Welcome

Menu

Program Policies

1. GOVERNANCE & DECISION-MAKING POLICY

Shared Decision-Making Model

AMCCS operates under a shared governance structure that ensures all major decisions involve:

  • The Governing Board

  • The Delegate Agency Policy Council (DAPC)

  • Site Policy Committees (DASPC)

  • Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)

  • Program Directors

  • Community Partners

This model ensures transparency, accountability, and family involvement in fiscal decisions, program planning, staffing, hiring, terminations, and quality improvement.

Board Responsibilities

The Board oversees:

  • Fiscal integrity

  • Program compliance

  • Strategic planning

  • Hiring and supervising key management

  • Reviewing program data and reports throughout the year

Board members attend events, trainings, and meetings to maintain ongoing communication.

2. ENROLLMENT & ELIGIBILITY POLICY

Eligibility Requirements

AMCCS prioritizes enrollment for:

  • Children ages 2 to 5

  • Children from families below the federal poverty line

  • Children living in domestic violence shelters

  • Children with cognitive, emotional, behavioral, or developmental needs

  • Children with open ACS cases (abuse/neglect)

  • Children from East Harlem, Central Harlem, and South Bronx

  • Migrant families with high need

  • “Hard-to-help, hard-to-place” children who have been in multiple programs

Waitlist Policy

  • Site II average waitlist: 39% of total slots

  • Site III average waitlist: 53% of total slots

  • Limited 2-year-old slots often create high demand

  • Waitlist families are contacted based on priority criteria, not on a first-come-first-served basis

Enrollment Completion

Families must:

  • Meet with a Family Engagement Specialist

  • Complete enrollment forms

  • Submit health & immunization records

  • Participate in home visits

  • Provide required documentation (ASQ, physical, income verification, address, etc.)

3. EDUCATION POLICY

Curriculum

AMCCS uses:

  • Creative Curriculum (primary learning framework)

  • Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG) for assessment

  • Conscious Discipline for behavior regulation and social-emotional development

  • Second Step (social-emotional curriculum)

Classroom Standards

  • Each classroom has at least two qualified teachers

  • Lead Teachers hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher

  • Toddler classrooms may include CDA-certified Teacher Associates

  • Staff complete annual trainings and 12+ hours of professional development

  • Lesson plans include:

    • Individualized outcomes

    • Social-emotional goals

    • Academic readiness (literacy, math, science, art, culture)

    • Outdoor and experiential learning

School Readiness Policy

School readiness goals align with:

  • NY State Common Core Standards

  • Early Learn Outcomes Framework

  • Head Start Performance Standards

Assessment Policy

  • Quarterly Readiness Team meetings

  • Teachers conduct ongoing observations

  • Families receive two parent-teacher conferences and two home visits each year

4. HEALTH & NUTRITION POLICY

Meal Standards

AMCCS provides:

  • Fresh, non-packaged meals

  • Nutritionist-approved menus

  • Family-style dining (children serve themselves with guidance)

  • Consistent access to fruits, vegetables, and balanced meals

Nutrition Activities

  • Monthly classroom nutrition lessons

  • Children learn taste, texture, and portion control

  • Eat Well Play Hard Champions Program

  • Cooking workshops

  • Children’s Cook-Off

  • Male Involvement Cooking Competition

  • Healthy snack preparation workshops for families

Health Requirements

Parents must submit:

  • Physical exam

  • Immunizations

  • ASQ screening

  • Updated health forms each year

5. MENTAL HEALTH POLICY

Program Philosophy

AMCCS is committed to developing strong mental health foundations through early intervention, trauma-informed practices, and ongoing family support.

Mental Health Services Include:

  • In-class observations

  • Individual behavior support plans

  • Mental health workshops for parents

  • Classroom coaching for teachers

  • Small-group social-emotional sessions

  • Referrals to external mental health providers

  • Support navigating behavioral concerns and evaluation processes

Trauma-Smart Policy

All staff are trained to:

  • Identify signs of trauma

  • Adjust classroom environments

  • Use soft landings and emotional regulation strategies

  • Partner with families to reduce stressors

6. DISABILITY & INCLUSION POLICY

Screening & Identification

  • All children undergo screenings for developmental concerns

  • Evaluations coordinated with LEAs and CPSE offices (District 4 & 5)

Inclusive Environment

AMCCS ensures:

  • Individualized accommodations

  • In-class OT, PT, and speech therapy

  • Supportive learning environments

  • Multiple modes of instruction

  • Close collaboration with families on IEP processes

Recruitment

At least 10% of enrolled children must have identified disabilities (per Head Start requirements).

7. FAMILY ENGAGEMENT POLICY

Core Commitments

AMCCS believes families are partners in education. Policies include:

  • Open-door policy

  • Families welcomed in classrooms at any time

  • Year-round engagement events

  • Dual-language support

  • Home visits

  • Monthly workshops

  • Community resource referrals

Family Partnership Agreements (FPA)

Family Engagement Specialists support families through FPAs addressing:

  • Housing

  • Employment

  • Education

  • Emotional well-being

  • Child development

Family Events (Examples):

  • Welcome Breakfasts & Dinners

  • Grandparents Day

  • VIP Day

  • Cultural Celebrations

  • Family Nights

  • Clothing Swaps

  • Cooking Workshops

  • Academic Olympics

  • Mystery Readers

8. HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY (Staff Requirements)

All AMCCS staff must:

  • Be fingerprinted and background-checked

  • Pass all state clearances

  • Be Mandated Reporters (training required)

  • Complete First Aid & CPR training

  • Follow NYC DOHMH and ACS qualification requirements

  • Complete 12 training hours/year minimum

  • Meet all licensing & health regulations

Custodial and kitchen staff must pass specialized exams:

  • NYC Food Handling Exam

  • FDNY F-95 Fire Safety Exam

9. VOLUNTEER POLICY

Requirements

All volunteers must:

  • Complete volunteer orientation

  • Pass background checks

  • Work under staff supervision

  • Support instruction without replacing teachers

Volunteer Roles

  • Classroom helpers

  • Mystery readers

  • Event volunteers

  • Parent engagement supporters

  • Cultural presenters

Community Volunteers

Volunteers come from:

  • Educational institutions

  • Health agencies

  • Human service organizations

  • Local municipalities

  • Nonprofits

10. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP POLICY

AMCCS collaborates with key partners including:

  • The Reading Team

  • A Forum for Life

  • Books for Kids

  • East Harlem Triangle

  • Child Connect

  • Community food programs

  • Local housing assistance agencies

Partnerships support:

  • Literacy

  • Health education

  • Staff professional development

  • Family resources

  • Curriculum enrichment

11. MONITORING, COMPLIANCE & AUDITS POLICY

AMCCS undergoes:

  • Ongoing internal reviews

  • NYCDOE compliance checks

  • NYC Dept. of Health inspections (Article 47)

  • Annual independent financial audits

  • Continuous quality improvement monitoring

Issues are corrected promptly to maintain licensing and high quality.

12. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS POLICY

All staff must meet qualification standards outlined by:

  • NYC Department of Health

  • Administration for Children’s Services

  • Early Learn NYC

  • Head Start Performance Standards

This includes education credentials, specialized certificates, and ongoing training.

Scroll to Top