EDUCATION & EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT:
It is our goal to provide children with a learning environment and the varied experiences which will help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and state of development toward the overall goal of social competence. Involve parents in educational activities of the program to enhance their role as the principal influence on the child's education and development. Assist parents to increase knowledge, understanding, skills and experience in child growth and development. Identify and reinforce experiences which occur in the home that parents can utilize as educational activities for their children.

CHILD HEALTH & SAFETY:
Parents are encouraged to attend first aid and CPR classes held during the year. Parents are given first aid, CPR, dental emergency and hand washing information with their health packets as children are accepted into our program. Coordinators carry fanny packs with emergency information and first aid supplies at all times on field trips, outside, etc. First Aid kits and information are in every classroom.

CHILD NUTRITION:
Foods are provided which will help meet the children's daily nutritional needs. Staff, children and families learn to understand the relationship of nutrition to health, understand factors which influence good food practices, and use a variety of ways to provide for nutritional needs and to apply this knowledge in the development of good eating habits after leaving the Early Childhood programs.

CHILD MENTAL HEALTH & DISABILITIES SERVICES:
Children, with and without disabilities, play, learn and interact together. Planning for the child as a whole person and allowing children of varying abilities to play and share together fosters positive growth and enhances the development of all children. Special services are provided based on each child's strengths and needs. Both children and adults need to be able to play, work and share emotions. Our classroom environments and interactions allow both children and adults to play, work and share emotions in a positive way. Our goal is to encourage feelings of self-worth and foster the ability to cope with life situations.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS:
Parents are invited to participate in every phase of planning and operating the program. Experiences are planned for parents which support and enhance their parental role as well as other aspects of their personal lives. Parents are recognized as being contributors to the program and the community. Parental participation in the classroom and other activities is highly encouraged. Parents are offered information on available community services and how to become involved in other organizations. Families are assisted in their own efforts to improve the condition and quality of home life and their community. Eligible children are recruited and referred to the program regardless of race, sex, creed, color, national origin, or handicapping conditions.

PROGRAM DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT:
The governance of programs in the Department of Early Childhood Education is also dependant on the involvement of parents. Several opportunities exist, including Policy Council and Center Committees for parents to have active involvement in program operations. There are management systems that are in place to provide for the smooth operation of all aspects of the programs. These systems allow for communication between staff, parents, the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School Board of Education, Policy Council and Parent Committees. We conduct an annual self-assessment and keep accurate records to provide for all monitoring of the programs. Our staff is qualified to work with young children. All qualifications are identified through job descriptions, requirements and responsibilities. Training is an important part of our staff development and parents are also invited to plan and participate in learning experiences. Program management also includes keeping classrooms, centers, equipment and materials in sufficient, safe and usable condition.