reimbursement for supplies purchased and used in the classroom

   When:             Completed form with receipts stapled to the back is turned in within 30 days of
purchase (on each receipt, circle amounts to be reimbursed—no highlighters). No sales
tax or receipts older than 30 days will be reimbursed.

Where:            Completed form with receipts in the Facilities, Events and Resource Manager’s box

TAX EXEMPT FORM

   Who:               All teachers who make purchases for their classrooms

Purpose:         To prove that school is exempt from state sales tax; sales tax cannot be reimbursed

When:             Upon purchase

Where:            At store; more copies are available in the DS office

TRAINING LOG

   Who:               Administration and teachers

Purpose:         Tracking all training hours by content area for the staff person for the school year (24
hours/year required by Licensing)

When:             Each time a staff person attends and completes a continuing education workshop or
seminar, the training hours are recorded on this form

Where:            Kept in the continuing education file.  Each staff member has a folder and it is the staff
member’s responsibility to update and keep the form current. Put original training
certificates in your file. Admin will check the file at mid-year conference; file turned in
to Admin at end of year review.

PDF Version: Parents 10.4.2021

Parent Handbook: Family Handbook 21-22

Parent Handbook COVID19 Addendum: SLDS COVID19 FH Addendum 21-22

PARENTS

 FAMILY HANDBOOK

Please read the Family Handbook (see above) carefully as many important aspects of our work with the families are described there. You are expected to know and follow all the guidelines we have outlined for the parents.

ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS

Why are relationships important to quality?

Relationships with each child’s family matter! Remember that we work in partnership with parents and family members. Engage in productive, sensitive, and informative dialogue with families to:

• show families that they are valued partners in the education and care of their child/children;
• learn details of a child’s home life that will help you better meet the child’s needs and interests – race, religion, culture, home language, and family structure;
• pay attention to and use information obtained through discussion with families as you teach and interact with individual children;
• ensure a smooth transition between home and school with special sensitivity to reassure family members who are concerned about leaving children in non-family childcare;
• know and respond to family concerns or questions with curiosity and openness rather than defensiveness or dismissal.

Parent Orientation

The beginning of each school year is a critical time to get parents and children off to the best start for a successful experience in your class. Detailed procedures for Class Welcome Pages, Visitation Days, Parent Orientation, launching class Shutterfly Share Sites, and Welcoming Calls are issued each year. Familiarize yourself with the many ways we share information about classroom expectations, routines, and rules.

Remember to continue to inform parents regarding classroom issues as needed throughout the year.

PARENT CONFERENCES

Conference Schedule

Fall:      (generally scheduled in October)

Purpose:           Getting to know you

Goal setting

Laying the groundwork for collaborating in the child’s best interest throughout the
school year

• Parents will help the teachers “get to know” each child by discussing their thoughts on the child’s development, family history, goals for the school year, and other information that will be beneficial to the child’s school experience and to the teacher.
• Teachers will share information about the child’s adjustment to school and broad goals for the school year. This is also a good time to review the daily school routine.
• Teachers and parents discuss how the family and the staff handle different aspects of child-rearing, such as discipline, feeding, toileting, and other pertinent issues.
• Remember that this conference is a time to listen as well as talk – a time to establish a relationship of trust with the parents.

Mid Year (PreK only)

Purpose:            Progress review

Applications for Kindergarten; student’s next steps

• Parents and teachers discuss the child’s progress considering PreK is the last year at SLDS for most of the children.

Spring: (generally scheduled in April)

Purpose:           Progress review

Plan for upcoming year

• Parents and teachers will discuss the cognitive, social, emotional, spiritual, and physical development of the child as seen over the course of the school year.
• Parents and teachers will discuss the plans for the summer and upcoming year so that the child will have a smooth transition from one class to the next. The Director or Program Coordinators will be called in for consultation when necessary.

Ongoing:

In addition to these scheduled conferences, parents are encouraged to make an appointment with his/her child’s teacher or the school’s director or assistant director any time they have a question, concern, or idea to share.

A brief, mid-year update on children in part-day Infants-Threes classes is mailed to each family in January or early February, and an end-of-rear conference report for all Luke’s Place children is given to parents in August.

Hints for Productive Conferences

• New for 21-22: Conference format may be in-person, virtual (i.e. Zoom or FaceTime), or over the phone.
• Provide a digital conference sign-up on your Shutterfly Share Site at least 10 days prior to conferences. If a parent has a scheduling conflict during your conference times, make special arrangements to meet at another time. If classroom coverage is needed, seek approval from the Staff Systems Coordinator and secure a room booking with the Registrar before confirming the new conference time with the parent.
• Schedule a pre-conference meeting with the Director, Program Coordinator, and/or Assessment Coordinator regarding children who may have need of development support or any other major concern you may have about a child.
• Always aim to begin and end conferences on a positive note.
• Parent teacher conference forms are provided for all conferences. Make sure one is completed, printed, and signed at the end of each conference. Digital signatures are acceptable. Originals are filed in the child’s folder at the end of the school year.
• Parenting articles are available for certain developmental milestones – potty training, going to big school, language development, etc. These may be helpful to you in your discussions with the parents or you may want simply to take advantage of this opportunity to encourage parenting education.  See the Director or Program Coordinators for help locating appropriate articles for your age group; all articles must be cleared by the Director before distribution to parents.
• Be prepared!

SUGGESTIONS TO OFFER FOR PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Support

Parents may: (apply COVID-19 restrictions as necessary)

• Offer to help the teachers by preparing materials for classroom activities. Simple things can be done at home. For example, gather dress-ups or other props to change the dramatic play center, or bring the ingredients for a class cooking project (dress-up and cooking projects are on-hold during protective practice).
• Participate in volunteer activities that support the program, like the annual Book Fair.
• Talk to the teachers everyday – keep the lines of communication open.
• Attend all parent conference opportunities to share hopes and goals and listen to what the teachers havelearned about the child.
• Volunteer to read stories to the children before pick-up (parent readers are on-hold during protective practice).
• Provide food/decorations/party favors for class parties (signup sheets on Shutterfly Share Sites)

Parent Enrichment

• Invite to a parenting education session (SLDS PEP Talks).
• Offer educational practices to try at home.
• Highlight information about child development and education, as well as school news.

Organizational Roles

• Invite a parent or two to serve as the class room parent/s. The teachers will ask one or two parents to assist in communicating with the other parents in the class about school functions.
• Encourage sign-ups to organize a class party or volunteer to help at other events.
• Join a PAC committee to help organize a school-wide event or area of school enrichment.
• Make phone calls as needed for the teacher or the room parent.

Follow Up At Home

• Encourage each parent to take time to talk to the child about his day at school.
• Encourage participation in school events and other community activities that support the school experience.
• Emphasize the value of reading to the child every day,

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

Job Descriptions / Information

Chairman:         Oversees council; works closely with the Director.

Birthday Book Club:
Coordinates the Birthday Book Club program. Processes order forms, works with parents to choose each child’s book, attaches book plates, deliver books (already checked out to the child) to the classroom on the child’s birthday.

Book Bags:
Oversees the creation, distribution, and maintenance of the PreK book bags.

Book Fair:
Oversees the planning and execution of our annual Book Fair, which takes place in late fall, usually the week after Thanksgiving. A large committee, with chairmen for different areas, works on the Book Fair. In addition to a wonderful selection of books, there is a donation table (books donated to the St. Luke’s library), photos with Santa, special events, and children’s activities in the evenings. Class projects are auctioned off in non-gala years (see Fundraisers below).

The Book Fair committee depends on support from teachers to help make this event successful. The teachers are asked to attend at least one night of Book Fair so they can be available to parent shoppers for book recommendations. All teachers are required to attend the night of the school-wide open house (Grandparents’ Night).

Funds raised at the Book Fair are used for the purchase of books for the children’s library, classroom materials, and staff development.

Church Liaison/Secretary:
A Church member who attends the Children’s Ministries Council meetings, and is a “voice” for the Day School. This member also takes minutes at the PAC meetings and emails meeting notices.

Fund Jobs:
Organizes the small fundraising projects. Distributes information for supporting the school via grocery rebate programs (such as Kroger and Randall’s), Box Tops for Education, and researches other small fundraising opportunities.

Transportation Day/Here Trips:
Working closely with the Facilities, Events and Resources Manager, the Chair will oversee the school’s Transportation Day. The Facilities, Events and Resources Manager maintains a list of established contacts, and the Chair may also add new contacts to the list. The Chair will coordinate all communication with vehicles owners, enlist parent volunteers, and manage event day set-up in close coordination with the Facilities, Events and Resources Manager. The Chair will serve as hostess for other Here Trip presenters when needed. (Indoor Here Trips are on hold during protective practice.)

Hospitality:
Will work to welcome new families and help them integrate into the SLDS community. On behalf of PAC, send notes of congratulations (births) or condolences (deaths) to SLDS families.

Library:
Oversees the committee that helps the SLDS Librarian by re-shelving books and processing new books that are donated during the Book Fair.

Busy Parents:
Coordinates meetings and activities for parents working outside the home (open to all parents, Luke’s Place Full-day and SLDS Part-day).

Parenting Center:
Coordinates PEP Talks programs that feature speakers who address parenting, child development, and other interesting topics. This committee is also responsible for publicizing and implementing each program. This committee relies on the teachers to help with publicity, reminding parents of upcoming programs. Teachers are welcome to attend any program, and may receive in-service training hours for most programs.

Pictures & Screenings:
Oversees all aspects of individual and class pictures. Creates schedules, collects photo orders, and escorts classes to and from photo site. Oversees volunteers who escort small groups of children (PreK and some 3s) to and from on-site screenings for speech and language, vision, and hearing. Volunteers supervise children while they wait for screening; teachers stay in the classroom with the rest of their class.

Room Parents:
Oversees the training of room parents. Updates and distributes the room parent guidelines so that parties, gifts, etc. are more uniform across classes and age levels. Communicates with room parents about upcoming events as needed.

Spring Picnic:
Oversees the Spring Picnic, with chairmen for different areas of the event. This committee depends on teachers to help make this event successful. Classroom projects and/or activity booths may be expected. Teachers receive complimentary dinner at the event. During the pandemic entertainment has switched to a concert.

Funds raised at the Spring Picnic go toward major purchases for school improvement or enrichment, as well as The Ella Hawes Endowed Scholarship Fund. Past items purchased include Outdoor Classroom equipment, new tables and chairs, classroom aquariums, PreK HATCH computers, the Classroom Environments Initiative, and teacher technology tools like our iPads and iPods.

Teacher Appreciation:
Plan and implement the PAC monthly lunches for staff, as well as special luncheons during in-service at the start and end of school and at Christmas. (Individual pick-up lunches are being provided during protective practice.)

St. Luke’s Safety Policy for Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults (Regarding School Volunteers and Visitors– currently on hold during protective practice)

In accordance with the Safe Sanctuary program of the United Methodist Church, St. Luke’s has initiated a training and registration plan for all volunteers who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. All Day School volunteers must be approved and registered by our church before they can volunteer on our campus in any capacity. The registration process includes acknowledgement of having read a packet of information, a clear criminal history check, a signed orientation statement, and any other documentation as requested by the church.

When the initial registration process is complete, teachers will receive a list of registered volunteers. The list will be updated as necessary during the school year.

Once a volunteer has been registered, that person will remain on the list each school year as long as they complete an annual renewal form.

Teachers may not have volunteer readers, party helpers, or any other adult volunteers in the classrooms unless they are registered. Please refer the parents with questions to the office.

All short-term visitors to the classrooms must sign in and wear a visitor name tag. Examples include a grandparent visiting from out of town who is joining the child for lunch, a dad who does not volunteer regularly but is coming for Dads Breakfast, or a teacher from another school that is observing in the classroom. Please be sure that sign–in sheets and name tags are available in the classroom for events such as class parties and Dad’s breakfasts.

Both teachers must remain present in the classroom when a volunteer or visitor is present unless otherwise approved by the Program Coordinator.

Any parent questions regarding the volunteer registration process should be referred to the Day School office.

Transition to the Next Class or Next School

Please assist families when the time comes to transition to the child’s next class or school.

When a parent asks you for guidance about our school, do not recommend specific SLDS teachers for the child’s next class. This is frustrating to the parent since we do not take parent requests for specific teachers. Instead, talk to the parent about teaching qualities the child responds well to – and, again, do not name DS teachers who have these qualities.

Our administrative staff regularly communicates with other early childhood programs and elementary schools to help our families prepare for and manage their children’s transitions between programs. Refer the parents to administrators as needed to provide basic general information on enrollment procedures and practices, visiting opportunities, and school options.

Classroom teachers will complete recommendation forms with parent permission as requested by school to which children are applying. The Staff Systems Coordinator manages the teacher recommendation process. Most schools have switched to an online system, so parents are asked to use her email (rgreen@stlukesmethodist.org) instead of individual teacher emails. If teachers receive a request from a school, they must forward to the Staff Systems Coordinator immediately. All paper recommendation forms delivered to teachers must be given to the Staff Systems Coordinator, as well.

We have asked parents to request teacher recommendations at least 2 weeks prior to the due date and no later than December 9. The Staff Systems Coordinator will give them to you once received. Please complete the form in pencil and return to the Staff Systems Coordinator promptly as there are several steps to be completed before it is approved and submitted to the requesting school. A copy will be kept in the child’s file in the office.

ADULT CONDUCT

We expect parents, grandparents, nannies, and other adults to join us in appropriate and respectful conduct at all times. The following actions while on our campus will result in either a meeting with the Director or Assistant Director or dismissal from the program:

• Harsh, cruel, or unusual treatment of any child;
• Threatening, harassing, or demonstrating disrespectful behavior (speech or gestures, verbal or written) to staff, parents, children, or other guests on our campus;
• Making negative or disparaging comments regarding the school, and/or disregarding proper procedures for grievances and conflict resolution;

• Disregarding policies designated to provide safety and security on our campus.

If you witness inappropriate conduct by an adult, including fellow staff members, please report this immediately and directly to the Director or Assistant Director.

PDF Version: SLDS COVID-19 Staff Handbook 21-22 Addendum

SLDS COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
Staff Handbook Addendum
2021-22 School Year

(Updated 9/27/2021)

Introduction to SLDS Pandemic Protective Care

St. Luke’s Day School (SLDS) joyfully resumed programing just over one year ago June 1, 2020 with our full-day, Luke’s Place, classes. Our class offerings continued to expand into the 20-21 school year, and we have learned many things over these months of protective practice! As we begin the 2021-22 school year, young children remain unvaccinated, and health recommendations and safeguards continue with layered strategies of COVID-19 protocols. The following is an overview of our current protective practice policies and procedures effective until further notice. These policies and procedures are subject to change as local officials, state authorities, and Texas HHS Child-care Licensing provide updated guidelines and/or we see necessary adjustments. We will notify families immediately regarding any changes.

The policies and procedures in this document are based on current guidance of the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) Licensed Child-care division, the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Houston Health Department. We will notify all staff and families immediately regarding any changes.

Program hours for the 21-22 school year are as follows:

• 7:30am-5:30pm Luke’s Place Full-day classes and children enrolled in TK After School
• 8:30am-2:30pm Kaleidoscope TK Part-day
• 9am-2:30pm SLDS Part-day classes

By reading and signing the acknowledgement as referred to at the end of this document, teachers/administrators confirm to having been informed and agree to follow all instructions included in this document for continued employment at SLDS. We will work together as staff with the SLDS families to provide a safe, healthy, and nurturing early childhood environment for our SLDS children.

Critical Staff Responsibility to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

We understand that all staff have taken on critical responsibilities considering continued pandemic conditions in our greater community, state, nation, and world. We are so very proud of our SLDS team members who are working tirelessly to serve our children and families and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in our school by carefully following enhanced infection control protocols and adapting to other changes we have put in place to keep our SLDS community safe.  All positions in our SLDS staff family are essential to provide care and services to the SLDS children and their families!

It is important to consider your personal responsibility to continue these infection control measures to Stop the Spread. Therefore, we are asking that in your time away from the school you continue to follow the current City of Houston/ Harris County/CDC COVID-19 guidance to prevent the spread of illness. Please take all the steps you can take to keep you, your loved ones, and our SLDS community safe! We thank you ahead for your hard work and dedication through these incredibly trying times—you remind us each day that SLDS is a very special place for playing and learning together!

Staff Care and Emotional/Social Support

Your well-being is important to us! We are going to do everything we can think of to make SLDS a wonderful place to work during the pandemic. Please reach out to your administrators or fellow staff members to share your joys and concerns; we are in this together!

Should you become anxious, more than you typically would expect, we are here for you. SLUMC has an amazing team of pastors and lay people who will pray for us every day and will gladly pray for you and your families individually, too. You do not have to be a member of the church to receive pastoral care. You are already a member of the SL family by working here at the church! We also share resources with the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center and can help you seek their services, if needed.

If you have a great idea that would lift our staff, simply suggest it! If it is within our COVID-19 guidelines and does not add expense to our school budget, we are happy to add playful experiences that lift morale and keep us all encouraged.

For Your Review: Current 2020-2021 FAMILY HANDBOOK ILLNESS POLICY
All guidelines are applicable unless noted to have changed with COVID-19 restrictions.

Staff are alert to the health of each child. Upon arrival and throughout the day, teachers observe children for behavior changes or signs of illness. Individual medical problems and accidents are recorded and reported to staff and families.

An ill child needs to be at home. The following symptoms are to be used to determine when a child should not be brought to school: (also see COVID-19 Addendum symptoms)

• The child is unable to participate comfortably in all activities;
• The child has a greater need for care than teachers can provide while caring for other children;
• The child has one of the following:
  • An ear (tympanic) temperature of 100ᵒ or greater
  • Uncontrolled diarrhea
  • Two or more vomiting episodes
  • Excessive coughing
  • Rash with fever
  • Mouth sores with drooling
  • Behavior changes or other signs that the child may be severely ill.

If a child becomes ill during the day, we will care for that child until the parent or authorized adult can arrive. All parents must have emergency plans established to care for ill children.  Children must be fever/symptom free without medication for 24 hours or one program day, whichever is longer, before returning to school. (Amended for COVID-19 conditions, see addendum specific information)

Notices will be emailed from the Day School office concerning children who have been exposed to communicable diseases.  Parents will notify the school at once if a child has a communicable disease or has been exposed to one (Communicable Disease list is available in the office).

Our school has cooperative arrangements with the Houston Health Department to audit children’s immunization records, keep current on relevant health information, and as a resource should an outbreak of communicable disease occur. We are inspected by the health department annually.

Hand washing is our number one defense for preventing the spread of illness. Children and teachers wash hands upon arrival to school, after diapering or using the toilet, before meals and snacks, after playing in water that is shared by two or more people, after handling any visiting pets, after outdoor play, and other times as necessary. (And as per COVID-19 recommendations) The teachers assist the children as needed and work toward each child learning to do this independently. As a final step in hand washing and prevention of the spread of germs, we teach the children to turn off the water faucet with a paper towel. We appreciate your support of these practices at home.

SLDS Enhancements for COVID-19 Childcare Operation

Currently, as of September 20, COVID-19 Delta variant conditions are severe in Houston, Texas. If during any time COVID-19 Public Health emergency conditions change, St. Luke’s Day School will comply with all state, county, or local stay-at-home and/or return to work orders. In the case of school closure, SLDS will re-open under government guidelines and will adopt additional health and safety procedures to limit, to the extent possible, the risk of COVID-19 exposure for all persons within our facility. Safety measures may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Staff and parental agreement to comply with any and all state, county or local COVID-19 orders, as well as, any and all COVID-19 health and safety procedures implemented by SLDS.
• Staff and parental acknowledgement that while present on our campus all staff and children will be in contact with children, families, and other employees who are also at risk of community exposure, thus, no list of restrictions, guidelines, or practices will remove 100% of the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• Immediate notification by staff and parents to SLDS administration
  • when aware of any person with whom the staff member, child, or parent has had contact and is presumed or has tested positive for COVID-19.
  • At this time, the CDC does not have restrictions on travel within the USA; please continue to check CDC protocols for international travel, and further updates, in conjunction with your family’s travel plans.

Daily Arrival and Pre-Acceptance Procedures

HEALTH SCREENINGS – COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our success in sustaining a safe environment at St. Luke’s Day School depends on our commitment to one another. In order to keep our school community healthy, we ask families to commit to daily health screenings for their child, and to keep children at home if they are showing signs of illness.

Each morning, prior to arriving at school, please evaluate your child’s health by taking their temperature, and assessing for illness using the symptom list below. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, keep them home and consult with your physician before returning to school.

Teaching staff will continually monitor each child’s health throughout the day, and if any COVID-19 symptoms arise, will immediately call parents for pick up.

We understand that many of these symptoms can also be related to non-COVID-19 issues. The above symptoms that appear during the school day will be carefully monitored to determine next steps. For instance, in case of fever, shortness of breath, chills, and/or loss of taste or smell, parents will be notified and expected to pick up the child within 30 minutes of notification. We expect students to stay home if direct exposure to COVID-19 is confirmed or if any of the above symptoms persist.

Limitations to Building Entrance

Students, teachers, administrators, approved SLDS and SLUMC staff, and DTK Housekeeping Services will be allowed to enter the secure access Children’s Ministries area. Parents/designated caregivers of enrolled students will be allowed to enter during specific drop-off and pickup windows only, will not enter classrooms, and will not linger or gather inside the children’s area. This procedure is to protect the health of everyone inside this area by limiting the risk of COVID-19 exposure.

To enter the premises, allowed adults (as above) must wear a mask and be free from the COVID-19 symptoms previously listed.

Return to School After Illness

COVID-19 Positive: A child who experiences a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 may return to school when at least 10 days have passed since onset of symptoms confirmed by physician and/or testing. And, at least 1 full day (24 hours) has passed since recovery – defined as fever and symptom free without the help of medication with improvement in respiratory signs like cough and shortness of breath.

Illness not COVID-19: If a child experiences symptoms on the COVID-19 list and your physician does not suspect or confirm COVID-19, as per the Harris County Health Department, “If no reason to suspect COVID-19, the child may return as per the school policy on returning after a typical illness.” Your child should be able to participate fully and be fever free without the help of medication for at least 1 full day (24 hours). In the event of multiple COVID-like symptoms, or fever persisting longer than 24 hours, we request a doctor’s note that the child is cleared to return to school.

If a Child, Staff Member, or Close Family Member Test Positive for COVID-19: Proper community health authorities will be notified, and instructions followed. This may include classroom closures and/or self-quarantine periods.

Arrival and Departure Locations and Directions

Please refer to the Family Handbook COVID-19 21-22 Addendum for specific instructions for families and staff. Staff and families will be notified immediately of any changes or updates to the plan.

Tips and Hints:

• Please note that SLDS Part-day and Luke’s Place Full-day programs have different arrival and dismissal plans for the 21-22 school year.
• Administrators and LP teachers will be in place at 7:25am (LP) with walkie talkies turned to drop-off/pick-up channel, so that carline drop-off begins promptly at 7:30am;
• Teachers will be in place at classroom door (8:30am LP and 9am PD) to welcome children. Parents will not enter the classroom.
• PD pickup is 2:10-2:30pm. PD teachers: intercom the office before 2:35 if you have a child that has not been picked up. Parent will be called.
• LP pickup is carline only.
• ALL late drop off (after 9:15am) and early pickup (PD before 2:10pm; LP before 4:30pm) will take place in Activity Center lobby.
• When a brief conversation with the parent is necessary, make sure you are not standing in the line of traffic (driveway on Edloe side); move to the grassy side of the parking space (Edloe side) or arrange to call the parent if a longer conversation is needed. Please limit conversations on rainy days and when parent arrives just before or right at 5:30pm.

Classroom Placement and Distribution

Student classroom placements are conducted at the discretion of the school administration based on enrollment, classroom size, recommended student/teacher ratios, among other factors.

New for 21-22: Assigned two-class groupings. These designated classes will share Outdoor Classroom time, may share restrooms, and some Luke’s Place classes will be combined at the end of the day. The designated two-class grouping is not rotated; same two classes every day

Multiple class gatherings remain on hold as we monitor COVID-19 conditions.

Outdoor Classroom zones have been revised; class rotation for variety of activities will continue on the Large Outdoor Classroom.

Classes may now visit the Children’s Library; Classes sign-up one class at a time for scheduled visits with a 30-minute window in between.

Ancillaries

Ancillary activities, which are part of school programming, will continue for the 21-22 school year, carefully and safely planned for protective practice: Music (all age groups), Motor (2s and up), Science Lab (PreK and TK), and Early Literacy Lab (PreK and TK). Chapel Time (2s and up) remains on hold until group gathering is permitted.

Masks

All adults are required to wear a mask while inside the Children’s Ministries secure area of the buildings. This includes school administrators and teachers, SLUMC and DTK staff, security guards, parents, and caregivers. If you do not have a mask, one will be offered to you before entry.

Over the past 14+ months, it has been our experience that our careful daily routines have been highly effective in containing the spread of COVID-19. Children enrolled in SLDS will not be required to wear masks unless it is mandated by TX HHS Child-care Licensing. Parents who wish for their child to wear a mask at school are welcome to send masks and we will support the child in doing so.

As of September 1, 2021: Currently, there is not an emergency ruling from Texas Child-care Licensing that informs licensed early childhood programs of young children’s masking requirements. Therefore, we have made the decision to go forward highly recommending the Harris County Judicial mask order for 2- to 5-year old children while not explicitly requiring them to do so, as in the Governor’s State of Texas order. Considering this, we will work carefully to respect each family’s decision in conjunction with our commitment to Developmentally Appropriate Practice.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

SLDS and DTK will follow the protocols for cleaning and disinfecting classroom areas, equipment/furnishings and toys as recommended by the CDC. All cleaning products meet the CDC requirements for COVID-19 childcare. Teachers are trained to follow strict cleaning, disinfecting, and good hygiene procedures throughout the day.

Each evening, all classrooms are deep cleaned, including fogging with an EPA approved disinfectant. Additionally, the HVAC systems for the entire St. Luke’s campus have been upgraded with Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization technology.

CLASSROOM CLEANING AND DISINFECTING GUIDELINES

DTK will only enter your classroom for an emergency (child accident, plumbing emergency, etc.), and at the end of the day when teachers and children are gone.

DTK will pick up diapers between 11:10 and 12:10 each day. Please have bag of dirty diapers securely tied with a knot ready to hand to DTK when they knock on your door.

DTK will pick up trash at the end of each day.

It is the teaching team’s responsibility to clean and disinfect classroom furnishings and toys frequently throughout the day. Please clean and/or disinfect the following items in the manner described in the NAEYC Cleaning and Sanitation Frequency table.

AFTER EVERY USE AND AT THE BEGINNING AND END OF EACH DAY

All Tables

All Chairs

AFTER EACH CHILD OR GROUP OF CHILDREN USES:

Toys

Games

Manipulatives

Anything mouthed

Nap mats

Diaper changing table and mat

Cribs and mattresses – daily (use only mild soap & water w/soft cloth on plexi glass)

Toilet seat and handle

Sinks and faucets

Bye-Bye Buggies – seat belts, push handle and anything touched

 FREQUENTLY THROUGHOUT THE DAY:

Light switches

Door knobs

Trash can lid

Refrigerator

Soap dispenser

Paper towel dispenser

Tops and sides of manipulative shelves

Children’s dramatic play furnishings

Tops and sides of children’s cubbies

Additional Changes in Routines and Materials

• As per state guidelines, adults are to wear a mask* inside the Children’s Ministries areas, and/or to practice social distancing by remaining 3-6ft from all other persons whenever possible; (exception, parents with their own child/ren; teachers outdoors with their designated class).

• Increased frequency of hand hygiene for staff and children may include alcohol-based hand sanitizer (if a shortage of nonalcohol based hand sanitizer arises) and in such case used only with appropriate safety precautions and storage.

• Staff and students bring lunch and snacks from home in a lunch box as usual; any snacks served at school will be in individual pre-packaged containers. We will not keep individual child cups at school as before. The school will provide disposable cups for water. If parents wish to send another kind of drink in the lunch box for lunchtime the cup will be sent home with all lunch containers to be cleaned daily and not used throughout the day.

• Children’s Chapel and Rotunda courtyard will have tables where staff may eat together with socially distanced seating. Staff may choose other locations outside to eat alone or again with socially distanced seating.

• Parents will provide each child multiple changes of clothing for the child to have available each day in case there is a need to change soiled clothing or wet clothing from outdoor play. Twos classes and up, are to send all clothing and sleep sheets each Monday in the child’s black SLDS school bag. These will remain at school all week and be sent home on Friday unless laundering is needed during the week. Infant/Toddlers will continue to use diaper bags.

• Teachers must bring multiple changes of tops (t-shirts, button-down shirts, etc.) to be able to remove clothing soiled by a child’s tears, salvia, or other bodily fluids and immediately change into a fresh top.

• Children may bring one comfort item; parents have been informed not to send any other toys, stuffed animals, etc.

• Parents have been asked to apply sunscreen and insect repellent before the child arrives to school. If children remain for the afternoon, with signed parental permission, teachers will reapply sunscreen and insect repellent, washing their hands between each application following CDC guidelines.

• In the event a child requires medication while at school, parents may hand the medication to an administrator at Drop Off, or directly to the classroom teacher who will deliver to an administrator. Medication should be in a zip lock back labeled with the child’s name. A “Medication Dosage” form can be found on our website. Parents complete and sign the form noting specific time of day and dosage amount to be given and place the form in the zip lock bag along with the medication.

Children’s medications and dosing instructions will continue to be stored in the Resource Room. Should you have a child requiring medication during the school day, please retrieve the medication and Dosage Form from the Resource Room, and administer the medication in your classroom. Return the medication and Dosage Form promptly when finished. In the event of an allergic emergency, or any other urgent care need, please contact the office immediately using your intercom call button.

• Since parents have limited access inside our buildings, teachers will maintain communications with parents in a variety of ways, including sending notes back and forth. Work emails, Shutterfly, and phone calls are the primary ways to communicate with parents. Remember that emails should not contain sensitive information including concerns for a child’s behavior at school; in this case make a phone call to the parents or see your Program Coordinator for next steps.

While not recommended, we anticipate that our teachers may send text communications from time to time; if this arrives from the teacher’s personal phone number, we have asked parents to continue the respectful practice of limiting communication this way. Teachers may never send texts while supervising children and are not expected to respond after school hours or on weekends. Please let us know if any parent is taking advantage of having your phone number and we will contact them for proper conduct.

We also recommend that parents send written notes to school for their children and the teachers as often as possible. Children love encouraging “lunch box” notes.

• Each family will receive an invite to their child’s 2021-22 classroom Shutterfly site. Teachers will post the daily “Today We” daily activity reports, lesson plans, calendar, and regular/on-going photos of the children’s activities at school. The class Room Parents are also considered “owners” of the site and may post announcements for the parents.

• Outdoor classroom activity will be encouraged; precautions will be taken to avoid over exposure to sun and Texas heat. Remember to dress in comfortable, breathable clothing for increased outdoor play. *As per our health and safety research and recommendations, teachers may lower masks for outdoor activity and put them back in place for close contact situations as needed.

• Sensory tables and dress up clothing will not be available for shared play until further notice; sensory items like Play-Doh, clay, and finger painting will be presented for individual play as able. With approval from the Staff Resources Coordinator, individual sensory activities are permitted and require continuous supervision, so that no items are shared.

• Until further notice, class parties are not open to parents.

• Children will only use restrooms located in their assigned classroom. First floor hallway restrooms are for adults only, however, are available for “emergency” use by children during drop-off and pickup windows, or if class is on Outdoor Classroom.

Time Keeping and PTO have been modified during pandemic protective care. Staff have been issued specific instructions.

Further Teacher and Staff Requirements (some previously listed)

• All SLDS employees, approved DTK housekeeping, security, and SLUMC staff will also complete personal daily health checks before entering the Children’s Ministries secure access area.
• If/when, at any time, SLUMC determines to require COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, the SLDS staff will be notified of updated policies and procedures.
• Any staff member that displays symptoms will follow the protocols previously described for children and families;
• The staff understands and accepts that no list of restrictions, guidelines or practices will remove 100% of the risk of exposure to COVID-19 as the virus can be transmitted by persons who are asymptomatic and before some people show signs of infection; they accept this risk and are keenly aware of their crucial role to keep everyone in the facility safe and reduce the risk of exposure by following the strict policies and procedures as outlined herein.

PDF Link: SLUMC Handbook 09.2019

Download Document: Staff Addendum Update QUARENTINE AND ISOLATION Jan 2022

Update SLDS Staff Handbook COVID-19 Addendum

As of January 9, 2022

QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION GUIDANCE

POSITIVE CASE

• ISOLATION

If a staff member tests POSITIVE for COVID-19 or has symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, notify Mrs. Frazier cfrazier@stlukesdayschool.org , stay home for a minimum of 5 days, and follow at-home guidelines from the CDC.

• ENDING ISOLATION
  • Were POSITIVE and had symptoms, end isolation after for a minimum of 5 full days, if you are fever free for 24 hours and your symptoms are resolved.
  • Were POSITIVE and had no symptoms, end isolation after a minimum of 5 full days.
  • Were POSITIVE and severely ill with COVID-19 you should isolate for a minimum of 10 days.
• RETURN TO SCHOOL

As above, end isolation and return on DAY 6 at the earliest. Through DAY 10, wear well-fitted double masks or a KN95 mask while working on campus, including both indoor and outdoor classrooms. If you are unable to follow this protocol, quarantine for an additional 5 days and return to school if symptom free on DAY 11.

SECONDARY EXPOSURE TO A CLASSROOM (STAFF MEMBER WAS EXPOSED TO COVID-19 OUTSIDE OF SLDS)

• Notify Mrs. Frazier cfrazier@stlukesdayschool.org
• For SINGLE EXPOSURE
  • If staff member is vaccinated and boosted – NO QUARANTINE. Double mask or wear a KN95 mask on campus through DAY 10. PCR test on DAY 5. If NEGATIVE continue as directed through DAY 10. If POSITIVE, remain home for 5 additional days and follow directions above.
  • If staff member is vaccinated more than 6 months prior – NO QUARANTINE, STRICT HEALTH MONITERING. Do not come to school with the slightest symptom. PCR test on DAY 5. If NEGATIVE continue as directed through DAY 10. If POSITIVE, remain home for 5 additional days and follow directions above.
  • If staff member is unvaccinated. Stay home for a minimum of 5 days. PCR Test on DAY 5. If NEGATIVE and without symptoms, return to school with double masks or KN95 through DAY 10. If POSITIVE – Observe 10 DAY QUARANTINE. Return on DAY 11, if fever free for 24 hours and no symptoms.

Regardless of vaccination status, if you are unable to follow this protocol, quarantine an additional 5 days and return to school if symptom free on DAY 11.

• For ONGOING EXPOSURE (living in the same household) regardless of vaccination status QUARANTINE as follows:
  • Stay home for a minimum of the first 5 days of the POSITIVE person’s illness.
  • If the person is improving with no fever for 24 hours on Day 5, continue quarantine for 5 additional days and PCR test on Day 10 from first exposure. (if person is not improving, contact Mrs. Frazier for instructions)
  • If your test is NEGATIVE, and you have no symptoms, you may return to school.
  • Double mask or wear a KN95 for 10 Days following your last exposure.

If unable to follow this protocol, return to school symptom free on DAY 16 from first exposure. (contact Ms. Frazier for clarification, if needed.)

DIRECT EXPOSURE TO CLASSROOM BY POSITIVE CHILD OR STAFF MEMBER (CLASS CLOSURE)

• Staff and class will be notified of direct POSITIVE exposure.
• If a staff member is the POSITIVE individual, follow the plan for POSITIVE CASES.
• If an exposed staff member tests POSITIVE on DAY 5, follow the plan for POSITIVE CASES.
• If an exposed staff member has no symptoms, follow the plan for SINGLE EXPOSURE dependent on vaccination status.

If unable to follow this protocol, quarantine an additional five days and return to school symptom free on Day 11 from exposure.

STAFF WHO HAVE HAD A POSITIVE COVID CASE WITHIN 90 DAYS

• Provide POSITIVE test result or physician verification.
• Return to school following an exposure without testing or waiting period.
• Carefully monitor your health. If symptoms arise, seek physician’s care and notify Ms. Frazier.

REGARDING PAY DURING QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION

Staff members will use PTO for absences due to COVID-19 QUARANTINE and ISOLATION. When PTO is exhausted the staff member will remain in good standing without pay.

In cases of COVID-19 QUARANTINE and ISOLATION, a staff member may request to be off without pay instead of using PTO.