5.5.15
Registered Sex Offender Procedure
Shasta Head Start (SHS) is dedicated to maintaining a physically and psychologically safe environment for all children and families. This commitment is upheld through strict supervision policies for both indoor and outdoor areas, comprehensive criminal background checks for all staff members, volunteer policies, and a fundamental belief in treating all individuals with respect and dignity.
Regulations & Supervision Policies
- Children must always remain within the visual supervision of staff, in accordance with CCL Title 22 101229 (a)(1).
- No child will ever be left alone or unsupervised while under SHS staff care.
- Staff must actively supervise indoor and outdoor play areas to always ensure children’s safety.
SHS adheres to all Head Start Performance Standards and Community Care Licensing Regulations to always ensure the safety and supervision of children.
Procedure for Enrolled Parents Who Are Registered Sex Offenders (RSOs)
If SHS staff becomes aware that a parent of an enrolled child is a registered sex offender, the following steps must be taken:
- Initial Meeting & Documentation
-
- Family Worker or Site Supervisor/Head Teacher will schedule a meeting with the enrolled parent who is a RSO. This meeting may include the Family Worker, Area Manager, and Family Services Manager for additional support.
- Request documentation of any legal stipulations related to their status as a RSO.
- Parent rights & participation
Inform the parent that they have the following rights, unless prohibited by court orders:
-
- Drop-off and pick-up: They may transport their child to and from the center.
- As a custodial parent, they have the right to immediate access to their child.
- Participation in scheduled events: They may attend parent-teacher conferences and special events (outside of licensed hours) that include parents and children.
- Restrictions for parents who are RSOs
-
- Classroom Presence: RSOs cannot volunteer in the classroom under any circumstances.
- Complete the family letter
-
- Obtain all required signatures. Provide a copy to the parent and keep the original in the child file under the enrollment section.
Addressing concerns from other parents or family members
If other parents or family members express concerns about an enrolled child’s parent being a registered sex offender, SHS will:
- Family Worker or Site Supervisor/Head Teacher will schedule a meeting with the concerned parent(s), Family Worker, Family Services Manager, and/or Area Manager.
- Listen to their concerns and provide reassurance regarding SHS’s stringent supervision policies.
- Reiterate that SHS prioritizes child safety and has protocols in place to ensure a safe environment.
- Staff must use caution to not disclose Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of any enrolled child or family member.
Ongoing Safety & Confidentiality
SHS remains committed to:
- Always ensuring the safety and supervision of all children.
- Maintaining confidentiality regarding enrolled families while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements.
- Providing clear communication to parents and staff about policies and procedures concerning RSOs.
Resources: