Introduction
Simply stated, the purpose of a parent handbook is to convey information for parents/guardians. Parent handbooks usually contain operating procedures and policies that programs think are the most important for parents to know. They usually also contain the mission, goals, and best practices of the program/organization. Its purpose is to ensure that parents/guardians will understand and follow the policies and practices of a program. Parent handbooks are a valuable communication tool.
Calendars
Spend time to create a high-quality calendar, as these are an essential resource for parents. Since families often have older children, align your calendar with the K-12 calendar. Make sure conferences and important dates are clearly marked.
Include space where parents can write in teacher name, and class and contact information (or include on calendar).
Forms
List and describe the forms that parents complete.
Examples:
- Enrollment
- Immunizations
- Health, emergency
- Student information
- Permissions (e.g., field trip, pickup authorization, etc.)
Also, because things change, let parents know who to contact if they need to make any changes.
Immunizations
Early Childhood Programs Immunization Law in Minnesota
| Click Here, MN Department of Health
Program Philosophy
Share with parents what makes your program great!
Who We Are
Your handbook should describe to parents who you are as a program. Consider including items like: vision, mission statement, beliefs, program philosophy, goals, commitments, etc.
You may also want to include information on essential elements of high-quality preschool programs, Parent Aware, NAEYC. This is a teaching tool informing parents about elements of quality. It also provides assurances to parents that their children are participating in, and being cared for in, a high-quality program.
In this section you may also want to provide the most common contacts, numbers, key information (not all contacts in this part, just most used/important).
Facilities information can be included here. For example, site locations.
Staff information can also be included.
Program Information
Share key information here. Not a lot of details which can be explained in other parts. For example, share class times and sections.
The Preschool Experience
The topics below cover information that describes what it is like to attend your preschool:
- Calendars, class times
- Open house (dates and what happens)
- Dress, belongings (so parents know what clothing would not be ideal for preschool and what belongings should remain at home)
- Lockers, cubbies, backpacks (how your program uses these and if parents can help their children)
- Standards, curriculum, assessment (what children will be learning and how you know they are learning)
- The typical day (sets expectations)
- The role of play (teaches parents about play and what they may see in your classrooms, and be able to support at home)
- Staffing, teachers (who will be teaching and caring for their children)
- Breakfast, lunch, snack, rest time (how their children will be nourished)
- Access to school resources (aligning with K-12, shows access to resources and comprehensiveness of learning and support)
- Student support services, ECSE, Dual language, nurse, cultural liaisons, etc. (aligning with K-12, and shows that specialized supports are available for children and families).
- Room set up and learning design (teaches parents about the intentional design of early learning)
- Outdoor activities, cold weather policies, sun and hot weather (so parents know the importance and role of outdoor play, as well as appropriate clothing, sunscreen, etc.)
- Field trips (teaches about the role of field trips, the role of parents, like what they need to do or understand)
- Pets (informs parents about the role of animals in your program)
Toileting/Diapering
In the absence of specific guidance for Minnesota school-based early childhood programs, you should develop policies and procedures based on best practices and program values. Minnesota Childcare Center Licensing may help. Below are some examples from other states, some allow children who are not toilet trained while some do not (note that children with special needs cannot be denied):
California State Preschool Program Parent Handbook
Click Here, Child Development Associates, Inc. See page 32
Enrollment policies for the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program
Click Here, Iowa Department of Education
Is My Child Eligible For DCPS Early Childhood Programs?
Click Here, District of Columbia Public Schools
Must children be “toilet trained” to attend Pre-K or Kindergarten?
Click Here, New York State Education Department
Oakland Unified School District: 2014-2015 Family Handbook
Click Here, (toileting on page 7)
Toileting/Diapering in Abbott Preschool Programs
Click Here, Department of Education, State of New Jersey
What are the requirements for toilets, handwashing sinks and bathing facilities?
Click Here, Washington State
Transportation
Drop-off and pick-up are usually significant issues. Be clear and concise about procedures and expectations.
If the district provides transportation, include procedures and expectations for this.
Examples
Early Childhood Development Program
Click Here, UC Berkley