PARENT HANDBOOK 2020-2021 - MCKINNEY ISD
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Parent Handbook
2020-2021
1Table of Contents
THE OFFICE OF CHILD CARE PROGRAMS ......................................................................................................................... 6
ALLERGIES (FOOD) ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
ARRIVAL .................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
ATTENDANCE ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
BATHROOM ............................................................................................................................................................................... 8
BIRTHDAYS/HOLIDAYS .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
BULLETIN BOARD/GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................... 9
CANCELLATION ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9
CHANGES IN POLICY ............................................................................................................................................................ 10
COMMUNICATION .................................................................................................................................................................. 10
CURRICULUM AND “KINDERGARTEN READINESS” ...................................................................................................... 10
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT ............................................................................................................................................. 11
DISCIPLINE AND GUIDANCE PRACTICES ......................................................................................................................... 11
DRESS CODE .......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
DRILLS ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
EMERGENCIES ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN ............................................................................................................................... 13
ENROLLMENT (BASED ON CHILD’S AGE ON SEPT 1) ................................................................................................... 13
GANG FREE ZONE / GUN FREE ZONE ............................................................................................................................... 13
HEAD INJURY REPORT......................................................................................................................................................... 14
HEAD LICE (PEDICULOSIS) ................................................................................................................................................. 14
ILLNESS EXCLUSION CRITERIA ......................................................................................................................................... 14
IMMUNIZATIONS .................................................................................................................................................................... 16
2INCLEMENT WEATHER/EMERGENCIES ............................................................................................................................ 16
LATE PICK UP......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
LICENSING GUIDELINES ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
MEALS ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
MEDICATION ........................................................................................................................................................................... 18
NAPTIME .................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
PARENT CONCERNS ............................................................................................................................................................. 18
PARENT NOTIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
PERSONAL BELONGINGS TO BRING ................................................................................................................................ 19
PROCARE ................................................................................................................................................................................ 20
RELEASE OF STUDENTS ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
VISION AND HEARING SCREENING ................................................................................................................................... 21
VISITORS ................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
VOLUNTEERS - PARENTS .................................................................................................................................................... 21
VOLUNTEERS – HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ..................................................................................................................... 22
3Dear Parent/ Guardian,
Thank you for choosing to enroll your child in McKinney ISD’s MDO
Program. We are dedicated to providing your child with the best of care,
along with quality educational programs that are tailored to meet individual
needs.
Our goal is for you to have peace of mind knowing your child is in a loving
environment. We are all on the same team and your child should come
home with nothing but positive experiences!
We are excited about being a part of McKinney ISD and providing this
benefit to MISD Families. Our handbook will provide you with information
regarding staff, programming, payments, policies, and much more. Please
take a moment to read through it carefully, as we know your child’s
experience in our program is important to you.
At any time, throughout the year, if you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to call our main office at 469-302-2300 or e-mail at
pparmley@mckinneyisd.net.
Sincerely,
Dr. Pamela Parmley
Director
Child Care Programs
4Mission Statement of MISD Child Care Programs
MISD Child Care exists to create a positive, learning environment for children ages 6
weeks to through five years of age by providing structured, educational programs and
activities that are fun, engaging and age-appropriate.
Mother’s Day Out is a part of MISD Childcare Programs serving a unique group of
children in a community-based program.
Core Beliefs of MISD Child Care
We Believe…
…parents have an expectation for quality childcare.
…it takes the whole community to educate a child.
…children should have the opportunity to interact and create relationships with positive
role models.
…children should have a variety of relevant learning opportunities that are differentiated
for their ages, stages and needs.
… an atmosphere of love and gentleness is the most conducive approach to the
development of a healthy, happy child.
Vision Statement of MISD Child Care
…create a positive, nurturing environment in which children have a sense of belonging.
…implement educationally appropriate activities and lessons, as well as provide
children with successes to increase self-confidence.
…assure that each child is involved and has the opportunity to learn through play, along
with direct instruction.
…provide a sound program with staff who utilizes proactive techniques in order to provide
security and structure.
…present a curriculum which encourages kindergarten preparedness.
5The Office of Child Care Programs
Director Dr. pparmley@mckinneyisd.net Lead Kristin krbell@mckinneyisd.net
Pamela 469-302-2306 Preschool Bell 469-302-5737
Parmley Supervisor
Coordinator Cody L. cbell@mckinneyisd.net Preschool Karen kagallagher@mckinneyisd.net
Bell 469-302-2302 Supervisor Gallagher 469-302-5805
(MHS)
Coordinator Daniel dagibson@mckinneyisd.net Preschool Patricia pcarlley@mckinneyisd.net
/ Club 360 Gibson 469-302-2308 Supervisor Carlley 469-302-2420
(Lawson)
Finance Lorie lharvey@mckinneyisd.net Preschool Linda lhazelton@mckinneyisd.net
Specialist Harvey 469-302-2307 Supervisor Hazelton 469-302-4523
(MNHS)
Finance Carmen calejos@mckinneyisd.net Preschool Kim kobrien@mckinneyisd.net
Assistant Alejos 469-302-2304 Supervisor O’Brien 469-302-3590
(MBHS)
Secretary Azaleah abarreto@mckinneyisd.net MDO Wendy wtasch@mckinneyisd.net
Barreto 469-302-2305 Supervisor Tasch 469-302-5804
(MHS)
Mailing Address:
Office of Child Care Programs MISD MDO @ MHS
2107 W. Eldorado Pkwy. Ste. 109 1400 Wilson Creek Parkway
McKinney, TX 75070 McKinney, TX 75069
6Program Overview
MISD MDO is a fee-based program at McKinney High School. The program
begins at 9:15 a.m. and operates until 2:00 p.m. Students remain on site for the
regular program. Doors open at 9:05am. Pick-up is between 1:50pm and 2:00pm.
If you need to check your child out before 1:50pm, please notify the teachers.
The program operates from August through May and follows the school district
teaching calendar. The program begins 08/13/2020.
Parents must not park in the fire lanes, as it is against the law. They are to use
the designated parking space for child care. Parking in the fire lanes may result in your
car being ticketed and we cannot be held responsible for any fines incurred.
Parents are to bring their child into the program and sign him/her in on
PROCARE (child tracking system). It is a daycare licensing regulation to have a
sign-in form, so we do ask that parents make time to complete this task with their
child each morning and not skip the procedure.
* Hand washing and/or bathroom use is encouraged; diapers and pull-ups are
checked regularly. Students are encouraged not to bring personal games, toys, etc. to
the program, as staff will not be responsible for lost or stolen items. Students will have
designated space to keep belongings (i.e. bags, change of clothes and blanket), but they
are not able to keep items locked.
Parents are allowed to visit the program at any time to observe their child, the
operation and/or the activities, although they must sign in as a visitor and put on a
badge. It is not recommended for parents to linger in the program as it may hinder the
independence and growth of their child and also disturb the routine and learning of the
other children in the classroom.
In the event a parent works at the same school as the location of MISD MDO,
he/she is not allowed to use a school key to enter the room. They must knock/buzz in
and be identified prior to entering. Please keep these visits to a minimum as our days are
scheduled and your visit may interrupt the flow of the day and the learning environment
of all children in the classroom. To speak with the teacher, please call or email and
schedule an appointment to talk about your child and their progress in the classroom.
Each child will need to bring their own lunch each day.
7Allergies (food)
The Department of Health and Human Services requires that any child with a
diagnosed food allergy have a Food Allergy Plan signed by their doctor. Students who do
not have a Food Allergy Plan on file will not be allowed to attend MDO. Please plan
ahead and get these prior to the 1st day of attendance.
Arrival
Parents must not park in the fire lanes, as it is against the law. They are to use
the designated parking space for childcare. Parking in the fire lanes may result in your
car being ticketed and we cannot be held responsible for any fines incurred.
Attendance
If your child will not be attending MISD MDO because of a scheduled
appointment, vacation or other planned absence, please notify MISD MDO staff in
advance. Should a parent request that a child be checked out of MDO by a
minor/sibling, he/she will be asked to provide a hand-written note authorizing the
release. Although it is not recommended for a child to be picked up by a sibling who is
a minor, we recognize this may be the only option for parents (form must be completed
prior to 1st occurrence).
Bathroom
During the early years, there are many transitions regarding bathroom use and
personal needs. MISD MDO staff members are trained to be sensitive to these needs and
utilize consistent methods. If your child is not yet potty-trained, the staff members will
continue to emphasize these skills at school. We ask that you send any needed personal
supplies daily (wet wipes, diapers, pull-ups, etc.). Parents will receive a daily summary
informing them of their child’s bathroom habits until they are fully potty-trained via
Tadpoles App.
The younger 2’s will have scheduled times throughout the day to go to the
bathroom and will be encouraged and supported as needed. The 3’s and up will be
reminded / asked throughout the day but are allowed to go as needed.
In the event a child is turning 3 and is not yet potty-trained, the teacher may ask
to meet with the parent to put a specific plan into place for the child to obtain this life
skill. Children must be potty-trained in order to attend the 3 and 4-year-old program.
8Birthdays/Holidays
Birthdays are special times for our children and we want to help you make them
memorable. We are happy to replace one of our snack times with birthday items (i.e.
cupcakes) and have a “mini- event”. Please inform the teacher 5 days in advance with the
type of treat so that the staff can make accommodations regarding allergies. All treats
must be store bought and in original package.
If you send party favors, please send one for each child and if you send party
invitations, please send one for each child. For confidentiality reasons, we are not
allowed to let parents go into a child’s cubby/backpack and place invitations personally.
Staff members will make sure to distribute them for you.
Throughout the year, we will have many celebrations (i.e. Pumpkin Day, Friendship
Feast, Snowman Party, 100th Day, Sweetheart Party, etc.). Teachers may place a sign-
up list by the check-in, in order to have parents send items specifically for the event. We
encourage all of our parents to participate, if possible, to support the events related to
your child’s education.
Bulletin Board/General Information
The following items will be available for parents and staff during regular hours of
operation. They will be located on a table near the front office.
(1) License issued by TX HHS;
(2) The letter or form from the most recent Licensing inspection or investigation;
(3) The Licensing notice Keeping Children Safe;
(4) Emergency and evacuation relocation plans;
(5) Licensing Notice of Availability for Review of:
(A) The most recent fire inspection report, if applicable;
(B) The most recent sanitation inspection report, if applicable;
(C) The most recent gas inspection report, if applicable; and
(D) The applicable Licensing Minimum Standards;
(6) Telephone numbers specified in §744.405 of this title and
(7) Any other Licensing notices with specific instructions to post the notice.
Cancellation
The MISD MDO Program requires a two-week advance, written notice via
email in the event your child is withdrawing from the program. The notice must be given
to the Office of Childcare Programs and the center’s Supervisor/Director. If notice is
given after a child has withdrawn, full tuition will be charged for the month.
9Changes in Policy
In the event that a policy of MISD Childcare changes, we will make every effort to
notify the parents in writing prior to the change.
Communication
Communication with parents/guardians is important to the development of a child.
During the year, teachers may ask for a parent conference to review the progress of their
child.
In addition, we welcome your feedback and input. All questions and concerns
regarding MISD Childcare should be addressed with the MDO Supervisor or the Childcare
Programs Director at 469-302-2300. Please do not contact the campus staff or principal,
as the program is managed separately from the campus.
The MISD MDO program is licensed and governed by the Minimum Standard
Rules for Licensed Child-Care Centers by the Texas Department of Health and Human
Services. The MISD MDO Program is associated with MISD and are operated by MISD
employees; therefore, MISD Childcare Programs are also governed by the regulations
of the Texas Educational Agency.
The MISD MDO program has a direct line to speak with staff. Please note, the
line may not be able to be answered immediately, as the program on site does not have
a receptionist and teaching and caring for children is our first priority. In the event of an
emergency, you may also use the main Childcare Programs office number at 469-302-
2300.
If you leave a message at the program, the staff members will return calls during
their “office hours” (i.e. nap time). Student absences from MISD MDO are not
considered an emergency and may be reported by leaving a message on the program
line.
Curriculum and “Kindergarten Readiness”
MISD MDO staff members use a curriculum, appropriate for preschoolers and
based upon the Minimum Standard Rules for Licensed Child-Care Centers and the Pre-
Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines from the Texas Education Agency and MISD
guidelines. This includes, but is not limited to The Letter People and Frogstreet Press.
It is our goal to have each child learning to his or her highest potential and have
lessons individualized as much as possible. Parents will receive updates periodically
throughout the year on their child’s developmental levels and skills. Parents may request
a meeting with the MDO Supervisor to discuss school issues at any time.
10Child Abuse and Neglect
Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused or neglected has a
legal responsibility, under state law, for reporting the suspected abuse or neglect to law
enforcement or to Child Protective Services (CPS). Any District employee, agent, or
contractor has an additional legal obligation to submit the oral or written report within 48
hours of learning of the facts giving rise to the Abuse and Neglect
All MISD MDO staff members are trained in recognizing and reporting child abuse
and neglect. This reporting is required by law should the staff member have cause to
believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by
abuse, neglect, or is a victim of indecency with a child by any person. The call is
typically made immediately but must be made no later than 48 hours after the hour the
staff member first suspects that the child has been or may be abused or neglected or is
a victim of indecency with a child.
Parent trainings are available to help recognize and report child abuse and neglect.
Information on this topic is available at each site. Contact the MDO Supervisor for
details (www.txabusehotline.org).
Discipline and Guidance Practices
MISD staff members are trained in positive strategies for preventing and managing
inappropriate behavior. In addition, staff members are trained to communicate with
parents/guardians regarding behavior. Internal documentation is kept on severe behavior
incidents.
Should a concern arise regarding a child’s behavior/needs, parents will be
contacted to discuss/review the situation. Staff will utilize a variety of appropriate
interventions to address the inappropriate behavior.
If inappropriate behavior continues, or if a child’s behavior becomes unsafe for
him/herself or others, he/she may be suspended temporarily or permanently from
membership. Fighting, hitting or biting of any type will result in suspension.
In the event a parent is contacted to come and pick up his/her child due to
behavioral concerns, the parent must make arrangements to come to the program as
soon as possible, as we do not have “in-school suspension” areas or staff to provide a
one-on-one ratio.
Temporary suspension may be from 1 to 3 days of the regular program. When a
child is suspended, parents will be contacted to pick the child up from the program. A
child who is suspended from MISD MDO may not come to the program on the days
he/she is suspended and parents must make other arrangements for care. Refunds are
not given for days missed due to suspension.
A meeting with the MDO Supervisor, Lead Preschool Supervisor or Director of
Childcare Programs will be held to determine dismissal from the program. In addition, if a
child’s needs are greater than can be met in a staff to child ratio of daycare licensing
standards, MISD MDO may not be a suitable option for care.
11Dress Code
1. Students are expected to conform to the MISD student dress code.
http://www.mckinneyisd.net/parents/dress-code/.
2. Students must wear tennis shoes at all times (In the event your child is wearing
sandals, crocs or other shoes that are not deemed safe for gym games/outdoor
play, your child may not be allowed to participate).
3. Students must wear shorts under skirts.
4. Students may not wear necklaces. (DFPS Regulation)
Drills
Emergency drills will be conducted which include Fire, Tornado and Lock Down.
Drills will be handled using the same procedures as MISD schools.
Emergencies
In the event of an emergency that requires assistance from the local fire or police
department, a MISD staff member will immediately contact 911 to report the emergency.
MDO staff are responsible for assisting and transporting all students safely out of the
building in case of emergency. Students with special needs or disabilities will be
assisted out of any MISD building and into safety according to their specific needs.
Once the group of students has arrived at the designated meeting location, the staff
member will take attendance to ensure that all students are present. During any
evacuation, a MISD staff member will collect a portable laptop or printed student
records and carry it with them. This will enable staff members to have access to all
student records for the duration of the evacuation/relocation.
In the event the students and staff must be evacuated and relocated from the
campus, the students will be relocated a designated location to be disclosed when
necessary. Each MISD MDO staff will have a record of students in attendance for the
day. All parents will be notified via email explaining the change in location immediately.
Students will be released to parents or authorized pick-ups according to direction from
MISD Administration, MISD Security and or McKinney Police Department.
12Emergency Preparedness Plan
In the event of an emergency, an emergency preparedness plan will be used to
ensure the safety of the children. If evacuation and relocation are necessary, parents
will be contacted by a school official.
Emergency communication with local authorities, parents and licensing will be
initiated by the Childcare Programs office. In the event of an emergency, you may
contact the Childcare Programs office at 469-302-2300.
MDO students with special needs or disabilities will be assisted out of any MISD
building and into safety according to their specific needs. Childcare staff are
responsible for assisting and transporting all children safely out of the building in case
of emergency. Any child can be carried by an adult. Additional adults will be
dispatched to the emergency site according to the District’s Preparedness Plan. These
adult staff members will carry or assist all children out of the building.
The Childcare Programs office and each individual site will have emergency
contact telephone numbers as well as authorization for emergency care information
available for each child in care - by utilizing Procare information.
Enrollment (based on child’s age on Sept 1)
Any child residing in the MISD school boundary may participate in MISD MDO (2
years old - incoming kindergarten). MISD MDO enrollment can be completed online at
https://mckinneyisd.wufoo.com/forms/ksf9vnp1qe51f0/.
It is the responsibility of the enrolling parent to update the form should any
changes occur in phone/work/or other information including updates in immunization
records.
Gang Free Zone / Gun Free Zone
A gang free zone is a designated area around every school in McKinney ISD
where prohibited gang related activity is subject to increased penalty under Texas law.
The gang free zone is 1000-foot perimeter around MISD property. The Gang Free Zone
is communicated to parents during the registration process, perimeter signs, and
handbook. All MISD Schools and properties are designated as “Gun Free Zones”.
13Head Injury Report
Injuries to the head are taken very seriously. In the event a child receives an
injury to the head during MISD MDO, the child will be examined closely for signs of
complications. Any signs of dizziness, headaches, nausea, staggering, difficulty
breathing or extreme drowsiness will be addressed immediately. Staff members will
contact parents to make them aware of the situation and complete a Head Injury
Report.
Head Lice (Pediculosis)
If it is determined that your child has Head Lice (Pediculosis), you must follow the
guidelines listed below.
1. Child must be picked up and remain home for 1 full school day.
2. Parent must provide proof of treatment given.
3. Nurse must check child before they are readmitted.
4. Staff will send the MISD Lice Fact Sheet to all parents in the affected child’s
classroom.
Illness Exclusion Criteria
MISD MDO recognizes that a child’s health/immunization information must be
kept current along with the enrollment forms and the MISD Health Form. Parents are
also asked to include allergies, special diets, and/or emergency health information per
the MISD Health Form located on the MISD website. At this time, MISD does not
offer health checks for enrolled children.
Parents may be called in the event a child becomes sick and is not able to
participate in our regularly scheduled activities. A child who becomes ill will be
separated and the parent will be contacted immediately to come for him/her. For the
protection of all children in our program, your child may not return to MISD Childcare
until he/she is symptom free for 24 hours. The following is a list of symptoms that
prohibits a child from being at the center:
1. An illness that prevents the child from participating comfortably in the child-care
center activities including outdoor play.
2. An illness that results in a greater need for care than caregivers can
provide without compromising the health, safety and supervision of the other
children in care.
3. A health-care professional has diagnosed the child with a communicable
disease, and the child does not have medical documentation to indicate that the
child is no longer contagious.
144. The child has one or more of the following symptoms, (unless medical
evaluation by a health- care professional indicates that you can include the
child in the center’s activities):
a. Vomiting or diarrhea. Student must be symptom free for 24 hours, without
medication before re-entry
b. Temperature of 100.0 or greater when taken on the forehead
c. Any undiagnosed rash
d. Pain and/or swelling at angle of jaw
e. Scaly patches on the body or scalp
f. Red, draining eyes
g. Intense itching with signs and symptoms of secondary infection
h. Open, draining lesions or wounds
i. Jaundice
j. Lice
k. For any infection, antibiotics must be taken for a minimum of 24 hours
prior to re-admittance to school
l. Discharge from the eyes/ears or profuse nasal discharge
m. Symptoms of possible communicable disease such as lethargy, abnormal
breathing, mouth sores with drooling, sniffles, sore throat, headache
and abdominal pain with fever, behavior changes or other signs that the
child may be severely ill.
In the event a child is sent home under our guidelines, please send an e-mail
to the MDO Supervisor indicating that your child has been symptom free for 24 hours
and is able to return to school and participate in all activities. If a doctor’s note
is obtained, please provide a copy to the MDO Supervisor. In the event of a medical
emergency requiring 911, parents will be contacted along with school officials. A
MDO staff member will remain with the child until the parent arrives. Enrollment
information on the child will be made available to the medical personnel treating the
child.
15MDO staff members are trained in administering medication, First Aid/CPR
and defibrillator use. All staff are trained in procedures for handling incidents and
monthly drills are conducted in fire, tornado and lock downs.
Immunizations
Each child enrolled or admitted to a childcare center must meet applicable
immunization requirements specified by the Texas Department of Health Immunization
Requirements in Texas Elementary and Secondary Schools and Institutions of Higher
Education and appropriate immunization and health records must be received prior to
the first day of the program.
Inclement Weather/Emergencies
In the case of inclement weather and McKinney ISD closes, MISD MDO will also
be closed. In the event of a school delay, the program will be delayed for the same
amount of time the district is delayed. For example: if the schools are delayed for two
hours, MDO will open at 11:15 a.m.
If the weather begins to worsen throughout the day and road conditions are
poor, we ask that you try to pick up your child up as soon as possible. This will allow
our staff to also get home safely, before the conditions are not suitable for driving.
When outside temperatures exceed 95° Fahrenheit, outdoor activities may be
limited to 10 minutes or less. In addition, children will not be allowed outside during
high humidity days or when Heat Alerts/Advisories, Ozone/Smog Alerts are in effect
for the city of McKinney.
When outside temperatures and or wind-chill factors are at or below freezing (32°
Fahrenheit), children will not be allowed outside. Please remember to dress children
accordingly for cold weather days.
Please make sure that your child has a change of clothes appropriate for the
weather/change of seasons.
Late Pick Up
Late fees will be assessed at $1.00 per minute beginning at closing time. Late
pick up fees are due on the next day the child returns to the program. You are welcome
to pay these fees by check or online. The staff members do not have cash on hand for
change, so exact fees are appreciated. Credits on your account cannot be used to pay
16late pick up fees. Credits can be used toward tuition only. Consecutive and or
excessive late pickups of 3 or more could result in additional fees of $5.00 per minute or
being dropped from enrollment.
Licensing Guidelines
Licensing Guidelines
The MISD Preschool is licensed by the Texas Department of Health and Human
Services. Each location has a posted license and follows the requirements set forth in
the Minimum Standards for Child-Care Centers. At any time, you may ask the program
staff to review the most recent Licensing Inspection Report or a booklet of the Minimum
Standards.
They may be reached in the following ways:
Texas Dept. of Health and Human Services
Child Care Licensing 1 (800) 582-6036
550 East 15th Street, Suite #120
Plano, TX 75074 972-516-5767 (fax)
CPS CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE 1-800-254-5400
Website:
https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/protective-services-providers/child-
care-licensing
Meals
Parents will be required to provide a lunch each day. Children are required to
wash their hands prior to any meal. Please recognize that the child care center is not
responsible for the packed lunches’ nutritional value or for the lunch meeting the child’s
daily food needs.
**Please see the attached MISD information sheet regarding Life Threatening
Allergies including our Policy of Being a Peanut and Nut Free Zone.**
17Medication
Parents with students who have medications must complete an “Authorization
for Dispensing Medication Form” prior to the child attending the program.
MISD has a no tolerance policy regarding possession of medication of any kind
at any time (prescription or non-prescription). All medications administered at MISD
MDO must be brought in the original container with our medication administration form
completed and discussed with the MDO Supervisor.
With safety as an important priority, we recognize that at times children will get
minor scrapes, bruises, etc. during our program. To address this issue, each site is
equipped with first aid supplies. MDO staff utilizes written documentation regarding
minor injuries to parents, how it was handled and the care your child received. The
MISD MDO program has access to campus nurses for emergencies only and only for
the hours the nurses are required to be there.
Naptime
State licensing guidelines requires a supervised rest or sleep period to be
provided after lunch.
Parents are asked to provide a blanket for their child/children. Cots will be
provided for all MDO students. The cots are child specific and labeled, to ensure each
child remains on his/her assigned cot. The blankets may be kept in the child’s cubby,
although we ask that you take them home on Fridays for washing.
Please label all items sent with your child with first and last name, as we want to
ensure they are kept separate.
In the event a child is not sleepy or is “growing” out of a nap, we are required to
have them rest for at least one hour or an age appropriate rest. After this initial hour, if
he/she is not sleeping they will be given an alternative quiet activity. We do ask that
parents talk with their child about this needed rest time and how rest is important for
their growing bodies.
Parent Concerns
MISD MDO welcomes your feedback and input. All questions and concerns
regarding MISD MDO should be addressed with the MDO Supervisor, or the Director of
Childcare Programs office (469-302-2300). The MISD MDO program has a direct line to
speak with staff. This phone line is only answered during MISD MDO hours, although
messages may be left at any time.
18Parent Notifications
Parents will be notified after one or more of the following circumstances
regarding their child:
m (1) Is injured and the injury requires medical attention by a health-care professional;
(2) Has a sign or symptom requiring exclusion (see Illness Exclusion Criteria)
(3) Has been involved in any situation that placed the child at risk. Or
(4) Has been involved in any situation that renders the operation unsafe, such as a fire,
flood, or damage to the operation as a result of severe weather.
(a) MISD MDO staff will notify the parent of less serious injuries when the parent
picks the child up from the operation. Less serious injuries include, but are not limited
to, minor cuts, scratches, and contusions requiring first-aid treatment by employees.
(b) MISD MDO staff will notify all parents of students in the operation in writing
and within 48 hours of becoming aware that a child in our care or an employee has
contracted a communicable disease deemed notifiable by the Department of State
Health Services as specified in 25 TAC Chapter 97, Subchapter A
(c) MISD MDO staff will provide written notice within 48 hours to the parents of all
students in a group when there is an outbreak of lice or other infestation in the group.
Staff will send an individual note to each parent.
Personal Belongings to Bring
Change of Clothes YES
Bathroom Items YES
(pull-ups, /diapers,
wipes, etc.)
Sleep Toy/Blanket YES
(smaller than loaf of
bread)
Bottles/Sippy Cups NO
Pacifiers YES (only for nap
time)
Water Bottles (must YES
be labeled with first
and last name)
Each child will have a designated cubby/ locker to keep personal items. Although
MISD MDO staff members attempt to help children stay organized, the program cannot
be responsible for lost personal property. Children are discouraged from bringing
19personal toys, games, or other items not necessary for program activities. In the event a
child brings a personal item and it becomes a distraction, the item will be taken up by
the MDO staff member on duty and returned to the parent at a later date.
During certain times of the year, parents may want to send in sunscreen
and/or diaper cream. The sunscreen and diaper cream must be clearly labeled for
your child and an MISD Medication Administration form will need to be completed by
the parent.
Parents are asked to send children in comfortable clothing – as our activities will
have a lot of movement and fun. Please make sure children are not sent in their best
attire, as at times, art supplies may include paint. MDO staff will do their best to
ensure clothing is protected from program supplies.
PROCARE
Procare is a server-based software program that MISD utilizes for child and staff
tracking. This software will allow parents to check their own child out digitally. Each
parent will need to be registered by a MISD MDO staff member on their child’s first day.
If the parent has been previously registered, they will not need to be re-registered.
Registration requires a bio-metric scan.
Release of Students
During the registration process parents will be able to designate who is able to
pick up their child. In the case of shared custody or visitation rights, we must have a
copy of the court document to determine who can add/change information. Corrections
or additions to the information must be made in writing by the primary parent. MDO
staff members will not allow a child to leave with a person who has not been given
parental permission. In the event a person not listed arrives to pick up a child, we will
call the parent listed. MDO students will not be released to a parent or an authorized
pick-up smelling of alcohol/intoxicated.
The parent who enrolls the child in MISD MDO and signs the enrollment form,
has the right to list who can and cannot pick up the child from the program. In the case
of shared custody or visitation rights, we must have a copy of the court document
stating parent rights in regards to school forms and pick-ups. Corrections or additions
to the form must be made in writing by the person who originally completed the form.
All persons allowed to pick up the child must be listed on the enrollment form,
along with identification numbers (i.e. Driver’s license) – this includes parents. MDO
staff will not allow a child to leave with a person who is not listed on the form. In the
event a person not listed arrives to pick up a child, we will call the parent listed.
20Authorized persons may pick up children at any time once the program starts,
using the main doors of the program. All doors are secure and authorized persons will
need to knock/ “buzz” in and must present picture identification (driver’s license or
similar) in order to pick up their child. Authorized persons must sign the child out
before leaving using the Procare system. This will require parents to have a fingerprint
on file with the Procare system at your child’s campus. If a parent or other authorized
person arrives at MISD MDO facility smelling of alcohol or exhibiting erratic behavior,
staff will not release the child to that person. MDO staff has been instructed to contact
the Supervisor/Director for guidance.
Vision and Hearing Screening
First time enrollees who are four years of age or older and all children enrolled
in programs who are four years of age by September 1 of each year will be screened
for possible vision and hearing problems. This screening will occur prior to the end of
semester or within 120 calendar days of enrollment, whichever is longest. A licensed or
certified screener or a health care professional must conduct the screening; typically, it
is the campus nurse.
Visitors
If a parent would like to visit the program, meet with a staff member, or observe
the program, they must sign-in with the Site Assistant in the office. A MDO staff
member will escort and accompany the parent visitor. The parent must sign-in and
sign-out to document the visit. Parents have the right to visit the program, as long as
they are not interacting with other students and participating in the program as a
volunteer. In addition, visitors must not engage in any activity that would make them
appear to be a district representative. Prior appointments/arrangements are greatly
appreciated.
Volunteers - Parents
We hope you choose to join us in the center as appropriate for parties and
events. We know the children love to have their parents visit at special times. In order
to utilize parents as a support to the program, teachers may ask parents to sign up and
donate items for the events (i.e. plates, decorations, cups, etc.).
Parents can sign up to share their talents at the time of enrollment. Other ways
parents may be asked to get involved include: participating in party activities, sending
treats made with a child, participating in open house/art events, presenting as a special
guest, and much more.
21Volunteers for the program are required to sign up through the MISD website in
order to have a background check conducted, even if they are already a regular MISD
employee. This policy is similar to any other MISD campus. In addition, volunteers will
need to fulfill requirements for volunteering as set per our state licensing agency.
Volunteers – High School Students
MISD MDO serves as the classroom laboratory for the high school Early Child
Guidance classes and the Ready, Set, Teach Programs. The students enrolled in this
class receive background checks, basic orientation to daycare licensing, confidentiality
of records, recognizing child abuse/neglect and many other training tropics related to
child care.
The high school students come into the MDO classroom to work directly with
the children. They are closely supervised and are not left alone with any children. In
addition, the high school students are not allowed to assist with potty-training or any
bathroom situations. We are glad to have them be a part of our program. Please know
that the children enjoy the “big kids” visits and look forward to their planned activities.
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