
Sheldon Update
December 5, 2022
Welcome from Mrs. Tanner
Dear Sheldon Families,
Happy December! As a reminder, our last day of school for this semester is Friday, December 16th. Students DO NOT have school December 19-January 4. We will see them back for the new year on Thursday, January 5th!
Families of OT students, the car line is a RIGHT TURN ONLY out of our parking lot. DO NOT BLOCK intersections or driveways!
Click the link to access the 2022-2023 Family Handbook.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me!
Thank you for the privilege of serving you ~
Mrs. Gabrielle Tanner, Principal
Upcoming Events
December Events
Items That Need Your Attention
Kaymbu App
Transportation Changes Coming in January
Please note: You may NOT follow the bus to retrieve your child at a stop other than the one assigned to them.
Receiving School Messages
When I send messages to all families, such as this weekly newsletter, delayed buses, event reminders, etc., I send those via email and text. If you have not been receiving them via text, it could be that you have not yet opted in to that service. If you would like to begin receiving messages this way, text "YES" to 86088.
GreatSchools.org
Have you had a positive experience at Sheldon? We would love for that to be highlighted on the website! Please take 1 minute to visit GreatSchools.org, search for Sheldon Child Development, click on the Review icon, and share what you love about our program!
Sheldon Shirt Days
Time to Eat!
Policy & Procedure Review
Child Guidance & Behavior
Each week the Sheldon staff reviews one of our Head Start Policies & Procedures and felt it was important that families stay up to date on these as well. This quarter our focus is on Mental Health, Disability, and Child Development and Education. If you ever have any questions regarding our policies and procedures, please reach out!
Child Guidance and Behavior
POLICY:
Positive behavior strategies will be used when teaching children how to manage their own behavior to help in becoming school ready. Child guidance and classroom management decisions will promote positive social skills, foster mutual respect, strengthen self-esteem and support a safe environment. This policy relates to Head Start Performance Standards 45 CFR Part 1302.30, 1302.31, 1302.32, 1302.34, 1302.47, 1302.90
PROCEDURE:
1. Teachers will plan a safe and developmentally appropriate environment that supports pro-social behavior:
- Routines will be established and followed to promote predictability and security for children.
- All adults in the classroom are expected to interact with the children in a positive, friendly, and socially supportive way, modeling prosocial behaviors with each other and the children.
- There will be enough structure in the classroom environment to communicate to children what to do and how to use the equipment and materials.
- The classroom furnishings and equipment will be checked regularly for safety and will be arranged to promote ease of movement, separation of loud (Musical Instruments, Dramatic Play, Blocks) and quiet areas (Library, Writing, and Listening), large play spaces and small play spaces.
- The cultures of the children will be reflected throughout the environment in a positive and inclusive way.
2. Positive behavioral strategies for guiding and managing behavior of children will typically include the following:
- Using praise, encouragement, redirection and other positive means of recognizing appropriate behavior.
- Clearly stating expectations for appropriate behavior.
- Teaching children positive social skills through direct teaching, modeling and practice with peers including mental health and social skills activities in lesson plans.
- Providing children alternative choices and redirection away from inappropriate behavior. Avoid power struggles with children whenever possible.
3. Develop classroom rules that are clear, reasonable and consistent. Establish the rules at the beginning of the year, including children in the process:
- Classroom rules will be posted in each classroom.
- Posted rules will include pictures as much as possible.
- Establishing, modifying, and discussing rules will be part of the regular class day.
- Rules will be consistent with Head Start policies and procedures.
- Rules will be as few in number as possible, being clear and reasonable.
- The rules will state what the child should do, instead of what they shouldn’t do.
4. Intervention for behavior problems should be progressive and based on the situation:
- Children who forget the rules are redirected and reminded of the expectations. Refer to posted rules when necessary.
- Repeated occurrences of inappropriate behavior require intervention through problem solving.
5. When a child presents dangerous behavior with the potential for hurting themselves or others, staff will intervene immediately. Additional strategies could include: Removing the child from the immediate situation, providing time to calm down, problem solve and plan how to re-enter the play environment.
6. For the safety of the child and staff, crisis intervention for the child displaying dangerous behavior will not exceed gentle but firm physical guidance and direction, holding the child only long enough to get them to a safe place to calm down. Physical restraint is not to be used as a routine procedure without an approved, signed behavior plan specifying its use.
7. The use of corporal punishment is strictly forbidden. Use of such methods will result in immediate termination.
8. Withholding food or access to the bathroom, name calling, or any other form of demeaning treatment is strictly forbidden. Use of such methods will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
9. Behavior that is recurring may be an indicator that further support and assessment is needed. Special support may be required during the time of referral and assessment. The mental health coordinator and management staff should be included in planning the necessary support.
10. Continual communication with parents must be maintained concerning the child’s behavior through staff observation (anecdotal) note taking. Staff will be sensitive to different cultural beliefs and values.
Informational Items
Product Recall
Name of Product: Green Sprouts Stainless Steel Straw Bottles, Sippy Cups and Sip & Straw Cups (see photos below)
Hazard: The recalled stainless-steel bottles and cups bottom base can break off, exposing a solder dot that contains lead, posing a lead poisoning hazard to the child. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children, and can cause adverse health effects.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: November 23, 2022
Units: About 10,500
Home Depot Workshops
Workshops take place the first Saturday of each month from 9:00-12:00.
January 1: Toss Game
February 5: Valentine's Photo Box
COVID Protocols
Please be sure to review both the COVID Update and the information on the Parent Resources page for the latest information from the CDC. Masks are encouraged, but not required. We will maintain strict sanitation protocols.
Late Start
Academic Calendar
Family Resources
Sheldon Food & Clothing Bank
Community Resources Council Directory
If in need of resources, you can also contact the United Way by dialing 211.
Sheldon Head Start Child Development Center
Website: https://sheldon.topekapublicschools.net/
Location: 1155 SW Seabrook Ave.
Phone: 785-438-4530
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheldonChildDevelopmentCenterHeadStart