FAQ

Attendance Policy

When a child is enrolled in the Project Help program regular attendance is recommended and expected. Attendance is important for the child's development and for the university students who are working throughout the semester with the children. Therefore, Project Help requests that enrolled children be in the program unless they are ill or out of town. If a child is to be absent, the parent is asked to please notify the office staff or teacher with the reason for the absence before class time.

MTSU very seldom closes due to weather conditions. If MTSU is open according to local media, then Project Help is also open. However, when Murfreesboro City Schools close due to icy road conditions Project Help will open at 9:30 and cancel morning classes. Teachers will then be available for class sessions for families who wish to bring their children to the center. Our first concern is always the safety of the children.

There are occasions when Project Help will be closed for unusual circumstances. Those in the past have been based on health conditions within the building or other extenuating circumstances such as funerals.

The center has also closed for a few days around existing university holidays. This type of closing gives the teachers and staff an opportunity to reorganize, plan, and prepare; as well as to take a much needed break since Project Help is in session at least 45 weeks each year.

What to Bring?

• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• At least one change of clothing
• Any special eating utensils your child may need (The center has sippy and spouted cups)

A complete change of clothing for each child needs to be kept at school. Parents are also asked to keep diapers and baby wipes supplies for their child. Diapers are usually changed once while the child is in class, unless accidents happen. If we are working on toilet training we may need more than one change of clothes. Toddlers in the preschool program have regularly scheduled changes during their extra time at Project Help

All children's belongings, including jackets, bottles, and bags must be labeled with their names.

A bin (cubbie) with the child's name on it will be provided for storing clothes and diapers. Bringing toys from home often causes conflicts, sharing problems, etc. Because of this, it is best that children not bring favorite toys. There are plenty of things at the center to entertain and create interest.

Do You Have Parent Meetings?

The staff members at Project Help meet individually with the parents of children in their classes on a regular basis. For families affiliated with TEIS, a weekly meeting of 15 minutes or monthly hour-long meeting is mandated. These meetings give everyone updated reports and the opportunity to share a variety of practical information.

When a large parent meeting is scheduled, it will be put in the monthly newsletter and posted in the Project Help buildings. These meetings are usually planned and provided by the staff and / or parents. Suggestions from parents are the impetus for having group meetings. Currently we are not able to provide childcare for parent meetings. Hopefully we will be able to at a time in the near future be able to provide care for the center's children as well as siblings on a sign up basis. All meetings are open to parents whose children are in the classroom or on the waiting list.

Are There Newsletters?

A newsletter is distributed monthly to parents of children enrolled in Project Help as well as to families on the waiting list. This helps keep parents aware of all the happenings within the Project Help program. Parents are welcome to submit ideas for the newsletter. The wishing tree desires are published in this newsletter for families to provide for the classrooms.

A community oriented newsletter is mailed to supporters and friends in Rutherford County. This Newsletter shares information about what is happening in the classroom as well as program awareness, fund raisers, and The Wishing Tree.

Center Assessments

In order to identify the needs of each child served, Project Help provides, as needed, an assessment of the individual needs in each of the following areas: cognitive, social / emotional, language / communication, gross and fine motor / physical functioning, and adaptive behaviors.

Project Help works in tandem with TEIS to assist families in accessing individual therapies as needed, including: physical, speech, and occupational therapy; nutritional planning; and visual and hearing evaluations.