Chain of Command Procedures and Policies

We are one team and each “level” is important to the next. Chain of command simply means that each individual represented below is responsible for recruiting, training, providing communication to, supporting, and praying for those in their care. This concept also works in reverse. Any individual with a concern or problem should share that information with the person just above them in this ministry structure. Hand In Hand (HIH), A 501C3 organization has a Board of Directors who are responsible for the three duties are prescribed by the Attorney General: Care for HIH, Loyalty to HIH and Obedience to the Federal and State Laws. HIH is organized as follows:

1. Board of Directors
2. HIH Dean
3. Executive Director
4. HIH Administrative Team
5. HIH Teachers and Specialists
6. Parents
7. Children

Parent Policies

Family Preschool Admission Policy
Children can be between 24 months and 69 months on September 1 of the school year for which the child plans to attend. Because the parents are always on the premises, and the class meets less than 30 times in one calendar year, the Family Preschool is exempt from restrictions and regulations of the Human Services Department of the State of Minnesota (e.g., we are able to accept children who are not fully toilet trained since the parent is present). The Family Preschool meets on Wednesdays from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m. Nursery is also available for siblings and birth–2-year-olds.

Preschool & Kindergarten (Extended Day) Admission Policy
Children must be between the ages of 33 months and 69 months on September 1 of the school year for which the child plans to attend, following the guideline range of ages dictated by the State of Minnesota. They must also be toilet trained, able to communicate coherently, and to follow simple directions. We aim for a balance of ages and genders in each class whenever possible. Students will be enrolled in order of their application with this balance taken into consideration. The Morning Preschool program meets on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The Extended Day/Kindergarten program meets on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Elementary-Age Admission Policy
Children must be between the ages of 7 and 13 and registered as “home educating children” with their school district. A copy of the registration with the district is required for the child’s file. The cooperative classroom is viewed as enrichment/supplemental education to the core curriculum the parents choose. Keeping with the widely understood practice of home educators in the State of Minnesota (and affirmed by District representatives), the mention of “Hand In Hand” or any other cooperative or enrichment programs is not necessary on this district form. The Elementary program meets on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Home Educating Policies
Every child who is enrolled in our Elementary program must be a registered home educating child in their school district. Forms for this are available through your local school district office and are due by October 1. Hand In Hand is an educational resource for home schooling children for 78 days of the 172 day school year. We provide support in all subjects. Our program does not function like a “traditional co-op” where parents share teaching responsibilities or influence the overall direction of the curriculum. Our part-time enrichment program is educationally sound, unique and complementary to your home educating.

Standardized Testing Policies
Every child, age 7 or older, must take a standardized test each year. When answering the question regarding the standardized test on your initial district form, you may choose any test you would like to purchase, administered at the location of your choosing. For your convenience, we offer the WIAT-2 test to be administered at Hand In Hand in April. You will contract directly with the provider for all fees of this unique, individualized test and receive the results personally.

Wellness Policies
Each parent must submit a Medical Exam form completed by a Physician indicating immunizations and health care summary before admittance into the program. A Medical Release form must accompany the registration indicating permission to give emergency medical treatment (ipecac syrup, if necessary). We ask that all children who are not feeling well be kept at home for the duration of the illness. Please notify Hand in Hand about any communicable disease within 24 hours, if possible. We will contact you immediately if your child becomes ill while at Hand in Hand. The child will be kept comfortable in our office until a parent or authorized contact person arrives. Upon the onset of or exposure to a contagious illness or condition or when there is any emergency or injury requiring medical attention, the parent(s) will receive proper notification. To help prevent the spread of disease, the Minnesota Health Department sets these guidelines as reasons to keep your child at home:

Emergency Instructions and Accident Procedure Policies
A written policy will be given to all staff members during Staff Orientation regarding procedures for administering first aid and avoiding injuries. The staff will also practice appropriate monthly fire and tornado drills with the children to ensure that in this unlikely event all children are well cared for. Our staff is fully trained in First Aid and CPR.

Licensing Policies
We are required keep licensed with the Minnesota Department of Human Services in our Preschool and Kindergarten rooms. We have chosen to be licensed in the Elementary rooms so the children can interact and will have the same consistently high standards for all. The license is an endorsement of health, safety, teaching, and emergency standards. If you have any questions or comments, the telephone number of the Department of Human Services is 651-296-3971.

Behavior Redirection Policy
Our Christian Montessori philosophy emphasizes the need for children to have “inner discipline” and “normalized behavior.” We believe discipline comes from the root word “disciple,” which means “one who follows out of love.” Our basic behavior expectations consist of a simple “listen and obey.” Children are meant “to be seen and heard and believed”. They are encouraged to talk and move, and they can express their feelings and be understood. Grace, understanding, and restoration are of utmost importance. We believe the child will do what the child can do; therefore, it is our purpose to encourage each child in the unique way God has created him/her and seek to help a child to do what is appropriate.

We encourage and teach the following attitudes: We will not tolerate the following behaviors:

• Respect Destructive
• Responsibility Disruptive
• Independence Dangerous

On a first offense, we will redirect negative behavior and talk to the child gently and positively. Teaching “Teaching” not correcting. On a second repeated offense, we will notify the parent in writing at the end of the day. On the third repeated offense, a parent-teacher-dean conference will be called to discuss positive remedies. If the pattern continues, mutual consent will determine Hand In Hand (HIH) is not the best fit for the child. If dismissal occurs, fees will be pro-rated.

Visitation Policy
Concentration is a primary goal of the Montessori classroom. To achieve this, children need consistency and order as much as possible. Careless disregard for the child’s learning time and the quiet classroom greatly impairs the teacher’s ability to teach properly and the student’s ability to learn. Parents, grandparents, and all adults must be mindful of this upon entering the classroom. Parents who are visiting are asked to be seated, use a quiet voice, and not interfere with children by engaging in casual conversation. If concerned about something, the parent may visit the room of their child at any time during the hours of operation, in keeping with the statutes set by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Parents are more than welcome to set up an observation visit through the HIH office.

Insurance Policy
HIH is an authorized ministry within the Children’s Ministry Department of North Heights Lutheran Church and therefore covered by the insurance policy of the church.

Grievance Policy
If a parent has a grievance with any policy or employee of HIH, the parent should follow the dispute practice outlines in Scripture. The first attempt to settle the dispute should be done in person with the offending party. If the grievance is not resolved, the parent should take the matter to the next person in the chain of command. A complaint in writing with an answer in writing should be given. If the grievance is still not resolved, the matter will proceed up to the North Heights Lutheran Church (NHLC) chain of command beginning with the Director of Children’s Ministry or the HIH Leadership Board. It is our deepest desire to live in peace with all people and act in a professional manner.

Special Needs/Gifted & Talented Policy
Hand In Hand will admit a child with Special Needs and/or who is gifted & talented on an individual basis. We require consultation with the director, teachers, and other pertinent professionals prior to enrollment. All written assessment and pertinent medical history including prescriptions id required prior to admission. When we are unable to meet a child’s need the Dean, and a parent-teacher-dean conference will be held. If dismissal occurs, fees will be pro-rated.

Observations/Conferences
Observation guidelines will be given at the time of your arrival to help focus your observation. After observing, if you wish for a further discussion you can contact the teacher or director. Parents will be given a written observation/conference analysis of their child twice a year—compiled by the teachers, assistants, and directors. Conferences are offered in October and April for the two-day and three-day families.

Administering Medicines
We will not be administering medicine at Hand in Hand. Children must take prescribed medicines before and after school with parental supervision. Asthma inhalers are an exception. Please see your child’s teacher for the proper procedure for this need along with written instruction and safe keeping by the teacher.

Public Use of Children’s Photos Policy
Occasionally, we will take pictures of the children in the classroom playing and working. These may be used for bulletin boards, promotional flyers, or Hand in Hand scrapbooks. Please submit a written letter to request no photos be taken

Educational Research & Experiments
These will not occur without the express written consent of the Parents or Guardian.

Classroom Pet Policy
When the teacher, parent or child would like to introduce the children to a pet or animal for education purposes and enrichment activities, these matters must be cleared with the Dean and sent home in writing in “The HANDle” prior to the arrival of the pet.

Field Trip Policy
Hand in Hand will not sponsor any field trip or take the children away from the premise at any time. Parents and children who would like to participate in a cooperative field trip will do so voluntarily and without obligation on a non-school day, providing the transportation and fees for the event personally.

Arrival and Departure Policies
The teachers and assistants will arrive early before each session to prepare the environment for the children. Immediately following the session they need time to journal, record keep, and restore order to the classroom before leaving for the day. The doors to the classrooms will remain closed until the teachers are ready to greet the children. Early drop-off and late pick-up of children is not allowed. Please adhere to the 9:00 a.m. drop-off time and noon and 3:00 p.m. pick-up time. (The Family Preschool students will wait outside the classroom at 9:15 a.m. for the doorkeeper to open the door for the start of the Godly Play Lesson.) Please call the HIH office in case of emergency. The most important thing is to drive carefully, use seat belts, and lock your doors. Cross the parking lots with caution, especially when children are with you. Do not rush and hurry, walk at the child’s pace because “life is more precious than time.”

Curb-Side Drop-Off Policies
The day for the three-day enrolled children begins upstairs at 9:00 a.m. When the American Flag is outside, you may drop your child off. They will be greeted at the door by their teachers and asked to sit and wait quietly for their classmates. At 9:00 a.m. the flag will come inside, and all the children will rise and say the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. This is an important part of the day. Please do not take your children to their classrooms and bypass the teachers and children waiting. However, if you arrive later than 9:00 a.m. and the flag is taken inside, then you must park your car and escort your child downstairs. This service does not apply to one-day Family Preschool children or parents. When the American Flag is outside, you may drop your child off. They will be greeted at the door by their teachers and asked to sit and wait quietly for their classmates.

Curb-Side Pick-Up Policies
Similar to the drop-off policy, the children in the three-day, and two-day program end their day in an orderly way by lining up behind the flag and proceeding upstairs. There they will wait quietly until their parent arrives. Please stay in your cars in a line next to the sidewalk as the children are dismissed. Please display your “Family ID Tag” in the front window (right-side), so the teachers can easily identify you. It is disruptive to take your children from their classrooms and bypass the procedure of dismissal. Please abide by this request. If you must park and come in, please park on sidewalk outside of entrance C.