Dear Maple Street School Cooperative –

Outlined in the pages below are guidelines for health and safety at The Maple Street School. Please note that communication and judgment are of utmost importance. Incidents may happen and sometimes, can be prevented. This manual will provide important information on how to keep our students, staff and visitors safe at The Maple Street School. Information contained in this Safety Manual will require revision and updating annually and as needs demand. Please alert the school administration of additional information and amendments so that we may improve our Safety Policy.

The goal of the Safety Manual and Healthcare Plan is to maintain and promote the health and safety of our school children and staff at The Maple Street School. The Plan outlines a directed response to health concerns with instruction on how to treat children, staff and families who have symptoms of illness as well as how school administrators and staff will respond to emergencies using best practices.

The Health and Safety Plan is a New York City Department of Health Requirement and will aid in maintaining the health, safety and security of our school children and staff members. Intended to serve as the standard operating policy and procedures for the safe operation of a child care service, the plan will include the requirements of Article 47 and NYS OCFS which direct the following services: medical supervision and health of children, medication administration, facility operation, maintenance, fire safety, specific activity safety, staff training, parent/child orientation and proper supervision for safety and health requirements.

Our initial plan has been reviewed and approved by our Health Care Coordinator and the Department of Health. As we receive a new permit or make substantial changes to the Plan, it will be sent to the Department of Health for approval.

Thank you for reading The Maple Street School Health Care Plan and Safety Manual. I welcome your feedback.

Sincerely,

Wendy Cole, MSW, MSED
Executive Director

If you think you or any child or adult is hurt or in an unsafe situation or you have reason to be concerned, please call the following Emergency phone numbers:

Emergency Phone Numbers:911

Additional Numbers are:

• Police 71st Precinct:  718-735-0511
• Fire Department:  911
• Emergency Room Liaison/Kings County Hospital, Dr. Stephan Rinnert: Cell 646-319-7077; Pager 917-761-1142; Office 718-245-4790
• Health Care Consultant, Arden Corbett:  917-689-6696
• Poison Control:  1-800-222-1222
• Child Abuse Hotline:  1-800-422-4453
• MSS Director, Wendy Cole:  917-517-1100

In the event of a fire or unknown situation or emergency, dial 911.

When you hear the fire alarm at the Maple Street School, always assume there is a fire or emergency, and exit the building. When the alarm goes off, leave the building safely. Respond to a fire alarm as if it were a real emergency. Do not worry about coats, hats, purses and any other belongings.

Use your designated exit, unless there is a fire, and then use the safest exit.

Administrators and teachers should always know the attendance in the school. Students are to be signed in/out by their parents or caregivers. When students leave the building for the Park or a field trip, a list of the students is to be left at the school with the administrators. Parents, visitors and therapists who are staying for more than for pick-up or drop-off are also to sign in at the front desk.

Upstairs Classroom Fire Emergency Evacuation Instructions:

The head teacher exits the building through the side exit door with all students and the assistance of one of the assistant teachers. Students are to walk towards Flatbush Avenue and form a line. The other assistant teacher is to then double-check the school bathroom and classroom, ensuring all children have evacuated the building. The assistant teacher is then to meet their classroom outside the building. The secondary egress is out the front door of the building.

Front Downstairs Classroom Fire Emergency Evacuation Instructions:

The head teacher, with the assistance of one assistant teacher, exits the building through the downstairs emergency exit. Students are to walk toward Flatbush Avenue and form a line. The other assistant teacher is then to double-check the classroom, and bathroom(s) to ensure all children have evacuated the building. The assistant teachers are then to meet their classroom outside the building. The secondary egress is out the front door of the building.

Back Downstairs Classroom Fire Emergency Evacuation Instructions:

The Head Teacher exits the building through the front door, main entrance with all students and the assistance of an assistant teacher. Students are to walk toward Flatbush Avenue and form a line. An assistant teacher is then to double-check the classroom, library and bathroom(s) to ensure all children have evacuated the building. The assistant teacher is then to meet their classroom outside the building. The secondary egress is out the side door of the building.

Front Desk/Person/ Receptionist Fire Emergency Evacuation Instructions:

The Front Desk Person/Receptionist is to bring the roster and attendance sheet when exiting the building. The Receptionist is to take attendance with a head count, face count, name count, and record the drill/alarm in the log. All children and adults must be accounted for in order to end a fire drill procedure. The Director or designated person in charge must insure everyone is accounted for, and verify the receptionist’s attendance. In all non-drill evacuations, parents will be notified via both email and phone calls. A record of emails and phone calls will be kept.

Notification:

911 will be notified immediately by Director, teacher, or anyone identifying an emergency situation!

In the case of a fire or an emergency, parents will be notified as soon as immediate safety is secured. A follow up email will be sent to parents within 24 hours.

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will be notified as soon as immediate safety is secured.

The Department of Health will be notified in writing within 24 hours with confirmation of receipt from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Safe Area/Secondary Meeting Place in the Event of an Emergency:

All children, teachers and staff will evacuate to The Imagination Playground. Attendance is to be verified.

If the situation is not resolved within 2 hours or if the weather is bad, we will go to safe homes. Children will be signed out to their parents or other caregivers from the secondary evacuation locations. If necessary, or at later hours of night, the school has solicited safe houses among the Cooperative families. The safe houses are listed below. The Director will call to ensure safe homes are available and students will go with their teacher to safe homes in small groups.

Students will only return to school when it is deemed safe by the FDNY and the Director.

In the case of a real emergency, the Department of Health will be notified immediately by the Director or designated person in charge.

Fire Drill Instructions:

During the first 4 weeks of school, teachers will introduce a Fire Safety Curriculum to include instruction to students on how and where to exit the building.

According to Education Law, The Maple Street School will conduct eight (8) fire drills before December 1st and monthly thereafter. These fire drills ensure that in a real emergency, students and teachers will be able to vacate the building safely.

Fire drills then should occur twice monthly for the first two (2) months of school and monthly thereafter. The City of New York Fire Code will be referred to for exact requirements.

Fire Alarm Directions:

During a fire drill, Wendy Cole or another designated person should only manage the fire alarm.

To turn on the alarm, unscrew one of the red pull stations and pull the toggle switch. Failing to unscrew of the red pull stations will cause the glass rod to break.

To turn off the alarm:

1. Unlock the Alarm Closet
2. Press ALARM ACK to acknowledge the fire alarm
3. Press AUD SIL to silence the alarm
4. Reset the red pull station
5. Press RESET to reset the system
6. Press F1 to reset the heating ventilation system
7. Record the alarm or drill in the log by the front door.

During building hours there will be an assigned Door Monitor (administrative assistant, the Director or an assigned individual) in the lobby. This Door Monitor’s responsibility is to ensure that children leave only with designated teachers, parents or caregivers. The Door Monitor is required to report any suspicious activity to the Director immediately.

Parents and Caregivers are required to sign in with the receptionist in the lobby when they arrive at the school for drop-off and pick-up. When dropping a student off to school, the receptionist will confirm that the parent/caregiver is authorized to pick up the child. No child will be allowed to leave with a person not listed on a students’ yellow card. The only exception will be in an emergency and the child will be released with verbal confirmation from a parent and an identification check of the individual picking up the student.

Play
Pick-up and Drop-off changes (even within the Coop community) must be communicated to the Director by parents. Parents are responsible for fully conveying safety and security procedures to Caregivers.

In order to facilitate safe transitions during drop-off, parents are encouraged to keep lengthy conversations with teachers and staff to a minimum. A teacher has the right to delay a lengthy discussion with a parent because of their professional responsibility to supervise the children in the school. Teachers and Parents/Caregivers are encouraged to schedule a meeting at another time, when convenient.

Transitions

Transitions are safest and smoothest when they happen within the allotted schedule. Parents and Caregivers are required to be on time for pick-up and drop-off so that students can transition to and from the school safely. Parents, Caregivers and children who stay past an allotted time must receive permission from the Director or an on-site Teacher. Parents and Caregivers are encouraged to socialize and build community outside the school and during scheduled times at school.

Once a Parent or Caregiver has signed a child out in the lobby, the child in their care is solely their responsibility. Siblings and other non-registered children are always the responsibility of the Parent or Caregiver. Proper supervision is the responsibility of Parents and Caregivers at all times when children are not in class. This includes only grown-ups opening doors, no playing on the stairs and appropriate indoor behavior.

Parents and Caregivers must be aware at all times when entering and exiting the building front door that they are only opening the door for the children in their care.

Parents who cannot follow our safety procedures will be directed to the Director and Board of Directors. If the Parent does not take corrective action, the student will not be able to continue at The Maple Street School.

Teacher’s Role in Guiding a Safe Transition

Teachers will have a routine that allows for smooth transitions with only one (1) curriculum-based activity going on at pick-up or drop-off, such as Good-Bye Circles or reading on the rug, which are supervised by all classroom teachers. Teachers are required to do a by-name count, head count or face recognition count at all transitions. The Director must address any concern or discrepancy immediately.

Teachers are never to authorize late pick-up or changes or any changes in proper identity of an individual authorized to pick-up a student.

Teachers will supervise all children at all times. Parents, interns and volunteers may assist teachers but are not permitted be left with a group of children.

At no time should a child be unsupervised at the school. Article 47 states:

“Constant supervision required. Staff included in the staff/child ratios set forth below shall maintain direct line of sight, visual supervision of children at all times. Children shall be supervised by qualified staff at all times in each type of child care service for which a permit is issued.”

It is the responsibility of teachers and teaching assistants to supervise children. After school hours or after leaving the classroom, it is a Parent’s or authorized Caregiver’s responsibility to supervise children at all times. Unless a formal written arrangement is made, The Maple Street School is not responsible for visitors and siblings of students.

Visitors are only allowed when accompanied by a staff member, parent or caregiver. Visitors are to sign in and/or show ID. Visitors may not be left alone with children. Therapists and support staff must sign in as well.

Building, Door and Equipment Maintenance and Safety

The Maintenance Committee will inspect and repair doors in the building annually and when problems occur to ensure that doors are working safely and efficiently.

The Maintenance Committee and Safety Committee will review possible added equipment that will enhance safety at the school on a yearly basis.

The building will have yearly inspections that include but are not limited to fire extinguishers, HVAC, sprinkler systems, and fire alarm.

Any concern an employee or parent has about safety must be reported to the Director within 48 hours in writing. The Director will then make a decision to either correct the concern or report the problem to a board member committee head.

Incidents such as falls or bumps must be assessed by teachers and unsafe conditions must be reported such as a sharp corner, unlocked gate, etc., so the Director and board can follow up and improve safety and prevention of injuries on an on-going basis.

Any broken or unsafe equipment or furniture must be reported to the Director in writing so it can be repaired or replaced.

Any safety threat or concerns to children, families, or staff must be reported so the Director or board can assess and assist in solving the safety concern.

Playground Safety

Important:

A Direct Line of Supervision is required by Department of Health for all children at all times.  Department of Health Article 47 States:

“Constant supervision required. Staff included in the staff/child ratios set forth below shall maintain direct line of sight, visual supervision of children at all times. Children shall be supervised by qualified staff at all times in each type of child care service for which a permit is issued.”

1. Students are dressed with their coats, gloves and hats when available and appropriate. Children wear clothing that protect them against cold wind and other inclement weather so they are dry and layered in warmth. Children who do not have appropriate clothing cannot go outside and parents must be called to ensure clothing is brought to school.
2. Students are dressed, over personal clothing, with a Maple Street Logo T-shirt or bright-colored pinafore.

Each teacher will assume responsibility for all Maple Street students at the Playground but will keep a particular eye out for the students that she/he have personally brought to the Playground. Teachers will visually scan the children and the playground to ensure the children’s safety. Teachers must have a written list of each group of students in writing with them when they are at the playground. Changes to these groups are discouraged and must be made in writing and approved by the Head Teacher.

While in the Playground, each of the two (2) gates will be properly closed and latched. All teachers shall maintain periodic gate checks. More frequent checks are made when non-Maple Street children and adults are in the playground.

Maple Street School students are limited to what equipment they can use at the playground. Children must be supervised while climbing and any potentially dangerous area or activity should be restricted.

Since The Playground is a public playground, there are times when families and adults not enrolled at The Maple Street School are in the playground. Teachers will keep a watchful eye and take action if anyone approaches any of the students.

The student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1 for the 3’s class and 4:1 for the 2’s class.

A minimum of two (2) teachers should be in the playground to ensure there is supervision in case of an incident or other emergency.

Attendance is taken at least twice with a name/face count when leaving the playground and immediately upon returning to The Maple Street School.

Children may not be picked up by Parents or Caregivers during transition times and not until every child is accounted for.

Families picking up their children at the playground must sign out at the playground. No family may leave without signing out.

A first aid kit and any emergency medication must be brought to the park by a teacher or assistant trained in Medication Administration, CPR and First Aid.

Maple Street encourages sun protective clothing such as hats and long sleeves. With parent/guardian permission Maple Street can apply sunscreen/insect repellent on your child according to the directions on the label or your physician’s instructions. Sunscreen will be only UVB and UVA protection of SPF 15 or higher that is applied to exposed skin.

Maple Street Staff will protect children and adults from exposure to high levels of air pollution/smog or heavy traffic by limiting outdoor and physical activity as a precaution during smog or other air pollution alerts.

Insect repellent is used only when recommended by the Public Health Authorities when there is a high risk of insect borne diseases. Only repellent using DEET is used, and repellent in applied no more than once a day. Insect repellent is only used with parent permission.

Stroller Safety

2’s Class: Each teacher will use a double stroller (age appropriate) in which two students are placed. Two additional students accompany the teacher by walking, one on each side of the stroller, while holding onto the stroller. A student is not allowed to walk without being in a stroller or holding onto a stroller or a teacher. It is a teacher’s decision as to which students are to be placed in a stroller or to walk, based on the child’s ability to follow the teacher’s directions and the physical capabilities of the child.

3’s and 4’s Classes: Students must hold hands with a child or teacher. 3’s and 4’s students may be in a stroller if a teacher deems it necessary. If there are safety concerns, a child may not be permitted to go to the park until a safety plan for that child is made. This may include an evaluation or additional supervision. All children will receive gross motor skills activities each day during this period, whether they go to a playground or not.

Emergency information and medication for allergic reaction epicenes must be brought along on all field trips.

If a Medication Administrator cannot come along, a parent or relative (grandparent, aunt, uncle, first or second cousin) must accompany the student on a field trip to administer medication if an emergency situation presents itself.

Our policy for Playground Safety applies to Field Trip Safety with the following additions:

1. Every student must have a general permission slip for local trips and shuttle rides.
2. Permission slips must be signed by all parents for trips where public or private transportation is used.
3. The ratio of adults-to-children should be 4:1 or lower for all public transportation trips. This can include parents and caregivers who are restricted to holding 2 children’s hands. Parents/caregivers must always be supervised by teachers and assistants and can never be assigned their own groups.  All walking trips require school ratios 1:4 or 1:7 and teachers should assess the field trip plan and request additional teachers or parent helpers to maximize, safety, exploration, and learning.
4. A cell phone is to be brought on each field trip. If a teacher or parent does not have one available, the Director or another school administrator may lend one for the trip duration. Cell phone use on field trips is restricted to calling the school or emergency medical services only.
5. Near water locations such as streams, ponds and man-made lakes at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and in Prospect Park, children are to be supervised in small groups. Students must stand 10 feet away or behind a secure barrier. No swimming or wading are permitted at anytime. (Article 47 Department of Health).
6. Attendance must be taken prior to departure, while en route, upon destination arrival and on return to The Maple Street School.
7. If a vehicle is used, it must be approved by the Director to ensure it is equipped with required child restraints as determined by the Department of Health.
8. In the event of an emergency, including a lost child, 911 must be called immediately. The Director or identified person in charge is also to be notified immediately.

As per the DOH, staff will notify the DOH within 24 hours whenever a child has been seriously injured, has died, or a child who has been unaccounted for, left behind at any location outside the child’s assigned classroom or where supervision has not been maintained in the manner required by DOH Code as outlined in MSS’s Safety Plan. Subsequently, a Corrective Action Plan addressing incident will be submitted to DOH within five business days.

• Keys may only be given to full time Teachers, Program Directors, administrative staff, Board co-coordinators, Physical Plant Board Members and the Custodian.
• Keys for meetings and substitute teaching staff can be signed out on a 24-hour limited use basis.
• No keys can be copied.

<strong>Opening Procedures</strong>

Teachers opening the school should assess the safety of the building and confirm that the building heat is working. If there is a concern, the Director or assigned person in charge should be contacted immediately.

The opening teacher should also ensure sign-in sheets are correct.

Any staff absences should be reported immediately to the Director or assigned person in charge.

<strong>Closing Procedures</strong>

Two staff members must leave together with the exception of the Custodian. Teachers closing the school have the responsibilities outlined below. These procedures must also be followed for cooperative meetings in the evening.

1. Confirm that all persons, including staff and students have left the building.
2. Check the kitchen(s) to make sure all electrical appliances are off.
3. Check other side doors to make sure they are locked.
4. Turn lights off.
5. Close both doors, pull down and lock the gate.
6. Report any problems to the Director or person designated. The Summer Camp Director is the designated person for the summer.
7. If the custodian is on site, teachers or staff must follow steps 1 and 3.

<strong>Means of Communication:</strong>

If there is an emergency at the school, unsafe conditions outside (i.e. blizzard), or another reason the school needs to be closed, parents will be contacted via phone by the Director or assigned person and an email notification will be sent out. The Department of Health will be notified if there is a dangerous/emergency situation within 24 hours.

If there is an emergency situation during school hours, safety precautions will be taken including calling 911. As soon as the situation is stabilized, parents will be notified by the Director or assigned person in charge. The Department of Health will also be notified by the Director. The time frame for this is within 24 hours of stabilization

Prevention is important. The Maple Street School has important policies listed below to promote wellness and to safeguard the health and safety of children and adults.

• Safety prevents accidents. Supervision of children is the key to safety.
• Health is important for children and adults.
• Maple Street is a smoke free environment. This means both no smoking in the facility, and no smoking outside in front of the children.
• There are no firearms or weapons allowed at any times on the premises or around the children, staff, or families. The exception is police officers or authorized personnel in the line of duty to protect.
• Children, staff and families must wash hands before eating as well as before and after touching bodily fluids. Gloves must be worn when in contact with bodily fluids. Masks and eye shields are available to prevent infectious bodily fluids from going into eyes, noses, and/or mouths.
• Children, families and staff with a fever or a communicable disease are not permitted into the building. This is especially important for pregnant staff members to not be exposed to CMV, chicken pox and other harmful diseases.
• Teachers, staff, and all adults are to be cautious around lifting and straining and receive assistance if they are not trained and equipped to do physical work such as moving furniture.
• Teachers and staff must report any environmental concern including air pollution, noise pollution, and other stressors in writing the administration/Board will address these concerns in writing.
• Maple Street follows all Article 47 requirements to be lead and asbestos free, and complies with public health requirements.
• If there is a question about whether a situation is safe, ask a professional

At The Maple Street School, our role is to care for children who are well and healthy. Children who are ill are to remain at home or in alternative arrangements until the student is no longer contagious and in good health. Families must provide alternative arrangements for ill children.

Before enrollment, families may attend a tour or Open House to tour premises and learn about our curriculum. Prospective families may be given a Family Handbook and Safety Manual. The Safety Manual will outline procedures for reporting and managing student illnesses, injuries and other incidents. The Safety Manual will also include an Evacuation Plan, a Lost Child Plan, a Lightning Plan, the Fire Safety Policy and an outline of Fire Drill procedure.

Ratios

As required by the Department of Health, students may not be on site at The Maple Street School without a Caregiver until the student’s second birthday. The Maple Street School follows ratios outlined in Article 47 and The National Association of Education for Young Children Standards. Our license is for 51 students. At no time will there be more than 51 students in the care of our teachers and assistants at The Maple Street School without Department of Health Licensure or permission.

Ratios
Twos/Threes 1:4 quality 1:6 minimum (when majority of the children are three)
Threes/Fours 1:7 1:10 minimum for short periods of time (i.e. nap time, child emergency)

Also refer to http://www.naeyc.org/files/academy/file/Teacher-Child_Ratio_Chart_9_16_08.pdf

A note on ratios: as each group of children, teachers, space is different, if at anytime in required ratios; supervision or safety is difficult, please report it to the director to evaluate the ratios and quality of supervision and teaching.

The director will then assess the situation and intervene in a variety of ways including specialized consultants, additional teacher support, training etc.

Immunizations:

Every child enrolled is required to have all immunizations as mandated by New York State Health Laws. Waivers for immunizations on religious or health grounds must be submitted to the school before the student starts school. Children will not be able to attend school without immunization records or a waiver form! Waiver forms are subject to Department of Health Approval. If the Department of Health rejects a waiver, the responsibility lies solely with the family to comply with the requirements in order to attend Maple Street.

Families will be notified at least 10 days prior to the expiration date of their child’s health form.

Families who are having difficulty with immunization schedules are encouraged to speak to the Director.

Health Forms/Screening:

A standard health form completed by the student’s doctor must be submitted before each child begins and each year within 2 weeks of the student’s birthday.

The administration will review all health forms to insure they are complete with a physical, immunizations required(http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2370.pdf), a lead test, and required hearing and vision tests. Incomplete forms will be returned to families to resubmit completed in order to attend school.

Forms will be provided by the school and must be returned prior to the first day of school. Students will not be able to attend school without completed forms. Additionally, it is recommended that parents make a copy for their records.

Child health forms are confidential. Information will only be shared with health care professionals and on an as need basis with teachers.

Children are required to be screened for special needs, with the exception of those identified with special needs and with a current IEP on file. If needed, children will be required to have an evaluation and receive special education services. Maple Street will follow IEPs and medical recommendations including limits or adaptations of activities within the school’s resource availability. Maple Street additionally will assist families in obtaining supportive services for children with special needs, medical or other conditions.

Minor Illnesses:

1. If the child (or adult) is experiencing any symptoms that signify an emergency such as loss of consciousness, trouble breathing, or seizures call 911 immediately.
2. The child should be cared for. If there is evidence that a child has a communicable disease, that child needs to be separated from other children. The child will be assigned a member of the teaching staff or Director, and will be provided with a comfortable place to rest/read while he/she is waiting to be picked up.
3. Parents will be contacted; Students who are symptomatic must be picked up as soon as possible. Students will not be released to caregivers unless there is explicit parent permission.
4. After the student/person leaves, all areas the child came in contact with must be disposed of or thoroughly sanitized.
5. Additionally, teachers, staff, parents, siblings, and other persons must not be in the building if there is evidence that they have a communicable disease.
6. The student and or staff must be cleared with a doctor’s note to return to school/work.

The Maple Street School will call our health care consultant at any time we have concerns about a child and how to treat them. This includes but is not limited to fevers, rashes, allergy symptoms, injuries etc.

Emergency Medical Care will be called in response to a child who is unconscious; is not breathing; is having a seizure; is suffering from a severe allergic reaction; registers a fever over 103; suffers an injury that requires immobilization, or any other reason determined by our First Aid and CPR training.

When Children Should be Kept Home

Children should be kept home:

• When a fever is present;
• Has unexplained rashes;
• Has vomited;
• Is suffering from diarrhea;
• Has Conjunctivitis (pink eye) or other contagious diseases such as Chicken Pox, Lice, Impetigo or Ringworm.
• Please keep your child home when mucus from a cold is extensive or cloudy.

If a child has vomited, registers a fever or has had diarrhea, the student must be kept home for 24 hours to establish the child is well enough to return to school.

If a student has a contagious disease such as Chicken Pox, Impetigo, Ringworm or Pinkeye, parents must obtain a doctor’s note stating the student is well enough to return to school. Students who have contracted communicable diseases must be reported within 24 hours to the Director so she can inform the school community and the Department of Health, if required. Students who have a contagious disease during the day will be assessed by the Director or staff member certified in first aid. The child will then be excluded in the Director’s office or another secured area away from children. The child will be cared for and supervised at all times by the Director or assigned teacher until their parent/caregiver is called, and he/she is brought home. The child will need a return to school note from her doctor. During this time if the Director or staff member in charge has questions, the health care consultant will be notified. Procedures the health care consultant recommends such as informing families or additional cleaning procedures will be implemented in a timely manner.

(f) s Exclusion pursuant to Article 11 of this Code. The permittee shall exclude a child who is a case, contact, or carrier of a communicable disease if the child is required to be isolated or excluded by Article 11 of this Code. Such child shall not be permitted to return to the child care service without a written statement of recovery from a health care provider if the child was a case of measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis (whooping cough), scarlet fever, meningitis (all types), or poliomyelitis, or if the child was a case, carrier, or contact of any other communicable disease reportable pursuant to §11.03. The statement shall indicate that the child is free from such disease in communicable form and that the period of isolation or exclusion required by Article 11 of this Code has ended.

Students who are prescribed antibiotic therapy should be on the medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school to ensure that she/he is no longer contagious.

Children who have lice must be treated before they return to school.

Every effort will be made to inform all parents in the Cooperative when any student contracts a communicable disease.

Nap Time

Nap Begins at 12:30pm and is 45 minutes or longer depending on child’s needs.

All children at Maple Street have a Nap time, and the duration and quiet activities during this time are determined by the teachers with parent input. Most two year olds and young three year olds sleep during naptime, and four year olds sleep or listen to a quiet story. Depending on length of nap, some children will wake up first and do quiet small group activities with a teacher or special education support teacher. Because of our small space, children must rest head to foot to allow for three feet between children. Children sleep on mats each day with their own labeled sheets and blankets, Sheets and blankets are washed weekly by the school. Teachers supervise children at all times during nap time

Child Abuse

Families with concerns about child abuse must report their concerns to the Director or person in charge.

All Staff who have out-of sight or unsupervised contact with children must be fingerprinted and cleared through the State Central Registry or the Department of Health.

Organizational Chart/
See appendix

When the Educational Director is not present, she must designate a Head Teacher as an Educational Director.

All staff must meet all education and training requirements spelled out in Article 47 of the New York City Department of Health Code. All staff will receive the New York City Department of Health Code and a copy of MSS’s Safety Plan every September and when significant changes in the code and or plan are communicated by the Department of Health. Documentation (signature and date) of staff’s receipt of said training documents are kept by administration.

Wendy Cole: Executive /Educational Director
Oversees all school functions including children’s play and learning; the supervision of staff and teachers, business management, infrastructure, operations, community outreach, admissions, financial aid and long-term planning.

Charles Russell: Business Manager
Oversees the financial management of The Maple Street School. Responsibilities include creating and managing budgets, completing audits, filing taxes, invoicing, managing accounts payable and receivable, managing health benefits and implementing financial aid program.

Jennifer Smith: Head Teacher, Assistant Director
Provides leadership in the classroom curriculum, assessment and accreditation. She also assists with staff development and meetings. Creates and implements the Summer Camp Program.

Julia Sirna-Frest: After School Coordinator
Directs, creates and implements After School Program. Responsibilities include hiring, training and supervising staff, program operations, curriculum development and administration.

Alicia Acevedo and Margaret Robinson: Administrative Assistant(s)
Support the Director and Business Manager in the operation of The Maple Street School. Duties include answering phones, greeting families, ensuring the lobby is safe and secure at all times, data entry, interacting with children and parents, support with admissions, reporting and additional projects.

 Josh (David) Lashley: Custodian
Cleans the school daily. Does minor maintenance. Creates cleaning supply lists and reports problems or repairs to the Director or Maintenance Committee.

The custodian will also sanitize all surfaces each evening that the school is in session, according to the NAEYC Cleaning and Sanitation Frequency Table sanitation table.

Products will be used in accordance with law §47.49 General sanitation and maintenance. This section is derived from current §47.31 and adds requirements for use of environmentally sensitive cleaning products in accordance with Education Law §409-i and NYS OCFS regulations. MSS uses bleach & water (ratios determined by OCFS and outlined in our Health Care Plan) to clean and disinfect contaminated toys, food preparation and diapering surfaces.

Cleaners can be found at https://greencleaning.ny.gov/entry.asp

Cleaning and Sanitizing: Maple Street is cleaned between each day school is open, according to the NAEYC Cleaning and Sanitation Frequency Table and OCFS regulations.

Additionally, Staff or Committees clean rugs and carpeting by blotting, spot cleaning with a detergent-disinfectant, and shampooing or steam cleaning.

Staff or Committees dispose of contaminated materials and diapers in a plastic bag with a secure tie that is placed in a closed container.

Any toy that a child has placed in his or her mouth or that is otherwise contaminated by body secretion or excretion, as per OCFS and outlined in MSS’s HCP, is washed with soap and water and then disinfected using “Soaking Bleach Solution.”

Staff maintain areas used by staff or children who have allergies or any other special environmental health needs according to the recommendation of the Health Care Consultant or other health care professional approved by the Director.

Classroom pets or visiting animals appear to be in good health, fully immunized, and suitable for children. Pet areas are kept clean. Teaching staff supervises all pet/child interaction, and instruct children on safe behavior when in close proximity to animals.

Before a pet visits or is obtained, teaching staff make sure no child or staff member who is allergic to that animal will be exposed to that animal.

Reptiles are not allowed as pets because of risk of salmonella infection (and this is prohibited in both Article 47 NYC DOHMH Law and Accreditation Standards.)

Hazardous Materials:
All Hazardous Materials must be locked or out of reach from children at all times. Each classroom has cabinets provided for cleaning supplies. All maintenance materials must be in locked closets behind the kitchen.

Additionally, areas that have been recently painted, carpeted, tiled, or otherwise renovated are ventilated before they are used by children.

Pesticide application is done in accordance with Article 47 and the Department of Health and Integrated Pest Management Systems. Environmental friendly and mechanical controls such as traps are preferred. Any chemical applications/gels/sprays are done when children and staff are not working, and with sufficient time for ventilation. Food areas are always protected.

Hazards:
Program staff protect children and adults from hazards, including electrical shocks, burns, or scalding, slipping, tripping, or falling. Floor coverings are secured to keep staff and children from slipping or tripping. Maple Street does not allow baby walkers on the premises.

Odor Control:
Odor control is done through cleaning, sanitation, and ventilation, rather than through air freshening chemicals or deodorizers. This includes diaper, bathroom, closets, and all areas of the school. Any odor problem should be reported to the Maintenance/Physical Plant Committee, and the Director.

Teacher’s Role and Responsibilities

Teachers: Maxine James, Helen Kim, Jennifer Smith, and Melissa Torres

• Provide a safe, clean and caring environment for students.
• Implement a developmental-interactive curriculum.
• Document curriculum weekly.
• Record written observations of each child weekly.
• Assess students and adapt curriculum to meet children’s needs and interests.
• Encourage play and growth in all areas of development: social, emotional, cognitive, linguistic and physical.
• Communicate with parents verbally and in writing.
• Report emergencies to the Director or otherwise designated person in charge.
• Provide professional interactions with students, co-workers and families.
• Help with assistant teacher supervision and mentoring.

Assistant Teachers: Dory Acevedo, Nelcia Cadoo, Nicky Calonge, Barbara Culbreath, Ann Marie Elley, Peggy Francois, Polly Kanevsky, Kristen Malossi, Kimberly Morales, Sandra Roman and Marisa Wallin

Teacher Assistant’s Role and Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in providing a safe and caring environment for students.
• Assist in the implementation of a developmental-interactive curriculum.
• Encourage play and growth in all areas of development: social, emotional, cognitive, linguistic and physical.
• Report concerns to teachers or the Director.
• Provide professional interactions with students, co-workers and families.

Staff members are required to follow proper hand washing techniques, proper  gloving techniques, and universal precautions outlined below:

Proper Hand Washing Techniques

• Wash hands properly and frequently. Use soap and warm running water. Rub your hands vigorously for 10 seconds. Wash all surfaces, including: back of hands, wrists, between the fingers, under the fingernails.
• Rinse well.
• Dry hands, with a clean, unused paper towel or individual cloth towel that is laundered daily.
  Turn off the water using a paper towel, not your clean hands.

Hand Washing
The most effective way to prevent the spread of illness is the frequent washing of hands. Everyone working with our children is required to wash their hands before beginning their work shift. All permanent staff members are required to supervise substitutes, interns, and volunteers to make sure that they are following the correct hand washing procedures.

Teachers and assistant must teach all children upon beginning school hand
washing, and monitor periodically with hand washing refreshers.

Children and adults wash their hands:

• On arrival for the day.
• After diapering or using the toilet.
• After handling body fluids (blowing nose, touching mucus, coughing on a hand, blood or vomit).
• Before meals and snacks, before preparing, cooking, or serving food, or after handling any raw food that requires cooking (e.g. meat, eggs, poultry).
• After playing in water that is shared by more than 2 people.
• After handling pets or other animals, or other materials such as sand, dirt, or surfaces that might be contaminated with contact from animals;
• And when moving from one group to another (e.g. visiting) that involves contact with twos.

Adults also wash their hands:

• Before and after feeding a child.
• Before and after administering medication.
• After assisting children with toileting.
• After handling garbage or cleaning.

Water Table

At Maple Street Children play in water tables, and we take special precautions to prevent the spread of disease.

1. Remind children not to drink the water.
2. Do not let children with sores on their hands play in communal water tables, or choose not to open water table if children have sores on their hands.
3. Change the water after each session or when a new group of children begin using the water table. Filling the water table can be a learning part of the activity. Use fresh potable water.
4. Drain the water table at the end of each session.

Proper Gloving Techniques

Wearing gloves are required at any time there is contact with blood or potentially infected bodily fluids. Gloves are also required for changing diapers, and for preparing food.

Using gloves at the proper times requires advanced preparation. Staff may want to make gloves and cleaning materials available on the playground, in the First Aid Kit, at the diaper-changing table, in the car or train on field trips.

• Put on a pair of clean, unused gloves.
• Provide the appropriate care.
• Remove each glove carefully: Grab the first glove at the palm and strip the glove off. Touch dirty surfaces only to dirty surfaces.
• Ball up the dirty glove in the palm of the other gloved hand.
• With the clean hand, strip the glove from underneath the wrist, turning the glove inside out.
• Touch clean surfaces to clean surfaces.
• Discard the dirty gloves immediately into a step trash can (or using a paper towel) – failure to discard gloves promptly allows the spread of infection.
• Staff must wash their hands after removing and disposing of gloves. Wearing gloves does not eliminate the need for hand washing. Wash your hands using proper hand washing techniques.

Universal Precautions

The intent of universal precautions is to limit the spread of illness by treating everyone as a potentially infected person. Universal precautions are guidelines to follow whenever you come into contact with blood or other body fluids that carry germs and bacteria.

By the time the child or staff has the signs or symptoms of illness, the germs have been spreading for days or weeks. Illness like colds, diarrhea and skin and eye infections are often contagious 3-10 days before anyone might notice symptoms. Hepatitis and HIV aids are contagious months before the symptoms are evident.

To prevent the spread of illness and communicable disease, the same infection control procedures should be practiced at all times with every child:

• Practice good hand washing techniques. Staff should wash their own hands and assist children in washing theirs whenever skin has come in contact with blood or other bodily fluids such as wiping or blowing noses, before and after diapering and toileting, before and after food preparation and after removing disposable gloves.
• Use gloves when coming in contact with blood or body fluids, then spray or wipe surfaces with a germicidal solution/detergent, followed by water rinsing, and allow them to air dry. An effective germicidal solution is ¾
  cup bleach to 1-gallon water.
• Place children’s clothing contaminated with blood into securely tied plastic bags that are given to parents/ caregivers at the end of the day. This clothing must not be laundered or rinsed before being placed in the bag.
•  Items belonging to the program such as towels or throw rugs may be laundered at the site in a separate load from non-contaminated items.

The following procedure must be used with every diaper change:

1. Children should be changed on the changing table or in the bathroom. They maynot be changed standing up in the classroom. At all times a staff member must have a hand on the child when a child is being changed on an elevated surface.
2. Place needed supplies within reach (gloves, diapers, wipes, ointments, extra clothing).
3. Make sure paper on the changing table is clean before placing child on table.
4. Put on disposable medical gloves.
5. Lay child on the paper and secure child with changing table belt.
6. If necessary, remove soiled clothing and put in a securely tied plastic bag to give to parent at the end of the day.
7. Remove soiled diaper.
8. Clean child’s bottom with a baby wipe or single-use paper towel. Remember to wipe front to back and only do “one swipe.” Use a clean cloth each time you “wipe” the child until he or she is clean.
9. If the child needs a more thorough washing, use soap, running water, and paper towels.
10. Put disposable diaper with dirty wipes in a plastic trash receptacle.
11. Remove the disposable covering from beneath the child and discard it in a plastic lined receptacle.
12. Remove your gloves and dispose of them in a plastic-lined receptacle.
13. Diaper and dress the child.
14. Wash the child’s hands appropriately.
15. Return the child to the activity area.
16. Clean and disinfect the diapering area, and all equipment or supplies that were touched, with sanitizer solution and paper towels.
17. Dispose of paper towels and gloves in plastic-lined receptacle.
18. Wash hands following hand washing procedure.

Classroom staff must empty diaper pails at least twice a day, or more often if necessary when the custodian is not on the premises. Rooms should never smell of dirty diapers.

In the case of fecal material, do not wash out, tie in plastic bag, and clean any fecal material in art sink down stairs. Do not clean fecal material in hand washing sinks.

If sinks are used for food preparation and other purposes, sinks must be cleaned and sanitized before using them to prepare food.

Daily Record and Diaper Changing Log

Two’s teachers are required to maintain a daily record for each child in their care. The daily record will list information about the child’s daily temperament, appearance, health, activities enjoyed, eating habits, and length of naptime. It will also include any additional information that must be communicated to the parent/guardian including reminding family to bring in extra diapering supplies, clean clothes, or an upcoming activity or meeting.

Two’s teachers are also required to maintain a record of all diaper changes. Children’s diapers must be checked every two hours, but they must be changed as soon as a child soils the diaper. Information must include the time a child was checked, whether or not he was dry, urinated or defecated, and any important information about the child’s bowel movement. The form should also note the condition of a child who has a diaper rash or irritation.

Threes/Fours teachers are required to record all diaper changes in the log book, and report any concerns to the parent/caregiver.

The head classroom teachers (or assigned teacher in charge) will conduct daily  health checks. Children will be noted on the sign-in sheet and their attendance will be confirmed. Teachers will write concerns on the daily health check and report them immediately to the Director. The Director will follow up with the parents, and health care consultant as needed.

Children who have signs or symptoms of illness will be cared for as described in child policies. Children with observed injuries must have a return to school/restricted activity note from their physician. If there is suspected child abuse, the witness or person who received the disclosure will call in a report, and follow up with the required written form.

Staff members are required to inform the Director or assigned person in charge of any child with signs or symptoms of illness or child abuse.

Emergency telephone numbers must be provided on registration forms allowing school personnel to contact a parent in a crisis situation. Every child must have a documentation including a yellow form providing emergency information, consent for emergency medical treatment, and insurance information.

Emergency Medical Services will be called first and care provided to a child. Parents will be called as soon as possible.

Children with chronic or other medical conditions such as allergies, asthma, seizures must have individual emergency care plans.

The Director or designated teacher will go with the child to the hospital and remaining staff will continue to supervise students at the school. The school’s ratios are high enough that without one (1) teacher, we are within the legal Department of Health ratios.

Call 911 If a child:

• Is hurt and is not breathing
• Is unconscious
• Is unable to walk
• Is bleeding heavily
• Has head injury
• Has a fever above 103
• Has a serious allergic reaction
• Falls from higher than 3ft

Call the school after calling 911.

○ Teachers will not be penalized in any way for calling 911.

○ Children should not be moved unless they can independently walk  and there is no medical emergency.

Call 911 if an adult is not breathing, critically injured, bleeding heavily, unable to
move or having a serious allergic reaction.

• Only staff trained in First Aid and CPR should supervise all first aid procedures.
• Gloves must be worn in all cases where there is blood or other fluids. Hands should be washed before and after treating an injury.
• There are three (3) stocked first aid kits as well as travel first aid kits. Kits will be check quarterly, and restocked as needed.
• If there is bleeding, first-aid trained staff should wash the injury and bandage.
• After a student is tended to, a teacher who was present or close to the injury should notify one (1) parent and document the incident in the incident report. See accident report guidelines. The Director should be notified immediately of all injuries that may require medical treatment.
• Parents must pick up students within a reasonable amount of time when notified their child may need non-emergency, medical treatment. Injured children will only be released to Caregivers with written permission of a Parent.
• All surfaces that may come in contact with potentially infectious bodily fluids must be disposed of, or cleaned and sanitized with soap, water and appropriate bleach solution.
• An incident report should also be written with a copy reserved for the school. Parents receive the original and the school filing copy must be attached in the log-book. Accident reports must be recorded in each classroom accident log-book and must match with the school’s accident report log-book. The Director must sign all accident reports.
• Parents are required to follow-up and provide proof of treatment and condition and notify the school immediately of any new medical information.
• In the case of a dental emergency/or dental issue, the child’s dentist must be contacted and dental care must be received. Parents are required to follow-up and provide provide proof of treatment and condition and notify the school of
  any additional dental information.

Child Abuse Reporting:

Teachers, teacher assistants,and teacher’s aides are required to be trained in child abuse identification and reporting every two (2) years. This includes knowing the signs and symptoms of physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. Staff are mandated reporters and are required to notify the director, call in child abuse reports to the State Central Registry, and send in the required follow-up LDSS-2221A form. Failure to report child abuse can result in termination with cause and reports to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Staff must document all signs and symptoms of abuse, and provide the director and Administration for Children Serviceswith any evidence for safekeeping as relevant to the report. Staff must assess reasonable cause, and should not forensically interview children.

Additionally, staff should know it is a class A misdemeanor for failure to report abuse/neglect. For up to date information on reporting, go to http://www.nyc.gov/html/acs/html/child_safety/prevent_abuse.shtml

The Mandated Reporter Hotline is 1-800-635-1522

The Director or person in charge is responsible for implementing procedures insuring a child/ children are safe and protected after a report is made. The Maple Street School will follow the direction of the Administration for Children Services and Law Enforcement. Additionally, the Maple Street School will try to follow our daily routine so as not to upset/distress children and families.

Staff who report suspicions of child abuse or neglect are immune from discharge, retaliation, or other disciplinary action unless it is proven that the report was malicious.

If a staff member is the subject of a child abuse report, he or she must report this to the Director within 24 hours. The Director must inform the Department of Health and follow up with necessary requirements, which can include removal of staff.

Maple Street will consult its lawyers, protect the rights of the accused staff member as well as protect the children in the program.

There are three first aid kits attached to the wall in the bathroom upstairs and in each of the downstairs classrooms. CPR supplies are available with the receptionist and near the First Aid Kit. There are also travel first aid kits for each classroom, which should be restocked with each use, and at the beginning of each semester and summer.

The First Aid Kit will be stocked with the following items:

Nonporous Disposable Gloves
Small Scissors
Tweezers
Non-glass thermometer (for under armpit)
Bandage Tape
Adhesive bandages various sizes
Sterile gauze squares 2″ and 3″
Triangular bandages
Flexible roll gauze 1″ and 2″
Safety Pins
Eye Dressing
Pencil and Notepad
Cold Pack or Plastic Bags for ice cubes
Small Splints
Sealable plastic bags for soiled materials
Clean Cloth
Liquid Soap
Small Plastic Cups
Flashlight with fresh batteries
Plastic Bags
First Aid Guide
Roster
Water

The First Aid Kit will be re-stocked at the beginning of each semester, the summer, and additionally when needed.

1. Make sure the child is safe and has received or is receiving medical care. For any emergency call 911. Refer to medical emergencies section.
2. Write down the full name of the child on the form.
3. Write down what happened. Only describe what teachers witnessed. In the instance when an accident was not witnessed, write what was observed. For example: “Child was found at the bottom of slide in the playground and appeared to have fallen” or “Another child reported he hit child on the arm.”
4. Write down where the accident occurred.
5. Write down when the accident occurred.
6. In the case where a child caused harm to another child, two (2) separate reports must be made: one for the injured child and the other for the child who caused the injury. The name of the child who injured the child should not be included in the incident report of the injured child.
7. Please have all witnesses sign their names.
8. Write down when and how you contacted parents. Contact parents immediately by phone and record it.
9. Have the Director sign her name.
10. Have parents sign their name.
11. Submit a signed copy to the Director.
12. Submit to Front Desk Monitor to record in the Accident Log Book

Please note Article 47 Daycare Law states:

Constant supervision required. Staff included in the staff/child ratios set forth below shall maintain a direct line of sight, visual supervision of children at all times. Children shall be supervised by qualified staff at all times in each type of child care service for which a permit is issued. In the event of breaks, lunch periods and short-term absence, no more than three (3) days, the required staff to child ratio may be maintained with assistant teaching staff.

If a child comes to school injured: provide medical attention if needed and require the parent write a note stating the child came to school injured. Have the parent sign the note and include the date and time. Bring this note to the Director and have her sign it. The Director will follow up with the parent if additional medical attention or clearance is required.

It is the goal of The Maple Street School to ensure allergic reactions suffered by students are treated quickly and effectively if they occur.

Parents or guardians are required to provide allergy information by a doctor on the student’s registration and health form. Food allergies must also be posted on the refrigerator on the floor where the child’s classroom is located and with a picture of the child.

Parents or guardians of children with severe or life threatening allergies must work with their pediatrician, the Director and the student’s teachers to develop an allergic reaction prevention and treatment plan. This includes children with asthma.

While Maple Street has a nut free policy, it is not liable or responsible for families that bring in nuts or seeds.

This plan must be posted:

• On the refrigerator of the floor where the child’s classroom is located.
• In the Medication Cabinet in the reception area in the red notebook.

Children with activity restrictions must receive a note from their pediatrician. If a child appears injured or has an activity restriction, the school reserves the right to receive clearance from a child’s doctor.

• Medication is stored in the lobby area either locked, on a high shelf inaccessible to children or in a labeled plastic bin or in the refrigerator in a labeled, plastic bin kept apart from food.
• Parents of children who need medication must have their prescriber fill out the medication consent form and bring, fax or send in the form. Storage information must be included on the prescription or in writing by the prescriber.
• For children who develop symptoms in care, verbal parent permission is sufficient for one (1) day.
• All medication given must be logged in after medication is given.
• The Maple Street School does not stock medication. The school can purchase Tylenol or over the counter medications for your child for one (1) day only.
• Parents must buy the medication at the end of the day.
• Children with special health care needs such as asthma must meet with the Director and have an individual health care plan from the child’s physician.
• Medication Administration Policies in article 47 and provided at the Medication Administration Training must be followed at all times.
• All medication errors must be reported to the Department of Health. Parents must be informed of medication errors in writing in an incident report.

The person in charge of Food Safety must have Certification in Food Protection. Food must be properly stored at correct temperatures (for most foods less than 41 degrees or above 110 degrees. Dishes and utensils must be properly cleaned, sanitized, or disposed. Food must not be re-used or re-heated. Expired food must be thrown away immediately. Counters and sinks must be sanitized before and after food preparation and at the end of the day.

Maple Street follows naeyc’s cleaning and sanitation frequency table:  http://www.naeyc.org/files/academy/file/Cleaning_and_Sanitation_Chart.pdf

Hands must be washed and gloved before food preparation.

Staff must be excluded with a communicable disease to protect children from illness, and food borne pathogens.

The Maple Street School does not prepare meals. A healthy snack is provided in the morning and is called Café. Snacks are also provided in the extended hours. Please refer to our Café sheet for more information about Café. Maple Street prepares written Café s and afterschool snack menus, posts them where families can see them, and has copies available for families. Menus are kept for review by consultant.

Choking and foods prohibited: Staff do not offer children younger than four years old these foods: hot dogs, whole or sliced into rounds, whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, raw peas, and hard pretzels, spoonfuls of peanut butter (or other butters with the same consistency), chunks of raw carrots, or meat larger than can be swallowed whole.

Staff cut food into pieces no larger than ½ square inch for toddler/twos according to each child’s chewing and swallowing capability.

1. Parents and or Caregivers are responsible for bringing nutritional, wholesome lunches. Guidelines can be found at http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/cdp/DayCareNutritionGuidelines.pdf
2. Children may not have more than 6 ounces of juice a day. Juice must 100% juice. Beverages with added sweeteners must not be provided to children. The Maple Street School does not serve juice, only water, with the exception of cooking/science projects such as juicing.
3. Lunches and milk that need refrigeration must be refrigerated below 41 degrees.
4. Trans fats are prohibited.
5. Water shall be available to children throughout the day including meals.
6. Styrofoam cups are discouraged and prohibited for children under age 3.
7. Children at Maple Street do not use bottles without a doctor’s/prescriber’s note. Sippy cups (and regular cups) must be labeled with a child’s full name, and cannot be used while walking.
8. If a child has a disability/medical condition with special feeding needs (not allergies only), program staff keep a daily record of type and quantity of food consumed. This information is shared daily with families.

Snack Meal/Times

Café Time: 9:00-9:30
Lunch: 12:00-12:45
Extended Day Snack: 3:30pm (and 5:30pm when children are hungry)

Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.

1. Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring.
2. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.
3. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors! The National Weather Service recommends staying inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap.
4. Avoid electrical equipment and telephones.
5. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.
6. Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Keep away from windows.
7. Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.
8. If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity inside and outside the vehicle.
9. If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.

Director/Staff Responsibilities

The Director and Staff are required to follow all policies consistent with Article 47 of the Department of Health. This includes notifying the Department of Health within 24 hours of:

• Any Serious Injury or Death
• Any Fire
• Lost Child
• Any Child Abuse Allegations of Staff, Interns or Volunteers (or occurrence at the Center)
• Criminal Convictions of Staff, Interns, Volunteers.
• Medication Errors
• Outbreaks

Parents at The Maple Street own and run the school together. Thus, safety and health are joint efforts of the Director, administrative staff, teachers, parents and caregivers. Everyone is needed to guarantee we are as healthy and safe as possible. Problems and potential problems need to be reported in writing, in a timely manner and delivered to the Director or designated person in charge.  This will maximize safety and prevent unsafe accidents and incidents.

The Maple Street School values communication and transparency. We will update in a timely manner policy and procedure changes. Additionally, parents and teachers can request a Department of Health Report by dialing 311.

Safety can always be improved. If you have an idea, whether it is related to supervision, hand-washing, first aid or family education, please contact the Director. We want everyone – students, staff and families to be safe and healthy at The Maple Street School.