Early Childhood Family Education ECFE Participant Handbook 2019-2020 | Page 6

Separation
When a child shows symptoms of distress by crying upon separation or after separation, we want to work with you.
Separating from a parent is a skill that children learn over time and through repetition. ECFE staff will be happy to work
with you and your child to master this important skill. If your child cries for more than 10-15 minutes, we will ask you to
return to the class and soothe your child. Parents are encouraged to bring a child’s “lovey” or blanket to help ease the
transition. We will do everything to help foster a trusting relationship with your child. Please always say goodbye and do
not sneak out of class.
Diapering
Parents are encouraged to use the changing tables located in the bathrooms. If a child needs a change of clothes, parents
must take the child into the bathroom. Parents will be called in the Parenting room to take their child to the bathroom
during class.
S N A C K S
A district-provided snack such as Cheerios, graham crackers or goldfish crackers will be provided to classes that are two
hours or more. Water will be available and offered for ALL classes with an open-cup option. No snacks may be brought
from home. No outside donations are accepted.
If your child must eat during class time, please take them into the hall.
Snack time provides a valuable learning experience for the children as they experiment with taste, smell, color, texture,
taking turns, making choices and helping themselves. Children are encouraged to throw their own cup and napkin away
when they are finished with their snack.
Some classes may have parents sign up to bring snacks to the parent group. Parent snack may be store bought or
homemade. All food and drink for the adults should be brought to the Parent Education Room. For the safety of the
children, we ask that you not bring any personal drinks or food into the children’s classroom or leave on the hallway coat
rack/shelves.
If your child is bottle-fed, parents must mix and feed your infant. Staff are not permitted to mix or feed bottles to
children.
Birthdays in ECFE
If you wish to celebrate your child’s birthday in class, we want to make your child feel special. We will sing to your child,
give them a birthday crown and let them pick a free book from our birthday basket. With all ECFE classes, non-edible
birthday “treats” (such as bubbles, crayons, etc.) will be welcomed but not required. Please do not bring any edible
snacks.
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