PHILOSOPHY

The Bethlehem Area School District's Child Care Centers serve as a home away from home where children can play and learn. The centers are a safe place for parents to leave children, knowing they will be well cared for and happy. The Child Care Centers are an extension of the home, not a substitute for the home. The Child Care staff see both parents and children as integral parts of the child care family.

As a program of the Bethlehem Area School District, the Child Care Program is expected to follow the guidelines as set forth in the "K-12 Student Code of Conduct." The focus is a framework for citizenship, which includes universal values, excellence, global understanding, and community service. Appropriate interpretation and application will be used for our Child Care Centers.

Each of the Centers is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Department of Public Welfare. The license confirms compliance with health and safety regulations among which include: staff/child ratio; size of age-appropriate groups; continuous supervision by qualified staff; size of indoor/outdoor space; individual center capacity; current medical information for children and staff, etc.

The School District's Child Care Program is not a baby-sitting service, but is planned by staff who know how children grow and develop. The staff are people who are interested in, and feel responsible for, seeing that the day-to-day experiences of the children take place in an environment which promotes growth and learning. The Child Care Centers are staffed by people with special training. All staff is required to have a criminal history check and child abuse clearance prior to employment. A copy of the regulations is available in every center.

The Center Supervisor is responsible for the schedule and the daily management of the center. There are differences among the centers according to the type of program offered and the facilities utilized.

The Child Care staff, like the staff of any organization dealing with children, recognizes that it is an educational force. Our staff is receiving technology training to assist children with computer activities. Each person on the staff serves as an example to the children, since children learn by observing as much as by being "taught." Parents in the home teach in this same way.

EARLY CHILDHOOD OFFICE
SPARK Early Childhood Center
3144 Linden Street
Bethlehem, PA 18017-1925

Telephone: 610-868-8501
Fax: 610-807-3610

Dr. Dean Donaher
Director of Student Services and Athletics

Cleo C. Millheim
Early Childhood Department Assistant

Theresa Lotti
Sandra Pesola
Diane White
Support Staff

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

As an equal rights and opportunities agency, the Bethlehem Area School District will not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices, based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, ancestry, or any other legally protected classification. Announcement of this policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

District employees and participants who have an inquiry or complaint or who need information about accommodations for persons with disabilities should contact Iris Cintrón, coordinator of minority affairs/state & federal projects, 1516 Sycamore Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017 (Phone 610-861-0500, ext. 3228).