Early Childhood

Early Childhood Resources for the NLSA Self Study

Use the following to help formulate policies and procedures for your center. Use “as is” or adapt to meet the needs of your early childhood center or preschool. The blue links are downloads included for your reference.

Many of the resources come from In His Hands (IHH). Download your free copy of In His Hands on LuthEd here.

Standard 1 – Purpose

1A – Mission and Ministry

Early Childhood Mission Statement – IHH, p. 99

1B – Philosophy

Early Childhood Mission Statement – IHH, p. 100

Standard 2 – Relationships

2A – Home / Family

Parent Handbook

2B – Congregation

Evangelism Template

48 Outreach Strategies for Pastors by Pastors

Outreach to Families – IHH, pp. 69 – 71

2B:28 – The Pastor Expands his Knowledge of Early Childhood Education

One in Christ Pastor’s Guide for Early Childhood

Standard 3 – Leadership

3A – Governing Board

Policy Manual – IHH, pp. 107 – 108

Grievance and Due Process Resolution, IHH, p. 24

Open Attendance at Board Meetings

Grievance Policy

Director’s Assessment – IHH, pp. 129 – 130

3B – Director

Job Description – IHH, pp. 125 – 127

Evaluation of Director by Staff – IHH, pp. 128 – 129

Orientation of New Employees

Staff and Child File Checklist

Standard 4 – Personnel

Orientation for New Staff – IHH, p. 135

Job Descriptions:

Teacher – IHH, pp. 136 – 139

Aide – IHH, p. 139

Custodian – IHH, p. 140

Lunch Assistant – IHH, 141 – 142

Staff Handbook

Code of Ethics   This was adapted from the Pacific Southwest District LCMS

Standard 5 – Staff/Child Interactions

Discipline Policy

Discipline Plan

Progressive Discipline Plan

Progressive Discipline Plan 2

Standard 6 – Facilities

Daily / Weekly / Monthly Cleaning Schedule

Cleaning and Sanitation Policy

Standard 7 – Wellness

7A – Health and Safety

Policy for Administering Medications – IHH, pp. 151 – 152

Administration of Medications

Communicable Disease Policy

Illness Policy

Accident/Injury Policy

No Smoking, Alcohol, Drug Policy

Disaster Plans / Evacuation 

7B – Food and Nutrition

Food Storage and Food Serving Policy

Daily / Weekly / Monthly Cleaning Schedule

Standard 8 – Curriculum

Curriculum – Curriculum for Preschool and  2-year old Programs

Curriculum – IHH, pp. 63 – 65 and pp. 155 – 157

Child Assessment

Daily Schedule – IHH, pp. 148 – 149

Standard 9 – Infant and Toddlers

Infant and Toddler Curriculum

Infant and Toddler Daily Routine

Sample Form for Communicating with Families

Assessment Checklist for Infant & Toddler Development

Diaper Changing Procedure

Sanitation Procedures

Standard 10 – Continuous Improvement

Work Environment Survey

Environment Safety Checklist, IHH, pp. 150 – 151

Parent Surveys – IHH, pp. 167 – 170

Other:

Marketing –  Marketing Your Early Childhood Program

Marketing – Engage & Communicate Through Social Media

Learning Environment — IHH, pp. 147 – 148

Staff Evaluations – IHH, pp. 172 – 175

Other Surveys –  NLSA Surveys (Parent, Teachers/Assistants, Support Staff, Director, Pastor)  Find them under “Early Childhood Accreditation School Documents”

Eight Qualities of Quality Early Childhood Centers 

Emergency Plans