11. Slow Start

• Created 8/01
• Reviewed 8/15
• Approved by Policy Council September 28, 2001

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Policy

To provide opportunities for children and families to learn structure, routine, rules and expectations while visiting the classroom in a typical day atmosphere and social with a portion of their classmates.

Policy complies with Performance Standards: 1304.20(b)(1), 1304.20(e)(4), 1304.21, 1304.40(e)

Procedure

1. Slow Start
   1. Traditional part-day programs will schedule Slow Start for one week. One-half of the students will alternate with the second half on designated days. Parent/guardians will attend on the first day with the child.
   2. Transportation will not be provided during slow start.
2. Slow Start Student Rotation
   1. Using a student roster, Family Advocates/CFDS will decide which children and parents/guardians will come on which day. The date will be written on the Parent Involvement form and will be given to the family by staff at the Welcome Home Visit.
   2. As a reminder, staff will notify parents, the day before their scheduled Slow Start Day with the time and location.
3. Lesson Plans
   1. Teachers/CFDS are to develop lesson plans for Slow Start that are as close to a typical day as possible. Teachers/CFDS are to plan activities, which cover all domains of the curriculum.
   2. Teachers/CFDS are to orient students to classroom routine and will introduce and talk about the expectations and activities in each area.
   3. These plans will be submitted one week prior to the beginning of Slow Start to the Area Manager.