Early Childhood Education thrives on family partnerships. First Circle values collaboration, open communication, and feedback to continuously improve. If concerns arise, families and staff work together to clarify policies or develop alternative strategies. If a staff member fails to follow policy, corrective action is taken. In rare cases where collaboration is unsuccessful and fundamental differences persist, First Circle supports families in finding a more suitable childcare arrangement.
How to address an issue with any aspect of your child’s care:
Communicate: As soon as possible, communicate your question or concern to your child’s teacher.
Clarify: The teacher will clarify to you the circumstances and events surrounding the particular incident and any portion of our policies that apply. You or the teacher may request to involve the director at this time. If the director determines that a policy or procedure has not been adhered to by the teacher, this will be communicated to you.
Collaborate: If there are changes that need to be made, whether it is recommendations for follow-through at home or changes to how the program is implemented for your child, we will meet to collaborate on the best way to proceed. A written plan will be created at this time. If retraining of the staff member is appropriate, a plan for this process will be created.
Implement: The plan will be implemented in the classroom and at home for a period of two weeks, unless there are clear indications that the plan needs revision before that.
Follow up: The teacher and/or director will check in with you to ensure that the plan is working for all parties.
*Should you feel that your concern would best be raised outside the classroom, or have a concern of a serious nature, please follow the following procedure:
Communicate: Communicate your concern directly to a member of the administration team as soon as possible.
Investigate: The director will then work to investigate and/or clarify the situation with the classroom teachers. If warranted, the director may choose to involve outside agencies during this part of the process. A written plan will be created at this time. If retraining of the staff member is appropriate, we’ll create a plan for this process.
Follow up: The teacher and/or director will check in with you to ensure that the plan is working for all parties.
If you feel at any time that we are not following the state guidelines, you have the right to file a complaint with the Department of Early Education and Care who will follow up directly with us.