Early Learning

Parents/guardians are to call the Attendance Line before school begins to report an absence. Please leave the student’s first and last name, teacher name/grade, reason for absence, and a name and phone number where you can be reached on the day of the absence. If you do not call the school or the school is unable to contact you regarding the absence, you must provide your son/daughter with a note when they return to school, verifying the absence. If your student will be gone (vacations, surgery etc.) or needs to leave for an appointment, please notify the attendance office ahead of time via a note or phone call to the attendance line.

While attendance in preschool is not mandatory, developing good and consistent attendance patterns is one of the most effective ways to make certain that children acquire the essential skills needed for success both in school and out of school. Our expectation is that students will be at preschool every school day if they are healthy. Chronic absenteeism may affect eligibility for early learning scholarships and free state-funded VPK preschool.

It is important for your preschooler to arrive at school on time for the beginning of the preschool day. Arriving partway through the morning is disruptive to your own child as well as the rest of their preschool class. We do understand that things sometimes arise that will cause a late arrival; if your child will be late, please contact your child’s teacher or the early learning office (651-457-9418) to let them know. 

If your child is consistently tardy or chronically absent, you may be asked to meet with the early learning coordinator to develop a plan for consistent attendance.

Excused Absences 

The responsibility for excusing a child from school rests with the parent or guardian. The school reserves the right to accept or deny requests for excuses based on its policies. 

Acceptable reasons for being absent as referenced in Student Attendance Policy 503: 

• Illness (school may request doctor verification) 
• Serious illness in the student’s immediate family 
• A death in the student’s immediate family or of a close friend or relative 
• Medical, dental, orthodontic or counseling appointments (Please avoid school hours if possible) 
• Religious instruction not to exceed three hours in any week 
• Physical emergency conditions such as fire, flood, storm, etc 
• Religious holidays 

The school will make reasonable efforts to accommodate any student who wishes to be excused from a curricular activity for a religious observance or American Indian cultural practice, observance, or ceremony.

Religious or Cultural Observances

The school will make reasonable efforts to accommodate any student who wishes to be excused from a curricular activity for a religious observance or American Indian cultural practice, observance, or ceremony. 

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences are those student absences which are not approved by the parent/guardian and/or school district. 

Examples of absences that may be considered unexcused: 

• Families taking students out of school on a consistent basis 
• Any absence in which the student/parent failed to comply with any reporting requirements of the school district’s attendance procedures 
• Work at home 
• Vacations with family (NOTE: Family vacations may be excused with prior arrangement.) 
• Oversleeping 
• Missing the bus 
• Lack of transportation: Vehicle is not working. 
• Loss of bus riding privileges 
• Too cold, or weather related - If school is in session, students are expected to be at school 
• Needed at home 
• Medical, dental, orthodontic or counseling appointments that do not require a full-day absence

Tuition is due by the 15th of each month, September through June. Invoices will be sent electronically on the 1st of each month. For the most current tuition information visit: earlylearning.sspps.org/about/preschool. If tuition is a hardship for your family, please contact the Early Learning Office at 651-457-9418. Scholarships and sliding fee scale are available. No family will be denied preschool due to an inability to pay.

Preschool start and end times are staggered by 10 minutes from the K-5 times at both Kaposia and Lincoln Center, to allow for an easier drop-off and pick-up for preschool families.

Kaposia Education Center

Parents must walk your child to the teacher outside Door 1 (main entrance) and Door 2 at Kaposia to check in, and pick up your child from the teacher at the end of the day at the same door. There is designated Early Learning parking on the west side of the parking lot; please use the pedestrian crosswalk and do not park by the yellow curb.

Lincoln Center

Parents must walk your child to the teacher at Door 1 at Lincoln Center to check in, and pick up your child from the teacher at the end of the day at the same door.

Drop Off/Pick Up Safety

Children will only be released to adults (aged 18 or older) listed as an authorized pick-up person. Teachers may take a picture of family members for easy and efficient identification at the door.

Four-year-old preschoolers who ride the bus will be met at the bus by preschool staff. At the end of the day, preschoolers will be escorted to the gathering area for students who bus. If your child has an older sibling or neighbor who rides the same bus, the older student can pick up your preschooler from staff and escort them to the bus line.

If a family member will be late for pick-up, please immediately notify the Early Learning Office at 651-457-9418. A staff member will remain with the child until picked up by a family member or emergency contact.

We understand that unexpected circumstances sometimes arise, so families are given a grace period of two late pickups. After the third late pickup, the Early Learning Coordinator will contact families to meet and develop a plan.

Your preschooler may ride the bus to/from school if your family qualifies for transportation and if your child has turned 4 years old by September 1. If you have questions about whether your family is eligible for transportation, call the Transportation Office at 651-457-9474. Bus service is available for drop-off only for the morning preschool session, or pick-up only for the afternoon preschool session. 

Children must have a BUS PASS issued by the SSPPS School District Transportation Department to ride a bus. This pass should be visible to the driver in or attached to the child’s backpack.

A parent/guardian must be at the bus stop to meet the preschool student when they get off of the bus. If no parent/guardian is at the stop, the preschooler will be returned to school, and a parent/guardian or approved emergency contact will be responsible for pick-up immediately.

Immunization Requirements

For newly enrolled students and those entering kindergarten and 7th grade.

SSPPS has a NO SHOT- NO SCHOOL policy in compliance with Minnesota School Immunization Law. State law requires students entering early childhood programs, kindergarten, 7th grade, 12th grade, and those newly enrolled to SSPPS to show proof of required immunizations or to file legal exemptions from immunizations with the school. Families will be contacted if immunization information is needed in order for their child to attend school. Updated or new immunization information should be sent to the school health office as soon as possible to allow time for processing.

Many clinics in Dakota County provide immunizations at low or no-cost to children without insurance through the Minnesota Vaccines for Children (MnVFC) Program. Contact your clinic to find out if they participate in that program. In addition, the Dakota County Public Health Department also provides immunizations for children of all ages without insurance at their walk-in clinics and by appointment. These clinics also serve children on Minnesota health care plans including MA, MNCare or PMAP. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Call the Immunization Information Line from Public Health, at 952-891-7999 (English and Spanish) for current information about immunizations.

Illness

Children should not come to school if they have had:

• A fever of 100.0 degrees or more, the student must stay home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal without fever reducing medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen 
• Has vomited or had diarrhea, the student should must home until 24 hours after the last episode
• Has had any rash that may be disease-related or the cause is unknown, check with your health care provider before sending the student to school
• When a student is out with an illness call the school daily to report the absence

Notify the Health Office if your child develops a communicable disease (e.g. strep throat, chickenpox, head lice, impetigo, scarlet fever, pink eye, etc.). Note: If you take your child in for a throat culture, DO NOT send them back to school until the results are negative, or they have been on an antibiotic for 24 hours. 

On-Site Health Services

The Mission of SSP Health Services is to promote optimum health status to strengthen educational potential for all students. School Health Services provides care that promotes students’ academic success by:

• Managing chronic health care conditions
• Providing interventions that return students to class
• Lessening the number of students sent home
• Shortening illness-related absences
• Identifying health-related barriers and referring for appropriate care
• Providing health screenings such as vision and hearing
• Promoting a safe and healthy school environment

A Licensed School Nurse (LSN) or Registered Nurse (RN) is on staff at each district school building during regular school hours. Nursing care is provided for students who become ill or injured during the school day, need medications or treatments, or have other medical needs. If your child has a health condition that requires medical attention during the school day, please contact the Health Office to arrange a conference to discuss how these needs can be met during school hours. 

Health and Wellness Guidelines

• Send a note from the doctor if your child has any activity limitations or will need to remain indoors at recess for more than three days. Notes from parents/guardians to stay indoors because of cold weather will not be accepted unless medically ordered to do so.
• Children should be dressed appropriately for the season and specific weather as they go outside most days for recess. 
• If your child has an accident in which their clothing has obvious blood or other bodily fluids on it, the parent will be asked to bring in a change of clothing if your child does not have one in their locker. This is to keep other students and staff safe from potential contact with possible blood transmitted pathogens.  
• Please read communicable diseases notifications emailed or sent home with students and follow recommendations for each specific illness. 

If your child becomes ill or is seriously injured during the school day, the Health Office will notify the parent/guardian so arrangements can be made for your child to be taken home. Emergency contact information must be kept current, to include parent/guardian cell and work numbers, as well as phone numbers for all adults authorized to pick up your child from preschool. A note or phone call to the Health Office about a change in work or home phone numbers is important. Students will not be released unless accompanied by a responsible adult. It is expected that students will be picked up within one hour of the call to the parent/guardian.

Chronic Health Conditions

Parents should consult with the Licensed School Nurse if they have a child with a diagnosed chronic health condition such as asthma, diabetes, seizures, or severe allergies. The nurse, student, and family will work with the child’s health care provider to establish a health plan that will assist school staff in understanding and accommodating the student’s health needs.

Medication

Some students may require prescription and non-prescription medication during the school day. Medication may only be administered by a licensed school nurse or delegated trained school personnel. District procedures and Minnesota State guidelines require the following:

1. Each year, at the beginning of the new school year, a form must be completed and placed on file with the school nurse for any student to receive any medication or medical treatments during school hours. New forms are required whenever there are changes in medications, dosages or times medication is to be given. 
2. ALL medications need to be FDA approved. If there is a question about FDA approval, parents/guardians are to check with the Licensed School Nurse.
3. Medication may only be administered by a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed School Nurse (LSN), or in the absence of the nurse, a health assistant or someone designated by the school nurse. 
4. Medication to be given in schools must be supplied in the original prescription bottle. The pharmacist should prepare a container of the medicine with the appropriate labeling for school use. 
5. Written parent permission AND written physician orders are required for any prescribed or over the counter medications, including oxygen, to be given in school. The medication administration must be at the discretion of the Licensed School Nurse. Forms are available in the Health Office and online at SSPPS.org/Page/317. 
6. All medication must be accompanied by specific instructions, including student name, medication name, dosage, time of day, and length of time needed. Medications should be given at home whenever possible. 
7. All medicine will be kept in a locked area or cabinet and dispensed in the health office, except in special circumstances, which must be approved by the school nurse.
8. For the safety of all students, it is recommended that parents bring their child’s medication to the health office directly. If this cannot be done, we require a phone call to the health office alerting the staff of the amount and date the medication was sent.
9. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of students requesting that any prescription or over the counter medication be administered during school hours by school personnel are required to provide:
   1. A written parental release for the administration of medication,
   2. A signed statement from the licensed prescriber stating the name, dose, and frequency of the medication to be given,
   3. Medication in the original container or pharmacy-labeled container.

Medical Devices

Medical devices (crutches, wheelchairs, neck braces, arm/leg slings, etc) need to be provided by the family or physician and require a doctor’s note indicating restrictions and length of use. 

Health Concerns Shared With Transportation Company

If a student’s health concern information is not to be shared with the contracted transportation company, the parent/guardian is obligated to notify the District. Questions should be directed to the school nurse. 

Health Screening

If a vision or hearing screening is warranted, the district may provide the appropriate  screening. If a parent/guardian does not want their child screened they need to contact the school nurse to opt out.

Personal Hygiene

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardians to educate their children on proper personal hygiene techniques. Early Learning staff may reach out to inform families when issues of personal hygiene are affecting students negatively in preschool.  

Do Not Resuscitate/Do Not Intubate (DNR-DNI) Orders

When any student experiences sudden illness or injury, the role of an employee is to render emergency health care to preserve life and prevent disability. In life-threatening emergencies, the emergency medical system (911) will be activated. Per District Policy 518, district staff will not accept or honor requests to withhold emergency care or DNR-DNI orders. The school district will not convey such orders to emergency medical personnel. Notwithstanding this school district policy, IEP and Section 504 teams must develop individualized medical emergency plans for students when appropriate in accordance with state/federal law. 

Medical, Health & Accident Insurance

The district does not purchase medical, health, or accident insurance for students. If a student has an accident, becomes ill, or is injured while at school or participating in district-sponsored activities, families will need to access their own insurance plans to cover any associated costs (e.g. medical care, emergency transportation). The district cannot pay these associated costs. 

Throughout the school year students attend programs, activities, field trip and events along with normal classroom routines that support their education, promote community service or encourage positive behavior. District officials may visit your child's school to cover these special events, and the South St. Paul Public School District may wish to use your child's photographs, voices, likenesses or student work for promotional and educational reasons. This includes co-curricular activities/athletic program rosters, school yearbook, district/school newsletters, etc.

If you wish to opt-out regarding the use of your child's name or image for school district and/or media purposes, please sign the Student Information Release Agreement Form and return completed form to your school. This restriction is valid for one year and a new agreement must be signed for each school year.

At South St. Paul Public Schools (SSPPS), our top priority is to create a safe, welcoming, and culturally inclusive environment for all students and staff. The Educational Services team aims to foster a learning environment based on mutual respect, problem-solving, and restorative practices among students and staff at every school. Our approach is informed by evidence-based research using a variety of strategies aimed at fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.

Executive Director of Educational Services
Amy Winter
(651) 457-9416
amy.winter@sspps.org 

Assistant Director of Educational Services
Natalie Tourtelotte
(651) 552-5563
ntourtelotte@sspps.org 

Instruction & Achievement Coordinator
Scott Sundstrom
(651) 552-5595
ssundstrom@sspps.org

Packer Pathways

Packer Pathways are dedicated to preparing each and every student for their future through high-quality, individualized programs, services, and personalized learning tailored to every stage of their educational journey. Covering early learning, elementary, middle, and high school, this comprehensive plan provides students with opportunities to explore real-world experiences, interactive discussions, guest speakers, enriching field trips, and flexible curriculum options, allowing students to fully engage with their learning paths. The development of the Pathway to Packer Promise is the result of extensive feedback from our stakeholders, ensuring it aligns with the collective goals and values of our learning community.

Conscious Discipline (CD) 

CD is an innovative social-emotional learning and classroom management program with a proven track record of sustainable results. Focused in Early Learning, CD provides an array of behavior management strategies and classroom structures that teachers can use to turn everyday situations into learning opportunities. By integrating social-emotional learning, discipline and self-regulation, educators spend less time policing behavior and more time teaching vital life skills. This method eliminates the need for reward and punishment-style discipline and instead gives children a voice, empowering them with the ability and help to achieve behavioral goals, while also creating stronger communication within families. 

Conscious Discipline techniques will be used when following the district’s behavior response policies as outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook.

Special Education Services

Children with disabilities are eligible for special education and related services from birth to age 21 as defined in federal law, P.L. 101-476, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Minnesota State Board of Education Rules, Chapter 3525.0200. Families can expect their referral to be processed by the Child Study team in a timely manner and according to due process requirements. Contact your building principal

Curriculum

SSP Community Preschool uses The Creative Curriculum, which incorporates the following developmental domains and learning experiences:

• Social/Emotional Learning (SEL) focuses on helping children gain knowledge about feelings and getting along with others. SEL is the process in which children are able to acknowledge and recognize the emotions of others, develop empathy, make good decisions, establish friendships, and handle challenges effectively.
• Literacy and Math are embedded in all daily activities in preschool, as well as intentional learning activities such as learning letter names and sounds, counting and pattern recognition, sorting by shape and size, and name-writing practice. Teachers use small groups to work on specific skill-building according to each child's needs.
• Circle time is a large group gathering where the class shares ideas, plans, and observations. Circle activities are designed to stimulate young children’s thinking, enrich their social skills, and extend their attention spans.
• Gross-motor activities give children the opportunity to use their muscles--as well as their imaginations--as they engage in fun, healthy exercises, such as running, jumping, and climbing.
• Fine-motor activities help improve small-muscle development and hand-eye coordination, which are essential for pre-writing skills. Some common items found in the fine-motor/manipulative area include puzzles, beads and laces, pegboards, crayons, and scissors.
• Art activities help young children creatively express their thoughts and feelings. They help reinforce fine-motor skills and concept development in areas such as colors, shapes, and size relationships.
• Dramatic-play activities help children express themselves, practice life skills, improve social skills, increase self-esteem, build vocabulary, and solve problems.
• Music activities promote children’s listening skills, creative expression, and social skills. In music, children can explore sound, volume, tempo, and rhythm.
• Science activities offer many hands-on opportunities for observation, exploration, investigation, prediction, and experimentation. 
• Sensory activities allow children to experiment with textures and the properties of different substances. These activities also promote the development of other skills, such as math, science, and language.
• Read Alouds are designed to help preschoolers develop an appreciation and love of reading, and also to improve vocabulary, comprehension skills, and attention span.
• Every moment is a learning opportunity in preschool. Young children's brains are forming new connections all the time. Conversations with staff and friends during mealtimes, observations made on the walk to the playground, and peer conflict resolution during free choice time provide organic opportunities for learning and growth, beyond planned learning activities.

School Safety and Security

South St. Paul Public Schools (SSPPS) is committed to the safety of every student, staff member and person who enters our buildings. From the time they arrive in the morning to the time they leave in the afternoon, the wellbeing of our students and staff remains our top priority. There are a number of key components that go into this work. 

District and school leaders continue to partner with local law enforcement and other agencies to plan, prepare, and implement a safe and supportive learning environment. For more information on the District’s Safety and Security work and the Standard Response Protocols we have in place, visit our website at www.sspps.org/departments/buildings-grounds/safety-security.

Communicating Emergencies

SSPPS places a high value on the connections we have with students, families, and the community. We communicate in a variety of ways to help grow these important relationships. While the district strives to be proactive, accurate and timely in communication with families and our greater SSP community, there may be times when circumstances dictate longer notification or response times. There may also be certain information that the district is unable to share due to data privacy reasons. The district will use a variety of communication channels when there is a need to move into a Lockdown, Secure, Evacuate or Shelter:

• ParentSquare (texts, emails, phone calls)
• Website
• Social Media (when warranted)

The district will not typically communicate with families when there is a need to move into a Hold as those are usually low level incidents where classrooms operate as normal, but hallways are kept clear to allow staff or medical personnel to deal with a situation. To ensure you are receiving messages from the District, please make sure your contact information is up-to-date in the Campus Parent Portal.

Emergency Drills

Each school is required, per MN Statute, to perform five lockdown drills, five fire drills, and one  severe weather drill each school year. One lockdown and one fire drill must each be completed within the first 10 days of school.

The primary objective of a drill is for participants to build muscle memory, and practice an action to use in various events or situations. A secondary objective is for school staff to validate procedures, clarify roles and identify operational process gaps. Drills are for staff and students, and are educational opportunities to practice life safety skills. For example, an evacuation drill is conducted at schools worldwide regularly. A fire alarm goes off, students line up and head outside. There is no trauma in these events because there is no simulation of a threat or hazard. Schools do not light fires in the hallways to simulate an evacuation due to fire. Lockdown drills are similar. There is no simulated violence needed to conduct them. The only information needed is for the protocol to be enacted, “Lockdown, locks, lights, out of sight,” and then students and staff perform the proper functions.

Evacuations/Reunification

In the event building and district leaders make the determination to evacuate a school to another location due to a severe fire or other inhibiting emergency, district leaders will communicate the evacuation plans and options families have for their student’s safe release home. Photo IDs will be checked and only adults previously listed as emergency contacts will be allowed to take students from the evacuation areas. Students will only be released to a non-family member with approval by a parent/guardian. 

Emergency School Closings

All unscheduled school closings, late starts and early dismissals due to severe weather, extreme cold or heat, or other emergencies, will be shared with families through the district’s electronic messaging system Parent Square, the district’s website (sspps.org), district social media accounts, and through local news media. Families are encouraged to have alternate plans in place for possible emergency school closings.

In accordance with district policy, decisions to cancel or shorten the regular school day are made by the superintendent or his designee, in consultation with other staff. Consultation may also include City of South St. Paul personnel, our transportation providers, and neighboring school districts, as appropriate.

The most compelling reason for closing schools involves the safety of students and employees. Decisions about school closings, early releases, and late starts will be made as early as possible to allow for appropriate notification. For more information, visit our website at www.sspps.org/newsroom/emergency-closing.

NOTE:  Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date in the Campus Parent Portal.

Emergency notification methods:

• Automated voicemail
• Email
• Text message
• District website
• Social media (Facebook and Twitter)
• Radio: WCCO 830-AM
• Television: WCCO Ch. 4, KSTP Ch. 5, FOX 9 KMSP, and KARE 11

Late Starts and Early Dismissals

Late starts and early dismissals are inherently difficult for many programs and families. With this in mind, administration will do their best to keep these to a minimum. Early dismissals will be determined as conditions dictate. All families should have a contingency plan for their children in the event of school closings. 

In the event of a LATE START, unless otherwise noted:

• Morning Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes are canceled.
• Kids’ Choice will start late, in accordance with the emergency announcement (e.g. two hours late)
• Central Square Community Center/Community Education will start late, in accordance with the emergency announcement (e.g. two hours late)
• All morning Early Learning programs and classes (including community preschool, ECSE, ECFE and home visits) are canceled.

In the event of an EARLY DISMISSAL, unless otherwise noted:

• Afternoon and evening Early Learning programs and classes (including community preschool, ECSE, ECFE and home visits) may be canceled. 
• Afternoon and evening Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes may be canceled.
• After school Kids’ Choice will be closed. 

Evening cancellations

Decisions to cancel after-school and evening activities will be made by 3 pm, if possible, and are not necessarily tied to a school closing.

E-Learning

E-Learning Days occur when the district or a specific school must close due to inclement weather or other emergency situation. Students will learn from home through a variety of lessons communicated through the student’s school or teacher(s). Specific details regarding the expectations for the given E-Learning Day will be shared when the emergency closing is announced.

Each child’s progress in preschool is observed and monitored throughout the year. We use an observational assessment tool called Teaching Strategies GOLD throughout the year to track developmental and academic progress.The teacher looks for growth in areas of social/emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development. Skills are assessed in the fall, winter and spring and reported via Conferences in fall and spring. During the school year, additional conferences may be held as requested by school personnel, parent(s), or legal guardian(s).

Birthdays are important for many preschoolers. We acknowledge children’s birthdays with songs, discussions, and stories, unless we are notified by a family they do not observe birthdays. We ask that birthday treats or desserts be saved for parties at home, and not brought to school. Consider bringing a healthy snack such as fruit or crackers. They will be passed out at the teacher’s discretion either during the snack/meal time or as a “take home treat.”

We understand that parents plan birthday parties at home, and would like to invite the preschool class. Preschool staff cannot take responsibility for party invitations being distributed at school, and are not permitted to give out classmates’ contact information.  

In order to create a classroom environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all students and families, we choose not to celebrate holidays in general in our preschool classrooms. However, we do recognize that holidays are an important part of many lives, and may have discussions about holiday activities as preschoolers bring them up. We use classroom celebrations and special activities to reflect the season, focus on kindness and building our school community, and celebrate our learning.

Minnesota law offers a non-custodial parent the right to review and receive copies of school records and information, to attend conferences, and to be informed about the child’s welfare, educational progress, and status. The school is not required to hold a separate conference for each parent. 

In cases where parents are separated or divorced, it is recommended that the school have legal documentation of custody and visitation rights. The custodial parent is responsible for providing the following to the school: 

• A copy of the signed and certified court order; and 
• Court order revisions/updates that affect custody, visitation, or record-access rights. 

If there is no legal restriction, and upon request, the school will send duplicate correspondence to the non-custodial parent; arrange for review of school records by the non-custodial parents; and keep non-custodial parents apprised of major school events. 

It is the parent(s) or legal guardian(s)’ responsibility to inform and provide the school with current documentation if anyone is legally restricted from contact with a child. Adults listed as an authorized person on the emergency contact list are allowed to pick up a child in case of illness or emergency. Parents/guardians will be notified prior to the release of their child from school.

Children should wear comfortable, washable play clothes and closed-toe shoes (please no flip-flops - tennis shoes are best). Clothing that is easily managed by children encourages self-help and independence, and prevents toileting accidents. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather as we go outside nearly every day. Label all personal items such as backpacks, mittens, boots, etc. Please keep a full set of extra clothes for your child in their backpack.

SSP Community Preschool takes confidentiality very seriously and makes every effort to protect the privacy of every family. Communications among staff and parents about children should be kept confidential at all times, and conversations about a child, behavior, or incident should be conducted in private, away from the child and other members of the community. Discussions at drop-off and pick-up should be kept to a minimum. If you have a question or concern, please contact your child's teacher via Parent Square to arrange a time to discuss.

Please do not bring family pets into the school or onto school property for visitation/sharing. Student allergies and uncharacteristic, nervous responses by animals create health and safety concerns at school. Balloons and flowers of any kind are also not allowed in school due to potential allergies. Toys from home can be a distraction, can get lost or broken, and can cause conflicts with other children, so in general should be kept home. Exceptions may be made in individual classrooms for comfort objects or Show & Tell days.

Off-site preschool field trips are rare, but may be used to ignite learning or enhance our curriculum.  Parents will be notified in advance of the event, location, time, and expectations.  A Field Trip Permission Form is required for each child.

Snacks may be offered in some classes, either as a scheduled time of the class day, or as a choice-time option for children who want/need it. 

Parents may be asked to provide snacks during the year; a sign-up sheet will be posted by your child's preschool teacher. All snacks must be store-bought, unopened and in store packaging, and be nut-free. Your donations are appreciated!

Children must be fully toilet trained to attend preschool. This means that children can communicate when they need to use the bathroom and can independently take care of their own personal needs.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to have their children use the bathroom before class begins. Accidents do happen, of course, so please be sure that your child has a full set of extra clothing in their backpack every day. Children will be expected to change their own clothing in case of a toileting accident. If a toileting accident occurs that a child can not deal with on their own, or if the child does not have extra clothing to change into, the parent/guardian will be notified and asked to come to school to change and/or pick up their child. If accidents become chronic, a meeting will be held with the Early Learning Coordinator and/or your child's teacher. Age appropriate bathrooms are available to children to use any time during the day.

The school district’s weapon policy applies to preschoolers. Toys that look like weapons, such as guns or knives, are not allowed in school, on the bus, or on school property. In general, keep all toys at home unless invited by the teacher for a special event or activity.

Title I 

As Title I schools, we must meet federal rules related to teacher qualifications as defined in Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). These rules allow you to learn more about your child’s teachers’ training and credentials. We are happy to provide this information to you. At any time, parents/guardians have the right to:

• Request information on the qualifications of your student’s teacher and whether or not the teacher received an emergency or conditional teaching certificate through which state qualifications were waived
• Know if your student is being taught for more than four consecutive weeks by a teacher not licensed in the area of instruction
• See progress reports for their student and the school
• Ask whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional and information about that paraprofessional’s qualifications
• Ask for a meeting with your school’s principal or student’s teacher at anytime

504 Plans

Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 protects individuals from discrimination based upon their disability. The South St. Paul Schools, through its policies and practices, follows the nondiscriminatory procedures of Section 504. Parents wishing information concerning 504 planning should contact, Director of Student Services at (651) 552-5594. 

Data Privacy & FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act)  

ECFE complies with state and federal data privacy laws that protect the integrity of a student’s academic record and student privacy.  Information from the Student Information and Immunization/Health forms may be shared with ECFE staff in order to better serve you and your family. 

Employed Parent/Guardian Right to Attend School Conference and Activities

Minnesota law allows employed parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to request a leave for school conferences and activities. An employer must grant an employee a leave of up to a total of 16 hours during any 12-month period to attend school conferences or school-related activities related to the employee’s child, provided the conferences or school-related activities cannot be scheduled during non-work hours. 

A parent/guardian must let their employer know in advance and make every effort to disrupt workplace operations as little as possible. The law does not guarantee that the time off will be paid, but paid vacation or other paid leave time may be used. More information on the State of Minnesota website.

Homebound Instruction 

The school district provides instruction for students who have documented medical conditions that require the student to be confined to their home. A note from a medical authority must be provided with written verification confining the student to the home for a specific amount of time.  A teacher will be assigned to the student and one-hour of instruction will be provided for each school day.

Pledge of Allegiance 

Students may recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America one or more times each week. Pursuant to Minn. Stat. §121A.11, subdivision 3(c), anyone who does not wish to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for any personal reasons may elect not to do so. Students and school employees must respect another person’s right to make that choice. 

Statement of Family/Student Rights

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, the Confidentiality of Information section of the regulations implementing the Education for all Handicapped Children Act of 1975, and the Data Management Policy of Independent School District (Policy 515) parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and eligible students have the following rights: 

• The right, if asked to provide private or confidential data, to be informed of:
  • the purpose and intended use of the data within the school system;
  • whether he/she may refuse or is legally required to supply the requested data;
  • any known consequences data; and 
  • the identity of other persons or entities authorized by state or federal law to receive the data. 
• The right to inspect and review the student’s education record. 
• The right to explanations and interpretations of the record. 
• The right to have a representative of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or eligible student inspects and reviews the records. 
• The right to exercise a limited control over other people’s access to the student’s education record. 
• The right to seek to correct the student’s education record; in a hearing if necessary. 
• The right to report violations of the rules and regulations, cited above, to the Department of Education. 

Students Experiencing Homelessness

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, part of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. To ensure that these children have access to educational programs, school districts are required to implement transportation provisions. School districts must within reason provide students experiencing homelessness with transportation to and from their school of origin. If you have questions about the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, contact the office of Student Services, at (651) 457- 9496.

SSPPS is required to inform parents/guardians and school employees of the following notifications.

Asbestos 

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires that the district notifies building occupants annually regarding asbestos-related activities. Until the late 1970s, asbestos was commonly used in building materials, such as floor tile, fireproofing, and insulation. In the late 1980s, all school buildings were inspected for asbestos-containing building materials by EPA-accredited inspectors.  Based on the results of these inspections, management plans were developed for each school where asbestos was found. AHERA also requires that districts conduct periodic surveillance inspections every six months to evaluate the condition of asbestos-containing materials, and to re-inspect buildings every three years to re-quantify all remaining asbestos-containing materials. Complete details are available upon request and copies of inspections are available at each school.

Indoor Air Quality

To help maintain our healthy school environment and comply with requirements established by the Minnesota Department of Education, SSPPS has developed and implemented an Indoor Air Quality Management Plan. Inspections of district buildings are performed annually to detect problems and help prevent future problems from occurring. General information regarding school indoor air quality is also available from the Department of Health at www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/schools/

Lead in Drinking Water

SSPPS conducts Lead in Drinking Water testing per the Minnesota Department of Health’s “Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: A Technical Guidance for Minnesota’s Schools” publication, and Minnesota Statute 121A.335. If results of any test are over the EPA-established action level for lead, the affected fixtures are taken out of service, repaired, or replaced, and then re-tested to verify the repair or replacement was effective. Some fixtures are not meant for drinking water, like bathroom sinks, custodial slop sinks, lab sinks, or most hose connections, so those are not routinely tested. Please only take water for drinking from hallway water fountains and bottle fillers, break room sinks, elementary classroom water fountains, or other fixtures that are clearly meant for drinking water.

Pesticides/Herbicides Application

As needed, SSPPS applies certain pesticides and herbicides on school property. To be notified prior to pesticide or herbicide application, contact the Buildings and Grounds Department.

Herbicides - Because of such variables as weather, it is difficult to predict the day on which herbicides will be applied. The district generally applies only one herbicide (i.e. dandelion preventer). It is applied twice yearly in June and August, during times when there is no scheduled use of the affected area.

Pesticides - Because the district applies pesticides only on an as-needed basis, it is likewise difficult to predict exactly when they will be applied. The district contracts with a pest elimination service to inspect each building monthly. Category IV pesticides are applied only in affected areas, on average twice per year in each building, and always on non-school days. Category IV pesticides are in the least harmful category, and are not regulated by state notification laws.

More Information

Testing and reports  are public information, you can receive a copy or learn more about the health and safety notifications in this handbook by contacting the SSPPS Buildings and Grounds Office at (651) 457-9431 or mfenton@sspps.org.

All district school buildings are secured during the school day. For the safety of the students and staff, all exterior doors are locked during the school day except for the main entrance. 

Individuals wishing to visit the school during the school day should adhere to the following expectations:  

• All visitors, including parents/guardians must first sign in at the main office, show their photo ID and receive a visitor badge. 
• Visitors must coordinate with the classroom teacher, secretary or administrator to schedule a visit. Visitors are asked not to loiter in/or around the buildings, without purpose, to avoid interrupting the academic flow of the school day. 
• When requesting to eat lunch with your child, due to space restrictions, parents/guardians need to call the main office and reserve a spot to eat lunch with your child.     
• Adult visitors are role models in our buildings and should abide by all school and district rules and codes of conduct. 
• All visitors must sign out in the office upon departure from the building. 
• Visitors who have not received permission from the office to be in the building will be asked to leave the premises. Failure to comply will be considered trespassing and the police will be contacted if necessary. 
• Should an attempt be made by an unauthorized person to remove a child from school, the principal will immediately notify the custodial parent/guardian and contact the police if necessary. 

As a guest in our building, it is expected that visitors remain in visual contact with a school employee when with students. For the protection of our students, as well as our visitors, it is expected that visitors refrain from physical contact with our students and do not discipline them.

There is designated Early Learning parking on the west-side of the Kaposia Parking lot. Please use these spaces and enter through door #2 when attending Early Childhood Family Education classes. An ECFE staff member will be there to greet you. If you are arriving late and no staff are at the door, please call the ECFE classroom at 651-306-3637 to be let in.

Attendance is expected, and we also understand that families with young children have many commitments. If your child will be absent from ECFE class, please contact the Early Learning office at 651-457-9418. Thank you for prioritizing your ECFE class! You are ALWAYS welcome here!

Cell phone use should be limited to use for emergencies only during ECFE classes. Giving children your full attention during class is a great practice for building strong bonds and healthy, loving attachments.

Child care providers may attend with their child and enroll another child in class, if space is available.  If class enrollment is full, a parent attending with their child will be given priority for registration.

ECFE classes are fun and can get a little messy. Dress comfortably in clothes you don’t mind if they get a little dirty. 

The family library is available to checkout books to support parenting, understanding your developing child, addressing concerns, or just for fun. Talk with your ECFE teachers for details.

We welcome caregivers of all kinds, including grandparents, to enroll in class with children ages 0-5.

Infants who are not yet walking may remain with their parent during a class that a sibling is registered for, including during the Parent Education portion of the class. A child of any age who stays in the early childhood classroom during Parent Education must be registered for that class.

South St. Paul ECFE staff or representatives of the media occasionally take photos and video of students and staff in classrooms. These may be used in newsletters, newspapers, on television or internet pages or for educational purposes. If you do not wish your child(ren) photographed or recorded, please discuss this with your ECFE teacher. You will be asked to fill out a non-media release form. Parents are not permitted to take photos or video of children other than their own.

Snacks are offered during each ECFE class. Alternatives will be offered in the case of health reasons such as allergies. Parents may be asked to sign up to bring snacks; a sign-up sheet will be posted by your child's ECFE teacher. Snacks must be store-bought, unopened and in the original packaging, and nut-free. Your donations are appreciated!

Stay-and-Play cards are available for purchase and can be used at any stay-and-play session. Cards are available at Central Square Community Center or by calling 651-457-9418.