Mountain States Early Head Start
Infant to Toddler Program of the Mountain States Group, Inc.

POLICIES OF INTEREST

Child Guidance

EHS maintains a no hitting, no spanking and no yelling environment for everyone working in or visiting the center. Staff are happy to discuss child guidance strategies with families as part of home visits or while at the center.

Complaints

Program staff want to know if you have a concern and always welcome suggestions from families or community members. If something is bothering you or you have an idea to share, please discuss it with your Family Consultant or the Center Manager. If the issue is not resolved, contact the Operations Manager.

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect

Early Head Start staff, consultants and all other residents of Idaho are required by law to report suspected or known incidents of child abuse and/or neglect to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Child and Family Services, who will investigate the concern. (Idaho Mandatory Reporting Law 16-1619). If a child is in immediate danger the Early Head Start employee/consultant will contact law enforcement to report the abuse or neglect.

Volunteer Declaration Regarding Sex Offender Status

MSEHS centers are licensed as child care centers and so are required to comply with Idaho Code 18-8327(1) and 18-8414(1), which makes it a felony for adult or juvenile registered sex offenders to work, volunteer, or remain on the premises of a licensed child care facility when children are present. The only exception to that rule is dropping off and picking up enrolled children who are participating in center activities.

Further, under Idaho Code 18-8327(2) and Idaho Code 18-8414(2), it is a misdemeanor for management of a licensed child care center to knowingly employ or accept volunteer services from adult or juvenile registered sex offenders when children are present.

Because of these laws, registered sex offenders are not permitted to be on the premises of Mountain States Early Head Start facilities for any reason when children are present other than to drop off or pick up their children.

We routinely ask all family members (over age 10) of enrolled children and program volunteers to complete and sign a declaration about any pending charges or past convictions related to sexual abuse. Names of family members who will likely participate in EHS activities will be checked against the Idaho Sex Offender Registry at enrollment and then annually thereafter.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping ensure the safety of children, families and staff at MSEHS.

Safety at the EHS Center

MSEHS centers are licensed as child care centers and are inspected by health district and fire department personnel. The centers hold monthly fire drills and conduct regular health and safety checks of the facility. All staff are trained annually and certified in CPR and First Aid. Upon hire, all staff undergo a criminal background check, physical exam and TB screening.