For Demonstration School Parents

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Welcome to the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education Demonstration School. As your child’s first teacher and strongest advocate, we look forward to working together to help your child become all that he or she can be. In order to best serve your family, we require every parent/guardian to take an active role in their child’s education at the Demonstration School. Parents/guardians should act as:
 
• Experts on and advocates for their own children;
• Advisors concerning Demonstration School policies, procedures, staff and curriculum; 
• Evaluators through polls and surveys; and
• Promoters of the Demonstration School and its mission.

By the same token, we want you to feel comfortable in your rights as a parent/guardian of a child attending our facility. You are entitled to:

• Assurance that your beliefs, concerns and values are sought out and respected and reflected in your child’s care;
• Information about all aspects of the program;
• Information about all your child’s experiences in the program;
• Freedom to visit or observe;
• Freedom to ask questions of staff (when staff are able to respond without interrupting the programs); and
• Confidence in the complete confidentiality of all matters involving the welfare of your child and family.

We encourage your active participation in your child’s care. Please know that it is in your child’s best interest that you follow through on your responsibilities in relation to the Demonstration School:

• Knowledge of the parent/guardian handbook and acceptance of its policies and procedures;
• Volunteering of current information (addresses, medical exams, etc.) and responsiveness to staff requests for information;
• Daily review of your child’s experiences sheet and notes;
• Exchange of essential information about the care of your child with staff (at least every six months, you should either meet with Demonstration School staff to discuss your child’s progress and receive a written progress report of your child’s activities and participation level; this report must become part of your child’s record. If your child is an infant or has disabilities, you should receive a written progress report every three months.);
• Respect for staff as professionals who work with you to provide quality child care; and
• At least 30 hours of volunteer participation with the Demonstration School per each year that your child attends.

Again, we are thrilled that you have chosen the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education Demonstration School for your child. On behalf of the entire staff, we look forward to getting to know you and your family.

Sincerely,

Gladys R. Montes
Vice President
United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education