Community Action Council of Howard County

Volunteer Manual

Community Action Council of Howard County, MD, Inc. 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, 2nd Floor Columbia, MD 21046

CAC Board

Welcome to the CAC!

Dear Volunteers,
On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff and customers, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation for your interest in volunteering with the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC). Although our county enjoys and maintains a reputation of being one of the most affluent counties in the nation, for some, that wealth is currently beyond reach. The CAC strives to eradicate those disparities, while seeking to advocate for the needs of low-income residents. In addition, the CAC provides community and neighborhood-based services that are comprehensive, integrated and empowering to the individuals and families who utilize the programs available. Due in part to our outstanding volunteers, CAC was able to serve more than 16,000 individuals at the Food Bank, assest 4,800 households with energy costs, and provide a variety of other programs. We value your important contribution of time and effort in order to assist us in serving our community. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available such as reading a story to our Head Start children, sorting donations at the Food Bank, or harvesting vegetables at our Community Garden. Thank you for your support, and we hope that your experience with us will be truly enjoyable and rewarding. Warm Regards, Bita Dayhoff, President

Dr. Clarence Lam, Chair Anne Towne, Vice Chair Patrick Curtis, CPA, Treasurer Robert D. Biagiotti, Secretary Dr, Clarence Lam, Board Development and Program Development, Co-Chairs Patrick Curtis, CPA, Audit and Finance, Chair Ulysses Michael Currie, Resource Development, Chair Walter Carson, Esquire Alice Harris Jennifer Hudson Jerome Jackson Natalie Janiszewski Susan Kleinburg Rachel Qualls Francisco Ramirez Dylan Goldberg David Lee
Bita Dayhoff
President

Phone (410) 313-6440 Fax (410) 313-6479 Website www.cac-hc.org

Table of Contents
I. II. III. Welcome Letter from the President..2 Table of Contents3 About CAC..4
a. Mission Statement4 b. History..4 c. Our Services.4

IV.

Policies.5
a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. Standards....5-6 Confidentiality....6 Non-discrimination Policy..6 Drug and Smoke Free Workplace...6 Child Abuse.....6 Sexual Harassment......7 Office Closing.....8 Responding to emergencies....8-9 Age Requirements ...10 Dress Code ...10 Promoting Safety and Awareness.10 Suggestions...10

V.

Volunteer Guidelines......................................................................... 10
a. b. c. d.

VI. VII.

Community Garden...11
a. Description11 b. Location/Hours..11

Food Bank..12
a. b. c. d. Description12 Location/Hours..12 Duties.13 Lifting Techniques14-15 Program.16 Responsibilities.....16 Location/Hours..17 Duties.18 Requirements.18 Classroom Design..19-20 Dos/Donts21-22 Guidance Policy.22-23 Playground Policy..23-24 Emergency Evacuation...24-26

VIII.

Head Start..16
a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j.

About CAC

Mission Statement
The mission of the Community Action Council of Howard County is to provide programs and services to low-income residents of Howard County in order to alleviate the effects of poverty; to promote self-sufficiency as a means of interrupting the cycle of poverty; and to stimulate increased awareness of, and responsiveness to, the needs of the lowincome population on the part of the larger community.

History
Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) was established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to fight Americas War on Poverty. Our goal is to help people to help themselves in achieving self-sufficiency. The CAC is the designated community action agency for Howard County in order to provide a continuum of services for the clients from crisis intervention to the realization of self-sufficiency.

Our Services
CAC provides a many services for low-income families and individuals in Howard County. CAC programs include the Howard County Food Bank, Head Start, Energy Assistance, Housing Assistance, Weatherization, and the Community Garden

CAC Policies
Standards of Conduct and Discipline
Volunteers are asked to assist staff and work efficiently and effectively. In addition, they are reminded to be conscious of the public's expectations of the agency and of the agency's employees/staff. Administrative staff and other supervisors are expected to provide leadership for the group they supervise, to respect the dignity and rights of volunteers as individuals and to set an example by their own conduct, attitude, and work habit. Personal conduct is the behavior of individuals within the environment in which they work. Consequently, it involves more than just following policies and procedures. Volunteers are expected to act with judgment, discretion and integrity at all times. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in disciplinary actions, including termination of volunteer duties. Types of behavior and conduct that are considered inappropriate include, but are not limited, to the following: Falsification of documentation; Insubordination; Excessive tardiness and absenteeism; Failure to notify supervisor of intended absence; Unsatisfactory job performance; Defacing company property; Use of CAC funds and/or property for other than official, approved activities; Unlawful discrimination against employees, other volunteers or customers. Harass sexually, or in any other manner, employees, volunteers, clients or users of the agency facilities; Use of illegal drugs or alcohol while on the job; Dress inappropriately for specific job duties (see specific program dress code); CAC staff, consultants, and volunteers must abide by these standards of conduct as well as the ones listed above: Respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, disability, or sexual preferences; Follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children,

families, and other staff members; No volunteer will be left alone with a child; Use developmentally appropriate practices and positive methods of child guidance. Will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation. Will not employ methods of discipline that involve isolation, the use of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs

Confidentiality
Confidentiality of all agency clients must be protected by every volunteer in order to preserve the trust and credibility with our clients, allied professionals, and the community at large. By agreeing to volunteer at CAC, you are not to share any confidential information with someone outside the agency, not identify clients when in public, and protect the confidentiality of clients records/information. Volunteers are not permitted to remove any client documentation from the premises. Volunteers should always be respectful and non-judgmental of all customers. Volunteers are expected to always conduct themselves in a professional manner as a representative of the CAC.

Non-discrimination Policy
The Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, marital status, sex, age, physical handicap, physical appearance, sexual orientation or political affiliation is expressly forbidden.

Drug and Smoke Free Workplace

The Agency is strongly dedicated to maintaining a Drug Free Workplace. Accordingly, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance or alcohol in a facility or vehicle operated by this agency is strictly prohibited, and can be ground for immediate termination. CAC is a smoke-free organization, and no smoking is permitted during work hours.

Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Policy

The CAC affirms its position that all children have the right to be protected from child abuse and neglect. If a child discloses to you or you suspect that a child is being abused and/or neglected, then report it to a staff member IMMEDIATELY. The staff member will then take appropriate action to ensure that all instances of suspected abuse and neglect are be reported to the Howard County Department of Social Services

and the Howard County Police Department in accordance with the regulations set forth herein. Family Law Article, Annotated Code of Maryland Section 5-701 to 5-708 Maryland law mandates that every health practitioner, human service worker, police officer, and educator report suspected child abuse and neglect; it does not require proof that abuse or neglect has occurred before reporting. Incidents are to be reported as soon as they are suspected. Waiting for proof of actual abuse or neglect may involve great risk to the child and impede services to the family. Required reporters (including educators and human service workers) who knowingly fail to report suspected abuse of a child may be subject to professional sanctions by their licensing boards (Maryland Annotated Code, Education Article, Section 6-202); they may also be held civilly liable. For those who do report, the law provides protection from civil liability or criminal penalty to anyone who in good faith makes a report of suspected child abuse or neglect (Annotated Code of Maryland, Section 5- 708).

Sexual Harassment
The Agency does not condone nor will it tolerate sexual harassment. It is the policy of this Agency to provide its employees and volunteers with a work environment free from all forms of sexual harassment. This policy refers to interaction between supervisors and subordinates and action between coworkers and volunteers. Sexual Harassment - refers to behavior of a sexual nature which is not welcome, is personally offensive, debilitates morale and interferes with the work performance and effectiveness of its victims. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, the displaying of pornographic materials which are intended to cause sexual excitement, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes harassment. Verbal Harassment - May include persistent derogatory, vulgar, and uncomplimentary comments of a sexual nature or comments regarding an employees sexual preference. Physical Harassment - Consists of unwanted touching, hitting, pushing, or other aggressive physical contact of a sexual nature, implicit or explicit. Visual Harassment - Consists of any displaying items and materials, and/or exhibiting unwanted gestures of a sexual nature that most reasonable individuals would find objectionable in a business environment.

Office Closings Due to Inclement Weather

Community Action Council will follow Howard County Government's policy and remain open during most inclement weather conditions unless, in the opinion of the President, the conditions become so hazardous that reason dictates that the Community Action Council offices close. However, because of concern for the safety of Community Action Council's employees and volunteers, even when inclement weather is not severe enough to close the office, the President will have the discretion to allow employees to take personal leave and volunteers are excused from their duties. Head Start Staff will follow the Howard County Department of Education closings for classes. In case of a two-hour late opening, part-day classes will be closed. Classroom staff is expected to report to work at the regular time unless the Agency is on Liberal Leave Policy.

Closing of County Buildings/Community Action Council Offices In the event that the closing of County buildings/Community Action Council offices are implemented before the start of the normal work day, all information will be disseminated by County officials to the television and radio stations by 7:00 A.M.

Responding to Emergencies
Too often these days we are reminded that we must be prepared to handle crisis situations in the workplace. Whether faced with a natural disaster, a sudden accident, or the consequence of malicious acts, we must be ready to protect and secure the safety of ourselves, colleagues, and visitors.

AN EMERGENCY IS ANY SITUATION, ACTUAL OR IMMINENT, THAT THREATENS LIFE AND/OR PROPERTY. FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE:

CALL 911
When you call 911: Identify yourself and the specific location of the emergency. Give the street address and room number. Tell what has occurred. Be concise and factual. Relate known or suspected injuries or fatalities. Identify immediate help needed. Alert other employees (when appropriate) that an emergency is occurring. Alert supervisory staff on site. Alert building security at x 6355 when volunteering at CAC Main Office.

Volunteer Guidelines
Requirements:
Volunteers under age 15 must be supervised by an adult/guardian Teens under the age of 18 must have parent/guardian permission in order to Volunteer. The minimum age to volunteer is 9-years-old. Volunteers must sign the Volunteer Sign-in Sheet each shift.

Dress Code:
Safety and comfort dictate suitable dress for the Community Garden. Wear enclosed shoes onlyno flip-flops, sandals or heels permitted. Make sure to use sunscreen. Furthermore, wear long pants or shorts and bring a light-weight jacket. No halter tops, midriff tops, rompers, strapless dresses, tight clothing is acceptable attire for the garden. If you have a medical bracelet, make sure you wear it while volunteering.

Promoting Safety & Awareness:

We require all volunteers (short-term or long-term) to follow our safety rules. It is very important that we focus on protecting our bodies against strains/sprains, fractures, and exerting yourself too much. In addition, these rules are to protect you and others at the Community Garden. If you do not feel comfortable with pickingup, lifting, or pushing items, then ask for assistance.

Suggestions:
Stay hydrated. Water will be available when there is a group event, and volunteers are encouraged to bring their own water bottle. Bring a lunch or snack as needed.

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Community Garden
Description:
Volunteers will engage in a variety of duties while assisting at our Community Garden. Depending upon the season, volunteers prepare the soil for planting and maintain the garden. Furthermore, volunteers help with harvesting fruits and vegetables for distribution at our Food Bank.

Location:
CAC Community Garden (Across from Long Reach High School) 6100 Old Dobbin Lane Columbia, MD 21045 Hours: Saturday 9:00 am-12:00 noon Daily hours vary. *Volunteers need to schedule with Volunteer Coordinator.

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Howard County Food Bank

Food Bank Address:
Howard County Food Bank 8920 Route 108; Suite A Columbia, MD Telephone: 410-313-6185 Hours of Operation & Donations: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm Distribution Hours: Monday 1:00 pm-6:00 pm; Tuesday & Thursday 1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Description:
The Howard County Food Bank is a community resource where individuals and families in need shop for food and other personal items. Customers have a choice of foods in the main sources of the food groups: vegetables, fruits, proteins, grains, and dairy. We support our customers with maintaining healthy and nutritious lives, and they are encouraged to participate in a wide-variety of educational activities. The Food Bank helps families who are experiencing food insecurity: Community Gardenproviding fresh fruits and vegetables Operate 9 pantries in churches and community sites Service is available once per month Quantity of distribution depends on number of individuals per family Supplements food for 3 to 5 days How Many Do We Serve? Food Bank Served 21,204 individuals in FY 2013 Distributed 472,807 pounds of food

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Duties:
Warehouse Volunteers organize, sort, box, and shelf donated food. Donated food is weighed and logged on Food Donation Form. Discarded food is weighed and logged on Food Donation Form. Break down boxes and either discard or recycle. (Do not block Exit Door with boxes.) Assist with maintaining a clean and organized warehouse. Pantry The refrigerator and freezer are cleaned inside and out. The shelves are generously stocked with food in an organized and orderly fashion. The floor is swept and mopped daily. Recipes are updated and copies are made available for clients. Administration The telephone is answered by the third ring between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Volunteers are to set up their shifts with the Volunteer Coordinator and confirm with Food Bank Coordinator/staff as needed. Thank you letters are completed for donations. In-kind Forms are completed for donations. On distribution days, the Household Log Sheet is completed as clients are served. Client files are completed and organized. Ensure all donated food is weighed and recorded. Make sure all food distributed to clients is weighed and recorded on the Food Donation Form.

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Lifting Techniques:
Lifting does not have to be a dangerous proposition even when it is done regularly at work or at home. As long as you know the facts about correct lifting and bending techniques, you can protect your back from unnecessary added stress and possible injury. There are two, common mistakes made in lifting. The first is using the wrong muscles, the back muscles, instead of the leg and buttock muscles. You should always bend your knees when lifting heavy objects, so you have a solid foundation for your spine. You should keep your trunk vertical when bending down and lifting something. A horizontal trunk can put pressure on the lower back amounting to hundreds of extra pounds. This pressure can eventually compromise a disc or strain a back muscle. The second common error is lifting an object too far from the body. Get close to what you are lifting. It decreases the pressure on your spine. Try to start with the center of the weight no more than 8 inches from your body, then lift the object with a straight back using your leg and buttock muscles. These are simple principles that will help you minimize injury to your back when lifting. Another important guideline to follow is to limit twisting when lifting. This adds more force to your back. If you must turn when lifting, pivot your feet instead of twisting your back. In addition, always be sure of your footing. A sudden change in footing or a trip can cause enormous amounts of added stress on the back. Another problem with lifting is fatigue. The more you bend and lift, the more fatigued your muscles become. When muscles are fatigued they are more prone to injury. Frequent breaks when lifting are preferable to help rejuvenate strength. Always use both hands when lifting and lift slowly and deliberately. The ideal situation is to have someone or something to help you when lifting, but if that is not possible, follow all the above listed guidelines to minimize your risk of injury.

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Do Place your feet and knees at least shoulder width apart or front to back in a wide-step position. Lean over or squat with the chest and buttocks sticking out. You back should be flat and your neck balanced. Do take weight off one or both arms if possible. Balance load on one side if possible. Switch sides frequently so one is not more stressed then the other. Level pelvis or tuck in buttocks and suck in abdomen, when reaching or lifting overhead. Do walk around and use back bending stretches before you start heavy lifting. Especially if you have been sitting for a while.

Dont Lift with feet too close together.

Lift with knees and hops straight and your lower back rounded.

Lift or carry an unbalanced load.

Lift and bend too much in a short period of time. Dont live things overhead with neck and back arched. Dont lift heavy objects directly following a long period of sitting

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Head Start
Head Start Program
The program is Federally-funded and offers child development and family support services to low-income families. Head Start provides free pre-school experiences and family support for children ages 3 to 5 who live at or below the poverty level. Created to provide early childhood education and additional support services including: Health and nutrition Mental health How Many Do We Serve? Our three centers serve approximately 264 children.

Responsibilities:
The Head Start program values volunteers and invites them to share their talents with our children. Some examples include the following: Spanish-speaking adults who can work with our ESOL students, student teachers who can work one-on-one or in small groups with our children, health service providers or students who can present health and safety lessons to our children.

Volunteers when in the classroom should be provided with opportunities to interact with children by reading stories, playing games, assisting with various activities, participating in meals, and playing outside on the playground. Volunteers, including parents, should not be left alone with children at any time and must be supervised by Head Start staff. Unless authorized by the Head Start Director, volunteers who are assisting with administrative duties are not given access to children/staff files.

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Head Start Locations:

Dasher Green Center 6680 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD 21045 Telephone: 410-313-6210 Hours for Children: Monday-Friday 8:15 am-12:15 pm Hours for Staff: Monday-Friday 7:45 am-1:45 pm *Summer hours will vary. Tubman Center 8045 Harriet Tubman Lane Columbia, MD 21043 Telephone: 410-313-7257 Full-time Hours for Children: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-2:30 pm Full-time Hours for Staff: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-3:30 pm Part-time Hours for Children: Monday-Friday 11:00 am-3:00 pm Part-time Hours for Staff: Monday-Friday 10:00 am4:00 pm *Summer hours will vary. Ellicott City Center 8510 High Ridge Road Ellicott City, MD 21043 Telephone: 410-313-2750 Hours for Children: Monday-Friday 10:00 am-2:00 pm Hours for Staff: Monday-Friday 9:00 am-3:00 pm *Summer hours will vary.

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Duties:
Respect the confidentiality of the children and their families. Maintain a regular schedule. Work with staff as a member of a team and follow their directions. Be sensitive to the values of different cultural patterns of behavior Adapt to a flexible program Provide an added measure of emotional support to the children Participate in one or all of the following activities o o o o o o o o o Read stories Discuss pictures Play games Play a musical instrument Serve and eat meals with children Chaperone field trips Explore nature Share art, drama or music activities Translate languages

Requirements:
Volunteers, excluding parents, must provide a schedule of time and dates to the center manager prior to beginning volunteer hours. Volunteers must be given an orientation to the center and program. The orientation should include: or location placement responsibilities evacuation procedures of the Standard of Conduct of the Child Guidance Policy Review of the Confidentiality Policy Volunteers must sign the Volunteer Sign-in Sheet and the In-Kind Contribution Form when services are donated. These forms will be provided to you. The minimum age to volunteer with Head Start is 18-years-old.
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[Performance Standard 1306.22 (a)(b)]

Classroom Design:
There are many areas in the room in which you can be of assistance. We would like you to decide what you feel comfortable doing and let us know so that the experience is an enjoyable one for you. Below is an outline of some of the areas in each room with information and activities about each area. Art Area: Why we have it: In the art area, children are free to express themselves. The area gives a child a chance to experiment with different colors, textures and materials. Children learn to use their finger muscles which help them learn to hold a pencil and write. They will also learn to make their eyes and hands work together. And best of all, they can create what they want! Please remember that a one-eyed pink kitten may seem perfectly normal to a four-year-old child. Your sensitivity toward their creativeness is greatly appreciated. As a volunteer you can:

Help the child get his/her materials ready. Talk with the children while they work. Hang wet finished pictures on a line with clothes pins Ask children to talk about what theyre doing. Please encourage children to try to write their names on all art work. If they cannot do it, you can do it for them. Let them watch you and say the letters as you write them.
Rules for the Children to Follow:

Children should wear a smock at the easel. Children should not walk away from easel with brush or chalk. Messy materials like glue and play-dough should stay at the table. Children should remain seated with scissors or writing instruments. Children should clean up their area when finished. Manipulative Toys Area: Why we have it: Learning takes place in many, many ways for young children. Puzzles, puppets, beads, matching games and tinker toys all help a child with some structured thinking. Small fingers get strong by putting puzzles together with a lacing board. Block Area: Why we have it: Children like to use their large and small muscles- blocks are a challenge to them. The blocks help children to work cooperatively with others. When children play with blocks, it helps them to use their imagination and give them a chance to express themselves. They learn things such as space, weight, size, balance,
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proportion and shapes.

As a volunteer you can:

Build with the children and talk with them about what they are building. Watch the children and what they are creating. Show the children how to build as high as their shoulders. Remind, show and help children put away at pick-up time. Each shape of block has its own area. Count blocks with the children. Compare size and shapes of different blocks. Rules for children to follow: Limit the number of children in area at one time because it gets crowded otherwise, and more accidents happen when its crowded. Children may not throw or hit others with blocks. If this happens, let the teacher know immediately. Blocks should stay in block area. The Reading Corner: Why we have it: Books can be a special part of a childs day. He/she may find a special friend in a story. Pictures can be looked at and talked about. A child can learn some basic sequencing (What happened first? And then what happened?) Children, who need a quiet time away from the classroom noise and hustle, may enjoy a cozy time with a volunteer sharing a story. Reading a book to a child helps him/her understand how the written word has meaning. As a volunteer you can: Join a child in this area and offer to read a story or have them read you a story. Encourage a childs imagination by asking lots of questions such as What color is her dress? Listening to a child talk is very important. Rules for the children to follow: Encourage them to turn pages carefully. Encourage them to return books to shelves when finished.
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Dos and Donts for Volunteering at Head Start Locations

Do Call yourself and other adults by Miss, Mrs. or Mr. at all times. Call the school as soon as possible if, for some reason, you cant come on your scheduled day. Tell the teacher about any problems you may notice and let them handle the discipline of any child. Be friendly, you are setting an example for the children. Listen and talk to the children and let them know you are interested in them. Learn their names and use them frequently. Encourage each child to do things on their own. Help a child learn by asking questions that make him think about what he/she is doing. Remember that the teacher is in charge of the classroom and has overall responsibility for everything that takes place. Be ready to follow directions from the teacher willingly and readily. Ask questions. Communicate with a child on his level. Dont Use first names when speaking to adults in front of children. Let the children in the class down, they are expecting you. Threaten to punish or scold a child.

Try to win children by being overly friendly, or be too strict with them. Dont make promises you cant carry out.

Help him make a picture pretty by doing some of the work yourself. Show him/her how easy it is by doing it for him/her. Help him/her find out for himself/herself. Make changes in the way the class operates. Talk with the teacher to share suggestions or concerns.

Accept and assignment that you wont like doing week after week. Discuss this with the teacher. Use baby talk. If a child does respond in a nice way with the correct word. Expect children to wait until recess or dismissal to use the bathroom.

Allow Children to leave the room to use the bathroom or the water fountain, if the teacher is there go with them; otherwise, allow them to take turns. Use proper terms when talking about using the bathroom. Join in or originate your own activities when you have no special assignment. Keep yourself busy.

Be upset at the variety of terms children may use.

Be offended if the teacher asks you not to do that again or stand against the wall waiting for the teacher to direct you. Socialize with other volunteers or members of the staff during class time. Criticize the food in front of the children. Dont force, just encourage them to taste.

Sit down with the children when meals are served, and eat. Set the proper example by tasting everything.

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Be sympathetic if a child complains about his experience with a doctor or dentist; explain that these discomforts are necessary to keep him healthy. Offer encouragement to shy children. Praise for even small accomplishments. Treat children fairly at all times.

Reinforce his fears or pass your own fears on to him. Also be sure he does not frighten other children.

Call a child stupid or a brat, or compare him to another child. Show favoritism or express dislike for any child by offering or denying special praises, awards, or attention. Be afraid to volunteer in your childs class, just be sensitive to his/her feelings about sharing you with others. When a child is upset say, Stop crying! or Thats not important- you will forget about it. Dont stop volunteering just because you cant settle a problem.

Remain neutral if you are a parent volunteer and your child is involved in an argument.

When you see a child upset say, I see that you are hurt, tell me what happened. Talk with the Center Director about your work.

Child Guidance Policy:

The agency must ensure that all staff, consultants, and volunteers abide by the programs standards of conduct. These standards must specify that positive methods of child guidance will be used on an ongoing basis. Positive Methods of Guidance will include: Teach children limits. Help children solve problems.
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 Teaching children how to maintain control over their bodies. Develop clear, simple, and age-appropriate classroom guidelines and expectations. Respect and acknowledge childrens feelings. Help children to express their feelings. Speak in a gentle respectful manner. Sit with, comfort, and interact with children. Address the behavior not the child as the problem. Redirect the childs behavior. Provide appropriate choices Adapt the environment/schedule to the meet the needs of the child. Provide sincere praise and encouragement. Practice age-appropriate transitions. Staff, consultants, and volunteers will not: Isolate a child by using time-out or a similar practice. Hit, spank, shake, or grab a child. Withhold food from a child. Yell/use an inappropriate tone with a child. Shame, degrade, or embarrass a child. Talk about a childs behavior in front of the child. Share information regarding a childs behavior with persons who are not the assigned staff and/or parent/guardian.
[Performance Standard 1304.52(h)(1)(iv)]

Playground Safety Policy:

Staff and volunteers will demonstrate safety practices when children are participating in outdoor activities. Children will be supervised in a safe and secure environment. Staff will be in locations where they can see all children. Ratio (Child Care Center Licensing .31 Group Size and Staffing) w ill be maintained at all times. Gates that surround the playground will be properly secured. Debris will be removed when seen on the playground. Staff will respond to injury and/or emergency in an appropriate and timely manner. Staff will carry first aid supplies and emergency card binder onto the playground. If a child is injured on the playground, staff will follow the procedures outlined in the Minor Injury Policy and or the Emergency Injury Policy. Children will be provided with a variety of activities and equipment.
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 Planned activities will be provided to children during outdoor play. The use of additional materials such as: balls, bikes, parachutes, etc. will be used on a regular basis. Weather permitting children will go outside on a daily basis. Children should spend at a minimum 30 minutes outside daily. Children should be provided with outdoor time so long as it is not raining, under 32 or above 95 and/or a Code Red Day, or thunder and lighting is in the area.
*Please see the Outdoor Play Policy, Weather Conditions for additional information. [Performance Standard- 1304.22 (d )(1)]

Emergency Evacuation Procedures:

A written plan for evacuation and/or responding to emergency situations will be followed by all staff and volunteers. Evacuation procedures will be practiced on a monthly basis. Emergency/Evacuation Plan Each classroom will have a complete Emergency/Evacuation plan. Emergency phone numbers will be posted next to telephones. The Emergency/Evacuation plan will be reviewed with staff on an annual basis and during the orientation of new hires. Classroom staff will make volunteers aware of the Emergency Evacuation plan. Monthly Evacuation Drills Evacuation Drills will be practiced on a monthly basis. Dates of the drills will be documented and posted in each center. Classroom staff must exit the building with Emergency Contact information and Daily Attendance Sheet. Bus Evacuation Drill In accordance with Performance Standard 1310.21(b)(1-4) within the first 30 days of school children will participate in a safety training which will include: Riding practices Boarding and leaving the vehicle Crossing streets Danger zones Emergency evacuations Safety training will be provided throughout the year as outlined on the Howard County Head Start Calendar and Education Timeline. Documentation of completed Evacuation Drills and Safety trainings will be submitted
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to the Transportation Coordinator on the date of completion. In accordance with Performance Standard 1310.21(c) within the first 30 days of school parents/guardians will receive safety training which will include: Escorting children to the vehicle stop Boarding and leaving the vehicles Crossing streets Danger zones Transportation Policies .

Evacuation Procedure:
Time for parent/guardians safety training will be provided during the parent orientation Child to Staff ratio will be maintained, and the children will be evacuated to the designated Evacuation Area. Staff will count the children in each group being evacuated and count the children again when they reach the evacuation destination. Staff will give children clear, simple instructions about exiting the facility. Children will stop their activities immediately at the sound of the alarm and proceed to the exit door. Children who cannot/will not walk on their own will be carried out by a staff member. The designated staff member will carry the daily attendance log and emergency contact information from the facility to the designated evacuation area and compare attendance at the evacuation site to the attendance sheet to be sure that not children or staff have been left behind. The last adult to leave each room shall close the door behind himself/herself. To assure that complete evacuation has occurred, the designated staff member will conduct a final sweep of all areas accessible to children (whether or not children are allowed in those areas). Those areas to be checked include: All stairways All stalls in the bathrooms Cubbies in each classroom Closets in each classroom Cupboards in each classroom Kitchen areas Cleaning areas

The designated staff member who conducts the sweep will sign the list of areas checked and give the checklist to the Center Director at the evacuation site. If a child who should have been evacuated with his/her classroom is located as a result of a final sweep during an evacuation (drill or actual), the director will investigate the circumstances that led to the failure to evacuate that child and plan how to avoid such
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problems in the future. If re-entry into the building is not possible, children will be evacuated to: __________________ or to an area at the discretion of the Center Director. The Head Start Director will be notified as soon as it is reasonably safe for the Center Director to phone the central office. Neither children nor staff will be allowed to re-enter the building until emergency personnel (firefighters or police) have the building safe for re-entry.

Areas Surveyed List The following areas have been checked both by visible surveillance and by calling out to anyone who may be hidden from view. ____ Each classroom ____ Cubbies in each classroom ____ Closets in each classroom ____ Cupboards in each classroom ____ All stairways ____ All stalls in all bathrooms ____ Kitchen areas ____ Cleaning areas
[Performance Standard 1304.22 Office of Child Care Regulation .39] 26