SPCAA Head Start Partners Meeting

1. SPCAA Head Start Partners Meeting Human Resources Federal Regulations and Review Findings

2. Agenda • Lead Teacher Qualifications • LT and TA Qualifications-Outlined in Head Start Act of 2007 • Reference Check Requirements • Background Check Requirements • Physical Exams and TB Screenings (process for partners and SPCAA) • Code of Conduct • Performance Evaluation Requirements

3. Lead Teacher Qualifications • Current -Bachelor or advanced degree in ECE; or -Bachelor or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching pre-school children; or -Associate degree in ECE; or -Child development associate (CDA) credential that is appropriate to the age of children being served Head Start Performance Standard 1304.52(b)(1)&(2)

4. LT Requirements in FutureHead Start Act 2007, Section 648A • By September 30, 2013 at least 50% of Head Start teachers nationwide in center-based programs must have: -Bachelor or advanced degree in ECE; or -Bachelor or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching pre-school-age children

5. TA Requirements in the FutureHead Start Act 2007, Section 648A • By September 30, 2013 Head Start teaching assistants nationwide in center-based programs must have: -at least a CDA; -enrolled in a program leading to an associate or bachelor degree; -enrolled in a child development associate (CDA) program to be completed in two years

6. Reference Check Requirements • Before a Head Start agency employs an individual, such agency shall: -conduct an interview of such individual; -verify personal and employment references Head Start Act 2007, Section 648A

7. Background Check Requirements • Before a Head Start agency employs an individual, such agency shall: -obtain: ~a state, tribal, or federal criminal record check covering all jurisdictions where the grantee provides Head Start services to children; ~a state, tribal, or federal criminal record check as required by law of the jurisdiction where the grantee provides Head Start services; or ~a criminal record check as otherwise required by federal law Head Start Act 2007, Section 648A

8. Physical Exams and TB Screenings • Grantee and delegate agencies must assure that each staff member has an initial health examination (that includes screening for tuberculosis) and a periodic re-examination (as recommended by their health care provider or as mandated by State, Tribal, or local laws) so as to assure that they do not, because of communicable diseases, pose a significant risk to the health or safety of others in the Early Head Start or Head Start program that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable accommodation. This requirement must be implemented consistent with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Head Start Performance Standard 1304.52(j)(1)

9. Standards (Code) of Conduct • Grantee and partner sites must ensure that all staff, consultants, and volunteers abide by program’s standards of conduct. These standards must specify: 1) They will respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability

10. Standards (Code) of Conductcontinued 2) They will follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families, and other staff members 3) No child will be left alone or unsupervised while under their care 4) They will use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation. In addition, they will not employ methods of discipline that involve isolation, the use of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs Head Start Performance Standard 1304.52(h)(1)

11. Standards (Code) of Conduct SPCAA HEAD START PARTNERS Standards/Code of Conduct Standards of Conduct (Code of Conduct) • Head Start, Early Head Start and associated partner agencies must ensure that all staff, consultants, and volunteers abide by the program's standards of conduct. These standards must specify that (Head Start Performance Standards)- 1304.52 (h)(1),(i),(ii),(iii),(iv): • They will respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability; • They will follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families, and other staff • No child will be left alone or unsupervised while under their care; and • They will use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation. In addition, they will not employ methods of discipline that involve isolation, the use of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs. By signing this form, I acknowledge that I have read the Standards/Code of Conduct set forth by SPCAA Head Start, as outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards [1304.52(h)(1) (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)], and I agree to follow all policies and procedures. Printed Name:_______________________________________________________________________  Signature:___________________________________________________________________ Date:________________________________________________________________________  School District:_____________________________________________________________________

12. Performance Review Requirements • Grantee and partner agencies must, at a minimum, perform annual performance reviews of each Head Start and Early Head Start staff member and use the results of these reviews to identify staff training and professional development needs, modify performance agreements, as necessary, and assist each staff member in improving his or her skills and professional competencies Head Start Performance Standard 1304.52(i)

13. Certification Letter for SPCAA Head Start Partners Certification for SPCAA Head Start Partners This document certifies compliance with applicable Head Start regulations and requirements inclusive of ACF-PI-HS-08-02 (Background Checks) and ACF PIHS-08-04 (Criminal Background Checks) Criminal Background Checks The District conducted a criminal background check prior to employment on all Head Start employees. The background check meets or exceeds the State of Texas requirements for background checks pursuant to TEX. EDUC. CODE § 22.083. The District provided SPCAA the computer list to the state confirming the names of all Head Start employees who have undergone criminal Background checks. The District reviewed the criminal background checks and has removed from employment with Head Start any of the employees with a criminal history detrimental to the health and safety of Head Start children. Personnel Actions The District has employment applications on file for full-time, part-time and temporary personnel working with Head Start children. The District conducted interviews prior to employment. The District verified the personal and employment references provided by such individuals. The District has provided to each employee the information on required health exams (including screening for tuberculosis) and periodic reexaminations (as recommended by Health care provider or mandated by State or local laws). The District personnel/HR departments will work with SPCAA to insure compliance. Authorized Administrator _______________________________________ ______________ (Signature) (Date) Print Name: ______________________________ Title: ______________________ District/Agency Name:__________________________________

14. QUESTIONS??