ADM 1: School Information

Overview

Clear communication between the program and families is critical for a child’s overall success. It is important for families to understand the program’s beliefs and goals, as well as the policies and procedures related to enrollment, health and safety, communication, inclusion, etc.

Requirement

Level 5:

Families receive ongoing, updated information throughout the year about the school’s philosophy or mission; eligibility requirements, enrollment procedures; and other information such as: home/school communication, health, safety, physical fitness, nutrition, emergency plans, teaching and learning, inclusion of children with disabilities and children with special health care needs, and behavior management.

Documentation to upload:

  • School handbook for families, website link(s), and/or other materials
  • Statement describing how materials are reviewed and updated

Instructions

Identify the different ways that policies and school information are communicated to families. This information is often located in the school’s handbook for families, a Pre-K handbook, the county handbook, and/or school/county websites. The Back to School information packets also include school information for families.

Review the materials for the following requirements:

  • The program’s mission and/or philosophy statement
  • The program’s eligibility requirements
  • The program’s enrollment procedures
  • The program’s policies and practices for:
    • Physical fitness
    • Home/school communication
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Nutrition
    • Emergency plans
    • Teaching and learning
    • Inclusion of children with disabilities and children with special health care needs
    • Behavior management

Although not mandatory, identifying the location of the required information aids the review process.

 

Build a Statement

Revisiting and reviewing school practices and policies provides the opportunity to assess how the program’s practices are aligned with the policies and information given to families and make updates as needed. The Reflection Question below will help you create a statement that captures your plan for reviewing the school’s policies and practices that are shared with families. Upon reflection, you are ready to build your statement.

Reflection Question

  1. How are the policies and information shared with families reviewed and updated?

After reflecting, you have the option to download and save the Information and Policies Template and create your policies.

If you need more support for writing your policies, use the Writers Tips and Prompts link to find examples and for additional guidance.

Next Steps

  • Review your gathered documentation to ensure you have covered all the required topics.
  • Log into the Maryland EXCELS System to upload the required documentation.
  • Submit for review.