Immunization
Charter schools are required to comply with the requirements of the New York State Department of Health (DOH) in effect since September 1, 2016, and should refer to the DOH’s 2020-21 NYS Guide to Required Immunizations .
NYC School Construction Authority (SCA) Manuals
The NYCSCA has established this Safety Program & Procedures Manual, herein after called “SCA Safety Manual” in order to guide and direct the management, staff, and contractors working on all NYC school buildings of their obligation to adhere to the policies and procedures set forth within this program thereby promoting a safe work environment for all SCA personnel, school occupants, workers and the general public.
FACILITIES: School Safety Plans
Emergencies in schools must be addressed in an expeditious and effective manner. Schools are at risk of acts of violence, natural, and manmade disasters. To address these threats, the State of New York has enacted the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) law. Project SAVE is a comprehensive planning effort that addresses prevention, response and recovery with respect to a variety of emergencies in schools.
Individual charter schools are required by the NYSED to complete 2 safety plans: a District- Wide Safety Plan and a Building-Level Safety Plan. These plans differ as defined here taken directly from the NY Safe Schools website.
Immunization Exemption Requests
Parents have the right to apply for exemption from immunization requirements for medical reasons or based on religious beliefs. Charter schools need to follow clear protocols to ensure parents’ rights, even as they safeguard the school population. Medical exemptions must be approved by the NYCDOE Department of Health and Immunizations. Religious exemptions are approved at the school or network level; they do not require DOE approval.
Understanding Your School Food Options
There are so many misconceptions about school lunch in the NYC charter sector. But not knowing how the various programs work could leave your scholars eating cold food or your school paying enormous fees! The Charter Center hosted an interactive webinar to help guide schools in making the best choice from the menu of school food options.
Working with the Administration for Child Services (ACS)
The Administration for Child Services (ACS) is working to build a stronger partnership with charter schools to support students in the child welfare program. ACS’s Office of Education Support and Policy Planning partnered with the Charter Center to demystify the child welfare system and launch discussions on collaborative approaches specific to charter schools.
Wellness Policies and Safety Plans Webinar
School Wellness Policies provide a means for improving school health, curricula and programs that ensure students become and stay ready to learn. Coupled with your authorizer required safety plan, these two documents are an integral component of learning, growing, thriving as a public school. Join the Charter Center's David Frank and Audrey Castillo, Program Manager for Healthy Schools Brooklyn, a program that is funded by the New York State Department of Health at the Brooklyn District Public Health Office of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program
This document provides information about the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program.
State Education Law Section 917 became effective September 1, 2002 and requires public school administrators to ensure the presence of at least one (1) operable AED at each school, as well as appropriately trained, certified staff volunteers in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation/Automated External Defibrillator (CPR/AED) in each school building/annex, etc., who can respond to medical emergencies.
Enrollment, Attendance and Meal Participation Roster
Meal programs at Charter Schools that do not qualify for free meals must record attendance according to eligibility and then record meals taken at the point of service. This worksheet from the SchoolFood Compliance Office aids in that task.
The Meal Accountability Audit Process
This presentation from the SchoolFood Compliance Office gives step-by-step instructions for new Charter Schools to reach compliance as dictated by The Child Nutrition Program. Approved methods of accountability and the on-site audit are covered. The necessary forms and agency contacts are included.