Policy Handbook
Carol Phelps, preschool teacher and child care provider
771 Worm Dr. N.E.,
Comstock Park, MI 49321
(616) 240-9086
PRESCHOOL HOURS
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM each week.
The fee for late pick-ups is $5.00 per 5 minutes or portion thereof.
No early drop-offs please: the door will be unlocked at 8:00 a.m.
TUITION
3 days per week: $50/week per child, 2 days per week: $40/week per child, 1 day/week: $30/week per child.
*Parent(s) will be notified of any rate increases at least 2 weeks prior to their effective date.
ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT
A $50 nonrefundable deposit shall be paid at the time of signing the agreement; This deposit shall go toward the child’s last two weeks of care/preschool, provided at least 2 weeks’ written notice is given of the child’s ending date. The deposit will be forfeited if less than two weeks written notice is given. (An additional fee may be required in order to reserve a child’s position for 6 weeks or longer.)
TRIAL PERIOD
The first two weeks of care/preschool will be a trial period, and will determine whether the child/family and preschool are a good fit. During this period, parents and/or the teacher/caregiver may end the agreement immediately without written notice. If the teacher/caregiver ends the agreement during this time, parents will only pay for those days that preschool was provided and all other fees will be refunded. If parents end the agreement, the deposit and/or other fees will be forfeited.
*“Not a good fit” shall include: the unwillingness of a child to follow rules/expectations that ensure a safe and peaceful learning environment, a child abuses and/or breaks property, a level of attention is needed that the caregiver is unable to provide. In such cases, a parent may be called and asked to pick up their child early, and/or care may need to be terminated.
FEE SCHEDULE
The fixed weekly fee (agreed upon in the Preschool Agreement) shall be paid each Friday by 12:00 PM for the current week of attendance. Full payment shall be paid regardless of a child’s attendance status during the week.
*If parents wish to pay in advance for more than one week at a time, they may do so provided payment is made within the month it is being applied to. (For example: A Payment made on the 1st of the month must only apply to weeks between the 1st and 31st of that month.)
A late payment fee of $10 will be charged each time payment is late. Late payment fees must be paid immediately and before a child is accepted back into preschool the following week.
F.I.A. (state) payments: Parents eligible for F.I.A. supplements will make payments each week as stated above, until the caregiver receives a check from the State of Michigan. When a state check is received by the caregiver, it will be applied toward the upcoming week(s). Parent(s) will be responsible for the balance of what is owed to the caregiver above the F.I.A. amount received.
Returned checks: When a check is returned for non-sufficient funds, parents shall be responsible for all fees incurred by the caregiver’s bank plus the late fee of $25. Bank fees and late fees will be payable to the caregiver immediately along with the amount of the NSF check in cash or direct deposit. The caregiver reserves the right to refuse a child until all fees are paid in full and to require cash or direct deposit only from then on.
DAMAGES
Payment for damage to the Phelps residence or property by parent(s) and/or child(ren) will be payable by the parent(s) to the caregiver immediately. Examples of damage include, but are not limited to: purposely breaking things, urinating on the carpeting, scratching or denting vehicles parked in the driveway, etc. The amount of reimbursement will reflect replacement costs.
Re-enrollment(optional continuance of preschool into the following year): A $50 nonrefundable enrollment fee (per child) shall be paid no later than May 30th in order to guarantee a child’s preschool slot for the upcoming year (beginning the week of Labor Day). This enrollment fee will be applied to supplies needed for the upcoming preschool year.
*Note: Because our program is a “full-year” preschool program, ending care/preschool during the summer months may result in losing a child’s guaranteed preschool slot (above), even though a re-enrollment fee has already been paid.
TERMINATION (ENDING CARE)
The Preschool Agreement may be terminated for any reason by parent(s) or teacher/caregiver by giving
2 weeks written notice of the ending date. Payment by the parent(s) is due for the notice period whether or not their child(ren) are brought for care.
The teacher/caregiver reserves the right to terminate the Preschool Agreement with or without notice for any of the following reasons: payments are not made on time; parent(s) do not abide by the policies in the Preschool Agreement and/or the Policy Handbook; a child’s continued participation in the program creates a direct threat to the safety of that child, other children, families in care, the caregiver and/or her family, or the Phelps’ property; inappropriate parent or child conduct (including, but not limited to, acts of violence including assault and battery; harassment of or threats against the caregiver, her family, other parents or children; false accusations by the parent/child; possession of illegal substances or firearms; verbal or physical abuse), the caregiver believes she is unable meet the needs of a child/family or the program is not a good fit for the child/family, or if there is a caregiver emergency (death in the family, serious illness/injury, an unforeseen need for surgery or medical care, etc.).
LICENSING REQUIREMENT OF UPDATING FORMS
Due to licensing requirements, parents will be required to fill out/update a new agreement, emergency card, child in-care statement and health forms each year. These forms will be given to parents at the end of each summer to complete; Care will be continued only if parents return these forms within the 2 weeks that follow. These forms do not need to be filled out if your child’s time with us is ending.
Any changes made to this handbook will be shared with parents via text, email and/or monthly newsletters. These changes/updates will go into effect two weeks after parents receive notice of the updated policies.
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SAFETY RULES & BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
Safety rules we follow here include: Walk in the house (do not run), keep your bodies and hands to yourselves (do not hit, kick, wrestle), sit or lay on the furniture (do not stand, jump or run on it), keep toys in your hands or on the floor, table etc. (do not throw them). I ask that all parents please respect these rules while dropping off and picking up their children.
DISCIPLINE
Discipline Policy: Discipline is positive and focuses on redirection, choices, and clear, consistent limits for all children in care. Children who are 3 and older will be separated from others when the above methods are unsuccessful. A “safe place” in our kitchen has been provided for children to regain composure and self-control and help make a plan to return to the group when ready. If the teacher/caregiver feels that an inappropriate behavior is of a serious nature, parents will be informed, and we will try to find a solution together.
THE FOLLOWING FORMS OF DISCIPLINE ARE PROHIBITED AND WILL NEVER BE USED BY THE CAREGIVER: any form of corporal punishment; the use of any substance in a child’s mouth; the restriction of a child’s movement;
infliction of mental or emotional stress; deprivation of a child’s meals, snacks, rest, or necessary toilet use; confinement of a child in an enclosed area; or timeouts for children under three years old.
Disenrollment may occur for the following reasons: a child’s unwillingness to follow rules/expectations that ensure a safe and calm learning environment for all children in care; behavior/language becomes disruptive so that the teacher/caregiver is unable to provide a quality/educational environment; a child abuses and/or breaks property; a child displays inappropriate conduct toward the caregiver, family or others; a child is unable to gain self-control; a level of attention is needed that the caregiver is unable to provide in order to keep the environment safe and calm.
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OPEN DOOR POLICY
Pine Island Home Preschool has an open-door policy. Parents are welcome to stop and at any time during preschool hours. Please keep in mind, however, that lengthy stays are not permitted, since this would require a background check.
DROP OFF AND PICK UP
Parents shall:
· Sign in and out each day
· Leave shoes on the rug near the front door
· Make drop-off and pick-up times as quick as possible
· Leave all food and toys in the car or at home when arriving to preschool
· Have children prepared for the day: Over-night diapeprs changed, teeth brushed, hair combed, children dressed in clothing – not pajamas, etc. (All children shall maintain good overall hygiene.)
COMMUNICATION
I do my best to communicate with parents on many levels. Parents may talk to me at pick-up or drop-off time, text me, e-mail or Facebook message me, make an appointment or give me a call. If you would like to “see” your child in action during the day, you can visit my Pine Island Home Preschool Facebook page where pictures are posted daily.
Monthly newsletters: Monthly newsletters are sent out at the beginning of each month via email. It is the parents’ responsibility to read newsletters, as important dates are communicated here, such as upcoming closed days, conference dates, holiday parties, preschool information, etc.
Conferences: I offer conferences twice a year to parents who are interested. They generally take place in November and April of each year. Developmental milestones will be discussed with parents as well as any questions/concerns parents may have.
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CHILDREN’S ABSENCES
Parents shall notify the teacher/caregiver in advance if their child will be absent or will be late on any given day. There is no reduction in fee for children’s absences, late drop-offs or early pick-ups.
CLOSED DAYS /PAID HOLIDAYS
Paid holidays are days in which the preschool is closed, but payment is still expected for the day.
Paid holidays are as follows: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
If one of the above days fall on a Saturday, the paid holiday will be on the Friday before. If one falls on a Sunday, the paid holiday will be on the Monday after.
TEACHER/CAREGIVER VACATIONS & UNPAID DAYS
There is no fee for the following closed days: caregiver absences, vacations, or emergencies (i.e. jury duty, funerals, etc.), the day after Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and occasionally the day before or after 4th of July.
Exceptions: If Christmas day falls on a Sunday, the day after Christmas (Monday) will be a paid holiday. Please see “Public Emergency Or Public Health Emergency” and “Acts of God, Inclement Weather and Unforeseen Emergencies” for information on how rates are affected for these types of emergencies.
Notice of closures: At least 2 weeks’ notice will be given to parents of closed days and caregiver vacations. However, it may not be possible to give adequate notice of emergencies, such as funerals, jury duty, caregiver/family illness, etc.
Substitute caregivers: Although rare, substitute caregivers may need to be hired in for caregiver doctor appointments, etc. Substitutes go through all the licensing requirements to be a substitute caregiver. They are fingerprinted, trained in early child development, and CPR/1st aid certified. Rates remain the same when a substitute caregiver cares for the children.
Volunteers: It is our policy that drop in volunteers sign and date a sheet of arrival and upon leaving. They may interact with the children in care but not be in ‘charge’ of the children. I will be present at all times. If any volunteer is part of a program that will be coming in on a regular basis, volunteer will be fingerprinted.
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DIAPERING
Diapering is done every couple hours while children are in care. DISPOSABLE diapers, pull-ups, baby wipes and swim pull-ups shall be provided by the parents until a child is COMPLETELY toilet trained (see below). Refusal to supply diapers/pull-ups by the parent may result in termination.
Leaky diapers/pull-ups: Sometimes diapers or pull-ups will not hold a child’s urine/ bowel movements. This is especially true for older children who are learning to hold their bladder for long periods of time. If this should happen here, another brand of diapers/pull-ups will be required to be brought to care. If diapers/pull-ups continue to leak, thicker and/or larger diapers will need to be brought until the leaking ceases.
TOILET TRAINING
Toilet training will begin here when a CHILD shows interest and ability while present. At that time, the teacher/caregiver will assist a child in using the toilet each time he/she is changed (every couple hours), using encouragement/praise each time a child is successful. A child will not be forced to use the toilet by the teacher/caregiver, even if parents insist that their child is using the toilet at home. If a child shows fear or unwillingness, toilet training will stop and begin at a later date. Parent-provided disposable diapers/pull-ups are required to be worn during the entire training process. (See “underwear” below).
Toilet training will not be done by putting a child on the potty ever ½ hour or hour. This is not possible due to the number of children that need my attention.
What to wear during training:
Children should wear easy on and off pants during training. Sweat pant like bottoms are suggested until a child is physically capable of doing snaps and buttons on his/her own. Please do not send children in anything that requires us to remove the top to get to the bottom (onesies, overalls, belts, etc) during this time. This is frustrating and discouraging for children who are training, as they are also learning to dress and undress themselves in order to use the toilet on their own.
COMPLETELY TOILET TRAINED & UNDERWEAR
Underwear may be worn when a child is completely toilet trained. A toilet-trained child while in care is a child who can do the following:
· Be able to tell an adult he/she has to go potty before having an accident, OR
· Be able to get to the potty on his/her own before having an accident, AND
· Has remained dry IN PULL-UPS OR DIAPERS for a period of 10 consecutive days in care. This includes bowel movements.
· A child must remain in pull-ups/diapers if the following applies:
· The caregiver must remind or “catch” a child before he/she has an accident,
· A child will ONLY go potty and/or stay dry if put in underwear,
· A child is potty trained one way but not the other (i.e. child urinates in the toilet but still has bm’s in his/her pants).
Soiled underwear (due to accidents) will be placed in a bag for parents to take home and wash. If a child regresses back to having accidents on a regular basis after graduating to underwear, diapers/pull-ups will need to be worn again.
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CHILDREN’S CLOTHING and DIAPERS
Parents shall supply the following clothing for their child(ren):
§ Play clothes only please! Children do get dirty here: We play outside, do art projects and eat messy meals. The teacher/caregiver is not responsible for torn, stained, etc. clothing.
§ Spare pair of clothing in case of accidents, etc.
§ Suitable outdoor clothing: Appropriate clothing such as mittens, hats, boots, bathing suits, swimmy pullups, shorts, shoes, etc. PLEASE – no 5 fingered gloves or tie shoes unless children are 100% capable of doing them on their own.
§ DISPOSABLE diapers/pull-ups and wipes for children not completely potty trained. Leaky diapers/pull-ups will not be accepted.
§ DISPOSABLE Swimmy Pull-ups/diapers for children who are not potty trained who wish to play in the pool.
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FOOD POLICIES
Children will be enrolled in the Vibrant Futures Food Program. A snack will be provided midmorning each day.
Empty hand policy: We have an “empty hand” policy here. Food from home needs to be left in the vehicle or at home. Exception: Special treats for all may be brought and handed to the caregiver (i.e. birthday treats, etc.).
Special diet foods: If a child has a food allergy or medical condition that prohibits him/her from eating certain foods, a doctor’s note must be provided informing the teacher/caregiver of the child’s restrictions. If a doctor’s note is provided, the special diet foods will be supplied by the caregiver. If a doctors’ note is NOT provided and parents wish for their child to have a special diet out of preference, the caregiver will not supply the food. All special diet foods brought from home must be pre-approved by the caregiver and must come already prepared and ready to serve to their child.
CHILDREN’S PHOTOS
Pictures/videos of children are taken daily and posted on Facebook for parents to view. They may also be used for parent gifts, our family tree, my website, texting, etc. Parents, please understand, my Facebook page is public; everyone can see it. Therefore, it is your decision whether you would like your child's picture to be taken and put on any of the above. You may opt out of having your child’s pictures/videos taken for any or all the above in the Preschool Agreement. Please understand, if you opt out of having your child’s picture posted, his or her FACE will not be shown. However, parts of their body (arms, legs, etc.) may appear in pictures with the other children.
VEHICLES IN THE DRIVEWAY
Parents – PLEASE do not leave children in your vehicles while they are running. This is a safety hazard for everyone.
SMOKING AND VAPING
Smoking and/or vaping is not allowed on the premises at any time.
TOYS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM HOME
Toys from home may not be brought to preschool. The caregiver cannot be responsible for lost/broken toys, hair pieces, books, etc. that are brought from home.
*If hair pieces are small enough for small children to choke on and do not stay in a child’s hair, they shall not be brought to preschool.
PARTIES
We celebrate several holidays during the year, as well as children’s birthdays. Holiday parties are announced in our weekly newsletters. Children may bring a special treat to share with their friends on their birthday if they wish. We sing “Happy Birthday,” watch children blow out their candles, and eat goodies on each child’s special day. 😊
HAND WASHING
Hand washing and sanitation procedures are done on a regular basis to help prevent the spread of disease and illness. Hand washing is done regularly by both the teacher/caregiver and the children to help promote a healthy environment and prevent the spread of infection.
WATER ACTIVITIES, WALKS & SUNSCREEN
Water play, including a children’s pool filled with water, is provided during the warmer months of the year for children. As a licensing requirement, parents will be asked to fill out a form that allows their children to participate in any water activities. Parents shall also fill out a permission form each year for their child to participate in walks around our neighborhood and sunscreen application. These forms will be provided each spring for the upcoming summer.
FIELD TRIPS & TRANSPORTATION
Field trips are normally not taken; however, if they are, parents will be notified in advance. All children will be restrained in seatbelts according to the laws in the State of Michigan when being transported in a vehicle. Fees that accompany field trips will be the parents’ responsibility. These fees will be due before the field trip is taken.
Parents - If you wish for your child NOT to attend a planned field trip, and you choose to keep him/her home, payment will still be expected for that day.
SPECIAL NEEDS PLAN
Reasonable accommodations will be made for children with disabilities and/or special needs, provided these accommodations do not cause an undue burden or expense to the caregiver and her family.
OUR HOME
As a licensing requirement, I am required to advise parents that our home was built before 1978; therefore, there is the potential presence of lead-based paint in the home. However, since I have lived in the home (since 1991), all rooms have been painted several times with water-based paint, windows have been replaced, and most of the drywall has been replaced.
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ACTS OF GOD, INCLEMENT WEATHER & UNFORESEEN EMERGENCIES
Although extremely rare, the following could be reasons for an emergency closing (full day or partial day): power outages, extreme high or low temperatures, blizzards, storms or extreme winter-weather conditions, tornadoes or high wind advisories, other conditions the caregiver deems unsafe for children to be in care.
If the teacher/caregiver should choose to close for any of the above reasons, parents will be notified ASAP of the closing. If children are in care, parents and/or emergency contacts will be contacted and shall pick up their child within the hour. There will be no reduction in the daily rate if a child must be picked up early due to these conditions. There will, however, be NO charge if the facility is closed for the entire day. *This policy does not apply to public emergencies or public health emergencies.
PUBLIC EMERGENCY OR PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY
In a public emergency, I will try to stay open as long as I feel it is safe to do so. If I am open, and parents choose to keep their child away from my program, the full weekly rate will still apply in order to hold a child’s position.
If preschool is forced to close or parents are forced to keep their child home due to a public/health emergency, parents shall pay half their weekly rate until the preschool reopens in order to reserve their child’s position. Once the childcare reopens, the full weekly rate will apply.
*The above policies will apply unless other arrangements have been made between parent(s) and caregiver.
SNOW IN MICHIGAN
Due to the amount of snow we receive here in Michigan, there may be times when I cannot keep up with the snow. Please take this into consideration when dropping off and picking up your child. Boots may be needed in order to keep nice shoes, dress shoes, etc. dry. Salt will be used on our sidewalk to prevent slipping. However, there may be times I cannot leave the children in order to salt, so please walk slowly and carefully if you feel it may be icy.
Medical & Emergency Policies
ILLNESS POLICY
Mild colds: Children with mild colds may attend daycare, provided the cold is not too severe, and it is not accompanied by a fever of 100 degrees or more.
Children and staff members/volunteers shall remain home if they exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
· Fever of 100 degrees or more: Children who have been given a fever reducer (such as ibuprofin or acetaminophenin) in order to keep a fever down shall not be accepted into care. (A child that needs a fever reducer in order to keep his/her fever down is not well enough to attend.)
· Vomiting or diarrhea
· Lesions or rashes of any kind (including very severe diaper rash)
· Uncontrollable runny nose with discharge of any color, if it cannot be controlled (with or without medication) *If the caregiver must wipe a child’s nose every minute or two, it is too severe for care/preschool.
· Persistent coughing, a deep cough, or a cough that produces mucous.
· Discharge from the eyes, or red, inflamed, crusted eyes (Pink Eye)
· Unusual lethargy, fussing or crying (child is not him or herself)
· Child is not well enough to participate in daily activities, including outdoor play
· Symptoms, illness, or injury that the caregiver believes is too sick for preschool
· Covid 19: If a child and/or family member tests positive for Covid 19, the child-in-care shall remain home for a period of no less than 5 days from the date of the positive test results. The child may return for care ONLY if it has been 5 days AND all symptoms have resolved for a minimum of 48 hours.
Exclusion and one hour pick-up: If a child develops any of the above symptoms while in care, he or she will be separated from the other children and moved to a safe, comfortable space. Parents will be notified as soon as possible and must pick up the child within one hour. If parents cannot be reached, emergency contacts will be notified and asked to pick up the child. In the case in which no one can be reached, the caregiver will decide the best course of action to take (calling 911, taking the child to a Dr./med center, etc.). Items used by the sick child will be immediately cleaned and sanitized after the child is picked up. Refusal of a parent or guardian to pick up their ill child is grounds for termination.
24 Hour Waiting Period: If a child has been sent home from preschool due to illness, they will need to remain home the following day as well. Children must be symptom and fever-free for at least 24 hours, without the help of a fever reducer, before returning to preschool following fever/illness.
When the doctor is needed:
If antibiotic treatment is needed: The child must be on treatment for at least 24 hours before returning.
When a physician approves a child’s return to daycare, the above Illness Policies must also be followed.
The caregiver may require a doctor’s note for certain illnesses before accepting a child into preschool.
PUBLIC HEALTH ILLNESS POLICY ADDITION AS OF MAY, 2020
In the case of a public health emergency, new policies and additional symptoms may be added to the above listed in order to keep everyone safe and healthy. If this should happen, parents will be notified of any policy changes and updates as soon as possible by the teacher/caregiver. Advance notice of closures, exclusion of children, new symptoms and policy changes may not be possible in the case of a public emergency. Please also see “Public Emergency or Public Health Emergency” for additional information.
MEDICATIONS
Medications for children shall be supplied by the parents and will be given or applied only with prior written consent of parents. All medications must come in their original containers and be within their expiration dates. In addition to the above, prescription medications must include the child’s full name and date, the ordering physician’s name, and the label must be intact. The teacher/caregiver will administer medication according to the directions on the label. When a medication is not needed any longer, the container will be given back to the parents or destroyed.
Sunscreen: The caregiver does supply Sunscreen with an SPF 30 or above (Parents will be asked to sign a permission slip in early spring).
Prescription medication: For the safety of your child… If a necessary prescription medication has not been supplied by the parents for a child in need, the child may not be accepted until the medication is supplied (e.g. antibiotics, seizure or asthma medication, epi pen, etc.).
INJURIES & EMERGENCIES
Proper first aid will be administered to children for injuries sustained while in care.
In the case of a medical emergency or a minor injury (high fever, illness, accident, etc.) the caregiver or first responsible adult nearest the injured/ill child will begin first aid or necessary medical attention.
If a situation is believed to be severe or life threatening, 911 will be called by the first available adult. The adult will administer care according to Emergency Medical Service (EMS) procedures.
Parents will be notified as soon as possible of the incident by the caregiver or available adult. If parents cannot be reached, emergency contacts will be contacted and asked to pick up the child if necessary.
Parents will be responsible for all ambulatory, medical, hospital, etc. charges if an emergency situation/injury happens to their child while in preschool.
If an emergency occurs and the caregiver must leave the home and the children: A back-up person will be summoned to the home. Advance notice to parents regarding substitute care may not be possible in emergency situations.
AUTHORIZED PERSONS
A child will only be released to parents or persons listed on the Child Information Card. Proper identification will be required if there are any questions as to who is picking up the child.
FIRE/TORNADO DRILLS & OTHER EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Fire drills, tornado drills and other drills will be practiced as required by the State of Michigan.
LATE PICK-UPS
In the case of a child being left at preschool past normal preschool hours, parents and/or emergency contacts will be contacted and asked to pick up the child. If nobody can be reached, or nobody is able to pick up a child by this time, the teacher/caregiver reserves the right to:
Bring the child to any appointments she has scheduled after preschool hours
Hire in a back-up caregiver to watch the child if the caregiver has to leave
Call protective services if the caregiver believes nobody is coming to pick up the child
* Late fees will be applied for any of the above.
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LICENSING: Because I am licensed by the state of Michigan as a child care provider, the following must be followed:
· LICENSING RULES FOR FAMILY AND GROUP CHILD CARE HOMES
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_63294_5529_49572_50051---,00.html
· MANDATED REPORTER
The Michigan Child Protection Law is an act that requires the reporting of child abuse and neglect by certain
persons. Teachers and child care providers are included in this list; therefore, it is my job, as a mandated
reporter, to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Human Services.
USDA Food Program Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
