worthy ways - the kenworthy school |
TRANSCRIPT
WORTHY WAYS
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THE KENWORTHY SCHOOL COMMUNITY GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
CONTACT US
Location: 880 W. 28th Street
Houston, TX 770008
Phone Number: 713.999.8028
Website: www.kenworthyschool.com
Tax ID: 81-1331003
DFPS License Number: 1664119
Contact info:
Raven Thomas 713.999.8028
Director
Jean Hassen 713.999.8028 Charlotte MacVane 713.999.8028
Executive Director and Founder Mom and Founder
[email protected] [email protected]
GENERAL INFORMATION The Kenworthy School is a year around private school and is open 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM.
The Kenworthy School operates on an academic calendar September through August. Children are in-
vited to enroll at any time during the school year when an enrollment placement is available.
Children are assigned to a class level based on the child’s age on September 1, of each year and tuition
is based on class placement rather than age of child.
The days the school is not open are published in Worthy Words, on the school chalkboard, Worthy
Words, the monthly newsletter and bulletin boards and on line at the school website www.kenwor-
thyschool.com
The Kenworthy School is a nut free campus. No nuts or nut milk of any type are on campus.
The Kenworthy School’s well-equipped kitchen provides lunch and two snacks daily. Infant purees, tod-
dler bites and preschool menus provide nutritious food options for Kenworthy Kids. Organic milk is
served yogurt, fresh fruits and vegetables are included in the menu. Menus are published weekly in ad-
vance via Procare and are displayed on the Parent Information Board in the entry. Parents are encour-
aged to partner with the school food program and not bring supplemental foods unless they provide food
for all children in the class.
No private citizen firearms, concealed or otherwise, are allowed on The Kenworthy School campus.
The Kenworthy School is a smoke free campus. No smokes of any kind on property; no vapors.
Kenworthy requires all children in attendance to be current on the Texas Health Dept immuniza-
tion schedule.
The Kenworthy School maintains a liability policy that meets the standards required to operate a child
care center. For more detailed information please contact a Director or an owner. 713.999.8028.
WE ARE THE KENWORTHY SCHOOL!
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MISSION STATEMENT The Kenworthy School partners with families in a high-quality educational preschool setting to ignite a
love of learning, cultivate resilience and embrace joy!
THE KENWORTHY SCHOOL STRUCTURE The Kenworthy School established in 2017 by Charlotte MacVane and Jean Hassen, is a private school
that brings the educational expertise, substantive curriculum, highly qualified and experienced faculty and expe-
rienced leadership required for a successful high-quality preschool. The Kenworthy School is independent and
is not a franchise.
The School Name
Maria (pronounced Mariah) Kenworthy (Magee) and her husband, James Francis Magee, both educators
emigrated from England to Illinois in the last half of the 19th century. Maria and James settled in Rock Island
Illinois, where Maria helped establish the first public school. James continued an outstanding and nationally
recognized career as a teacher, professor, and school superintendent.
In tribute to ancestors whose legacy of teaching endures, and with special homage to Maria, who, after
marrying, was no longer eligible to continue her life’s passion of teaching – our school bears the “Kenworthy”
name. As Maria’s direct descendants, (great granddaughter and great great granddaughter), we continue her leg-
acy of work begun over 100 years ago: educating young children!
The School Campus
The Kenworthy School is custom designed with safety and high-quality preschool experiences the prior-
ity. The classrooms and playground flow easily and children have abundant space to move about, to play, to
learn, to experience the joys of childhood. Located at 880 W 28th Street in the Greater Heights, the school
has easy access from popular arteries.
The Kenworthy School Organization and Leadership
Charlotte MacVane, Co-Owner, mom, and an attorney brings her business and legal acumen as well as
her passion and keen understanding of what families of young children need and want for the care and educa-
tion of their children to the founding and decisions of The Kenworthy. Family centered, as well as committed
to her important career, Charlotte believes that with support from a school family, career moms and dads can
“have it all.” With this as her goal, and partnering with her aunt, Charlotte chooses to invest time, resources and
commitment to providing a premier high-quality preschool. To learn more about Charlotte, go to www.kenwor-
thyschool.com “Who We Are.”
Jean Hassen, Co-Owner and Executive Director of The Kenworthy School enjoyed eleven years as
Headmistress and Principal of two prestigious private schools accredited by the Southern Association of Col-
leges and Schools (SACS). In 1991 with a partner she established The Kenworthy School, an independent pri-
vate preschool and elementary school in Florida, also accredited by SACS and AISF (Association of Independ-
ent Schools of Florida). Jean sold the Florida school and retired because of the untimely death of her business
partner.
Mrs. Hassen’s unique combination of experience as a teacher, public school counselor, educational di-
agnostician, and school principal combined with her academic specialization in curriculum development and
educational leadership assures success in establishing and guiding a high-quality learning environment with
substantive learning experiences for children. To learn more about Jean, visit www.kenworthyschool.com
“Who We Are.”
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The Kenworthy School Advisory Board
In addition to the owner’s hands-on leadership and development of the school, a highly qualified Advi-
sory Board serves to support the mission statement of the school and bring outside perspective, individual and
unique talents, business acumen, focus, and insight to both short and long term goals of the school.
The POK - Parents of Kenworthy Organization
A time-tested essential and evidenced based component of a successful school is an active, positive and
supportive parent service organization. Parents are invited to participate with the POK, a parent service organ-
ization as another important way to support the education and care of their child at The Kenworthy School. The
Parents of Kenworthy (POK), a grass roots organization was born and nurtured in 2018 by Ruth Carruthers,
mother of Carly and Clay, and a group of parents with a strong commitment to helping build and connect our
school family.
Understanding that parents who invest in high quality private preschool education care greatly that the
opportunities and experiences are the best available, and who recognize that through positive investment in the
school family, best experiences for their child’s are increased. The Parents of Kenworthy support the programs
and learning experiences of Kenworthy Kids in a variety of ways. The POK plans, schedules, and presents op-
portunities for family participation in their child’s educational experiences. Classroom teachers invite parents to
volunteer as Room Parents. Parents interested in supporting The Kenworthy School through active participation
with the POK can help create guidelines, participate in Teacher Appreciation, support classroom and school
events as room parents, may elect officers, create a calendar of events, design and implement projects, and ac-
tivities.
The POK sponsor community events that bring parents and families together with the shared purpose of
building the school family and supporting the programs for the children of The Kenworthy School. The POK
events are announced via the entry chalkboard and in the monthly Worthy Words Kenworthy newsletter, and
are included in the Kenworthy School calendar available at www.kenworthyschool.com, click “Parent Portal,”
Every parent is invited to visit, volunteer time, talents, and treasures. With the positive and productive
investment of each parent, the programs and resources of The Kenworthy School continue to be the very best
available to children.
COMMUNICATION AND CONNECTION The Kenworthy School encourages parents to bring questions, suggestions, and concerns to teachers,
and to The Kenworthy School Directors. The combined and positive energies of parent and school, shared in
an atmosphere of kindness, empathy and good intent usually find a satisfactory path to an answer, solutions
and resolution within school guidelines and culture.
Worthy Ways Standards and Guidelines for The Kenworthy School
Worthy Ways, published on the website www.kenworthyschool.com, provides community guidelines,
policies, procedures, and standards for The Kenworthy School. The DFPS Minimum Standards for the State of
Texas preschools requires preschool parents read the publication and to affirm receipt of the information and
affirm cooperation with school guidelines and policies while their child is enrolled at The Kenworthy School.
Communication: Partnering to Problem Solve and Find Solutions
Please call the school for information, for conversations, to make suggestions, to find solutions
713.999.8028. Call the Directors as needed. Or use Procare to communicate with the school. Or stop by for a
conversation.
The Kenworthy School encourages parents to set conference times with teachers by visiting with the
Communications Coordinator or Directors. When responsible for the safety and engagement of a class of
children, Kenworthy faculty and staff ARE NOT available to conference with parents.
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We recognize that a quick “How was Kayson’s day” seems easy enough to handle, but multiply that by
every parent in the classroom, and add how quickly young children are distracted. Those spontaneous confer-
ences attempted in a class of children are never in the best interest of our children. Procare shares details of
events of the day, and scheduled conferences for a more detailed exchange are encouraged.
www.kenworthyschool.com
The Kenworthy School website includes a Parent Portal, Worthy Ways, Kenworthy School guidelines
and policies, curriculum information and links to both Frog Street and Conscious Discipline Parent Portals. A
School Calendar with dates of school closings are here too.
Communication Software
Procare, a software communication program is available to connect parents, teachers and school with
accurate information and to best share details that help build the school family and support the needs of individ-
ual families. Daily curriculum events, pictures, food, diapers, rest, and other general information as well as in-
cident information are shared electronically using Procare.
All official information about the school, faculty,staff, events, newsletters, guidelines, policies, and re-
minders is distributed through Procare. Parents are encouraged to review Procare for accurate announcements
and routine information about The Kenworthy School.
Meet the Teacher
Each August The Kenworthy School invites new and returning parents to meet with the next year’s
teachers. Invitations are shared via Procare from the Director’s office.
Official Communication from Kenworthy and Credible Information Sources
Procare is the source for official school info. The school notifies parents via Procare when The
Kenworthy School has information to share about school events, school information, policy changes, weather
situations, emergency opening and closing of school, a school lockdown, or evacuation to safe location.
When The Kenworthy School has information to share about a particular child, the teacher, co-teacher,
or a Director calls the parent and/or sends a Procare message to the parent using the contact records on file at
the school.
When an incident occurs at school or a child shows signs of possible illness, a Kenworthy Director tele-
phones a parent using the contact information on file at the school. Additionally, a Director contacts parents via
Procare when an incident occurs. Parents review and sign The Incident Report when they come to The Ken-
worthy School. Additionally parents may be informed of an Incident Report at Procare Sign-in/Sign-out .
When faculty, staff or the administration believes a face to face conversation might be helpful the
teacher, co-teacher or a Director invites the parents to schedule a time for a conversation.
The Kenworthy School also shares school information through Worthy Words, the monthly newsletter,
Information about POK events, seminars and school activities are shared via Procare, and general school an-
nouncements are posted on the chalkboard in the entry. Families who prefer a soft copy of school publications
may request a copy by calling The Kenworthy School. 713.999.8028.
Parents are Welcome
The Kenworthy School welcomes parents to the campus and into classrooms at any time for brief vis-
its. Mothers of infants are welcome to join their child in one of the Beginner 1 classrooms where a glider sup-
ports breast feeding. Furniture supportive of nursing or pumping is available in the clinic.
When arriving on campus parents check in at the front office before they go into their child’s class-
room. Or any classroom. Parents are welcome to observe in any area of the school, and parents are welcome to
volunteer at The Kenworthy School.
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All visitors. parents, grandparents and volunteers who are in classrooms for more than 10 minutes on a
regular basis are required by the state of Texas to be background screened. To become a Kenworthy Volunteer
who is on campus on a regular basis (unpaid or paid) the individual must comply with DFPS Minimum Stand-
ards that apply to employees including a current FBI and local law background check.
Chatting with Kenworthy Friends
The Kenworthy School family supports and encourages new friendships among families which emerge
because children are building friendships! Currently Kenworthy families encouraged friends, cousins, siblings
to bring their children here. A celebration for The Kenworthy School family! So when friends, family associ-
ates are in the building at the same time, please enjoy a conversation!
We ask that Parents move adult conversations into the hallway to avoid a distraction in the classroom.
Have a cup of coffee in the entry; visit and enjoy time in our school; but PLEASE not in a classroom. Enjoy
conversation at the table and chairs in the Faculty Resource Room, chairs and a little more room in the entry
area, and chairs on the “front porch”. Enjoy!
Productive communications between family, the faculty, staff, administration, and owners of The
Kenworthy School is a priority. Toward that goal, guidelines are in place for solving problems addressing
concerns and issues in this school community.
The curriculum, school schedules and faculty are carefully selected by the Kenworthy School educators
with the best interest of our children the primary consideration. Decisions about schedules, personnel, school
policy and curriculum are made carefully and with years of experience and pedagogy behind each decision.
And while decisions may appear to be casually made, decisions about the care and education of children are
made with careful attention to what is good and best for the children of Kenworthy.
The Kenworthy School decision makers make reasonable and conscientious efforts to the goal of trans-
parency and to inform parents of changes or modifications to the faculty, curriculum, schedule and guidelines.
Being Heard and Getting Attention at The Kenworthy School
Parents are encouraged to support the mission of the school with kindness and empathy toward all
Kenworthy School family members in all communication about the school and with the school. The estab-
lished culture here is open and receptive and The Kenworthy School encourages parents to come in a spirit of
partnership, kindness, patience and good intent with any question about any situation. Personal conferences are
encouraged and are usually more satisfying and productive than written communication via email.
Parents are responsible as their child’s advocate and The Kenworthy School is eager to provide infor-
mation, answers, possible solutions toward the goal of partnership. Most times additional shared information is
all that is needed. So please ask a teacher or a director!
When a conversation will be helpful parents are invited to visit with the teacher when the teacher is not
responsible for children, and then if the questions or concerns are not satisfied, the parent may choose to sched-
ule a conversation with a Director. An exception of course is when the parent would like to discuss situations
about a teacher, co-teacher, communication, choices, practices. In such situations the parent is encouraged to
schedule a face to face meeting with a Director.
Parents are asked to immediately address safety concerns to the Directors, Facilities Manager, or a
teacher. Concerns involving safety of building, playground or classroom or observed hazards are attended to
immediately and officially.
Issues and concerns are not addressed in group meetings. Each child’s situation is unique. Individual
consideration of what may be in the child’s best interest is given specific attention, and confidentiality about the
situation is maintained.
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Occasionally a parent will ask “are other parents sharing this concern?” The administrative team at the
Kenworthy School responds to individual parents with the same degree of interest and response regardless of
whether more than one parent has mentioned the situation.
An enduring goal for The Kenworthy School is that every child here is in a safe and protected envi-
ronment. An important reason for enrolling a child in preschool is so that the child can experience other chil-
dren and the accompanying “give and take” so important for success in any group situation. This includes all
children, including those with developing skills for social interactions as well as children at the early stages of
learning these important skills.
Moving from being the center of the family’s attention to a member of a group is a journey very im-
portant to a child’s development. Learning to communicate preferences and needs in interactions with others is
as important and is as arduous a journey for our youngest learners. The Kenworthy School Conscious Discipline
behavior management program teaches children the skill of using their big voice to communicate. In the long-
term children must learn to “speak for themselves” with peers; parent or teacher coaching is important to learn-
ing this skill. Research results suggest children must practice the skill at least 2000 times to have it at an acces-
sible and automatic appropriation. Message here: Patience and perseverance for teacher and parent.
Please be considerate of our faculty, staff and administration and remember that after a long day caring
for and educating young children teachers and administrators are not “on duty” at The Kenworthy School before
the school opens and after the school closes at night.
Except in situations of illness, forgotten lovies, and information from health care professionals please
be respectful of Kenworthy administration, faculty, and staff who after school hours have families, church,
school, etc. and communicate with The Kenworthy School between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Late night emails
are likely not answered until the following school day.
Parent Seminars
Informational seminars conducted by guest speakers and Kenworthy School experts are offered during
the school year to expand parent understanding of school curriculum, student behaviors, student needs and stu-
dent growth and development. Seminars that offer information and guidelines about Conscious Discipline,
Kenworthy’s behavior management program, assists parents and teachers in teamwork toward agreed upon
goals for behavior management skills.
Cameras at The Kenworthy School
The Kenworthy School provides “Watch Me Grow,” a state of the art, highly secured classroom
camera system as a way for parents to observe their child throughout the day. An enrolled parent requests ac-
cess to Watch me Grow cameras when they join the school or they can logon to watchmegrow.com and request
access to the Watch Me Grow camera for their child’s (children’s) classroom. For assistance with this process,
please visit with a Director. 713.999.8028.
Personal use of cameras: parents, grandparents, visitors may not take pictures in Kenworthy School
classrooms, hallways, or playgrounds.
Want More Info?
Kenworthy parents are welcome to call to check on their young child. The school provides up-to-the-
minute reports on health, student participation, and apparent adjustment to the day’s routine. Please call the a
Director to get more information. 713.999.8028. Please schedule teacher parent conversations at times when the
classroom teacher is not responsible for the safety and education of groups of children! Distracting faculty from
their responsibility for the full group of children causes stress to our excellent faculty; please keep this in mind
and ask for a conversation when the faculty member is not responsible for children.
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By law, and by Kenworthy policy, Faculty and Staff are not permitted to have active cell phones in the
classroom. (Texas Minimum Standard Guidelines for preschool)
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THE KENWORTHY SCHOOL TOUR Selecting the best educational setting for a child is challenging and requires a partnership in the ex-
change of information, understandings, and education and care goals. The Kenworthy School offers this part-
nership as parents research area preschools and begin the Enrollment Process.
An essential part of enrolling a child is a visit to the school as well as a conversation with the school Di-
rectors. The Kenworthy School extends an invitation to visit and experience the high-quality learning spaces,
observe research-based curriculum in action, and evaluate the school culture created by the Kenworthy faculty
and staff. The visit and conversations provide an opportunity for interested parents to gain an understanding of
the school’s mission and how the school succeeds as a high-quality private preschool.
Parents ask questions and share expectations with school directors as The Kenworthy School admin-
istration partners toward the shared goal of determining if the child will be successful at The Kenworthy School
and if parent goals and expectations line up with the nurturing care, learning opportunities and culture the
Kenworthy School offers.
The Kenworthy School encourages parents to visit the website www.kenworthyschool.com to learn
more about the mission and goals of The Kenworthy School. The Kenworthy School decision makers are quali-
fied both pedagogically and by extensive and successful experience to create a school environment that uses
children’s time wisely; that manages well the challenges of keeping young children safe, clean and happy; and
that offers what most parents want in a high quality private school that includes childcare.
We assure parents that the application information process is managed with respect, good intentions and
confidentiality. Additionally, the administration shares information that helps parents determine if The Ken-
worthy School is a good match for the care and education of their child.
A VISIT TO THE KENWORTHY SCHOOL…PARENTS DOING IMPORTANT RESEARCH
The Kenworthy School provides care and education in a high-quality private preschool environment for
children from six weeks to six years.
Interested parents tour the school campus by requesting an appointment for a tour. When the parents
choose to enroll in The Kenworthy School, the school sends the parent a link to the Enrollment Application.
Parents complete and submit the Enrollment Application. When the school receives the completed Enrollment
Application and the Parent ACH form, the parents’ account is billed for the Registration and Supply Fee as well
the first month’s tuition. Tuition amount charged is charged based on the class placement of the child rather
than the age of the child. The tuition and fees are not refundable.
The child’s enrollment placement is secured when the parent meets the Financial Commitment for
Enrolling. Placement in the process is dated electronically on the date the parent pays the fees and tuition. Tui-
tion and fees are not refundable.
After a parent completes the Application for Enrollment, The Kenworthy School uses Tuition Express to
charge the Tuition and Fees to the parent bank account. The Enrollment placement is not secured until the
funds are cleared into The Kenworthy School Tuition Account. Tuition and fees are not refundable.
CHOOSING THE KENWORTHY SCHOOL
Membership in The Kenworthy School community is a privilege accompanied by individual and family
responsibility to support and participate within the guidelines and policies of the school with the children’s best
interest a priority. We are a premier educational community with high quality care centered around kind com-
munications, trust, and cooperative problem solving. Participation in The Kenworthy School family requires a
commitment to kind, courteous and respectful behavior in interactions with faculty, staff, administration and
other families.
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The Kenworthy School is a high-quality learning environment for the family who embraces and co-
operates with the guidelines and standards of the school community as described in Worthy Ways and other
school publications.
The school is founded and guided by best practices research and the many years of practical experience
in quality education and school leadership of Jean Hassen. Founders, Jean Hassen and Charlotte MacVane ap-
preciate that parents have a choice in the selection of their child’s education and care and value the decision par-
ents make when they choose to enroll at The Kenworthy School. The mission statement of the school, the prin-
ciples on which the school is founded, and the school culture requires that parent behavior be supportive, kind
and respectful when interacting with faculty and staff as well as administration.
The Kenworthy School is a sought after preeminent private school. As such on rare occasions the match
between family and school may not be a productive match. Families may be asked to find another school set-
ting when the family cannot support the guidelines, philosophy, decisions, organization of the community, the
curriculum choices of the school, the behavior management of the school, or when a parent or child’s behavior
suggests that The Kenworthy School is not a safe and appropriate choice.
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THE KENWORTHY SCHOOL ENROLLMENT Application for Enrollment
The Director of Enrollment sends a link to the Application for Enrollment to interested parents after the parent
tours the school. The Parent completes and submits the Application for Enrollment.
Annual Tuition Agreement
After the parent completes the Application for Enrollment, the Parent completes and submits the Annual Tui-
tion Agreement. The tuition amount charged is based on the child’s class placement rather than the age of the
child, and children are always placed in classrooms with children their age.
Financial Commitment
The financial commitment for Enrolling requires payment of Supply Fees, Registration Fees and One Month’s
tuition by submitting ACH information to The Kenworthy School. The Kenworthy School bills the Supply and
Registration Fees as well as the first month’s tuition through Tuition Express based on the ACH information
provided by the parent or guardian. The prepaid tuition and fees are not refundable.
Required Documents
Complete and submit to The Kenworthy School all forms required for attendance at The Kenworthy School be-
fore the child attends The Kenworthy School. Required forms are available at www.kenworthyschool.com Par-
ent Portal. The required forms must be on file before the child attends.
Immunization Requirements
Provide a record of current immunizations as required in Texas and a good health statement from a health care
provider to The Kenworthy School before the child can attend The Kenworthy School. For additional infor-
mation please visit http://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/school/child-care-requirements.gov or
http://www.dshs.texas.gov
Hearing and Vision Screening
Provide a statement from the child’s health care professional documenting vision and hearing screening for chil-
dren 36 months or older. Documentation of the screening must be on file at The Kenworthy School before the
child attends.
Payment of School Tuition
The Kenworthy School offers parents choices for payment of the annual tuition. Parents may pay
monthly in advance, annually or semi-annually in advance. On rare occasions other arrangements may be made
for more frequent payment of tuition. The decision for payment schedule preference is made when the parent
signs the Tuition Agreement at the time of enrollment or re-enrollment. An administrative charge is due if
payment preferences are changed during a contract school year.
Tuition is based on child’s class placement rather than age of the child, and children are always
placed in classrooms with children who are the same age.
Tuition accounts, paid monthly, are due on the first of each month. Parents pay tuition via EFT through
Tuition Express. Most months The Kenworthy School processes the charges on the 2nd of each month; how-
ever, the date The Kenworthy School charges monthly tuition can change. Parents are notified in advance of
any necessary change.
A late fee is charged for tuition paid after the 5th of each month. Parents receive a reminder of late fees
and past due tuition if tuition remains unpaid after the 5th of any month.
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If tuition is not current by the tenth of any month, the student may be withdrawn until all tuition and late
fees are paid. When a student is withdrawn, and the account remains unpaid for 5 additional days, the enroll-
ment placement becomes available to the next family on the Wait List.
Parents sign an Annual Tuition Agreement and agree to provide the school with a thirty-day notice of
withdrawal, or pay tuition when a thirty day notice of withdrawal is not given. Tuition is due for the month
when the student withdraws without notice.
When a student withdraws from The Kenworthy School, all tuition accounts, late charges must be paid
in full.
School Supplies
Parents pay an annual Supply Fee to The Kenworthy School and the school provides high quality con-
sumable materials, toys and books in good condition for use by Kenworthy Kids, faculty and staff.
Beginner students in diapers are encouraged to subscribe to the Kenworthy Diapers and Wipes Conci-
erge program as a convenience to parents and teachers. Parents may choose to provide diapers and wipes as
needed.
The Kenworthy School does not support the use of cloth diapers.
The Kenworthy School Tuition Agreement and Leaving The Kenworthy School
The Kenworthy School Tuition Agreement is a contract agreement between the School and the Parent
that the child will attend The Kenworthy School for a full school year (September through August), and that the
parent will pay annual tuition in compliance with options for paying tuition.
In those rare occasions when a family is transferred and the child(ren) can no longer attend The Kenwor-
thy School, the family may give The Kenworthy School a thirty-day written notice of plans to exit. In most sit-
uations this notice with documentation of transfer or move out of Kenworthy area relieves the family of the ob-
ligation to meet the 12-month tuition requirement in the Tuition Agreement.
When a family plans to leave The Kenworthy School, the family notifies a Director in writing and com-
pletes a Kenworthy School Exit Notification. The Kenworthy School Tuition Agreement requires payment of
tuition for a month from the date the official Kenworthy Exit Notification Form is received by the school.
In those rare occasions when a family and The Kenworthy School agree that the school is not a good
match for the child, both the thirty-day notice of exit and the 12-month Tuition Agreement may be waived,
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THE WAIT LIST After a parent tours the school and chooses a start date in the future or wishes to enroll when an enroll-
ment placement is not available, parents may place their child on the Wait List. Placement on the Wait List,
which includes payment of the Wait List Fee, does not guarantee a class enrollment, but rather creates a
chronological link between the interested family’s preferred start date and the school so that the family can be
informed when a classroom enrollment placement does occur. The Kenworthy School monitors the Wait List,
does not assign numerical positions to families on the Wait List, and notifies families when an enrollment place-
ment becomes available. Siblings of enrolled and attending children do receive priority placement on the Wait
List.
Placement on the Wait List, which requires a Wait List fee, a prepayment of partial tuition, does not
guarantee placement at any particular time or within any particular window of time.
Once an enrollment placement is offered, The Kenworthy School does not HOLD an enrollment place-
ment; instead moves to the next child on the Wait List when a family chooses not to enroll when offered enroll-
ment placement.
Before placing a child on the Wait List parents tour the school.
Guidelines for adding a child to the Kenworthy Waiting List:
Completed Enrollment Application, payment of $500 Wait List Fee (which is pre-payment of first
month’s partial tuition), and signed Wait List Agreement. The Kenworthy School does not guarantee or as-
sure Wait List parents of a specific start date, and The Kenworthy School does not “number” the individual’s
place on the Wait List. Order on the Wait List is based on the date The Kenworthy School received the Wait
List fee.
The $500 Wait List fee is not refundable. When The Kenworthy School cannot place the child within
12 months of the preferred start date and parents choose to withdraw from the Wait List after 12 months, par-
ents may request the Wait List Fee be returned.
Parents on the Wait List are informed when there is a classroom enrollment opening and the school al-
lows 24 hours for parents to secure that classroom enrollment with payment of the balance of one month’s tui-
tion, registration and supplies fees. Parents provide all required documentation within a week of accepting en-
rollment.
Parents are not guaranteed an enrollment date as class placement depends on available openings.
When offered enrollment placement, parents get one “free pass” and may hold position on Wait List.
When offered enrollment placement a second time and a parent declines, date and position on Wait List
becomes date of second deferment.
Siblings of currently enrolled children have Wait List priority; however siblings are not guaranteed
an enrollment placement at a particular time. Placement is dependent on enrollment openings.
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ANNUAL RE-ENROLLMENT The Invitation to re-enroll a child and secure class placement for the coming academic school year is
extended to families in late Spring of each year. The Kenworthy School is at capacity and has Wait Lists. Fami-
lies currently enrolled are invited to re-enroll for the coming year and parents are encouraged to be timely in the
re-enrollment process to assure an enrollment placement for the coming school year.
A returning child is "enrolled" for the coming school year at The Kenworthy School and an enroll-
ment placement secured in a class when the annual Registration Fee and the annual Supply Fee accompa-
nied by a completed Enrollment Application and a signed Tuition Agreement for the coming year are re-
ceived by The Kenworthy School.
When The Kenworthy School receives all required documents and fees, the child is enrolled for the
coming school year and an enrollment place assured. The invitation to re-enroll is announced through Procare
and in Worthy Words each Spring.
Immediately after the re-enrollment period closes, families on the Waiting List are moved into open en-
rollment spaces for the coming year.
Families who register and enroll for the first time January through July of any year, and whose child at-
tends Kenworthy during those months are required to re-enroll for the following school year.
A family whose account is not current at the time of re-enrollment must bring the tuition account current
before the Re-Enrollment is complete. The child is placed on the waiting list until the account for the current
year is current.
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14
KENWORTHY SCHOOL SERVICES
FOOD SERVICES & NUTRITION
The Kenworthy School is a nut free school environment. The School does not use or allow nut
milks, muffins, candies, or any food containing nuts on campus.
Infants bring prepared formula or breast milk in bottles marked with the child’s name. (First name
and last initial). Frozen breast milk, labeled with child’s first name and last initial, can be stored in Beginner 1
(infants) classroom freezers. Once thawed breast milk cannot be re-frozen.
Pureed food is prepared for children whose parents indicate via Infant Care and Feeding Report (up-
dated every 30 days) that the child is ready for table food.
Except for special occasions or situations involving a medical directive, parents are strongly discour-
aged from providing supplemental foods at any level. Parents with questions about this guideline are encour-
aged to visit with a Director.
Parents may bring special treats in celebration of special events. Foods that come in from outside The
Kenworthy School kitchen are checked in with a director. Please avoid taking food directly to the classroom
as a precaution that protects children and faculty with allergies or medical conditions.
Snacks & Meals
The Kenworthy School provides two and a “half” tasty and nutritious snacks and a balanced lunch
each day for all children ready for table food. Additionally a late afternoon serving of Cheerios, Gold Fish, or
another low sugar snack helps relieve the late afternoon hungers until dinner. Purees are offered to our Begin-
ners. Toddler Bites for our children learning to chew. Well-balanced meals provide the nutrition that children
need to grow, think, fight infection, and fuel busy bodies.
Children are expected to eat food prepared and served at school. Food is served in the classroom,
family style, and as is developmentally appropriate children participate in setting the table and other meal prep-
aration activities. Children with “host” duties and who handle plates and utensils wear plastic gloves.
Water is offered regularly throughout the day and drinking water is available in all classrooms. All
water on the first level is filtered.
Whole organic milk is served at least once daily.
The Kenworthy Menu is published weekly in-advance on Procare and is posted weekly on the parent
bulletin board in the entry hall.
The Kenworthy School does not serve beverages with added sugars, including carbonated beverages,
fruit punch, sweetened or flavored milk. Fresh fruit replaces fruit juice at The Kenworthy School.
How much is enough? The Kenworthy School provides enough food at each meal so that children
may ask for and receive more and the Kenworthy School provides, as a minimum, healthy amounts to meet ⅓
of the daily needs of children. A chart of portions in every food group is maintained in the school kitchen.
At The Kenworthy School Food is never used as a reward or as a punishment at The Kenworthy
School! Please avoid asking teachers to partner in rewarding a child for an accomplishment (potty training,
etc.)
Children may not bring food into the school from other kitchens except for birthday parties and for
other announced special occasions. These special events are pre-arranged with the teacher and a Director.
Food brought for special occasions must be nut free.
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15
Food Allergy Emergency Plan
On the enrollment form parents include a list of the child’s known and diagnosed food allergies as
well as identified food sensitivities. At the “Getting to Know You” conversation the parent reports physician
diagnosed food allergies (accompanied by a physician’s statement of the allergy) to The Kenworthy School
and include known symptoms when the child is exposed to a food included on the allergy list.
The parent provides the school and the teacher with an emergency plan for allergic reaction signed
and dated by a healthcare professional in case the child has an allergic reaction while at school.
The Administration, the kitchen, the classroom teacher, co-teacher, and enrichment teachers maintain
a list of all children with allergies for easy review when preparing food or allowing food to be included in cele-
brations.
KENWORTHY SCHOOL CONCIERGE SERVICES
The Kenworthy School is pleased to offer a one-of-a-kind Kenworthy Concierge Service. For an afford-
able, monthly fee, you can choose among the following offerings:
Pick up / drop off dry cleaning & laundry
Parent Night Out
Haircuts monthly
Soccer Shots
Wipes & Diaper Service includes Pullups
Private piano lessons
Ukulele lesson
Faculty members may be available for
private home childcare. Arranged be-
tween family and individual faculty mem-
ber. Kenworthy offers and assumes no
participation or responsibility
The Kenworthy Concierge continues to refine services to meet parents’ needs and may modify offerings based
on need and availability.
Extra Hour Care and Babysitting by Kenworthy Faculty
A possible benefit of being in The Kenworthy School family is the opportunity to resource our talented
and skilled faculty and staff for childcare outside the hours of school operations. Such arrangements are en-
couraged as a benefit to our families, and all arrangements, including but not limited to schedule financial
agreements etc., remain between the individual teacher and the parents who engage the teacher.
The Kenworthy School assumes no participation or responsibility for arrangements between parent and
teacher and reminds parents that while employed by The Kenworthy School, the individual faculty or staff
member’s responsibility for schedule priority remains with the school.
Arrangements for transporting individual children to and from the school is never provided by The Ken-
worthy School and the responsibility and liability remains with the parent and the individual faculty staff mem-
ber.
Faculty and staff schedules and school commitments cannot be adjusted to accommodate the schedule
needs of an individual family.
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July 8, 2019 16
THE KENWORTHY FACULTY AND STAFF A qualified, dedicated, diverse, and professional faculty is the foundation of The Kenworthy
School. The inclusion of well qualified and experienced teachers assures the best in high quality preschool edu-
cation. Educators who have a passion for teaching, high positive energy, a child centered philosophy, excep-
tional teaching abilities, and an understanding of and a commitment to all that is good and right for the edu-
cation of children are selected to teach Kenworthy Kids.
Every educator at The Kenworthy School promises to ignite learning, cultivate resilience, and embrace
joy as part of the teaching agreement.
Prospective teacher applicants submit a resume, complete the Application on the kenworthyschool.com
website and are interviewed by Directors and current teachers. An FBI, a local law check and clearance from
the local child care registry are completed before the applicant is eligible to participate in a “job interview,”
offered by Kenworthy as a way for prospective teachers to experience the requirements and culture of the
school. The applicant participates in several Kenworthy classrooms before a position is offered. Professional
qualifications in educational preparation and experiences, discussions that may help determine judgment, char-
acter, and commitment to successful teaching are included in the interview process before a position is offered.
Candidates who choose to accept a position sign a Kenworthy School Offer Letter which includes de-
tails of compensation as well as requirements for performance and professional development.
Faculty Titles and Designations
Teacher – and Enrichment teachers have the credentials and experience to be responsible for the educa-
tion and care of the children assigned to the class. Can share responsibility with another Teacher. Can work co-
operatively with a co-teacher. Has appropriate communication skills.
Co-Teacher - has the credentials and experience to be responsible for the education and care of children
assigned to the class. Can share responsibility with another Teacher. Can work cooperatively. Has appropriate
communication skills.
Float – has the credentials and experience to be responsible for the education and care of enrolled chil-
dren. Can share responsibility with another Teacher; can work cooperatively with a co-teacher. Has appropri-
ate communication skills.
The Kenworthy School often assigns two Teachers with similar experience and credentials to share re-
sponsibility for one group of children.
Faculty Credentials
Teachers at The Kenworthy School have degrees or credentials in education, child development, psy-
chology, or in a specialization area such as music, art, physical education, or languages. With rare exception,
Kenworthy faculty member has previous experience teaching preschool children.
Faculty and Staff members present strong references; all Kenworthy faculty and staff are screened
through a local registry check, local law check and through FBI national fingerprint screening.
Professional Development
A requirement for all faculty, staff and administration is regular participation in on-going professional
development. The goal of participation in training is to make it easy for faculty members to increase skills, per-
formance and abilities, and eventually be the reason The Kenworthy School does better, what we already do
well.
The DFPS Minimum Standards for training for those who teach in preschool is twenty-four clock hours
annually. The Kenworthy School requires an additional 24 hours or a total of 48 hours of professional develop-
ment annually.
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July 8, 2019 17
Teachers are offered the opportunity to participate in weekly Book Club meetings with focus on school
policies and guidelines, the “Kenworthy Way” of organizing classrooms, delivering curriculum, and communi-
cating information. Additionally, training in Conscious Discipline and Frog Street curriculum are often the
topic covered in the Book Club meetings. Teachers are paid for the extra time investment in training, food is
included, and even an occasional glass of wine makes this extra investment of time and attention a bit more re-
laxing.
A wide variety of topics including Conscious Discipline Skills, Music in the Preschool Classroom, In-
troducing New Toys and Books, YIKES! Biting in My Classroom, etc. are offered.
The Kenworthy School contracts with Consultants to bring additional professional development oppor-
tunities to campus and The Kenworthy School invests significant resources to send teachers to the Conscious
Discipline Institutes (Level 1 and Level 2) in Orlando and in Pasadena, Texas.
The Kenworthy School provides on campus training and credentials for Infant Child CPR, First Aid, EPI
Pen Use, and Response to Seizures and Convulsions for faculty and staff at no cost to the faculty staff member.
Faculty Compensation
Faculty compensation at The Kenworthy School is based on experience, education, and success at The
Kenworthy School. For all full-time faculty and staff members, benefits include major medical, vision and den-
tal insurance, short term disability, life insurance, paid holidays, annual paid leave days, dependent scholarship
monies, professional development funds, and reimbursement for successful completion of related, state man-
dated, or educational classes.
The Kenworthy School purchases the required “scrubs” for faculty and staff members, and occasional
spirit wear and other wardrobe options.
The Kenworthy School provides faculty members with a generous classroom budget and reimburses
teachers for approved out-of-pocket classroom expenses.
Faculty salaries are competitive with other private schools. Bonus awards are available based on points
earned based on a faculty developed rubric, and incentive awards are made for longevity at the three, five, and
ten-year anniversary of the employee and for other identified and announced participation in the school family.
Faculty Participation and Compensation for Parent Night Out
Kenworthy School faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to participate in a Parent Night Out at
some time each school year. Realizing our faculty and staff have after hour responsibilities to their family,
church commitments, and or educational studies and deadlines, our goal is that the willingness and availability
rotates through our faculty and staff.
Participation in extra hour responsibilities can also benefit a faculty member who needs to accumulate a
bit of extra resources toward a big vacation, an educational expense, or to retire medical or other financial re-
sponsibilities. The Kenworthy School is pleased to pay teachers for the extra time at the same rate of pay they
receive for the school day. Additionally, faculty and staff are invited to enjoy food provided for the children or
to enjoy pizza, wings, or chicken that Kenworthy School often pays for as a little perk for faculty staff willing-
ness to invest extra hours.
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July 8, 2019 18
DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT The Kenworthy School offers each child experiences and activities to grow and develop intellectually
while at the same time teaching each child specific skills to help navigate the social and emotional world, essen-
tial skills that can lead to self regulation and resilience, compassion, helpfulness and strong problem solving ca-
pabilities. The Conscious Discipline model, created by Dr. Becky Bailey, of behavior management guides the
policies of our school in support of the positive social-emotional development of each child. www.consciousdis-
cipline.com.
Here, each child experiences time with teachers who are positive and supportive, moving away from the
traditional “compliance” model of discipline associated with threat and force, reward and punishment, to a re-
lationship-based school family which develops and relies on higher order thinking skills and helps equip each
child with skills for effective self-regulation and problem solving.
The Kenworthy School moves away from traditional behavior management programs including reward
and punishment and the concepts of behavior modification and does not support programs that include re-
warding children with stickers, candy, stars etc. Significant research suggests success with these approaches
are short-lived and that the use of these approaches helps develop children hardwired for reward as motivation
rather than intrinsically and cognitively motivated.
STATEMENT OF DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
(As required by DFPS Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Chapters 746 and 747, Subchapters L. Discipline and Guidance)
Through the Parent Portal at www.kenworthyschool.com parents affirm that they have access to a
copy of the discipline and behavior management guidelines of the school as follows:
The Kenworthy School faculty, staff and employees are trained to follow the behaviors and guidelines
of Conscious Discipline by Dr. Becky Bailey. www.consciousdiscipline.com. Faculty and staff are required
to know and use the skills avoiding traditional punish and reward models.
Kenworthy teachers are required to avoid giving or withholding special “treats” to manage behavior.
Discipline is individualized and consistent for each child; appropriate to the child’s level of under-
standing; and directed toward teaching the child cooperative behavior and self-control and to build skills for
problem solving and resiliency.
The Kenworthy School behavior management program leads with kindness, love and connection. A
Kenworthy faculty or staff member may only use positive methods of discipline and guidance that encourage
positive self-esteem, self-control, and self-direction. Such approaches include using noticing, connection, ap-
preciation (you did it!) and encouragement of good behavior. We avoid focusing on unacceptable behavior, ra-
ther we remind children of behavior expectations daily by using clear, positive statements and by modeling the
expectations; redirecting behavior using positive statements and invitations to the safe area; and teaching each
child about calming skills, choices, and problem solving to resolve frustration. The faculty and staff member
are required to engage with the child with a calm demeanor and positive intent to assist the child in refocusing
energy and self-regulation.
The Kenworthy School does not use “time out” as part of the behavior management program. Rather,
children who cannot self-regulate and are not able to make helpful choices have the opportunity to go to a su-
pervised “Safe Place” and use the manipulatives available there to breathe, calm down, self-regulate, and to de-
cide when to rejoin the group. Age appropriate tools for calming are included in this area. The teacher or the
assistant teacher may go with the child to assist the child in regaining control while the other teacher continues
working with the class. Kenworthy teachers focus on teaching the seven skills of Conscious Discipline and pro-
vide practice of the skills and usefulness of spending time in the Safe Area in a meaningful and helpful
way. This experience is designed to be supportive and never punitive.
WORTHY WAYS
July 8, 2019 19
Faculty and staff at The Kenworthy School use celebration, rituals and routines rather than re-
wards. Teachers avoid giving candy, sticker, food as reward, and avoid using judgment and praise pivoting
more to process using “you did it” or “way to go” or “there ya go” rather than “good job” or “perfect.” We
choose to teach importance of effort and rather than focusing on perfect outcome which can limit a child’s will-
ingness to try new things if the child believes will not have a perfect outcome.
At the Kenworthy School we avoid punishment of any kind, no harsh, cruel, or unusual treatment of
any child for any reason. The following types of discipline and guidance are prohibited:
(1) Corporal punishment or threats of corporal punishment;
(2) Punishment associated with food, naps, or toilet training;
(3) Pinching, shaking, or biting a child;
(4) Hitting a child with a hand or instrument;
(5) Putting anything in or on a child’s mouth;
(6) Humiliating, ridiculing, rejecting, or yelling at a child;
(7) Using hostile humor or sarcasm with a child;
(8) Subjecting a child to harsh, abusive, or profane language;
(9) Placing a child in a locked or dark room, bathroom, or closet with the door closed;
(10) Requiring a child to remain silent or inactive for long periods of time for the child’s age.
(11) Discussing a child in a negative manner or unkind tone with another individual
Rough Play, Fighting and Aggressive Language
The Kenworthy School believes an important goal of a preschool program is to teach children how to
play safely with others as they develop through the various stages and abilities of social connection. Young
children learn most easily through play and hands on experiences. Realizing that as children develop, moving
from parallel play to interactive play, they are exposed to aggression or “rough play” Sometimes well inten-
tioned parents roughhouse at home or older siblings play fight. Children bring those behaviors to school without
judgement as to what is hurtful and lacking the brain development that helps them understand discomfort or
pain in others. Add to that media exposure that promotes “might makes right” from Spider Man and on that
children want to reenact.
Faculty and staff are challenged to help diminish incidences of aggressive child play even as we cheer
weekend football tackles and blocks on tv. Young children come to school and practice the behavior that only a
day before got high-fives all around. TV and movies are filled with episode of aggression. Even Spider Man
has a “might makes right” message. News programs detail violence and language about killing and death.
Young children in our culture are exposed to a certain amount of violent language and behavior, sometimes ac-
cidentally or passively.
The discernment of where and when various behaviors and language are acceptable is not born in the
brain of any child. Childlike innocence does not imply absence aggressive responses. Rather it must be taught.
The need to teach choice in response is one of the reasons substantive behavior management programs do not
include aggressive adult language or punishment. Children learn discernment and choice about appropriate be-
havior and language after specific instruction and modeling across times and at varying rates.
At The Kenworthy School we are constantly and consistently teaching children how to play. Acquiring
the skills to engage and play with another person in a satisfying and safe way is a process. Please support
Kenworthy School teachers and please be patient with your child and the children of others. Growing up and
gaining comfortable social skills and abilities is not easy.
At The Kenworthy School students are encouraged and taught skills to use words and kind, age appro-
priate problem solving strategies to help manage frustrations and problems. Teachers invest time and energy in
modeling and supporting helpful problem-solving techniques.
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July 8, 2019 20
Kenworthy Kids are discouraged from playing rough, play fighting, karate kicking, and other aggressive
behaviors that often result in hurt feelings or hurt bodies. Toys that convey violence and aggression are not in-
cluded in the school inventory and children may not bring these toys to school.
It is not unusual for preschool children to experiment with language that is aggressive or violent as a
way of learning how it sounds, how to use it, whether it is appropriate, if it gets reactions, or if the child be-
lieves it may reposition him or her in the social order. These behaviors present opportunities that are part of the
learning process about play.
The use of a bathroom words or profanity is “trial balloon” language a preschooler uses to test responses
while they are learning. Threatening language that includes penalties… “you can’t come to my birthday party,”
or “you can’t play with me” are not unusual and can escalate to “I will hit you” or “I will fight you,” or “I’m a
giant dinosaur and I will kill you and eat you,” can show up in preschool language. Expressive language acqui-
sition involves imitation and experimentation as children learn what works and what does not. They do not
know until we teach them. Young children do not have the discernment to know yet what language is appropri-
ate and exactly what the language content means. Learning how to manage frustration, social engagement, in-
teractive play is all part of the job of being a preschool child.
We cannot protect our children from the bumps and bruises of social emotional development, but we
can make certain we provide opportunities for every child to develop appropriate skills along the way and to
become a productive problem solver skilled to speak for him or herself, and a resilient child.
The principles and skills of Conscious Discipline research based behavior management teaches children
skills to minimize aggressive (often impulsive) behavior. The focus is always on “safe behavior.” “Was that
safe?” If not safe, “You may not do this at The Kenworthy School.” Rituals where we “turn back time” with
older children and look at alternative ways to interact with our friends is one of many experiences, and we gain
cooperation through connection and language development around safe behavior. More about the skills to man-
age our social emotional development at consciousdiscipline.com and frogstreet.com, and at The Kenworthy
School Parent series which explains the skills and powers of Conscious Discipline for home and school.
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July 8, 2019 21
CURRICULUM The Kenworthy School provides all components of the Frog Street as the curriculum to ignite learning,
cultivate resilience and embrace joy.
The Frog Street curriculum is based on brain development research and provides activities that promote
growth in all four domains of human growth and development. Cognitive, Language, Motor and Social-emo-
tional. Periodic assessments of accomplishment of milestones are included in FrogStreet Curriculum
The Kindergarten curriculum includes Open Court Reading and Language Arts. Enrichment opportuni-
ties similar to those in the Kenworthy Preschool continue. Core Knowledge Curriculum is the basis of instruc-
tion for STEM subjects. Both formal and informal assessments and reports of student progress are part of the
curriculum. A rich balance of eBooks and paper books, workbooks and learning materials enrich and enhance
student learning.
Strong daily routines are the foundation for the opportunities that develop key social and emotional
skills (Conscious Discipline) help children learn to feel safe, included and able to self-regulate. Intentional in-
struction is carefully balanced with child directed play and teacher inspired play. The included opportunities
value individual differences with daily activities that are comprehensive, integrated, thematic and appropriate
for the developmental age. The curriculum adjusts to the abilities and interests of the child and provides adap-
tive experiences to enhance the child’s growth and development, to challenge eager learners and to reteach re-
luctant learners. Learning concepts and skills is a process and takes time, and rarely happens at the first experi-
ence. The curriculum scaffolds and spirals to provide the opportunity for each child to access previous learnings
and build on them.
The Frog Street activities encourage teacher and child interactions which can help develop rich oral lan-
guage and vocabulary while providing essential social and emotional connections.
Read more about our excellent curriculum at www.kenworthyschool.com, frogstreet.com, and con-
sciousdiscipline.com
The Enrichment Program
Students at The Kenworthy School enjoy daily experiences with music, art, movement education, and an
explorers class. The Kenworthy School invests in educators with expertise in these subjects to provide an en-
riched curriculum that broadens learning opportunities for all learners and challenges the gifted more capable
learner. At the Kenworthy School the enrichment opportunities are included in the child’s tuition.
Movement or Physical Education
Research shows and educators know that movement is essential to growth, development and function.
Just standing up delivers 10-15% more blood and oxygen to the brain. Moving about helps stimulate dopa-
mine which says “Pay attention,” an essential skill to learning, growing, developing.
Toward the important goal of developing a strong, fit and healthy body and mind, The Kenworthy
School invests significant resources providing physical activity and education. Activities that involve whole
body movement are provided daily by Kenworthy educators in the classroom, as part of outside activities and
are included in Movement Enrichment. The Frog Street Curriculum lesson planning includes specific activities
that focus physical development for both large and small muscles. Opportunities for outside play and activity
presented by a Movement Enrichment Teacher using special equipment helps children develop both gross and
fine motor skills, the ability to listen, what it means to take turns, to focus, and to remember and follow a series
of instructions. All while having fun! And experience moving our bodies, essential to brain smart development.
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July 8, 2019 22
Spanish
The ability to speak more than one language and to understand and appreciate other cultures contributes
to a child’s personal growth and development. Daily activities in Spanish culture and spoken Spanish are in-
cluded as a part of each child’s FrogStreet curriculum. Books and songs taught in English are taught in Span-
ish. Additonally the daily Explorers Class includes direct instruction in the Spanish language.
Art
Art is an imperative to a life well lived. Early experiences in art activities that free children to explore
and create rather than copy and match are essential to preparing a child to find joy in the results of his or her
enjoyment of creating. Projects that result in matching the teacher’s model are included in The Kenworthy
School curriculum; however the Art Enrichment program add experiences to assure that children experience the
joy of expression through art media.
Explorers Class
The ability to speak more than one language and to understand and appreciate other cultures, the diver-
sity our world offers, and the importance of communication to inclusion while contributing to a child’s
interpersonal successes are goals for this enrichment experience. Daily experiences with American Sign Lan-
guage and Spanish promote language development and give children facility in a second, even third language.
Explorers Class also offers extension and enrichment opportunities in pre-literacy, concept development, ex-
pressive language and the seven skills of Conscious Discipline.
Music
The enjoyment of singing, rhythmic expressions, and the appreciation of music as an important part of
life support our school family in embracing joy. Singing together can unite us and build connection and cer-
tainly music is a vehicle to all kinds or learnings. Well-planned activities with a music educator are included
daily for children beginning with our youngest learners. Much of our specific curriculum is music based as we
believe music creates neural pathways and cements learning. And increases smiling. It’s an essential element in
the “embrace joy” part of The Kenworthy School mission statement.
Technology in the Classrooms
The faculty and staff at The Kenworthy School value every moment with each child and believe we
have much to offer to enhance each child’s development. Daily schedules are filled with developmentally ap-
propriate play and teacher directed intentional instruction. Learning, singing, painting, reading, and playing,
children are busy, and the goal is to use each child’s time wisely.
We prefer that parents make the decision about how much “screen” time a child is exposed to. Conse-
quently, children at The Kenworthy School rarely use electronic media including television, iPads, electronic
games, etc. On those special occasions when paying attention to world or local events invites us to use televi-
sion or screen time in the classroom we do take those opportunities. Such times are rare for young children.
Curriculum Decisions, Schedules and all that Stuff!
As a high-quality private preschool, decisions for The Kenworthy Kids and for the Kenworthy School
curriculum are made by experienced and pedagogically capable educators. Schedules are established for en-
richment classes, daily playground time, faculty assignment and implementation of curriculum with what re-
search suggests and what local decision makers believe is in the best interest of children’s care and education.
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July 8, 2019 23
CURRICULUM & STUDENT PROGRESS & PROGRESSION
Developmental Checklists, Progress and Participation Reports
All official communication from The Kenworthy School is shared through the secure Procare While
email distribution lists and text threads can be useful, The Kenworthy School shares communication through
Procare, our “Official Channel,” as a way to keep accurate information available and to protect the privacy of
community members who choose not to publish personal contact information.
A daily report from Procare informs parents about daily activities and experiences. Daily reports are
shared for our learners and include specifics about the curriculum, books read, food, diapers, etc. Procare is also
a pathway for parents to communicate with The Kenworthy School, the classroom teacher and to receive infor-
mation from the school.
Teachers complete a Developmental Checklist for each child based on observations of skills used at
school. This is not a “report card,” rather the Developmental Checklist is a chronicling of where each child is in
the very very basic development of preschool skills rather than a report card or assessment of a child’s perfor-
mance or intellectual ability. The Developmental Checklist used by The Kenworthy School is not standard-
ized, but is research based and published by Frog Street curriculum and is a helpful record for recording devel-
opment milestones.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
A child’s school success is closely associated with quality parent-teacher communication. Teachers at
The Kenworthy School communicate with parents regularly through Procare, “Pro’s and Grows” and schedule
parent conferences upon request. Parents may request personal or telephone conversations with the child's
teacher as needed and are encouraged to visit with the teacher before scheduling a conference with a Director or
Executive Director. A written record of the Parent Teacher Conference includes comments by both parents and
teachers. A copy is given to the parents and a copy is maintained in the student's school file.
Outside Evaluation and Support for Students
Occasionally a Kenworthy child may benefit from services from outside consultants. This may include
speech or language therapy, occupational therapy, or other support services or adaptive experiences and modi-
fied lesson plans. The Kenworthy School may encourage parents to seek an outside assessment in the best inter-
est of the child.
The Executive Director’s credentials and experience as an Educational Diagnostician and School Coun-
selor may offer insight and combined with the classroom teachers’ observations may be helpful to the family.
These discussions may guide parents to visit with the family pediatrician or to seek a psycho-educational evalu-
ation. When the teacher and executive director suggest such an appraisal, the parents are invited to schedule the
appraisal in a timely manner with outside professionals and to share the results with The Kenworthy School so
that the school can continue to best meet the needs of each child.
The first step is often a visit with the pediatrician and the Kenworthy School supports parents as they
seek qualified specialist to support early intervention in support of good learning experiences.
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July 8, 2019 24
Progression to the Next Level
At The Kenworthy School children celebrate annual progress as a group when they move to the next
level September of each year, rather than moving to the next level near their birthday. Each student progresses
annually to the next level of preschool when the student consistently demonstrates successful mastery of lan-
guage, cognitive, physical, and social-emotional goals necessary for success at the next level.
The student progresses when parents and teachers agree that the child will be successful at the next
level. Sometimes the teachers, a Director and Executive Director recommend that the gift of time is important
to successful development and encourage families to leave a child at the same level deferring advancement to
the next level and providing the gift of time to the child.
Student Placement with Teachers
Teachers, the Directors, the Executive Director meet each summer to make placement decisions with an
emphasis on a good match of child and teacher and based on child’s age September 1. Progress at the previous
levels in all domains of human development are additional considerations. Much time, energy and professional
understanding are invested in these recommendations. A good match of teaching style and personality with a
child’s learning style and personality enhance the potential for student success in the school setting. Profes-
sional judgment and educational expertise based on knowledge of each student in the school environment are
invested in placing a child where he or she can achieve his or her greatest potential.
Placement of a child in an “A,” “B” or “C” group has NO ASSOCIATION with the child’s ability, IQ,
developmental level, “smarts,” or parent power at Kenworthy! Despite the urban legend that it does. See para-
graph above. Once a school year begins moving child to another group is rarely necessary and in the best inter-
est of the child, and so it is not usually a possibility.
In Beginner Classrooms, children are assigned to near-age groups to support schedules and activities. In
Primary, Prek 3, Prek 4, and Kindergarten classes children are assigned to more distributed age groups provid-
ing more diversity in age.
Teacher “Turnover,” Change, and Progression to the Next Level
A stressful and often most “chatted” about event for preschool parents is a teacher change. Often par-
ents evaluate schools as much by “teacher turnover” as by quality experiences in the classroom. Unfortunately.
But understandably because it’s a qualitative consideration that can be observed and measured.
Early each Spring Kenworthy parents begin asking teachers if they will move with the children to the
next level. Only rarely is the answer “yes,” and that answer usually doesn’t come until mid-summer when
teachers agree to future class assignments. For an abundance of reasons. Another event that can cause parents
discomfort and anxiety is when, for whatever reason, a teacher leaves the assignment in a particular classroom,
and another teacher is assigned. Surprisingly this disappointment happens even when the parent perception is
that the teacher who left was only an “ok teacher.” This is part of the “known is better than unknown” response
experienced by pretty much all adults in our culture.
A child, who is familiar with the school, their friends, the routines, is not likely to be stressed unless the
parent is stressed. At The Kenworthy School children are accustomed to seeing four enrichment teachers each
day, perhaps a “float” who covers breaks, and even administrators who come and go in classrooms. Part of
healthy preschool development is associated with a child’s sense of self with a variety of friends and adults in
and out of their daily routine. The Kenworthy School believes interactions with a number of teachers is another
opportunity to enable resilience, adaptability and security in our children’s lives.
When a child moves to the next classroom and a new teacher or when a teacher leaves a classroom dur-
ing the school year, parents and school have the opportunity to teach children that people they care about come
and go in their lives. And we can wish these folks well and we can miss them, but we are strong and capable
and we can manage saying “good-bye.” Another opportunity to teach the skills of resilience.
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July 8, 2019 25
What we do know is that early childhood research and literature abounds suggesting that babies and
young children must bond and connect with caregivers to assure healthy development. Of highest priority at
The Kenworthy School is the opportunity for our young learners to connect and bond with the Kenworthy team
of professionals. The opportunity to bond has little to do with length of time or number of teachers/adults in a
child’s life and everything to do with quality of connection. To that end The Kenworthy School provides spe-
cific training with faculty and staff in the importance and the techniques of connection with others. We know
and practice, recognize and endorse the importance of authentic connection as an imperative for the healthy de-
velopment and feeling of safety that helps children’s brain hardwire for learning and healthy development.
It is not enough that the same person stay with young children month after month and year after year.
Rather the important consideration is quality of the experience and authenticity of the connection.
When a child experiences a teacher transition, try to follow his or her lead on reacting. Does the child
seem stressed or curious. What is the child doing when watched on Watch Me Grow? Think about what is ob-
served when strolling the hallways, playgrounds at The Kenworthy School. Is the child busy, engaged, in-
volved, satisfied?
Remember too that a teacher change is nothing like what a child experiences when they separate from a
parent or grandparents. For children teachers are more a feature of the trusted environment, not a part of the
child’s identity as is a parent. Naturally the child may experience upset when they separate from the parents,
but this is not the same experience as a separation from a teacher.
In nearly every case, a teacher transition is more stressful for the parent than for the child. A teacher
transition is a loss or change of an adult relationship. And the associated question can occur, “Will my relation-
ship with the next teacher work as well as with the teacher who is gone?”
In almost every case a teacher transition is more stressful for the parents than for the children. No need
to worry. The Kenworthy School knows how, with parent support, to make these changes work and for chil-
dren to develop resiliency as a part of the experience.
With so many talented teachers gifting Kenworthy Kids every day with high quality experiences so
that they grow and develop in a safe and secure environment where every day we ignite a love of learning,
cultivate resilience and embrace joy!
Advancement
Children are placed in class settings based on their age on September 1 of each school year. Educators at
The Kenworthy School believe that students gain important experiences and learning at every level and discour-
age accelerated placement. Additionally, educators recognize that learning ability is not limited to language or
literacy, but instead includes a multiplicity of concepts, experiences, social and emotional development as well
as cognitive maturity.
When a parent requests placement beyond the child’s chronological age, all four domains of human de-
velopment have equivalent value. However, a most significant criterion for an accelerated placement is the stu-
dent’s social emotional development, acquisition of behavior management, self-regulation and problem-solving
skills as well as likelihood of social success at the next level.
When a faculty member or parent believes that a child would benefit from advanced placement, the con-
sideration is discussed and an assessment of the child’s readiness for a move is determined. Outside evaluation
may be required. When educators and parents agree that advanced placement is in the child’s best interest and
an appropriate placement exists, the student is advanced to the appropriate placement.
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July 8, 2019 26
SCHOOL OPERATIONAL POLICIES As required by DFPS Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Division 4 Chapters 746 and 747
The School Year, Hours, Days and Months of Operation
The Kenworthy School is open Monday through Friday and operates year-round.
The school is open 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM.
The Kenworthy School Calendar, including days that the Kenworthy School is closed, is posted on the
website and on the Information Board in the school entry, and in Worthy Ways, the reference guide to policies
and guidelines.
Access to the Kenworthy School Classrooms and Offices
Students and parents enter and leave The Kenworthy School through the front (North) door. For safety
reasons other doors on the perimeter of campus are not in use except for evacuation emergencies.
The South side entrance is reserved for vendor deliveries, some staff parking and, for safety reasons, is
not available for parents or children.
Procedures for Release of Children
All families check in at the front desk using the Procare touch pad. Front office administrators are there
to welcome and to assist parents and children. Only an authorized person may take a child from the school.
Children are released only to individuals authorized by the parent on the Enrollment Application.
When that situation changes, parents are required to communicate to school in writing when individuals other
than parents will pick up children. These folks present photo identification at time of pick up. After being iden-
tified by the administration individuals can go to the classroom to get the child, and then sign the child out using
a unique code or the parents’ usual code.
Individuals who regularly enter the school to drop off or take children from the Kenworthy School have
individual, protected codes to access entry into the school building.
Kenworthy School faculty and staff may ask for photo ID at any time they have not met the parent or are
unsure of the identity of the person asking to take the child from the school.
Parents notify The Kenworthy School that an authorized person other than the parent is taking the child
from the school on any specific date.
The photo ID -Driver’s License that matches the name of persons authorized to take child from school
must be presented at the time the person takes the child from The Kenworthy School.
Legal Issues and Custody
A parent reporting a legal issue regarding custody, a parent limiting removal of a child from the school
by another parent, a parent with a restraining order, etc., must present an official copy of the documents that
support the request to the Kenworthy School before the child may attend The Kenworthy School.
Under the Influence Considerations
When a Kenworthy School Director, faculty or staff member perceives that a parent may be under the
influence and may not be able to provide safe transportation for their child, The Kenworthy School may call
local police and request their assistance. Both Law Enforcement and DFPS Child Protective Services have the
authority by law to remove a child without a parent’s permission.
An alternative to this procedure is for parents to designate a process or procedure in advance and au-
thorize the Kenworthy School to follow that procedure if a person authorized to pick up the child appears to be
under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For example, the school could be authorized to keep the child at the
school while the Kenworthy School calls another person authorized to pick up child.
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July 8, 2019 27
Show and Tell and Sharing
In preschool a book or an item brought from home can be an important addition to a lesson and an op-
portunity for the child to build language and social skills during the sharing of the item. Sharing of personal
items and books can enhance Kenworthy curriculum. Treasures brought from home must have the child’s first
name and last initial clearly marked. Students may not bring toys, books, or replicas of action figures, weapons,
electronic games, or toys.
A toy, blanket or a lovie brought to school sometimes helps young children build the emotional bridge
between school and home. It’s a social emotional connection to familiar, so when a child wants to bring the
bunny or blanket or back pack, teachers at The Kenworthy School say “YES!” First name and last initial on
everything please!
Personal Items
Children at The Kenworthy School are encouraged to bring books and items related to classroom
activities to share with classmates. Parents and students are encouraged to write the child’s name on all items
brought to school, and The Kenworthy School pledges a best effort in keeping the item damage free and re-
turned. However, no guarantee that these items come home in the same condition as before.
Students at The Kenworthy School may not bring toys, back packs, or clothing that include superhero
motifs such as power rangers, ninjas, etc., or any character that communicates aggression and fighting as a
primary means for solving problems. The Kenworthy School discourages sharing of Disney theme books,
costumes, etc. The Kenworthy School discourages super hero clothing and all Disney “stuff.”
Preschool children may not bring electronic games, toys, ipads, or a listening device to school.
“Blankies and Lovies”
Children may bring “blankies,” “cuddlies,” and other “lovies” that give comfort and security during the
day and especially at nap time. Items are always marked with the child’s first name and last initial. All blank-
ies and lovies are washed in the school laundry unless the parent makes plans with the teacher to take the items
home at least weekly.
Infants in Beginner 1 classes may provide sleep sacques. Children younger than 12 months may not
have blankets in the classroom.
This guideline is a hygiene consideration and helps minimize the spread of germs from items not washed
regularly. The Kenworthy School partners with parents to supply sheets, blankies, and security toys lightening
the load for the morning drop off.
Gum
Students and adults at The Kenworthy School do not chew gum while on campus or at school related
activities. Please dispose of gum in a trash or garbage can before joining classmates in a classroom. School
treats and birthday party favors may not include gum.
Transportation
The Kenworthy School does not transport children.
Field Trips
The Kenworthy School may schedule outings that include parents and children.
The Kenworthy School may invite guests to bring special experiences and events to the school.
The Kenworthy School does not include Field Trips for children as part of the school program.
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July 8, 2019 28
Water Play
The Kenworthy School may include hose and splash play activities on the playground appropriate to
the developmental level of the participants and to the season and weather.
The Kenworthy School does not include swimming pool, lake or other body of water events.
Animals
The Kenworthy School does not permit permanent live animals on campus as part of a permanent sit-
uation. This guideline supports the goal of health for allergy prone children and adults.
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July 8, 2019 29
STUDENT HEALTH & SAFETY Incidents and Accidents
Bumps, scrapes, and bruises occur as children grow, learn, and play. At The Kenworthy School faculty
and staff members are diligent in their watchfulness to help children avoid accidents. When those regrettable
“spills” occur, a written record is made of the incident, and parents are asked to read and sign the incident re-
port. The Communications Coordinator posts a message on the parent Procare sign-out page when there is an
Incident Report.
The teacher or staff member present when the incident happened is available to discuss the situation. If
the child’s injury appears to need medical attention, a parent is contacted immediately, and in emergency situa-
tions, medical services are immediately obtained.
When a child at The Kenworthy School has an accident or minor injury that does not require outside
medical attention, the Kenworthy School uses first aid as appropriate to care for the child. TLC and magic
band-aids are abundant at the school, and often may calm the child.
When the injury is the result of interactions between children, professionals at the Kenworthy School are
most willing to describe the interaction on the Incident Report, (some details are included on the Incident Re-
port), however in the best interest of all children, the Kenworthy School doesn’t include information about the
other child involved in the incident.
Student Illness and Exclusion Criteria
At The Kenworthy School, educators understand the demands made on the time, energy, and resources
of families. To ensure the safety and comfort of all participants in the community, guidelines are in place that
may provide each child a safe and appropriate school.
Please know that when a child shows signs of illness, with an oral temperature above 101 degrees F ac-
companied by behavioral changes or other signs or symptoms of illness, an armpit temperature above 100 de-
grees accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or symptoms of illness or signs of possible significant
illness such as lethargy, abnormal breathing, more than one episode of diarrhea or vomiting, the parent is noti-
fied according to prearranged preference either by phone call, email, or text, and is required to take the child
from the Kenworthy School.
The child may return to The Kenworthy School when fever free without medication for 24 hours or
with a statement from a health care provider that it is safe for the child to return to school.
The Kenworthy School guidelines state that children may not attend school when the child is signifi-
cantly uncomfortable or lethargic, or when the illness or injury may prevent the child from participating com-
fortably in school activities including outdoor play; or when the illness results in a greater need for care than
The Kenworthy School can provide without compromising the health, safety and supervision of other chil-
dren.
Some, not all, conditions where children are excluded from school: armpit temperature of above 100
degrees accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or symptoms of illness; symptoms and signs of possi-
ble illness such as lethargy, abnormal breathing, diarrhea, two or more vomiting episodes in 24 hours, rash
with fever, mouth sores with drooling, behavior changes, or other signs that the child may be ill; or when a
health-care professional has diagnosed the child with a communicable disease, and the child does not have
medical documentation to indicate that the child is no longer contagious.
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July 8, 2019 30
Health Check
Throughout the day teachers are vigilant in observing children’s behavior, energy level, participation,
and self-report as a part of a visual and interactive assessment of each child’s health. This is an important re-
sponsibility in noticing signs or symptoms of illness and injury based on changes in the child’s behavior when it
is different from “typical.”
Anytime a difference is noticed, a faculty or staff member conducts a health check.
Faculty and staff can ask for assistance from a Director.
The person conducting the health check observes for
If the child can talk, the child is asked questions about how he/she feels.
The Kenworthy faculty and staff assess for:
Difficulty Breathing Severe coughing
Discharge from nose or eyes Changes in skin color
Bruising or swelling Cutes, sores, rashes.
Check (cheek, forehead or neck to see if child is unusually warm or cold or clammy)
Use thermometer to check temperature
Document the health check on the Kenworthy School Health Check form noting any changes in behav-
ior or appearance. For children under 2, the health check can be documented on the daily report sheet and for
children older than 2, the Kenworthy School Health Check form is used.
The Kenworthy School can communicate with parents about the Health Check and about observed
changes in appearance or
Sleep Toileting habits
Eating and drinking Mood and behavior
When a child is ill at The Kenworthy School, or when a Health Check suggests the child has signs of
illness, the teacher or teacher assistant notifies the office and parents are notified to take the child from the
school, we separate the child from classmates, and place the child in the clinic with supervision and care until
the parents arrives at the center to take the child.
Additionally, the faculty and staff provide extra attention to hand-washing and sanitation and redoubles
efforts if the child has diarrhea or vomiting, mucous etc...
If critical illness or injury requires immediate attention of a physician, The Kenworthy School will con-
tact emergency medical services or intervene and provide child first-aid treatment or CPR when needed; and
immediately contact the child’s parent.
Once the child is in the clinic and in the care of alternative supervision, the teacher or assistant teacher
returns to the classroom to continue the day’s activities.
The child may return to school when fever free without medication for 24 hours, and when a health-care
professional declares in writing that the child is healthy and may return to school.
When We Suspect a Communicable Disease
The child with symptoms stays in the Kenworthy Clinic and is supervised until parent or other person
designated as an emergency contact person takes the child from the school.
The Kenworthy School immediately informs parents so that medical advice can be obtained.
In the best interest of all children and adults at The Kenworthy School, the school adheres to the exclu-
sion and readmission requirements of the Department of Health and DFPS Department of Childcare Licensing.
The faculty and staff of the Kenworthy School observe the appearance and behavior of exposed children
and are alert to the onset of disease.
WORTHY WAYS
July 8, 2019 31
The Kenworthy School suggests pregnant women avoid contact with individuals suspected of having
chickenpox, cytomegalovirus, fifth disease, influenza, measles and rubella. Seek medical advice if exposure oc-
curs.
In addition to the conditions described here, the following symptoms might indicate an infectious condi-
tion; consider excluding or isolating the child:
Irritability in combination with another symptom
Crying that doesn’t stop with usual comforting
Difficulty breathing
Extreme sleepiness
Vomiting two + times in 24 hours
Mouth sores
Two episodes of diarrhea in 24 hours
Lice
Where there are children and heads of hair and hats and helmets and older siblings’ lice sometimes come
in The Kenworthy front door.
When Kenworthy Faculty and Staff suspect a child may have lice, the parent is notified, the child is iso-
lated in the clinic, and the parents are required to take the child out of the school. Readmission is dependent on
evidence from a professional and documentation that the child is free of lice.
The Kenworthy School notifies families through Procare within 48 hours when a outbreak of lice or
other infestation in the class has been confirmed. The classroom is cleaned and a protocol for lice removal is
followed. Information about lice is found at https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/index.html
Procedures for Dispensing Medication
Prescription medication as well as over the counter medication may be administered to children during
the school day by the Administration. Forms authorizing administration of medication are available from a di-
rector or at www.kenworthyschool.com “Parent Portal.”
• Parents “sign-in” the medication with a director
• Parents complete the Authorization for Medication Form (DFPS 7238) for dispensing of medication
o Medication must be in the original container with the child’s name on the medication
o The date of prescription must be on the medication
o The date of prescription must be on the authorizing form.
• “Over the counter” medication can be administered by the administration
o "Over the counter" medications must be in the original container
o “Over the counter” medication must be marked with the child's name
o Parents complete form DFPS 7255 for “over the counter” medication
• Both DFPS 7238 and 7255 are available at the Parent Portal or from a director.
• The Kenworthy School only administers the medication to the child named on the label and only ad-
ministers medication if the name of the medication is on the label.
• Medication will not be administered after the expiration date.
A Director or a trained member of the Admin team administers all medication, breathing treatments
and specialized individual care other than diapering and sunscreen medication.
All medications are kept in the clinic and are administered by the Administration. Children may not
have prescription or “over the counter” medications in their backpack or in their possession on campus at The
Kenworthy School. For the safety of all children all medications need to be “signed in” at the office and dis-
pensed by the director or a member of the administration.
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July 8, 2019 32
The Kenworthy School Authorization to Administer Medication to a Child must be completed by the
Parent and signed and dated. The form is retained by the school and must be updated and reauthorized on a
weekly basis when a child is on an extended regimen. The Authorization to administer medication expires on
the first anniversary of the date the authorization is provided or when the label on the medication is in the past.
Parents may provide a “standing” authorization to administer certain medications on “as needed” basis;
however, parents are notified before the medication is administered to provide immediate authorization.
In certain exceptional situation a parent may authorize The Kenworthy School by telephone to
administer a single dose of a medication. When The Kenworthy School accepts the responsibility to administer
medicine in advance of a signed authorization, parents agree to complete the signed authorization on arrival at
The Kenworthy School.
The Kenworthy School does not administer medication in excess of the label’s medication dosage or
frequency of dosage.
In an emergency situation where a child’s life and/or physical safety is in danger, The Kenworthy
School may administer an unauthorized medication according to prescribed, directed and intended use to a child
to prevent the serious illness or injury to that child.
Parking and the Safety of Our Kenworthy Kids
All members of The Kenworthy School community are expected to model safety, kindness, courtesy,
and consideration for all children and for one another when arriving and departing The Kenworthy School prop-
erty.
Please drive slowly and carefully when entering The Kenworthy School Parking lot.
Please leave the handicapped parking spots for those with the handicap cards! This courtesy and respect
are important lessons for our children.
Parents must keep children with them at all times on the parking areas and driveways of The Kenwor-
thy School. Children may not run ahead of parents when exiting; students may not stand behind parked vehicles
or cut between parked vehicles when exiting.
Parents are encouraged to visit with one another at the front entry near the stairs and to avoid visiting on
the parking lot as it may leave our Kenworthy Kids at risk. In the event that a spontaneous conversation is nec-
essary parents are required to hold the child’s hand or place the child in their car seats during such conversa-
tions. Faculty or staff members in the area may intervene if students are not with parents.
Students may not open a door or leave the building without an adult.
Parents entering the parking lot avoid stopping on the entry ramp to wait for a parking place. Stopping
near the entrance to the drive can leave cars behind in a traffic lane vulnerable to collision. Pull onto the school
property if at all possible while you await a parking spot.
Please make certain to come to a complete stop at the intersection of 28th and Brinkman regard-
less of the direction you are going. You want to avoid the possibility of a citation. Our helpful law enforce-
ment authorities frequently monitor the intersection of 28th and Brinkman for folks who “roll” through the stop
sign. Be certain to come to a complete stop, count a few seconds off before pulling into the intersection. You
are safer. And your life is easier because you won’t have a ticket to pay.
Time, energy, and resources are invested in the appearance of property and for the safety of our children.
Please do not park in areas marked no parking, on grassy areas, or in the fire lane. Please do not drive the wrong
way in the traffic lane.
Please have children bring remnants of food or drink into the building to discard and help them learn
how to appropriately discard trash and debris.
Remember never to leave a child, a computer, briefcase, or handbag unattended/visible in a vehicle.
Always lock your car door.
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July 8, 2019 33
Firearms and Other Weapons
(DFPS Chapter §746.3707. Subchapter S, Safety Practices Division 1, Safety Precautions)
The Kenworthy School under the requirements for safety of children is a no firearm campus.
Law enforcement officials who are trained and certified to carry a firearm on duty may have firearms or
ammunition on the premises of The Kenworthy School.
All toys that represent guns or firearms of any kind as well as toys that that explode or that shoot things,
such as caps, BB guns, darts, or fireworks, are prohibited as toys for children at The Kenworthy School. As are
all facsimiles of guns, knives, swords, bows and arrows.
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July 8, 2019 34
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND PLANS Fire and Tornado Drills
At least once each month, The Kenworthy School evacuates the building during a fire drill. Children are
taught to follow designated evacuation routes and to exit the buildings quickly and safely and to stay with their
class once outside of the building. Infants are evacuated in cribs. A record of these fire drills is posted in the
entry hall. A record of these evacuations is posted on the Information Board in the entry.
The Kenworthy School prepares for evacuation by using designated evacuation routes to leave the build-
ing and move toward the HISD School by the North and South sidewalks along 27th and 28th Street. Children
who do not walk are evacuated in cribs. Canvas wagons may be used to evacuate children who need assistance
moving quickly.
Extra Kenworthy personnel, floaters, kitchen and janitorial personnel, housekeepers, and administration
are assigned to move quickly to specific classrooms to assist with children who need assistance evacuating
quickly.
The Kenworthy School is equipped with local weather emergency alerts. Students practice evacuation
to a safe area of the school during regular severe weather drills. This training helps prepare students and teach-
ers to move quickly to the safest area of the school during dangerous weather.
If an emergency situation causes The Kenworthy School to evacuate the premises, faculty and staff will
move children to the HISD School to the East of the Kenworthy campus. Emergency contact numbers for par-
ents are included in evacuation/playground bags teachers take as they exit. Parents will be contacted via Pro-
care with information about the evacuation.
Shelter in Place
The Kenworthy School conducts a “shelter in place” drill where children move away from windows and
follow shelter in place procedures. We move to areas out of range of windows, and children sit or lie on the
ground until authorized individuals announce it is safe to leave.
Hurricane Warnings and School Closing
The Kenworthy School opens or closes with the Houston ISD emergency schedule when a hurricane is
forecasted to move into the greater Houston – Galveston coastal area.
When a hurricane comes ashore with the likelihood that this immediate area will have at least Tropical
Storm level winds, lightning, tornadoes, etc., some school schedule modifications are likely. For example, the
time of school opening or closing may be delayed or changed. If the school opens class groupings and sched-
ules may change based on the teachers’ ability to get to school.
When a hurricane comes ashore during the night, or passes the immediate area, a reasonable attempt to
open by 8:00 AM is made if Houston ISD schools open.
The School does not open with an immediate threat of a hurricane coming ashore in the coastlines
nearby. Emergency plans are in place in case the pre-hurricane weather causes tornadoes or other extreme
weather conditions. Each child’s safety is an imperative.
Information is posted at www.kenworthyschool.com when electronic communication remains available.
Information is posted to the Procare Kenworthy parent app when electronic communication remains available.
First Aid and CPR
All faculty and staff members are certified in first aid and infant child CPR. The Kenworthy School
schedules and pays for quarterly training in first aid and CPR to support faculty and staff professional develop-
ment in this area. Kenworthy administrative staff and many faculty members have official training in the use of
EPI pens.
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July 8, 2019 35
Emergency Medical Procedures
(DFPS Subchapter B, Administration and Communication Division 2, Required Notifications December 2010)
Faculty and staff trained in First Aid and Infant Child CPR attend to the child. Every effort is made to
stabilize the child and emergency service (911) is called. The Kenworthy School notifies the parents that their
child is injured or ill and the situation requires medical attention by a health care professional.
When emergency personnel attending the child recommends the child be transported, the school cooper-
ates with the medical professional recommendation.
Kenworthy School informs the parents whether EMS has transported, or whether the injury or illness
can be attended to by the parent’s healthcare profession.
If the child is ill and has a sign or symptom exclusion from the child-care center. (specified in Subchap-
ter R of this chapter relating to Health Practices) the child remains in the Kenworthy Clinic and is supervised
until a parent arrives.
Individuals who participated or witnessed the incident complete an official Incident Report and parents
sign a copy at their earliest convenience.
When medical attention is necessary
y as the result of illness or injury, The Kenworthy School notifies the DFPS Department of Licensing as
required by law. On some occasions DFPS officials contact parents for follow up information and The Kenwor-
thy School is required to provide contact information.
Other Emergency Situations
The Kenworthy School notifies the parent of less serious injuries during the day by phone, via Procare,
or when the parent picks the child up from the Kenworthy School. These less serious injuries include, but are
not limited to, minor cuts, falls, bumps, bruises, scratches, and bites that might require in school first-aid treat-
ment. An Incident Report is completed, and the parent is asked to sign the summary of the incident at their earli-
est convenience.
The Kenworthy School notifies parents of children in the Kenworthy School class in writing within 48
hours of becoming aware that a child in the school or member of the school staff has contracted a communica-
ble disease deemed notifiable by the Texas Department of State Health Services as specified in 25 TAC 97,
Subchapter A (Relating to Control of Communicable Diseases). Notification is made via a Procare email com-
munication.
The Kenworthy School notifies parents when their child has been involved in any situation that places
the child at risk. For example, a child left in an unsupervised situation; has been involved in any situation that
renders Kenworthy School unsafe, such as a fire, flood, or damage to the child-care center as a result of severe
weather.
An Incident Report is completed, and the parent is asked to sign the summary.
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July 8, 2019 36
CELEBRATIONS AND EVENTS Special School Events & Parties
Parents are encouraged to share celebrations with The Kenworthy School, and the faculty and staff co-
operate to assure an appropriate and memorable time at seasonal celebrations and for children’s birthdays.
Birthday Celebrations
Please check with the teacher and a director when planning any celebration, surprise, or party for a stu-
dent, teacher, or class. The classroom teacher or the director can provide information about the number of chil-
dren in the classroom and the best time for the celebration.
Parties and celebrations are approved in advance by a Director and placed on the school calendar to
make certain such celebrations are successful! The classroom teacher can assist parents in making this happen.
In the interest of the feelings of children and their family, when delivering party invitations to The Ken-
worthy School for distribution, all children in a class are invited. When all classmates are not invited parents
extend the invitations privately away from The Kenworthy School.
Halloween & POK Pumpkin Party
Children at The Kenworthy School may enjoy the songs, treats and in some grades the costumes associ-
ated with Halloween. Children and teachers may wear Halloween costumes, masks, or makeup that is whimsi-
cal and fun.
Costumes depicting violent, aggressive, or scary characters are not a part of The Kenworthy School
Halloween celebrations. Super heroes, spider man, ninja turtles, monsters, weapons, and other characters of
social aggression are not appropriate in a preschool setting. Our youngest learners cannot discern imaginary
from real.
Here Comes Santa Claus
The celebration of Christmas at The Kenworthy School may include a visit from Santa Claus. The
schedule for Santa’s visit is announced and parents are invited to participate.
Multicultural Celebrations
The Kenworthy School chooses diversity and encourages families to share suggestions for cultural cele-
brations that will help our children become global citizens.
Hanukkah New Year
Lunar New Year
Persian New Year
St Patrick’s Day
Mardi Gras
Go Texans Day
Spring and Egg Hunt
Mothers’ Day
Fathers’ Day
July 4th Parade
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July 8, 2019 37
Parent Happy Hours and Fun Gatherings
A Teacher sponsored trip to the zoo, or other Houston event that includes children, as well as informal
gatherings of several Kenworthy parents with children in the same classroom builds community and strengthens
our school family. While we cannot provide individual parent emails to parents who choose to organize these
gatherings, a Director can share event announcements to all parents in a particular classroom through Procare.
713.999.8028 or [email protected].
Birthday Books, Thank You Gifts & Memorial Books
Parents are invited to celebrate their child’s birthday with the gift of a birthday book to the child’s
class. On the child’s birthday the teacher reads the gift book to the class and then presents the book to the child
to place in the classroom library. A bookplate with the date and the child’s name is placed inside the book.
Parents may honor teachers, family members, make memorial gifts, or celebrate the birth of a child with
the gift of a book to the classroom library. A bookplate is added with gift books and memorial books.
Gift books are delivered to a Director, added to the classroom inventory and presented to the classroom
teacher.
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July 8, 2019 38
THE KENWORTHY SCHOOL CALENDAR 2019-2020
Key: Blue Font: POK Organized & Sponsored Events Black Font: Kenworthy Faculty Staff Sponsored Events
Red Font: School Closed
Call the School 713.999.8028
Every Friday EVERY Friday is Kenworthy School Family Spirit Day.
Faculty, staff and Kenworthy Kids wear Kenworthy Tee Shirts!
DATE EVENT
August TBD Meet the Teacher - Watch Worthy Words & KidReport for details.
August TBD Parents of Kenworthy Fall Meeting – Watch Worthy Words & KidReport for details.
August 10 Kenworthy Bazaar
August 30 Kenworthy School Closed to Reset Classrooms for 2019-2020 School Year
September 2 Kenworthy School Closed for Labor Day
September 3 Welcome! First Day 2019-2020 School Year
September 6 Grandparents Day Celebrations
September TBD Kenworthy Open House - Watch Worthy Words & KidReport for details.
October- Wednesdays Breast Cancer Awareness-Wear Pink
October Thursdays Popular Parent Series on Conscious Discipline Begins
October 25 Pumpkin Party- Wear Pumpkin Shirts and/or Orange
October 31 Halloween Classroom Celebrations & Costume Day. Friendly costumes
November 1 Begin Collecting for Kenworthy Holiday Gifts
November 1 Thankful Turkeys in Hallway
November 21 POK sponsors Thanksgiving Feast for Teachers with Take Out Baked Goods
November 22 Thanksgiving Picnic- Wear Turkey Shirts
November 27 The Kenworthy School Closes at 4:00 PM
November 28, 29 Kenworthy School is Closed for Thanksgiving Celebration
December 1 POK sponsored Winter Hallway Décor Contest Begins
December 20 Winter Parties and Polar Express Fun
December 23-27 Kenworthy School is Closed for Winter Holidays
December 31 The Kenworthy School Closes at 4:00 PM.
January 1, 2 Kenworthy School is Closed for New Year’s Celebration
February 25 Rodeo Day- Wear your Texas Rodeo Gear!
March 1 POK Spring Hallway Contest Begins- Theme: “Bugging around Kenworthy”
March 17 Mardi Gras –Wear Green, Purple & Yellow or Gold
March 15 St. Patrick’s Day- Wear Green
March 28 Parents of Kenworthy Spring Meeting
April 9 POK sponsored Egg Hunt & Classroom Celebration
April 10 Kenworthy School is Closed for Spring Holiday
April 22 POK sponsored Admin Appreciation Day
May 4 POK sponsored Summer Hallway Contest Begins- Theme TBD
May 5 Cinco De Mayo Celebrations
May 4-8 POK sponsored Teacher Appreciation Week
May 8 Mother’s Day Celebrations
May 25 Kenworthy School is Closed for Memorial Day
June 6 Parents of Kenworthy Summer Meeting
June 19 Father’s Day Celebration
July 2 4th of July Celebration & Parade – Wear Red, White & Blue
July 3 Kenworthy School is Closed for Independence Day Holiday
August TBD Meet the Teacher Watch Worthy Words & KidReport for details.
August 8 Kenwothy Bazaar
August 31 Kenworthy School is Closed for 2020-2021 Class Reset School Year
August TBD Parents of Kenworthy Fall Meeting Watch Worthy Words & KidReport for details.
APPENDIX
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July 8, 2019 39
APPENDIX ii
BITING IN THE PRESCHOOL…EVEN AT THE KENWORTHY SCHOOL OH NO! OH! Yes.
From the moment a baby is born, that precious child meets most of its needs orally. Crying signals dis-
comfort, sweet sounds of coo-ing signal comfort. It really isn’t surprising that with limited expressive language
toddlers use their mouth to explore their world. We supplement milk and nursing with purees and then toddler
food bites, so babies are learning to explore new textures and tastes. We also realize that new teeth pushing their
way out of gums can be painful, and sometimes pressure of biting helps. All behavior, including biting is a form
of attempted communication.
Chewing and biting for these youngest learners is a part of a normal development. Using their mouth
to explore their world is natural and expected. Nursing babies sometimes bite their mother! And then. Babies
bite their toys, chew and gum their own hands, clothes, the edges of their books, teethe on their rattles, and fi-
nally many bite a parent or a friend. The toys, food, the books the rattles do not feel pain and we are ok with
those biting experiences and experiments.
BUT. When that exploration, experimentation, and attempted communication includes biting a friend,
the friend suffers. Biting with sharp new teeth hurts! It hurts a lot. Sometimes it leaves a bruise or a mark. The
unfortunate consideration her is that the young biter has no ability, has not developed cognitively enough to un-
derstand pain in another person. It complicates the situation when adults interpret biting behavior as aggression.
For children three and younger it is not aggression. This child, this sweet baby brain has not hard wired to have
empathy or understanding of pain in someone else as part of their cognitive functioning. Infants and toddlers
remain “me” centered and are all about meeting their personal needs and communicating with limited commu-
nication skills.
The cultural understanding of biting by an infant or toddler is that it’s an act of aggression, and usually
in children under three, it just is not an act of aggression. Rather biting for children under three is a spontaneous
growth experiment that unfortunately causes pain and injury.
As educators our understanding of what biting most likely is does not reduce our responsibility for pre-
venting its occurrence. We use teethers, often frozen; we use pacifiers and snacks; we use distance; we use en-
gagement; we keep children busy to prevent biting in the school setting.
And yet, biting occurs in the best classroom, in the best preschools, where even the best teachers are
responsible.
At The Kenworthy School we choose to work closely with parents to reduce episodes of biting through
vigilance and consistent use of every tool available to protect children in the classroom when biting behavior
emerges. We communicate and work closely with parents of a child who is biting and we avoid asking the fam-
ily to leave; rather we partner with them to help meet the needs of their child who bites so that this phase of de-
velopment is brief.
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July 8, 2019 40
APPENDIX iii
POTTY TRAINING AT THE KENWORTHY SCHOOL Preschools and day care situation often have rules and guidelines about class placement based on a
child’s no longer needing diapers and his or her ability to use the bathroom independently. The Kenworthy
School uses cognitive and social-emotional markers as well as chronological age to determine class placement.
The Kenworthy School is a willing partner in the potty-training cycle once parents and teachers agree
that the child is physiologically and cognitively ready to participate in the process successfully.
Parents are usually eager to engage their child in potty training, and because The Kenworthy School has
the child more waking hours than parents do, The Kenworthy School faculty and staff become essential partners
in the process. Motivation for potty training is obvious: diapers are expensive, bulky, somewhat of a hassle;
some parents associate early potty training as an indication of higher intelligence (certainly no research or expe-
rience supports this), and as children develop, they are sometimes less cooperative to the diapering routine.
Successful Potty Training is dependent on a number of considerations and differentiating between
training the parent and actually potty training the child is essential to this success.
Currently much is written about potty training out in the internet world, on line blogs, articles. There are
several trending books on Potty Training suggesting “easy” methods and magical solutions. The “If you just
“1.,2., 3,” approaches are abundant. Many are based on the opinion of one parent’s experience training one or
two children in a home situation and is essentially based on opinion. Little is known about the transference of
the child’s success into group settings or other social situations.
Educators at The Kenworthy School use research and experience to guide the design of the Potty-Train-
ing process, and, yes, it often differs from what is trending on line. The approach here is based on what we
know about child development, both physical and emotional, expressive and receptive language, the child’s
physiological ability to manage elimination, and the apparent willingness of the child to participate.
Once the teacher and parent are aware and agree that a child has the physiological ability to talk about
and to control and manage the release of poo and pee, the child is much more likely to be successful in transi-
tioning from diapers to going potty. Paralleling what Conscious Discipline teaches us about cooperation and
the evolution of behavior change, connection, a prelude to cooperation, happens first. Routine is an important
next step. Observation of peer behavior is a strong influencer. Celebrations of success encourage repeat suc-
cesses. Punishment, scolding and sarcasm are never a part of the process, nor are rewards, stickers presents,
privileges or toys!
An advantage of potty training at school includes the daily schedule and routine. The teachers know
when children eat and or drink and we schedule bathroom breaks including the opportunity to sit on a comforta-
ble and friendly squatty potty. This is the routine part of the equation and includes the opportunity for children
to observe other children doing the same thing, a strong motivator. Generally parents agree that partnering with
the school process for potty training made the process more manageable and successful.
Additionally the conversations about using the potty. Books and literature in the classroom that support
the process of using the potty as well as normalizing the idea that “everybody poops” helps calm young children
to the experience of using a potty. This learning experience includes experiences with personal hygiene, wiping,
hand washing and flushing.
Children are usually successful with potty training when their developmental and physiological
ages are both at about 24 months. This is the developmental age consideration rather than chronological age.
The challenge at this point of development is that somewhere between 18- and 24-months old, children begin to
differentiate from their parents and “NO!” is the favorite response to any question. Children say “no” because
they can and for a variety of reasons. (That’s another discussion) Asking a 2-year-old if they “want” or “need”
to go potty usually gets a “No” response. And so begins the power struggle with a resistant toddler certain to
whine.
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July 8, 2019 41
Potty training at The Kenworthy School avoids this by having scheduled trips to the potty for the class.
“Time for boys to go potty.” “Time for girls to get a drink.” Choices help make cooperation about trips to the
potty more likely. “You can go to the potty now, or you can go after Hadley goes. Which is best for you?”
These approaches reduce the likelihood that kids will engage in the typical power struggle of a two-year-old.
Knowing when to start potty training is the most important consideration of the entire process regard-
less of what else we know about potty training. Beginning too early prolongs the process, frustrates the child
and parent, and usually leads to blame about why the attempt failed. None of which are helpful.
Consider the following before deciding to engage a child in potty training. The guidelines are
from Janice Heard, a community pediatrician discussing common missteps parents make when they try acceler-
ated toilet training for their toddler. (Hint: A few of her “don’ts” are actually listed as “must-dos” in some three-
day methods.)
Starting Too Early
Parents sometimes swear their 18-month-old child is toilet trained, and it’s true there are exceptions, just
like we occasionally see eight-month-old babies walking—it’s very early, but it does happen,” says Heard. In
most cases, however, the parents are simply training themselves. The caregiver is just catching on to the child’s
rhythms and cues, and helping them get to the toilet on time.
That’s OK if the toddler can hold their bladder fairly well and the parent is OK with being very hands-
on about potty time for a while, but it can be a problem if you, say, leave them with the grandparents for a day
or a babysitter for an evening. Other caregivers might not be able to keep up with your system, and this can be
frustrating for everyone.
The majority of kids are two to four years of age before they can be reliably toilet trained, she says. And
yes at The Kenworthy School oopsies in the three year old and four year old classes are not unusual.
Pushing Potty Training for Poo Before Age 2
Generally, children have bladder control for months before they are physiologically able to have full
control of their bowels. One of the dangers during this potty training is that a child can become constipated
when a kid has a few negative experiences with the potty and then develops a fear of using it. If they don’t have
an option to use their diaper, they might choose to hold in their poo for days. When they do finally go, it’s pain-
ful. That reinforces the fear aspect, and it can become a vicious cycle. Remember too whether in diapers, pull-
ups or underwear, when your kid is regularly constipated and in pain, consult the doctor.
Negative Associations - Scolding, Fussing, Punishing
Using negative words for a child’s poo and pee, like “dirty” or “stinky,” is encouraged by some three-
day methods including 3 Day Potty Training by Lora Jensen, is not helpful, because it may influence self-es-
teem, and it suggests to children that something out of their body is BAD. Kids respond to loving encourage-
ment and celebration as they develop new skills. Learning they can manage elimination builds confidence rather
than a situation where a child is told something about her or him is “bad” or “dirty” or “icky”. Dr. Heard says,
“Sure, you might be able to get them to do what you want by being negative or angry about it, but that’s a fear
response.” Managing children through the use of fear is rarely a helpful long-term approach.
When kids are punished for having an accident related to elimination, the process slows, and the parent-
child connection may be compromised. Child development experts agree children should never be punished for
something they don’t have complete control over. Conscious Discipline teaches us punishment rarely works.
Successful potty training is more likely to happen when parents and teachers avoid showing displeasure, anger,
disappointment or frustration. Even facial expressions of disappointment are read by children. The “oh oops,
next time you can do this” is a more encouraging response to those missed opportunities.
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July 8, 2019 42
Night Training
Kids sometimes take longer to learn to control their bladder during the night, due to a maturational delay
in the brain. “It’s absolutely beyond their control,” says Dr. Heard. She recommends using overnight training
pants and waterproof mattress covers until the child has the physiological ability to hold their bladder during
sleep. Dr. Heard says statistics show that about 10 percent of kids still wet the bed at age eight, and that’s the
point at which we tend to intervene medically,” says Heard. Unless there is a medical problem, all kids eventu-
ally catch on to it—there’s no actual “training” that’s helpful for staying dry through the night.
Relying on Rewards
Conscious Discipline moves teachers and parents away from reward and punishment in all relationships
based on research that suggests rewards develop extrinsically motivated children. Dr. Heard’s admonishment
that rewards aren’t helpful in potty training concurs. “Children really don’t need a Smartie, cookie, M&M, or
toy for going potty,” says Dr. Heard. After all, they won’t continue receiving candies after each trip to the toilet
once training is over.” The use of rewards for a physiological behavior teaches children that extrinsic reward is
always the goal, and this replaces the experience of satisfaction that accomplishment and success elicits. Re-
wards for “going potty” is a false economy. “Rewards during potty training is not something I recommend,”
says Dr. Heard. For most kids, celebration and encouragement is reward enough.
The goal here is to teach the child to do something for themselves rather than doing something to please
mommy or daddy or doing something to gain a reward. Celebrations replace rewards at The Kenworthy School.
Confusing Parent Training with the Toddler’s Learning and Training
Parents can be so intent on getting their child trained as soon as possible that they develop a false per-
ception of their toddler’s abilities and readiness. “Parents misinterpret the fact that they can catch their child
before they pee each time and keep them out of diapers, and confuse that with actual developmental progress,”
says Heard. As a result, when parents don’t reach their toddler in time—or the little one has an accident at
grandma’s house or the babysitter’s—it can feel like a failure to both parent and child. This can and often does
delay successful potty training.
“Parents who rush the process create a situation where children have more accidents and then more
negative moments, and that’s not a good way to connect with your kid,” says Heard. Additionally educators
know that actual success at being responsible for bladder and bowel control lies with the child. Providing op-
portunity, schedule, routine, familiarity, and celebration is the path to successful Potty Training, once parent and
teacher agree that the child has the physiological and emotional capability for success. Potty Training cannot be
forced. It’s an evolution in development.
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July 8, 2019 43
POTTY TRAINING READINESS: Signs a Child May Be Ready
Parents eager to get their child out of diapers first want to determine if the child is ready. Kenworthy
classroom faculty and staff can partner with parents to make the determination that a child is ready and will,
most likely be successful The following questions can be answered by the parent and the faculty member prior
to a conference to decide when is the best time to begin potty training.
Timing is everything when it comes to potty-training success! Parents and teachers who have
been through it know that trying to force the potty on a not-quite-ready kid only prolongs the process
(and makes everyone miserable!).
It’s unlikely potty training will be successful if the family is in transition of some type. Like
moving, a new baby, travel for more than a twenty four hour time frame, or a recent change in school
setting or entering school for the first time. Parents, child and teacher will experience more success is
potty training is delayed until after these events.
IS IT TIME?
To determine if the toddler is ready to make the leap from diapers to the toilet rate the 10 signs of read-
iness:
Item # Consideration HOME SCHOOL
1. Shows interest in the toilet, potty, or underpants. YES NO YES NO
2. Shows interest when parents or friends use toilet YES NO YES NO
3. Stays dry for at least two hours YES NO YES NO
4. Poops on a predictable schedule YES NO YES NO
5. Calls attention to wet/poopy diapers and asks to be changed YES NO YES NO
6. Understands the lingo: “poop” “pee” “potty” etc. YES NO YES NO
7. Can follow a basic 2 step direction YES NO YES NO
8. Can tell parent and teacher when he/she needs to go YES NO YES NO
9. Or, has a signal that is clear to parent and teacher YES NO YES NO
10. Can sit for a few minutes on the toilet YES NO YES NO
11. Can manage clothing: pulling up pants, zip, button, etc YES NO YES NO
12. Has personal connection as part of relationship YES NO YES NO
TOTAL “YES” ANSWERS I EACH COLUMN
When at least 7 of the 12 items are “yes” by both parent and teacher, the possibility that the child will be suc-
cessful is increased and The Kenworthy School can support the teacher in engaging the child in potty training.
WORTHY WAYS
July 8, 2019 44
APPENDIX iv
DFPS REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR PRESCHOOLS This Appendix includes information that is required by Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services at www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/ to share with parents of children in Texas childcare. The Kenwor-
thy School includes the information here for your convenience and in compliance with DFPS requirements, be-
lieving it to be important information.
DFPS Child Care Minimum Standards for Child Care
The Kenworthy School is by mission statement and purpose a high-quality private school for young
children with child care wrapped around it, and as such operates licensed by and within the Minimum Standards
for Child Care Centers regulated by the Department of Families and Protective Services. A copy of the current
version of the Minimum Standards for Child Care is available in the office of the School Directors, and online
at www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/
The most recent visits and inspections by The Department of Child Care Licensing are on display on the
Parent Bulletin Board near the entrance of the school.
The telephone number of the the nearest child care licensing office is 713.940.3009. This number is
also posted near the entrance to the school as are other important telephone numbers including DFPS child
abuse hotline 800.252.5400.
The telephone number of the Poison Control Center 800.222.1222.
Reporting Abuse and Neglect F2958-0000
Texas law requires all administration, faculty and staff to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or law enforcement.
Call 1 800 252-5400 to make confidential reports. Failure to report suspected abuse or neglect is a crime. Em-
ployers are prohibited from retaliating against caregivers who make reports in good faith.
DFPS Requirement for Preventing and Responding to Abuse and Neglect of Children
DFPS child abuse hotline is 800.252.5400.
The prudent care and safety of all children is a priority requirement for children in The Kenworthy
School family with attention to the following:
Faculty and staff meet all DFPS requirements for annual training in the area of abuse and neglect of
children. At least one clock hour of the annual training hours focuses on prevention, recognition, and reporting
of child abuse and neglect, including: (1) factors indicating a child is at risk for abuse or neglect; (2) warning
signs indicating a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect; (3) procedures for reporting child abuse or neglect;
and (4) community organizations that have training programs available to child-care center staff members, chil-
dren, and parents.
Because The Kenworthy School provides education and care for children younger than 24 months of
age, one clock hour of the annual training hours covers the following topics: (1) recognizing and preventing
shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma; (2) understanding and using safe sleep practices and prevent-
ing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS); and (3) understanding early childhood brain development.
Additionally The Kenworthy School coordinates with community organization through communica-
tion and support regarding methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of prevention techniques for
child abuse and neglect including resources available through DFPS professionals and programs. Raising chil-
dren is not easy and occasionally even the best of parents appreciate support and help.
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July 8, 2019 45
The Kenworthy School provides seminars for parents and ongoing information through our
Conscious Discipline Curriculum that support parents in developing skills to provide alternatives to shaming,
intimidating, threatening and more aggressive interactions that may occur when parents or others involved
in the child’s life become tired, frustrated and out of resources for dealing with difficult children.
Finally, The Kenworthy School partners with parents of a child who may be a victim of abuse or ne-
glect to find assistance and intervention outside The Kenworthy School. All conversations about the potential
or concern about child abuse and/or neglect are confidential and only those professionals who must be notified
(DFPS and Abuse Hotline 800.252.5400) are included in the sharing of information.
PROTECTING CHILDREN
Shaken Baby Syndrome is the result of violently shaking young children. Injuries can include brain
swelling and damage, subdural hemorrhaging, mental retardation and death. NEVER SHAKE A BABY!
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS is the unexplained death of a sleeping baby. Infants are al-
ways placed on their backs on a firm surface, free from soft items such as quilts, pillows or toys.
Unsafe Children’s Products
Recalls of unsafe consumer products, including children’s products, are available and posted on the Par-
ent Information Board near the entrance to the school. Another option for this information is easy and free; go
to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission web site at www.cpsc.gov or you may access the
recall information at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services web site at www.dfps.state.tx.us.
We posted a link at The Parent Portal www.kenworthyschool.com
Keeping Children Healthy
Directors, faculty and staff work together to protect children from illness and disease with the following guide-
lines:
Faculty and Staff wash hands and children’s hands often
The Kenworthy School requires that all children are current with immunization
Children with illness may not attend school
All Kenworthy faculty and staff have current First Aid and Infant Child CPR Certification
Classrooms, hallways and the playground includes opportunities for children to drink water
Kenworthy faculty and staff partner with parents to provide special care within limitation of the school
as needed.
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July 8, 2019 46
GANG FREE ZONE According to the Texas Penal code any area within 1000 feet of a preschool child care center is a gang-
free zone, where criminal offenses related to organized criminal activity are subject to harsher penalty.
This information is posted near the front entrance of the school near the Parent Information Board. (Require-
ments Regarding Gang-Free Zones for Child Care Centers Child Care Licensing/ DFPS 8/31/2009)
As a result of House Bill 2086 that passed during the 81st Legislature, Regular Session, Chapter 42 of
the Human Resource Code includes section 42.064, effective September 1, 2009. This new statute requires that
information about gang-free zones be distributed to parents and guardians of children in care at licensed child
care centers. The following is a tip sheet to assist in complying with the new law.
What is a gang-free zone?
A gang-free zone is a designated area around a specific location where prohibited gang related activity is
subject to increased penalty under Texas law. The specific locations include day care centers. The gang-fee
zone is within 1000 feet of a child care center. For more information about what constitutes a gang-free zone,
please consult sections 71.028 and 71.029 of the Texas Penal Code.
How do parents know where the gang-free zone ends?
The area that falls within a gang-free zone can vary depending on the type of location. The local munici-
pal or county engineer may produce and update maps for the purposes of prosecution. Parents may contact their
local municipality or courthouse for information about obtaining a copy of a map if they choose to do so.
What is the purpose of gang-free zones?
Similar to the motivation behind establishing drug-free zones, the purpose of gang-free zones is to deter
certain types of criminal activity in areas where children gather by enforcing tougher penalties.
What does this mean for my child’s school?
A child care center must inform parents or guardians of children attending the center about the new
gang-free zone designation. This means parents or guardians need to be informed that certain gang-related crim-
inal activity or engaging in organized criminal activity within 1000 feet of a center is a violation of this law and
is therefore subject to increased penalty under state law.
When do I have to comply with the new requirements?
The law is already in effect, so preschools and child care centers should begin sharing information re-
garding gang-free zones immediately. For further information please contact your licensing representative or
your local licensing office.
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July 8, 2019 47
DFPS REQUIREMENT FOR CENTER SPECIFIC INFORMATION
AVAILABLE TO PARENTS J 800-2957
Parents of a child enrolled in The Kenworthy School are entitled to the following information. Parents
may ask the director to show you the most recent copy of
• The Minimum Standards for this DFPS Licensed Center (also available on the web at
www.dfps.state.tx.us or at your local Licensing office),
• The most recent Department of Family and Protective Services Inspection / Investigation Report, (com-
pliance information is also available on the web at www. dfps.state.tx.us or from your local Licensing
office),
• Documentation of liability insurance that complies with Human Resources Code, Section 42.049,
• The most recent Fire Marshal's Inspection Report,
• The most recent Health Department's Sanitation Inspection Report,
• The most recent Gas Pipe Inspection Report, and
• This preschool’s operational policies. Worthy Ways
CLASS AGE GROUP, SIZES AND RATIOS
The quality of instruction, attention to the individual needs of each child, and the energy and ability of
the teacher correlate directly with the quality of the preschool learning culture. Managing class sizes so that the
teachers can reasonably plan, present and manage the activities of the day is foundational to The Kenworthy
School culture.
The classroom adult to child ratios at The Kenworthy School meet or exceed the ratios required by
DFPS Department of childcare licensing. Add to that four enrichment teachers who are in and out of class-
rooms every day as well as “floats” who help with breaks and substitute when classroom teachers enjoy vaca-
tions or deal with family situations. Our Kenworthy Kids are always in classroom settings that are safe and
staffed within required ratios.
Class
Designation
Age of Children on
September 1
DFPS Ratio
1 Teacher
DFPS Ratio Max
2 Teachers
Kenworthy
Ratio Max
2 Teachers
Beginner 1 6 weeks – 11 Months 1:4 2:10 2:10
Beginner 2 12 – 17 Months 1:5 2:13 2:13
Beginner 3 18-24 Months 1:9 2:18 2:14
Primary 24 Months 1:11 2:22 2:17
Prek 3 3 or 36 Months 1:15 2:30 2:18
Prek 4 4 or 48 Months 1:18 2:35 2:20
Kindergarten 5 or 60 Months 1:22 2:35 2:20
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July 8, 2019 48
Sleep Policy and Guidelines DFPS Form 2550 Children 6 Weeks to 12 Months
Minimum standards §746.501(9) and §747.501(6) for the safe sleep policy.
Directions: Parents review this policy upon enrolling their infant at The Kenworthy School, and this copy of
the policy is provided in the parent handbook. Parents can review information on safe sleep and reducing the
risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome/Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS/SUIDS)
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-
Sleep.aspx
All staff, substitute staff, and volunteers at The Kenworthy School will follow these safe sleep recommendations
of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for infants to re-
duce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome/Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS/SUIDS):
• Always put infants to sleep on their backs unless you provide an Infant Sleep Exception form 2710 signed by the in-
fant's health care professional [§746.2427 and §747.2327].
• Place infants on a firm mattress, with a tight fitting sheet, in a crib that meets the CPSC federal requirements for full
size cribs and for non-full size cribs [§746.2409 and §747.2309].
• For infants who are younger than 12 months of age, cribs should be bare except for a tight fitting sheet and a mattress
cover or protector. Items that should not be placed in a crib include: soft or loose bedding, such as blankets,
quilts, or comforters; pillows; stuffed toys/animals; soft objects; bumper pads; liners; or sleep positioning de-
vices [§746.2415 and §747.2315]. Also, infants must not have their heads, faces, or cribs covered at any time by
items such as blankets, linens, or clothing [§746.2429 and §747.2329].
• Do not use sleep positioning devices, such as wedges or infant positioners. The AAP has found no evidence that these
devices are safe. Their use may increase the risk of suffocation [§746.2415 and §747.2315].
• Ensure that sleeping areas are ventilated and at a temperature that is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult
[§746.3407(10) and §747.3203(10)].
• If an infant needs extra warmth, use sleep clothing (insert type of sleep clothing that will be used, such as sleepers or
footed pajamas) as an alternative to blankets [§746.2415 and 747.2315].
• Place only one infant in a crib to sleep [§746.2405 and §747.2305].
• Infants may use a pacifier during sleep. But the pacifier must not be attached to a stuffed animal or the infant’s clothing
by a string, cord, or other attaching mechanism that might be a suffocation or strangulation risk [§746.2415 and
§747.2315].
• If the infant falls asleep in a restrictive device other than a crib (such as a bouncy chair or swing, or arrives to care
asleep in a car seat), move the infant to a crib immediately, unless you provide an Infant Sleep Exception form
2710 signed by the infant's health care professional [§746.2426 and §747.2326].
• Our child care program is smoke-free. Smoking is not allowed in Texas child care operations (this includes e-cigarettes
and any type of vaporizers) [§746.3703(d) and §747.3503(d)].
• Actively observe sleeping infants by sight and sound [§746.2403 and §747.2303].
• If an infant is able to roll back and forth from front to back, place the infant on the infant's back for sleep and allow the
infant to assume a preferred sleep position [§746.2427 and §747.2327].
• Awake infants will have supervised “tummy time” several times daily. This will help them strengthen their muscles and
develop normally [§746.2427 and §747.2327]
• Do not swaddle an infant for sleep or rest unless you provide an Infant Sleep Exception form 2710 signed by
the infant’s health care professional [§746.2428 and §747.2328].
AFFIRMATION OF UNDERSTANDING OF SAFE SLEEP GUIDELINES
Child’s Name Date of Birth
I reviewed the Safe Sleep Policy Parent Signature Date
WORTHY WAYS
July 8, 2019 49
INFANT-SLEEP EXCEPTION
HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONAL RECOMMENDATION
Purpose: When a health-care professional determines that it is medically necessary for an infant to sleep in an alternative position
(other than sleeping on the infant's back), sleep in a restrictive device (such as a bouncer seat, elevated device, or swing), or needs to
be swaddled to sleep, use this form to ensure that a licensed child-care center, licensed child-care home, or registered child-care home
that cares for the infant meets the minimum standards required by Texas Human Resources Code §42.042(e)(8).
The standards for these operations require the operation to:
• follow the directions of an infant's health-care professional to provide specialized medical assistance to the infant; and maintain,
while active, this form and any other directions from the health-care professional that the parent provides to the operation [See
§746.603(a)(10) or §747.603(a)(9)].
• Keep the exception form in the infant's classroom, so that a caregiver may refer to the health-care professional's instruc-
tions.
INFANT'S INFORMATION
Infant’s Name:
Infant’s Date of Birth:
Infant’s Age:
Parent/Guardian's Name:
Address:
Home Phone: Work Phone:
Fax: Email:
Directions: This exception will not be effective until all sections and signatures are complete. Once completed the excep-
tion is acceptable for use by the child-care operation.
The infant's health-care professional must complete the following section.
WAIVER OF LIABILITY
• I affirm and acknowledge that the below-named child-care operation has provided me with the operation's safe sleep
policy.
• I further authorize the child-care operation and its caregivers to place my infant in an alternative-sleep position, re-
strictive device, or swaddling at the recommendation of my infant's health-care professional, as described above.
• I, as the parent or guardian of the above mentioned infant, release and hold harmless the below-named child-care op-
eration, its officers, directors, caregivers, and employees from any and all liability whatsoever associated with harm
to my infant due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Parent or Guardian’s Signature: Date Signed:
CHILD-CARE OPERATION INFORMATION AND SIGNATURE
Name of Child-Care Operation:
The Kenworthy School
Operation Number:
1664119
Operation Representative's Signature:
Date Signed:
The Ken
WORTHY WAYS
July 8, 2019 50
APPENDIX v PARENT AFFIRMATION OF NOTIFICATIONS, UNDERSTANDINGS AND POLICY AGREEMENT
with written Kenworthy School Guidelines and Policies as described in Worthy Ways
Please sign, date and return to a Kenworthy School Director before your child attends The Kenworthy School. You are acknowledg-
ing that you have read, understand, and agree to cooperate with guidelines in “Worthy Ways”. You are acknowledging that you have
read and understand the Kenworthy Operational Policies as required for your information by DFPS as follows.
Operational Policies of The Kenworthy School and Policies and Requirements of DFPS.
Parent
Initial Subject Description Page
Policies for Discipline & Guidance Conscious Discipline 18-20
Procedures for suspension and exclusion
When the school is not a safe match for the child
or when parents do not support school polices. 29
Emergency Plans Fire, Weather, Shelter in Place
32,
34-35
Procedures for health checks Recognizing early signs of illness
4,15
29-30
Safe sleep guidelines DFPS Form 2550
44
48-49
Procedures for conferences with the Director Call 713.818.8286
Procedures for parent participation Parents are Welcome
3-6
23
Procedures for release of children Release to authorized individuals with ID 26
Illness and exclusion criteria Fever free without meds for 24 hours 29
Procedures for dispensing medication Forms 7238 & 7255 31
Immunization requirements Kenworthy requires current immunizations 1, 10
Meal and Food service practices Lunch and two nutritious snacks 1,14
Procedure to visit school without prior approval Parents/grandparents always welcome 4
Procedures to contact Child Care Licensing 409.730.2419 or 713.940.3009
Contact DFPS www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/
Access to DFPS website https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/
Access to Child Abuse hotline 800 252-5400
I have read, understand, and agree to cooperate with guidelines and policies in “Worthy Ways”. I agree to support The Ken-
worthy School Community, and I agree to bring concerns, and questions to directors and owners in a spirit of kindness, re-
spect, communication and problem solving.
Parent 1 Signature Date
Parent 2 Signature Dates
WORTHY WAYS
July 8, 2019 51
APPENDIX vi
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ATTENDANCE AT THE KENWORTHY SCHOOL
Download Required Forms and Documents at www.kenworthyschool.com Parent Portal
Before children who are enrolled can attend The Kenworthy School, the school must have:
Application for Enrollment – Electronic Form – Complete submit electronically
Child and Family Information DFPS Form 2935 Available at Parent Portal
Affirmation of Receipt of Worthy Ways (School Policies) & Agreement with Policies of The
Kenworthy School
Signed Behavior Management Guideline Acknowledgment.
Copy of Parents’ driver’s license
Child’s Birth Certificate (copy or original)
Recent Statement of the Child’s Good Health from a Health-care Professional
Current Immunizations Records from a Health Care Professional
Hearing and Vision Screening Results (children three and older)
Medication Administration Records when applicable
A copy of any health-care professional recommendations or orders for specialized medical as-
sistance to the child
A copy of health care professional statement of allergies and emergency procedure for allergic
reaction.
PARENTS OF CHILDREN SIX WEEKS TO 11 MONTHS
Signed Safe Sleep Document or Exception Document
SIDS Document (parents of infants six weeks to eleven months)
Immunizations
Documentation of the child’s immunizations must be current at all times as required by the State of
Texas. For additional information please visit http://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/school/child-care-require-
ments.gov or http://www.dshs.texas.gov
Hearing and Vision Screening (3, 4, 5 Year Olds)
A record from the child’s health care professional documenting vision and hearing screening must be on
file at The Kenworthy School for children four and older. A signed and dated statement from the health care
professional that such screening is not necessary meets this requirement.
PRIVACY STATEMENT from DFPS
DFPS values your privacy. For more information, read DFPS privacy policy at:
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/policies/privacy.asp
WORTHY WAYS
July 8, 2019 52
APPENDIX vii
NOTES AND REMINDERS