CCA Parent Handbook

Referral Procedures

Colonial Children’s Academy works closely with parents to support referrals for Early Intervention or Referrals to town of residence special education departments. If the CCA staff feel that your child could benefit from additional services we will schedule a time to talk to you privately about our concerns. Often times your child will be able to continue to be enrolled in the CCA. If the situation is to the point that we are concerned about the safety of your child or the safety of others at the CCA will discuss a plan to that could include additional interventions up to and including being unenrolled in the CCA. The CCA is not equipped or staffed to be able to provide intensive supports to students.

1. All staff will be aware of children’s needs at all times. Any concerns regarding a child will be discussed by the teaching team.
2. Teachers will review the child’s specific behaviors and record any situation that appears to create the behavior or concern.
3. The concerns are shared with the coordinator. If the issue can be met through current staff’s expertise, a plan is created by the teaching team and coordinator.
4. The team will then discuss the concern and proposed plan of action with the parent(s)/ guardian(s). Recommendations may include a screening and/or evaluation referral. If the parent has brought the concerns to the staff, the team will discuss the issue and develop a plan of action including the parent’s input.
5. The teacher of record will follow up to obtain results of any screening and/or evaluation carried out, as well as any treatment or services to be given.
6. If the child’s behavior proves to be harmful to others in the classroom, the teachers and the coordinator will discuss various options, up to and including termination of the child’s enrollment.

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Termination of Program Procedure for Students

Termination is always a last resort action which is carried out only when the coordinator and teachers feel that such action is in the best interest of the child or the other children enrolled. If the preschool is unable to meet the needs of the child and/or family, every effort will be made to refer the parent to a more appropriate program for their child. A child may be terminated from the program under the following circumstances:

• The child’s health and safety at the preschool cannot be assured
• The child’s developmental needs are not being met at the preschool
• The families failure to follow CCA rules of operations.
• The family’s failure to meet financial responsibilities

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Transfer of Records 

Upon written request of the parent(s)/guardian(s) the center shall transfer the child’s records to the parent(s)/(guardian(s), or any other person the parent(s)/ guardian(s) identifies, when the child is no longer in care.

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Amending the Child’s Record

A child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) has (have) the right to add information, comments, data or any other relevant materials to the child’s record as well as:

• If such parent(s) is (are) of the opinion that adding information is not sufficient to explain, clarify, or correct objectionable material in the child’s record, they shall have the right to have a conference with the child’s teacher to make their objectives known:
• The teacher shall, within one (1) week after the conference, render to such parent(s) a decision in writing stating the reason or reasons for the decision. If the decision is in favor of the parent(s), immediate steps shall take place as may be necessary to put the decision into effect.

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Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect (Filing a 51A) 

Massachusetts law requires certain professionals to file a report with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) whenever they have “reasonable cause to believe” that a child has been abused or neglected. These professionals who are required to report are called mandated reporters. In addition, any other person may report suspected abuse or neglect. A report of abuse or neglect is called a 51A. It is named for the section of Massachusetts General Laws chapter 119 which defines reports of abuse and neglect of children. Mandated reporters include school officials, teachers, day care workers, health care professionals, social workers, counselors, probation officers, foster parents and police officers. If such a professional, in the course of their work, reasonably believes that a child under the age of 18 is suffering serious physical or emotional injury resulting from abuse or neglect that professional must immediately file a report with DCF.