Child Development, Assessment, Privacy & Protection
Assessments
Our assessments of children are based on numerous observations gathered throughout the year, and examples of the child’s work. They may be in the format of originals and photos of work, anecdotal notes, video or still photos of the child at work/play, and the use of formal observation tools. Teachers consider these observations and examples through the lens of their professional training, experience with young children, knowledge of child development and standardized instruments and the Vermont Early Learning Standards. Three formal assessment tools may also be used. Teaching Strategies Gold (TS Gold) is a formalized assessment tool that covers all areas of development. The Devereaux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) is a behavior rating scale that provides an assessment of a child’s ability to deal with stressors. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a parent-completed child monitoring system that helps us recognize areas of potential need.
If a teacher has concerns about a child’s development, that teacher may request that another teacher and / or the Director make observations. The teacher will discuss their observations with the parent and if necessary, refer the family to the appropriate agency for screening.
Regular observation and assessment of the children in our care helps us plan curricula that are specific to the needs and interests of each child.
Confidentiality
A file for each child that contains enrollment history, medical information, field trip permission slips, and progress evaluation forms is kept at the Bennington Early Childhood Center. This file will be kept for one year after the child has left the Center. After that time, the file will either be turned over to the parents (upon request) or shredded. The information is confidential. Parents, however, can have access to all their children's records at any time. With permission we will share information from a child’s file with the school they will be attending after their time at the BECC.
The Bennington Early Childhood Center does not release any information on a child to any institution or individual without written permission from a parent. Our records on children are locked in the Bennington Early Childhood Center's office, available only to the BECC Director, Supervising Teachers, and those who have parental permission to access them. Additionally, representatives of the Vermont Department of Health, Vermont Department for Children and Families, and the Vermont Agency of Education will periodically review the files for completeness of required information. If staff from a separate school wishes to discuss a former or current student with a Bennington Early Childhood Center teacher, the parent will be notified, and permission obtained before such a discussion occurs.
Children are not to be discussed by name outside of staff meetings. We request that teachers or other staff, those who babysit for Bennington Early Childhood Center families, refrain from sharing information about children acquired while working at the Center and to keep private any information they may acquire while babysitting at home.
Any parent who has any concerns about confidentiality should discuss them with the Supervising Teacher or the Director. The Bennington Early Childhood Center subscribes to the ethical code developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Child Abuse and Neglect
In accordance with state law and regulation, as well as early childhood education practices, it is the policy of the Bennington Early Childhood Center to report all known or suspected instances of child abuse and/or neglect within 24 hours of becoming aware of a situation in which abuse or neglect may have occurred.
Once a staff person believes that abuse/neglect may have occurred, s/he is to convey this concern immediately to the Director of the Center. Once the Director has been notified, the staff person must contact the Agency of Human Services, Department for Children and Families, at 1-800-649-5285, and make a report of suspected abuse or neglect.
It is also the Bennington Early Childhood Center's policy to:
Ensure that all staff are informed of this policy and of their duty, as mandated reporters, to report abuse or neglect. Failure to report can result in a fine of up to $500.
Question all staff at the time of initial employment as to whether the person has ever been accused or convicted of abuse or neglect and submit a criminal record check for all staff.
Provide staff with training in the identification and prevention of abuse or neglect.
Annually review, with staff, methods and practices that can be implemented to reduce the potential for abuse or neglect within the program.
Cooperate with the Department for Children and Families in any investigation involving the Center or its personnel.
Take immediate action to safeguard children, up to and including suspension from duty, should an allegation of abuse or neglect be made against a staff person.
Take immediate action to safeguard children, up to and including dismissal from duty, should a staff person be found to have perpetrated abuse or neglect.
