Hamilton Community Schools

Hawkeye Preschool

Parent Handbook

2025- 2026

Facility

The classrooms are located in Sandyview Learning Center, a building that is part of Hamilton Community Schools.  The Sandyview Learning Center is home to Hawkeye Preschool as well as Hamilton Virtual School. A team of one to two teachers and other adults (e.g. college interns, parent volunteers, community members) will lead activities and supervise a maximum of 18 students per class. Staff is trained in First Aid, CPR, bloodborne pathogens, and health and safety procedures. A criminal and protective services background check is required of all staff members. Volunteers who are a part of Hamilton’s WISH program may also help in the program. Sandyview Learning Center’s playground and woods offer opportunities for outdoor play and exploration for preschool students.

Mission

The mission of the Hamilton Community Schools’ Hawkeye Preschool is to provide a quality preschool experience to prepare students for future success in school by allowing opportunities for play, early literacy development, social interaction, and opportunities for problem-solving.  

Philosophy

We believe that children are natural learners, eager to explore and create. The teaching staff promotes early learning by:

•  Structuring a program to include many opportunities for children to be outdoors, learning and exploring, reflecting the research that supports the advantages of these experiences.
• Offering opportunities for developing the skills of the whole child.
• Encouraging problem solving and reflection by asking open-ended questions and providing information in response to children’s ideas, observations, and questions.
• Assisting children in their interactions with each other and supporting opportunities for learning to work in a group.
• Appreciating and celebrating the unique individuality of children and families.

Parent Handbook Contents

Curriculum

The Hawkeyes Preschool will utilize research-based, comprehensive early childhood curricula that focus on the whole child, recognizing the characteristics of the young child, and promoting growth in physical, social, emotional, and intellectual areas. Students are provided the opportunity to use voice and choice in their exploration and learning.  Our program is designed to prepare children to be ready for school.

Preschool will use Creative Curriculum® for Preschool, a comprehensive, research-based curriculum for early childhood programs that is recognized by Michigan as a quality curriculum, promoting school readiness.  Children interact in both large and small groups, and the environment and activities are designed to assist in the development of pre-reading, pre-math, science, social studies.  

Below are the program goals related to various components of child development according to Creative Curriculum®

Developmental Screening

Our program will use the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, (ASQ-3) to assess your child’s development.  The Ages and Stages Questionnaire is completed in the enrollment process.  If not completed at the time of the home visit, the teacher and parent will complete it together during the home visit. Parental input is highly valued for the Ages and Stages Questionnaire to gather accurate information on each child.

Assessment Information:

Teaching Strategies Gold® will be used three times throughout the year to assess your child’s developmental level and progress. This assessment information is used to help the teacher plan activities based upon children’s developmental levels. Your child’s teacher will use these observations to complete progress reports that will be shared with you during parent/teacher conferences. Parent Teacher Conferences will occur in November and February.

The Program Quality Assessment (PQA-R) is used three times per year by an Early Childhood Specialist from the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District to observe and assess our classroom environment and staff.  Using the results of this assessment, we are able to set goals to improve our program. Our goal is to deliver the highest quality classroom program and learning experiences for your child.

The Preschool Early Literacy Indicator (PELI) will be used three times throughout the year to assess your child’s early literacy and oral language development. This assessment information is used to help the teachers plan activities based upon the children’s developmental level in these areas. Your child’s teacher will share this information with you during parent/teacher conferences.

Referral Policy

If a parent or staff member suspects that a child has a disability (for example, speech or language concerns) that might qualify the student for special education services, the principal of Sandyview or the Hawkeye preschool director school should be contacted.  

Child Find is a legal requirement that schools find all children who have disabilities and who may be entitled to special education services.  This covers every child from birth through age 26, in Michigan.  For more information related to special education processes and procedures, families can use the following resources.

Contact the Student Services Office at Hamilton Community Schools - (269)751-5148x1007

Hamilton Community Schools Student Services Office Website - https://www.hamiltonschools.us/academics/special-education-office/

Michigan Department of Education Child Find Information - https://www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/specialeducation/eval-eligibility/ChildFind.pdf

Confidentiality Policy

Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law designed to protect the privacy of a student's education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student, or former student, who has reached the age of 18 or is attending any school beyond the high school level. Students and former students to whom the rights have transferred are called eligible students.

Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review all of the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of materials in education records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to inspect the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies. Parents and eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records believed to be inaccurate or misleading.

If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record commenting on the contested information in the record.

Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student before releasing any information from a student's record. However, the law allows schools to disclose records, without consent, to the following parties:

• School employees who have a need to know,
• Other schools to which a student is transferring,
• Certain government officials in order to carry out lawful functions,
• Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student,
• Organizations conducting certain studies for the school,
• Accrediting organizations,
• Individuals who have obtained court orders or subpoenas, and/or
• Persons who need to know in cases of health and safety emergencies; and state and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law.

For additional information or technical assistance, you may call (202) 260-3887 or TDD (202) 260-8956 or contact:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

Child Protection Policy

All staff are mandated by law to report any suspected case of child abuse, neglect, child sexual abuse, or sexual exploitation to the Department of Human Services. Any reasonable suspicion will be reported including a child telling a staff member about abuse, witnessing the abuse, a parent’s statement of abuse, or any physical or behavioral signs of abuse. A copy of this law may be obtained from the program director.

Non-Discrimination

The Hamilton Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion,sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, disability, or limited English proficiency in any of its programs or activities. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:

Human Rights Officer
Hamilton Community Schools
4815 136th Avenue
Hamilton, MI 49419

Typical Day at Hawkeye Preschool

A predictable structure or schedule is important for young children, helping them to know “what is next.”  We also value those “teachable moments” and spontaneous opportunities for learning. The basic structure of the day will form the backbone of our work, providing predictability while enabling flexibility. The following is a typical daily schedule:

• Arrival - Class begins with play. Adults dropping off students will walk with them to the preschool building, put away backpacks, extra clothes, etc., child and parent will sign in and then walk with their child to join the teachers and other students.
  
• Group Meeting - Children take part in whole group conversations, engage in music and movement activities, listen to stories, sing songs and participate in learning activities, building language and math skills.
  
• Choice Time - Children have at least 60-minutes of supervised, uninterrupted time to choose an activity among the different areas in the classroom. This allows children to lengthen attention spans and to develop competency with an activity. Children may choose activities that occur in any of the interest areas within the classroom including: Blocks, Art, Sand & Water, Library, Toys & Games, Dramatic Play (“housekeeping”), and Discovery.
  
• Snack Time - Teachers and children eat “family style”, eating, talking, and enjoying each others’ company. Children clean up as they finish and transition to choice time. A healthy snack will be provided; dietary restrictions and allergies will be accommodated.
  
• Small Group - Some learning activities, such as science exploration, occur in small groups. These activities provide an opportunity for children to ask questions, and allow the teacher who is leading the group to evaluate each child’s needs and progress. This is an opportunity for more specific and concentrated learning.
  
• End Group Meeting - Teachers and children gather together to recall/review activities from the day and to say good-bye before parents arrive for pick up.
  
• Outdoor Activities and Play - Play area activities could include sand play, digging, fort building, playing on play structures, large motor activities, and dramatic play. NOTE: Parents are responsible for any application of sunscreen or bug spray before the children are dropped off at the preschool.

Our Daily Routine is as follows:

Attendance

Regular attendance plays a vital role in helping your student to develop school success habits. Excessive absences can cause gaps in your students' learning which can impact their overall academic, social and communication development. If it is necessary for your child to be absent, notify the office by 8:30AM on the morning of the absence to report the reason for the absence.  We are required to document absences and report this information to the Allegan County Health Department.

Preschoolers who are absent from class for 10 consecutive or cumulative school days without parent notification to the program may be dropped to make space for a child on the waiting list. Multiple attempts will be made to contact families before this occurs. Staff will work with parents to support a child’s return to school.

Learning Through Play

Play is a vital part of a child’s social, emotional, language, physical, and cognitive growth during the preschool years. Children learn best through play! When you visit Hawkeye Preschool you will see the children engaged in many different kinds of play:

• A child working hard to put a puzzle together may be learning how to problem solve and enhance his/her fine motor skills.
• Children playing a game together are learning to take turns and cooperate. They are developing language skills in communicating the rules to one another.
• A child climbing and using natural materials to build is building his/her large motor skills and using creativity.

Hawkeye Preschool is a great opportunity for your child to experience various forms of play. Whether alone or in a group, your child’s learning is fostered when there is a connection to something that interests him/her. We invite you to visit our classroom and witness children learning through play each and every day!

Rest Time

As a state-licensed program, rest time is required for up to, but no longer than one hour for full-day classes. Each child is provided with their own cot to use in the classroom.  Students may bring a blanket or comfort item from home. Adults move among the children making quiet conversation or sitting next to students to help them settle in. Children are not required to sleep and will be provided with a book or quiet materials on their cot keeping the room quiet for children who do wish to nap.. The transition out of nap time includes staff turning on the lights and talking softly to gently wake children. Children transition by putting away nap items with teacher support before moving on to the next part of the day.

General Rules of Behavior

• Keep hands and feet to self
• Use kind words
• Children only leave the room or group with a staff member
• Use toys and equipment safely
• Home toys stay at home

Discipline

Positive discipline enables children to be problem solvers with guidance and modeling from the preschool staff. Children build social skills by using words instead of hitting or pushing. We will utilize redirection, modeling, and Crisis Prevention Intervention techniques if a child is violent. The staff will work closely with parents to ensure a positive preschool experience that is the best for each child and family. In extreme situations where behavior is detrimental to the learning atmosphere on a continuing basis, preschool staff will work with parents to develop a plan to support the child’s ability to function in an appropriate manner in the classroom.

Our Teachers will use High Scope’s 6 Steps to Conflict Resolution with children during emotionally charged conflict situations.

1. Approach calmly, stopping any hurtful actions
2. Acknowledge children's feelings
3. Gather information
4. Restate the problem
5. Ask for ideas for solutions and choose one together
6. Be prepared to give follow-up support

Corporal Punishment

In accordance with state law, the use of corporal punishment shall not be permitted in Hamilton Community Schools. No employee, volunteer or contractor employed or engaged by the district shall threaten to inflict physical pain upon a student as a penalty or punishment for a student's offense. Staff members may, within the scope of their employment, use and apply reasonable force and restraint in self-defense, to quell a disturbance threatening physical injury to others, to obtain possession of weapons, or for the protection of persons or property. If any employee inflicts unreasonable, inappropriate or unlawful force upon a student, he or she may be subject to discipline by the district.

Snack

Snacks are provided by Hawkeye Preschool and are served family-style. Snacks include pre-packaged

single-serving items (ie, crackers, apple sauce, cheese stick). No snack items are cooked at the preschool. Please communicate any food allergies your child may have to Hawkeye Preschool Program Director. Raw fruits and vegetables will be thoroughly washed before being served. Items stored in the refrigerator/cooler will be labeled with the date the item is placed in the refrigerator. Staff and volunteers will wear food grade gloves when serving or preparing snacks. Tables will be thoroughly washed, rinsed and sanitized before and after they are used for snacks. Multi-use table-wear and utensils will be washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use. If you wish to send a snack with your child from home, you must complete a “Parent Request to Provide Food” form that can be provided to you by your child’s teacher.

Birthdays

If your family celebrates birthdays, you may bring in a birthday treat – non-edible treats are encouraged (e.g, pencils) for your child’s class. If you choose to bring in a food item, it must be store bought & ingredients must be listed on package in order to ensure food safety for children with food allergies/sensitivities.

Nutrition

Breakfast, lunch and snack will be served family style and are provided by Hamilton Community Schools Food Service. Milk or juice are also provided with each meal.  Raw fruits and vegetables will be thoroughly washed before being served. Items stored in the refrigerator/cooler will be labeled with the date the item is placed in the refrigerator. Staff and volunteers will wear food grade gloves when serving or preparing snacks. All tableware, utensils, food contact services and equipment will be thoroughly washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use. Tables will be thoroughly washed, rinsed and sanitized before and after they are used for snacks. Multi-use tableware and utensils will be washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use. Menus provided by the food service department will be provided to families on a monthly basis.

Clothing: Dress for Success

Learning can be a messy job! For this reason, it is important that your child come dressed for messy, indoor and outdoor play. Clothing that can be covered in mud, paint, clay, and other natural materials are a must everyday! Tight clothing, fancy dresses, costumes, or shoes will only get in the way of your child’s play. Your child will need comfortable, closed toed, protective shoes that enable him/her to run, jump, and climb. NOTE: Parents are responsible for any application of sunscreen or bug spray before their children are dropped off at the preschool.

Layers of clothing for the changing weather and moving from outdoors to the indoors are needed for your child to enjoy a variety of activities. Please expect your child to go outside every day. Each preschooler will need a backpack with spare clothes and inside shoes. Please contact the program director if you need assistance obtaining any of the following items.

Clothing needs for each season include:

Parent Involvement

Parent involvement is very important to the development of young children and provides strong support for the preschool program.  Parents are expected to:

• Attend the Parent Orientation in September. This is a meeting for parents only, to provide an opportunity to meet the staff and learn what to expect during the school year. The Parent Handbook, with details about the day-to-day preschool operations and procedures, will be distributed at that time.
• Volunteering during the school year, if possible. All parents who volunteer must complete a Hamilton Community Schools’ Volunteer Information Form. A background check will be conducted before parents or other volunteers work in the preschool.
• Attend parent and family activities.
• Attend parent/teacher conferences held in the fall and spring.
• Read newsletters and flyers sent home with your child.
• Encourage your child’s independence, especially at drop off time when preschool begins.
  

Volunteers
We have a very active district volunteer program (WISH – We’re Investing in the Students of Hamilton). The Board of Education recognizes that certain programs and activities can be enhanced through the use of volunteers, including parents and community members. ALL persons wishing to volunteer (including parents) must complete a WISH volunteer profile form. All volunteers will be scheduled by the program director/lead teacher and will sign in and out on the appropriate volunteer record form. Volunteers will be supervised by preschool staff at all times and will not be alone with individual children, unless it is the volunteer’s own child.

Any volunteer who works with or has access to students shall be screened through the Internet sites for the Sex Offenders Registry (SOR) List, Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) for a criminal history records check, and the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS), prior to being allowed to participate in any activity or program.

Drug Free Zone
The entire school campus is a drug free and smoke free zone. Please extinguish cigarettes and properly discard smoking products prior to entering the parking lot and building. This includes chewing tobacco and vaping. Help us stay ‘a drug free and smoke free zone’ by sharing this policy information with anyone that will be escorting your child to and/or from school.

School Year and Schedule
Eligibility for Hawkeye Preschool for the 2025/26 year is determined by the child’s age on September 1.  The 2025/26 school year will run from Sept. 10th through May 21st and will follow the Hamilton Community Schools calendar for holiday breaks. We require a commitment for the entire school year.

Inclement Weather
Hawkeye Preschool is closed when Hamilton Community Schools are canceled, including snow days. Occasionally we will be closed for unexpected circumstances. If there is a 2-hour delay due to inclement weather for Hamilton Community Schools, the full day programs would still meet with a 2-hour delay.  The 3 year-old program would be canceled.

Severe Weather Policy
The following procedures will be used in a severe weather situation:

• Severe Thunderstorm Watch - A possibility of severe thunderstorms with high wind and hail in a defined area.

1. Schools will remain in session.
2. Parents may pick up their children if they wish.
3. Extracurricular events remain as scheduled.

• Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Severe thunderstorms in process in the area.

1. Schools will remain in session.
2. Parents may pick up their children if they wish.
3. Extracurricular events remain as scheduled.

• Tornado Watch - A possibility of tornadoes in the area.

1. Schools will remain in session.
2. Parents may pick up their children if they wish.
3. All extracurricular events scheduled for the rest of the day will be canceled with this exception: If a tornado watch is set to expire or is canceled at least two-hours before and/or after a school event is to begin, the administration would retain the flexibility to decide whether or not to cancel the event(s).

• Tornado Warning - Tornadoes reported in a defined area by local weather spotters.

1. Schools will remain in session and students will be sent to a prearranged protected area.
2. Teachers will remain with their students until released by the program director.
   

Reunification Procedure
In the event of a man-made or natural disaster, Hawkeye Preschool staff will contact parents with reunification information via School Connects phone calls or email.  Information may also be communicated via media outlets (local TV, etc.).

School Closing or Delay
When it becomes necessary to close or delay school due to weather conditions, area radio and television stations will be notified. These stations will also be contacted if students must be dismissed early.

Outdoor Play Policy
Parents should see that their children are dressed appropriately for changing "Michigan weather." Children will play outside each day, unless there are high winds, thunderstorms, or winter temperatures of zero degrees and/or the windchill is minus ten degrees.

Emergency Policies
The Hamilton Community Schools Board of Education is committed to providing a safe learning and work environment. Unfortunately, natural and man-made disasters do occur. Such emergencies are best met by preparedness and planning.

The Board directs that a system of emergency preparedness be developed that addresses the following goals and/or objectives:

All threats to the safety of district facilities shall be identified by appropriate personnel and responded to promptly in accordance with the plan for emergency preparedness. Each school shall conduct at least five (5) evacuation/fire drills, two (2) tornado drills, and two (2) lockdown drills each school year. At least three (3) of the fire drills shall occur in the fall.

Pest Management Plan
Pesticide application may occur during the school year, if there are pest issues in the classroom. You will receive an advance notice of these applications through two means (letter home and/or notice posted in the classroom sign in the area). The notice will inform you of the target pest, information about the pesticide, location of pesticide, and date of application. Pesticide would only be applied to the concerned area during non-program hours.

Field Trips
The Sandyview Learning Center grounds are considered part of our extended campus and walking on the grounds is not considered a field trip. We will take various trips around the property. When this happens, we will post a note on the classroom door listing where we will be, so parents arriving early can find their child.  We will also take a two-way radio with us on these excursions to allow contact with the office in case of an emergency. The lead teacher will also carry a cell phone on the excursions.

Removing Children From School
No child is permitted to leave or be taken from school during the time school is in session by anyone other than an authorized adult listed as approved on the Child Information Record. Photo identification will be required for that individual to pick-up your child.  Students will not be released to anyone unless they are on the student’s contact list.  If the contact list needs to be updated, this must be done by the parent/guardian in person at Sandyview Learning Center.  

Accident and Illness Policy
Regular attendance is crucial to your child’s academic and social success in school. When a child has frequent absences, a child may feel uncomfortable in school because he/she may not know the songs, activities, routines, or may have difficulty maintaining friendships.

Should your child become ill or sustain an injury you will be contacted to pick him/her up at school. If we are not able to make contact with a parent/guardian, we will contact the person listed on the emergency card. If no one is available, we will keep the student at school unless immediate medical assistance is required. In that case, this assistance will be secured.

While waiting to be picked up, the child will be moved away from the rest of the group, supervised by a staff member, and made comfortable until the parent can arrive. If a sick child or adult handled toys or other items in the classroom, the items will be sanitized to reduce the risk to other students or adults.

For minor injuries that do not require a child to be excluded from participation, parents will be notified by a staff member via telephone or email before the end of the day.  

Consistent attendance is encouraged for your child to get the best preschool experience. There are times when it is best for a child NOT to be at school. If your child has one or more of the following symptoms, please do not send him/her to school:

-A temperature of 100 degrees of higher                                -Constant runny nose

-A low grade fever and acting ill                                                -Coughing non-stop

-An infectious disease                                                                -Pain                                                                                

-Vomiting or upset stomach                                                        -Diarrhea

Staff and volunteers must also follow guidelines for the above concerns.

***Please make sure your child is fever free without the use of fever reducing medications for at least 24 hours before returning to school.*** 

You will be notified if your child has been exposed to a contagious disease. It is also requested that you inform the preschool staff if your child has been exposed to or contracts a contagious disease. Please take into consideration your child’s classmates and teachers. Call Hawkeye Preschool when your child will not be in school.

Withdrawal Policy
It is required for families to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the manual. As problems arise, communication with the Hawkeye Preschool staff is desired and encouraged. When staff members are informed of the situation, most problems can be overcome as staff and families work together. If it becomes evident that a parent is not fulfilling his/her responsibilities to the program, the child will be withdrawn from the class, and a child from the waiting list will be selected to fill the vacancy. If this situation occurs or a child is removed from the class for any reason, the deposit will be held.

Late Pick Up Fee
Our teachers are very busy before and after class preparing and cleaning up. Thus, for our tuition based programs, we have a $1.00 per minute late fee when students are picked up late. We recognize that everyone has busy schedules and at times things happen, which is why we wait for a five minute grace period before charging the late fee.

Health Plan

*Licensing regulations require us to provide you with a copy of our Health Care Plan.

Many communicable diseases can be prevented through appropriate hygiene and sanitation practices. Contamination of hands, toys, and other equipment in the room appear to play a role in the transmission of disease in child care settings. Illnesses can be spread by:

• Human waste, such as urine and feces
• Body fluids, such as saliva, nasal discharge, eye discharge, open skin sores, and blood
• Direct skin to skin contact
• Touching a contaminated object
• The air, in droplets that are a result of a sneeze or cough

Since many infected people carry communicable diseases without symptoms, and many are contagious before symptoms, caregivers protect themselves and the children by carrying out, on a routine basis, universal precautions and sanitation procedures.  The following policies are implemented at Hawkeye Preschool:

I. Handwashing
Staff must wash their hands:

• When arriving at school.
• Prior to care of children.
• Before preparing or serving food or drink.
• After handling garbage
• After handling animals or insects.
• After sneezing or blowing their nose.
• When hands are dirty.
• Before administering medication.
• Before and after giving first aid.
• After using the restroom.
• After washing hands, it is important not to touch anything (such as a child, chair, doorknob, etc.) before handling food.
• If you are using gloves to prepare food, you still wash your hands before putting on the gloves.
• After any contact with a child’s bodily fluids: including blood, vomit, sputum and mucus (from wiping noses), hands must be washed.

Children must wash their hands:

• Before eating.
• After toileting.
• After sneezing or blowing their nose.
• After outdoor activities.
• After handling animals or insects.
• When hands appear dirty.

How hands should be washed:

1. Wet both hands.
2. Apply a small amount of liquid soap.
3. Rub hands together for at least 15-seconds, to work up a good lather.
4. Be sure to wash between fingers, under nails, and all hand surfaces from the tips of the nails to beyond the wrists.
5. Rinse hands well under a stream of warm running water.
6. Leave water running while you dry your hands. Do not turn off the ‘dirty’ faucet with ‘clean’ hands.
7. Dry hands well.
8. Use the towel to turn off the faucet.
9. Dispose of the towel in the trash.

Teaching the children:

• Time should be taken to teach children the correct hand washing technique as described above.
• When to wash hands.
• How to wash hands (demonstrate correct hand washing).
• Observe the child hand washing.
• Correct his/her technique as necessary.

II. Handling Bodily Fluids
Staff will use universal precautions (i.e., protective gloves) when handling potential exposure to blood, including blood-containing body fluids and tissue discharge. Treat all situations involving potential contact with blood, body fluids, or medical waste with caution.

1. Wash hands after contact with any bodily fluid substance or articles contaminated with a bodily substance. Use liquid soap from a dispenser; not bar soap.
2. Wear protective gloves on both hands for anticipated direct hand contact with blood, body fluids, medical waste or contaminated objects or surfaces. Wash hands immediately after removing protective gloves.
3. When anticipated exposure occurs, remove contaminated substances by washing hands and other skin surfaces immediately and thoroughly. If splashed in eyes, nose, or mouth; flush with water immediately. Notify the supervisor immediately. It is recommended that medical help be sought within 2-hours of exposure. Employees are not to risk their personal health by waiting to seek treatment if they feel that immediate treatment is needed. Any approval that the employee feels that they need from their supervisor is to be “assumed” in exposure situations.
4. Treat all linen soiled with blood and/or body secretions as infectious. Soiled linens and materials should be handled as little as possible and with minimum agitation. All linen should be bagged in a red-labeled biohazard bag at the location where it is used.
5. Trash must be placed in covered containers bagged in impervious bags; secure tops when filled, and double bag only if break-through is anticipated.
6. Areas, surfaces, or articles that are grossly soiled with blood or other body fluids must be cleaned with detergent/disinfectant.

III. Cleaning and Sanitizing Equipment
Hawkeye Preschool staff shall regularly clean and sanitize equipment, toys, and surfaces. Cleaning should be conducted according to the timeline below and anytime a child contracts a communicable disease. We use a three-step process for cleaning: Wash, Rinse, Sanitize.

Health Related Resources
Hawkeye Preschool is involved with a wide variety of agencies in and around Ottawa/Allegan County. Information is shared and referrals are made to agencies such as:

-Ottawa/Allegan County Health Department

-Community Mental Health

-Child Protective Services

-Early On

-Early Head Start

-Love, INC

-Whole Family Connection

-211: Allegan County 211: Free and confidential hotline that provides information and referrals open 24 hours.

Additional Information can be found at Ottawa County Resource Guide: http://bit.ly/1Fd3qC1

Medication and Health Services
No medication shall be given at Hawkeye Preschool except on written order by the child's parents. Parents must complete the “Medication Permission and Instructions” form. This form should be updated annually for medication that is administered on an ongoing basis. The medication will be stored according to the label instruction and in the original container. The container MUST have the pharmacy label indicating the physician’s name, child’s name, instructions, and name and strength of the medication. All medication is to be stored out of the reach of children and returned to the child’s parent or destroyed when the parent determines it is no longer needed or it has expired. All medication is to be given according to the label directions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics have both recommended that cold and cough medications NOT be used with children under 6. It is for this reason that we require a written order from the child’s physician prior to administering cold and cough medications.

All other health services (i.e. medical, dental, etc.) will be provided by the parents. Referrals to community services and agencies will be made by the Lead Teacher or Program Director when appropriate.

Toileting
We understand that toileting accidents do happen. Caregivers will supervise and/or assist children with clean-up in the case of a toileting accident. Soiled clothing will be placed in a plastic bag in the child’s backpack. *Children enrolled in 3's tuition program must be toilet trained and primarily independent in the bathroom;  our staff will coach children in the bathroom, but will not be able to change diapers.**

Incident Reports
A Hawkeye Preschool Incident Report and DHS Incident Report will be completed anytime an accident or illness occurs at the preschool. The staff member who attended to the sick or hurt child will be responsible for completing the report.  Staff members are required by law to report suspected incidents of child abuse/neglect.

Animals at Hawkeye Preschool
Animals play a part in our curriculum and we will have animals visiting throughout the school year. Please notify your child’s teacher of any animal/other allergies your child may have, or other concerns you have regarding animals. Please do not bring pets at drop off or pick up time.

Procedures Related to Concerns
Hamilton Community Schools strives to provide a positive environment for all, however at times concerns may arise.  If you have any concerns, please bring them to the attention of your child’s teacher or the program director.  If you are unable to resolve your concerns, the Superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools may be contacted.  If you feel Hawkeye Preschool is in violation of a licensing regulation, reports may be made to DHS:  Office of Children and Adult Licensing.  A copy of the regulations is available on the Parent Information Board.

Licensing Notebook
Hawkeye Preschool maintains a licensing notebook which includes all licensing inspection reports, special investigation, reports and all related corrective action plans (CAP). This notebook includes all reports and CAPs developed on and after October 21, 2014 per licensing requirements. This notebook is available for parents to review during regular business hours. Any licensing inspection and special investigation reports from the past two years are also available on the Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing website at www.michigan.gov/michildcare.

Transition to Kindergarten
We believe transitioning from Hawkeye Preschool to Kindergarten is the beginning of a child’s formal school experience, not the end. For this reason we do not have a “graduation” ceremony at the end of the school year. Instead we will have a fun celebration of another successful year of learning!

How Do I Enroll My Child?

Enrollment Policy

To enroll your child for the Hawkeye Preschool, you will need to complete a registration form and submit it with a $50 registration fee.  This registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable and will be applied to the final tuition payment.

• Enrollment will be based on the date and time that registrations were completed.

A complete list of documentation and required paperwork will be sent to you with the enrollment confirmation. Some of the documentation required before the first day include:

• Proof of immunization
• Child Information Form
• Health appraisal (physical) signed by a licensed physician
• Record of Birth

Tuition for 2024/2025 School Year

●      Tuition may be paid in 1 payment (yearly) or 2 payments (semester)Tuition is slightly discounted for yearly payments. Tuition rates are listed below and do not include the $50 deposit.

Payment Schedule and Options
Tuition may be paid in one payment for the whole year or two payments at the beginning of each semester (September and February). Yearly tuition payments will receive a $50 discount.

Payments may be made by cash or check. Checks should be made payable to Hamilton Community Schools. Payments need to be received within 5 days of the due date. A late fee notice letter will be sent once payment is two weeks overdue. If tuition payments are a month overdue, it would require removal of your child from the program.

Great Start Readiness Program Philosophy
Our goal is to provide every preschooler with the best educational opportunities through our child-centered, hands-on curriculum set in a rich learning environment which is created through our families, community and professional staff.

We believe that young children learn to the best of their ability when given:

• A safe, healthy, nurturing environment
• Development of strong teacher-child relationships in combination with
• Many opportunities for play and learning through play experiences
• Families are involved and we work together to help your child
• The activities are geared toward your child’s current skills and interests
• Our decisions are made from a child-centered focus which includes looking at the Early Childhood Standards of Quality– Prekindergarten, the curriculum, assessment information, feedback from parents and the diverse social, economic, cultural and family needs that exist within the classroom, strong family-teacher relationships in which all are valued.

Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
GSRP is a State funded center-based preschool program serving income-eligible four year old children.  Classes are offered with a variety of family needs in mind. Many programs operate full-day, Monday through Thursday while others offer a half day program (either AM or PM) running Monday through Thursday. GSRP regulations require staff to make two home visits and two parent/guardian/staff conferences a year. Each of these visits and conferences will last between 45-60 minutes. Staff will review other program requirements during the registration process or at the first home visit. This visit typically takes place before your child's first day of school. Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the classroom, participate in our Parent Advisory Committee and attend other program events.

Your GSRP is a cooperative effort of the Ottawa Area Intermediate Service District, local school districts, and other local child care/preschool providers. The programs receive funds from the Michigan Department of Education and every classroom is licensed by the Michigan Department of Human Services.

Great Start Readiness Program Staff
The staff of the GSRP is committed to providing a high-quality program for young children and their families. Classroom teachers hold a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or child development with a specialization in preschool teaching or a valid Michigan teaching certificate and an Early Childhood Education (ZA) or Early Childhood-General and Special Education (ZS) endorsement. Most classrooms will have one teacher and at least one associate teacher to ensure a staff ratio of one adult to eight children. The classroom associate teacher holds a Child Development Credential (CDA) or an associate’s degree in Child Development.  In classrooms that have three adults, the third adult meets the Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing, Department of Human Services licensing requirements as a “caregiver.”

Great Start Readiness Support Staff
The GSRP has the advantage of working with expert staffing from Ottawa Area Intermediate School District as well as local district personnel.  The GSRP Early Childhood Specialist provides classroom support as well as professional development for GSRP staff.  The Early Childhood Specialist visits the classroom throughout the school year.

Referrals
We believe that home and school together form a positive support system for the growing child. Parents are involved in working with teachers and staff to monitor and make decisions regarding their child’s progress. If a referral is needed for additional support, such as a need for social/emotional or physical support, the family will be involved in contacting the special education department. The special education and classroom staff will work together with the family to develop a plan with specific goals for the child. Families will be included in the process and will be informed at any point that their child is receiving one-on-one support services. The classroom teacher will continue to partner with support staff (i.e., special education teachers) to create an inclusive and supportive environment.

Inclusion
Hawkeye Preschool welcomes all children and is committed to providing developmentally appropriate early learning and development experiences that support the full access and participation of each and every child.  We believe that each child is unique and work in partnership with families and other professionals involved with the child to provide the support every child needs to reach his/her potential.

Grievances
Our program strives to provide a positive environment for all.  However, at times a concern may arise.  If you have any questions or concerns you cannot resolve with the teacher directly, please bring the concerns to the attention of the Principal/Director who will work through concerns with you.  

GSRP Qualifications
Children must be 4 years of age on or before September 1st (2023/2024 school year) and may not yet be 5 years old. An application must be completed. Eligibility is based on income and risk factors.  A child may be eligible for reduced tuition if the family income is above the guidelines and other risk factors are documented. All applications are confidential.

Enrollment of Students will be based on:

• Availability of an opening in the appropriate class. Students will be enrolled in the Great Start Readiness Program with priority to students of greatest need first.  A wait list of eligible students will be maintained and openings filled based on eligibility factors and the order in which they were received.

The Parent/Guardian MUST:

1. Meet the enrollment guidelines;        
2. Return ALL completed forms which includes the following:

• All families must complete an enrollment packet prior to the first day of attendance in GSRP. The packet includes an application, health requirements and emergency contact.
• Families will need to provide a copy of the child’s record of birth and immunization card along with other important enrollment requirements.
• GSRP requires proof of family income for eligibility.

To maintain enrollment, families in the Great Start Readiness Program are asked to:

• Agree to keep the Child Emergency Information up to date, i.e. Telephone numbers, workplace, address, emergency contact, etc.
• Are asked to support staff in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment through a positive, preventive discipline approach.
• Are asked to attend and participate in scheduled parent/guardian/teacher home visits and conferences.
• See that students are in school unless absence is absolutely necessary.  Families are responsible for informing the teachers when a child is ill or absent for some important reason.
• Work collaboratively with staff in sharing information or requesting assistance needed to promote student success.

Lunch Waiver

In GSRP, your child will be provided a Hamilton Community Schools lunch, if you elect to provide a daily lunch from home, please request a lunch waiver.

Accident and Illness Policy
Regular attendance is crucial to your child’s academic and social success in school. When a child has frequent absences, a child may feel uncomfortable in school because he/she may not know the songs, activities, routine, or may have difficulty maintaining friendships.

Should your child become ill or sustain an injury you will be contacted to pick him/her up at school. If you are not at home we will contact the person listed on the emergency card. If no one is available, we will keep the student at school unless immediate medical assistance is required. In that case this assistance will be secured.

While waiting to be picked up, the child will be moved away from the rest of the group, supervised by a staff member, and made comfortable until the parent can arrive. If a sick child or adult handled toys or other items in the classroom, the items will be sanitized to reduce the risk to other students or adults.

For minor injuries that do not require a child to be excluded from participation, parents will be notified by staff members via telephone or email before the end of the day.  

A child must not be excluded or expelled from the classroom due to a need for additional support such as medical or behavioral, assistance with toileting, or a situation where staff may be apprehensive towards a child’s participation in the classroom.

Parent-Teacher Conferences and Home Visits
Teachers monitor children’s progress regularly and parents/guardians will meet with their child’s teachers twice a year for conferences. The conference is a time for families and teachers to come together to discuss the child’s accomplishments and to answer any developmental questions a family may have. The conference includes information about where your child is functioning, as well as ideas for you to assist in your child’s development in the home. Conferences will take place one time in the Fall semester, and one time in the Spring semester.

Families also participate in two home visits during the year, one at the beginning and one at the end of the year, allowing teachers, children, and families to learn more about each other and to develop a warm and trusting relationship.

Parent Involvement
Parents of children in the Great Start Readiness Program have opportunities to be involved in the input and decision-making process for preschool programming. These opportunities vary, but may come in the form of one of the following:

• Local Parent Advisory Group
• Great Start Collaborative Parent Coalition
• ISD School Readiness Advisory Committees
  

Program Measurement
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District and Hawkeye Preschool are required to work with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to measure effects of the statewide preschool program, Great Start Readiness Program.

Information is sometimes collected about staff, enrolled children, and their families. Program staff or a representative from MDE might:

• Ask parents questions about their child and family.
• Observe children in the classroom.
• Measure what children know about letters, sounds, and numbers.
• Ask teachers how children are learning and growing.

Information from you and about your child will not be shared with others in any way that you or your child could be identified. It is protected by law.  Questions?  Contact: mde-gsrp@michigan.gov or 517-373-8483 or MDE, Office of Early Childhood Education and Family Services, 608 W. Allegan, PO Box 30008, Lansing, MI 48909.