Standard+Eight+-+Community+Relationships

CRITERIA 8.1

// Program staff maintain a current list of child and family support services available in the community, based on the pattern of needs they observe among families and based on what families request (e.g., health, metal health, oral health, nutrition, child welfare, parenting programs, early intervention/special education screening and assessment services and basic needs such as housing and child care subsidies). They share the list with families and assist them in locating, contacting, and using community resources that support children’s and families’ well-being and development. //

// From Handbook: //

Program staff maintains a current list of child and family support services available in the community based on the pattern of needs they observe among families and based on what families request (eg. Health, mental health, oral health, nutrition, child welfare, parenting programs, early intervention /special education screening and assessment services, and basic needs such as housing and child care subsidies). We share the list with families and assist them in locating, contacting, and using community resources that support children and families’ well-being and development (IQPPS 8.1). Staff also develop partnerships and professional relationships with agencies, consultants, and organizations in the Aurelia community to further the program’s capacity to meet the needs and interests of the children and families that we serve (IQPPS 8.2)
 * Linking with the Community**

Program staff identify and establish relationships with specialized consultants who can assist all children and families’ full participation in the program. This assistance includes support for children with disabilities, behavioral challenges or other special needs (IQPPS 8.3 ).

Our program works closely with Lutheran Services of Iowa to help families in need of mental health services.
Resources from Cherokee Country for parents: []

Listing of Family Resources that we keep on file with the guidance counselor (Plains Area Mental Health):

AEA Directory - kept on file in the guidance office:

CRITERIA 8.2

// Program staff develop partnerships and professional relationships with agencies, consultants and organizations in the community that further the program’s capacity to meet the needs and interests of the children and families that they serve. //

// From Handbook: //

Program staff maintains a current list of child and family support services available in the community based on the pattern of needs they observe among families and based on what families request (eg. Health, mental health, oral health, nutrition, child welfare, parenting programs, early intervention /special education screening and assessment services, and basic needs such as housing and child care subsidies). We share the list with families and assist them in locating, contacting, and using community resources that support children and families’ well-being and development (IQPPS 8.1). Staff also develop partnerships and professional relationships with agencies, consultants, and organizations in the Aurelia community to further the program’s capacity to meet the needs and interests of the children and families that we serve (IQPPS 8.2)
 * Linking with the Community**

Program staff identify and establish relationships with specialized consultants who can assist all children and families’ full participation in the program. This assistance includes support for children with disabilities, behavioral challenges or other special needs (IQPPS 8.3 ).

// Observation Notes from AEA consultant:    //

// Joleen partnered with Mary Groen from the AEA as well as preschool teachers from other districts (Schleswig, Woodbury Central, River Valley, Ridgeview and Hinton) once a month last year to collaborate on meeting QPPS standards and doing best practice work. Here is an agenda from one of the meetings: //

// Each year our preschool program partners with Kiwanis to continue to raise funds for our playground. In March, we had a pancake breakfast. //

// Fire safety is done in conjunction with our local fire department: //

// We have a partnership with Early Childhood Iowa - Joleen attends trainings through their agency and they supply scholarships for some of our families: // []

CRITERIA 8.3

// Program staff indentify and establish relationships with specialized consultants who can assist all children’s and families’ full participation in the program. This assistance includes support for children with disabilities, behavioral challenges, or other special needs. //

// **From Handbook:** //

The preschool program provides all children with accommodations and modifications as needed to differentiate instruction. Staff is aware of the identified needs of individual children and is trained to follow through on specific intervention plans. The preschool facilities meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements. The local Northwest AEA office provides additional services to our special needs population who meet the qualifying guidelines for services and to assist them in serving the needs of all children especially those with disabilities, behavior challenges and/or other special physical and psychological needs. The school and AEA shall partner with the parents or legal guardians of the child to initiate and maintain an ongoing approach to meet all special needs/challenges the child might have for academic and social success. Students of concern may receive additional testing, learning/enhancement materials; consultant services and/or home care assistance when available. AEA support services provided include occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech, or visual and hearing impaired services.


 * Linking with the Community**

Program staff maintains a current list of child and family support services available in the community based on the pattern of needs they observe among families and based on what families request (eg. Health, mental health, oral health, nutrition, child welfare, parenting programs, early intervention /special education screening and assessment services, and basic needs such as housing and child care subsidies). We share the list with families and assist them in locating, contacting, and using community resources that support children and families’ well-being and development (IQPPS 8.1). Staff also develop partnerships and professional relationships with agencies, consultants, and organizations in the Aurelia community to further the program’s capacity to meet the needs and interests of the children and families that we serve (IQPPS 8.2)

Program staff identify and establish relationships with specialized consultants who can assist all children and families’ full participation in the program. This assistance includes support for children with disabilities, behavioral challenges or other special needs (IQPPS 8.3 ).

Notes from AEA observations:

CRITERIA 8.5

// The program encourages staff to participate in joint and collaborative training activities or events with neighboring early childhood programs and other community service agencies. //

// From Handbook: //

Personnel policies provide staff time for participation in professional development opportunities. All teaching staff continuously strengthen their leadership skills and relationships with others and work to improve the conditions of children and families within their programs, the local community, and beyond. Teaching staff are encouraged to participate in informal and formal ways in local, state, or regional public-awareness activities. They may join an early childhood group or organization, attend meetings, or share information with others both at and outside the program.
 * Staff development activities** (IQPPS 6.6, 10.15)

Teaching staff will be informed of professional development activities provided by Child Care Resource and Referral, the local Empowerment areas, local school district, and the area education agency. Staff are expected to attend all staff trainings and meetings throughout the year. Trainings will focus on early childhood topics relevant to the program and community.

The program encourages staff to participate in joint and collaborative training activities or events with neighboring early childhood programs and other community service agencies (IQPPS 8.5 ). Program staff are encouraged and given the opportunity to participate in community or statewide interagency councils or service integration efforts (IQPPS 8.6).

// In April, Joleen visited the Alta preschool program to observe PBIS in action before she had the opportunity this year to participate in that professional development. This year Joleen is taking part in the early childhood PBIS modules in October and December in conjunction with our early elementary staff. //

// NWAEA PD opportunities that Joleen will participate in this year: //

CRITERIA 8.6

// Program staff are encouraged and given the opportunity to participate in community or statewide interagency councils or service integration efforts. //

// From Handbook: //

Personnel policies provide staff time for participation in professional development opportunities. All teaching staff continuously strengthen their leadership skills and relationships with others and work to improve the conditions of children and families within their programs, the local community, and beyond. Teaching staff are encouraged to participate in informal and formal ways in local, state, or regional public-awareness activities. They may join an early childhood group or organization, attend meetings, or share information with others both at and outside the program.
 * Staff development activities** (IQPPS 6.6, 10.15)

Teaching staff will be informed of professional development activities provided by Child Care Resource and Referral, the local Empowerment areas, local school district, and the area education agency. Staff are expected to attend all staff trainings and meetings throughout the year. Trainings will focus on early childhood topics relevant to the program and community.

The program encourages staff to participate in joint and collaborative training activities or events with neighboring early childhood programs and other community service agencies (IQPPS 8.5 ). Program staff are encouraged and given the opportunity to participate in community or statewide interagency councils or service integration efforts (IQPPS 8.6).