6000 Instruction

Physical Education Aquatic Safety (Pool Safety)
Instruction - Physical Education
Aquatic Activity Safety (Pool Safety)
Policy #6142.63
Amended: 9/12/2023
Supersedes / Amends: New 11/11/2014, 6142.63(a)

Swimming is an important life skill.  The Board of Education (Board) believes that we owe it to our students to give them the best chance to learn to swim, and as early as possible.

The Board believes it is fortunate to be able to have access to a pool for aquatic activities. Safety is of paramount importance. Students are not allowed to utilize the pool for any aquatic activity without staff supervision as required by P.A.13-161.

At the time this policy was established (11/11/2014), the only pool used by the District is located at the Northwest Y on Main Street in Winsted. Only one District program (the CHAMPS PROGRAM) currently has an aquatic component.  This policy and its attached regulations are intended to be applicable to this program and any other aquatic programs established by the Winchester School District (excluding The Gilbert School) in the future.

The swimming instructional program serves as a vital component of the health, physical education, and co-curricular activities within the District's public schools. The program's primary goal is to teach safety awareness, develop basic swimming skills, and enhance the proficiency level of all aquatic skills. The program also aims to improve personal and community safety skills and help students develop a commitment to lifetime fitness.

All District schools which are approved for aquatic activities and offer instruction in swimming and/or diving are covered by this policy. This policy is designed to promote safety for students, staff, and
community members by requiring appropriate staffing, a swimming pool safety plan, and appropriate water safety equipment at these pools while any aquatic activities are being conducted. All persons involved in the instruction, supervision, and coaching of such activities shall be appropriately certified and trained.

This policy applies to all aquatic activities. Aquatic activities include swimming, wading, diving, water polo and any other curricular and extracurricular activities the District conducts in or in any pool owned, leased, or used by the Board of Education, including those used by local District students during approved out-of-town field trips.

6142.63(b)

Definitions

School swimming pool means any swimming pool approved for use by a local or regional Board of Education for student aquatic activities.

Student aquatic activities means any physical education class, interscholastic athletics or extracurricular activities offered to students by the Board of Education.

Qualified lifeguard means any person who (A) is sixteen years of age or older, (B) is certified as a lifeguard by the American Red Cross or another nationally-recognized organization that conducts aquatic training programs, (C) is certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, pursuant to section 19a-113a-l of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, as amended from time to time, and (D) has completed a course in first aid offered by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the Department of Public Health or any director of health.

Qualified educator means any person who (A) holds a valid certificate issued by the State Board of Education, pursuant to section 10-14Sb of the general statutes, with an endorsement in physical education, (B) (i) is certified as a lifeguard by the American Red Cross or another nationally-recognized organization that conducts aquatic training programs, (ii) has completed a safety training for swim coaches and instructors course offered by the American Red Cross or an organization approved by the State Board of Education, or (iii) was certified as a lifeguard for at least five years during the previous ten years and has at least five years' experience as a swimming coach or an instructor of a physical education course that makes use of a school swimming pool, (C) is certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, pursuant to section 19a-113a-l of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, as amended from time to time, and (D) has completed a course in first aid offered by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the Department of Public Health or any director of health.

Qualified instructor means any person with training and certification as a swimming instructor in addition to training and certification as a qualified lifeguard (see above).

6142.63(c)
Instruction
Physical Education

Aquatic Activity Safety (Pool Safety) (continued)

Minimum Staffing and Qualifications

Any aquatic activity sponsored by the District (such as the CHAMPS program) shall have a Board employee who is certified as a qualified lifeguard in the pool area directly overseeing the safety of district students. This district employee will serve in addition to a qualified lifeguard provided by the Y as required by Y regulation.  If this district employee has additional training and certification as a swimming instructor he/she may instruct district students.  Locker Rooms shall be supervised whenever students are present.

NOTE: P.A. 13-161: A-Ae  Pool Safety at Public Schools, requires, commencing July 1, 2013, in addition to the person responsible for conducting any student aquatic activity that makes use of a school swimming pool, there shall be at least one qualified educator, qualified swimming coach or qualified lifeguard who shall be solely responsible for monitoring such swimming pool during such student aquatic activities for swimmers who may be in distress and providing assistance to such swimmers when necessary.

For the school year commencing July 1, 2014, and each school year thereafter, no local or regional board of education shall offer a physical education course that makes use of a school swimming pool unless there is at least one qualified educator who shall serve as the instructor of such physical education course and be responsible for implementing the provisions of the school swimming pool safety plan and at least one qualified educator, qualified swimming coach or qualified lifeguard who shall be solely responsible for monitoring such school swimming pool for swimmers who may be in distress and provide assistance to such swimmers when necessary.

For the school year commencing July 1, 2014, and each school year thereafter, no local or regional board of education shall permit any student to participate in any interscholastic athletic activity that makes use of a school swimming pool unless there is at least one qualified swimming coach who shall serve as a coach of such participating students and be responsible for implementing the provisions of the school swimming pool safety plan, and at least one qualified educator, qualified swimming coach or qualified lifeguard whose primary responsibility is to monitor the school swimming pool for swimmers who may be in distress and provide assistance to such swimmers when necessary.

For the school year commencing July 1, 2014, and each school year thereafter, no local or regional board of education shall offer any extracurricular activity that makes use of a school swimming pool unless there is at least one qualified lifeguard who shall (1) monitor the school swimming pool for swimmers who may be in distress and provide assistance to such swimmers when necessary, and (2) be responsible for implementing the provisions of the school swimming pool safety plan.

Pool Safety Plan

The Board, offering a physical education course and aquatic programs that make use of a swimming pool, shall adopt a swimming pool safety plan, not later than July 1, 2014. Such swimming pool safety plan shall include, but is not limited to, required staffing patterns, best practices regarding swimming pool safety, the requirements of the Public Health Code, and any other provisions deemed necessary and appropriate for ensuring the safety of students who use such swimming pools for student aquatic activities. The swimming pool safety plan shall be reviewed and updated as necessary prior to the start of each school year.

Nonetheless, the Board recognizes that swimming (and related aquatic activities) is one of the few recreational or teaching activities which also carries with it the evident hazards of death through drowning or injury by brain damage through near drowning. The teaching and learning of swimming and water safety therefore requires the utmost care on the part of all concerned.

It is expected that the District will adhere to the regulations of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, 19-13-B33b, applicable to public pools.

Administrative Regulations

The Board directs the Superintendent of Schools to create and promulgate administrative regulations governing the use of pools in District schools. These regulations shall be approved by the Board prior to their use and when amended at any time. Nothing in this policy is intended or shall be construed to create a private right of action against the Board or any of its employees. No part of this policy shall be construed to create contractual or other rights or expectations.

Legal References:

Connecticut General Statutes

P A 13-161 an Act Concerning Public School Pool Safety

19a-36 Public Health Code. Fees. Swimming pools. Wells; Use,
replacement and mitigation.

6142.63(a)
Instruction
Physical Education
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS

Aquatic Activity Safety (Pool Safety)

The purpose of these administrative regulations is to provide guidance in safe practice in school swimming, aquatic activities and water safety. This document sets out the required procedures pertaining to the implementation of the Board of Education policy #6142.63, "Aquatic Activity Safety (Pool Safety)," in relation to swimming pool safety. The Board of Education (Board) recognizes its responsibility for ensuring safety in school swimming pools. As part of this responsibility the Board provides the safety policy, guidance and procedures for swimming and ensures that its employees receive any necessary training to carry out their assigned tasks.

The effective supervision of all involved in swimming and aquatic activities is essential to safety.

School Responsibility

The Board requires that a member of the staff be delegated the responsibility of "Swimming Coordinator" (Pool Coordinator, Pool Supervisor) and applying the swimming pool safety policy and procedures in the school. This will include the proper operation of the school's swimming facility.

Personnel Requirements

All personnel with responsibility for swimming instruction or supervision must possess a high level of skill in water safety and be committed to exemplary standards of safety. They must also meet state or local certification requirements including  first aid procedures.

1.  Qualifications

a. All certified staff members with an endorsement in physical education or substitute teachers serving as an instructor of a physical education course that makes use of a swimming pool must also fulfill the following statutory requirements:

 i. Is a certified lifeguard,

 ii. Is certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation,

 iii. Has completed a course in first aid offered by the American Red Cross, or the American Heart Association, the Department of Public Health or any director of health, as certified by the agency or director of health offering the course.

6142.63(b)
Instruction
Physical Education
Aquatic Activity Safety (Pool Safety)

Personnel Requirements (continued)

c.Classes involving the use of a swimming pool must also have another instructor or lifeguard on duty to supervise the students for all physical education pool classes. Such individual must also meet the requirements listed above (la-i, ii, iii) pertaining to lifeguard certification, cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification and first aid training.

d.In the case of interscholastic activity, there must be at least one qualified swimming coach who coaches the participating students and is responsible for implementing the
school swimming pool safety plan. Additionally, at least one qualified educator, swimming coach, or lifeguard must be present whose primary responsibility is to monitor the pool for students in distress and provide help when necessary.

e.In the case of extracurricular activity, at least one qualified lifeguard must monitor the pool for swimmers who may be in distress and provide assistance to them when necessary. The lifeguard must be responsible for implementing the provisions of the pool safety plan.

f.In the case of a physical education course, there must be at least one qualified educator who serves as the course instructor and at least one other educator, swimming coach, or lifeguard whose primary responsibility is to monitor the pool for swimmers in distress and provide assistance, if necessary. The course instructor is responsible for implementing the pool safety plan.

g.All pool personnel must be thoroughly trained in emergency procedures to include practice under simulated conditions (i.e. near drowning, diving injury, stoppage of breathing, pool evacuation, loss of power/lights) at least annually.

h.The individual hired to assist the certified physical education instructor supervise the swimming classes may be a qualified swimming coach or qualified lifeguard who is at least sixteen (16) years of age or older and meets the above criteria for an instructor. The lifeguard must be under the supervision of the certified instructor.

i.Teachers and swimming coaches must meet the minimum legal requirement of American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, American Red Cross Standard First Aid, and American Red Cross CPR, AED.

 2. General

a.One of the two required staff members shall be charged with responsibility for implementation and coordination of pool safety standards.

6142.63(c)
Instruction
Physical Education

Aquatic Activity Safety (Pool Safety)

Personnel Requirements (continued)

b.At least one additional appropriately certified individual, as previously described, shall be responsible for lifeguard duties whenever instruction is provided by the designated staff member or substitute.

c.The instructor to student ratio shall not exceed the American Red Cross standard of 1:25. (A 1:12 ratio is preferred)

Responsibilities of the Teaching Staff

Teachers have a duty of care that operates for any activity in which children are involved and that duty of care cannot be transferred to anyone else. The Board recognizes that this responsibility, described in law, is equivalent to the standards expected of a responsible and careful parent. This applies to all activities within the school curriculum and to extracurricular activities organized by the school during and outside school hours, whether on or off school site. Teachers are responsible for the safety of all students involved in any aspect of the swimming instructional program or extra-curricular aquatic.

In relation to swimming this means that:

·Children are appropriately supervised when changing;

·Students are under control at all times;

·Headcounts are taken before, during, and after sessions;

·Normal and emergency procedures are taught and enforced; and

·Teachers have an overview of the swimming ability of their children in the conduct of
their class.

Any individual who teaches or assists in teaching, coaches or assistant coaches, or supervises students participating in any aquatic activity must fulfill the statutory requirements previously detailed.

Teachers assigned as swimming instructors must hold a valid CPR certification issued by the American Red Cross, a valid lifeguard certificate issued by the Red Cross and a valid Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certificate.

The Principal of the school that engages in any aquatic activity shall be responsible for obtaining a copy of the water safety instructor certificate, and must provide a copy of each aquatic activity supervisor certificate to the Superintendent before allowing the aquatic activity instructor/supervisor to teach, coach, supervise, or assist in teaching, coaching, or supervising, any aquatic activity. 

6142.63 (d)
Instruction
Physical Education

Aquatic Activity Safety (Pool Safety)

Responsibilities of the Teaching Staff (continued)

Class Management (Pool Safety Plan)

It is considered good practice to establish safety procedures for swimming activities. The following guidelines for supervision and safety must be followed:

·Parental/guardian consent is secured in writing prior to allowing participation in any activities in the school pool.

·Students shall not be sent to the pool area until the instructor and lifeguard are present.

·During the first swimming session of a group, a swimming proficiency test must be   given to determine each student's swimming ability.

The swimming instructor with a current certificate as a water safety instructor or acceptable equivalent must administer these tests using the standards of the American Red Cross or its equivalent. The standard to consider using is that the swimmer should have the ability to swim 50 yards using a minimum of two strokes, change direction while swimming and follow the directions of a lifeguard.

·Based upon the test, the students are to be divided into groups based upon swimming ability. (e.g. Group children as swimmers or non-swimmers) Non swimmers shall be confined to water less that chest deep or three and one-half feet.

·Students must be instructed not to run around, splash or shout in the pool area.

·Students must not be permitted to enter into the pool unsupervised.

·Emergency procedures shall be explained and practiced during lessons. If the teacher/instructor is the only qualified lifesaver, they must not attempt a rescue which involves entering the water until the safety of all of the students has been secured. This means that they are out of the pool or are holding onto the poolside.

·All students must be registered or counted both before and after the lesson and checked while in the water.

·A buddy system shall be used in which swimmers of similar ability are paired together at the start of the session to provide each student with a "personal protector." At intervals during the session a signal shall be given (at least every 15 minutes) in which students must find and join their assigned buddy. Whenever a student is suspected of being missing, as soon as a student notices that they cannot see their buddy, that fact shall be immediately reported to one of the adults in the pool area.

6142.63(e)
Instruction
Physical Education

Aquatic Activity Safety (Pool Safety)

Class Management (Pool Safety Plan) (continued)

·A "lost swimmer plan" is to be implemented when a child is missing. The swimming activity is to be discontinued, the water is to be cleared of all children sending them to a safe location and a search of the pool and pool area instituted immediately.

·Students must be encouraged to report any accidents to the teacher/instructor.

·The depth of the pool must be brought to the attention of students in addition to a suitable pool entry method.

·The instructor must be located in such a position that they are able to see all the students at all times.

·Students not in the pool are to be supervised by another adult.

·Where anti-chlorine goggles are to be used for a medical condition or for reasons of confidence, the students must be taught how to use them properly.

·The wearing of masks, snorkels and other equipment must be restricted to organized club events.

Optional: Adults other than Teachers (AOTTs)

Adults Other Than Teachers (AOTTs) can be extremely helpful and may be absolutely essential, to support the delivery of swimming instruction in school and in the extended aquatic activities curriculum whether on or off site. They can:

·support and work beside teachers,

·supervise changing,

·administer first aid (if trained),

·look after any unwell children or children who are not swimming.

Teachers cannot transfer their duty of care to adults other than teachers. Such individuals should also be vetted by a criminal background check.

Lifeguard Provision

The qualified instructor, in addition to a qualified swimming coach, or a qualified lifeguard must be present at aquatic activities and be certified as lifeguards. They, as required by statute, have the responsibility for lifeguarding/rescue and resuscitation, and must be suitably trained and qualified.

6142.63(f)
Instruction
Physical Education

Aquatic Activity Safety (Pool Safety)

Lifeguard Provision (continued)

A certified lifeguard must be present whenever a District school pool is in use by students. Lifeguards must be present for all District sponsored activities including any time the pool is used for swimming instruction. The lifeguard shall have the authority to order any person who does not comply with the rules of the Connecticut Department of Public Health or those of the Board to leave the pool and pool area.

The following provisions shall pertain to lifeguards working with District pool facilities:

1.All lifeguards must possess a current lifeguard's certificate or license issued by the American Red Cross or another nationally-recognized organization that conducts aquatic training programs or other entity acceptable to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. A copy of such certificate or license must be available for inspection in or near the pool area.

2.All lifeguards must wear approved swimming attire which can identify them as a lifeguard at all times while on duty.

3.No lifeguard, while assigned to supervise the pool, may be used as a teacher, teacher's aide, coach, or assistant coach, or be involved in any additional duties that would distract his/her attention from the proper observation of the pool area.

Students engaged in a swimming activity, must be monitored at all times by a fully certified lifeguard.

1.The designated lifeguard must be positioned and prepared to respond to an emergency in less than 30 seconds.

2.Personnel working in a life guarding role must have immediate access to a rescue tube.

3.Lifeguards must be properly attired, dressed in a manner that identifies them as lifeguards
and enables them to perform a rescue when needed, and have an emergency whistle at all times. This would generally require a swimsuit or shorts and a shirt.

4.Footwear is optional and a loose fitting style is recommended.

The location of an elevated lifeguard chair must be so located as to compensate for glare and blind spots, provide for a clear view of the pool bottom, and are in a position which provides complete surveillance coverage of the pool area. If more than one lifeguard is used, each must have designated areas of responsibility and be able to have total visual surveillance of that swimming area. Lifeguards should take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue, but there must be enough coverage during each of these times at the pool, or sections of it must be closed and posted as such

6142.63(g)
Instruction
Physical Education
Aquatic Activity Safety (Pool Safety)

Lifeguard Provision (continued)

Data pertaining to drowning incidents, found many have occurred directly before, during, and after a chair rotation because the lifeguards were distracted and did not provide constant surveillance during the rotation procedure.

Lifeguards need to take sufficient breaks because failure to do so has been identified as a contributing factor in drowning. Lifeguards shall take frequent breaks to avoid mental and physical fatigue. (Research indicates a lifeguard attentiveness declines after 30 minutes.) If another lifeguard is not available to cover during breaks, such as a single lifeguard facility, the pool must be closed during the break.

Investigations of student drowning that occurred during school swim physical education classes have determined that if the lifeguard is performing instructional activities it distracts from life guarding duties and has been a contributing factor in drowning as a result.

Aquatic Facility Requirements

Standard: All use of electricity within the pool facility or its related facilities (locker room, shower room, walkways, and storage room) must be free of all possible electrical hazards. Daily inspections of the facility are necessary to assure that adequate safety levels are maintained. Lifeguards/Pool coordinator / Pool Supervisor are responsible for daily inspections of the pool area.

Daily inspections of the facilities are necessary to ensure that adequate safety levels are maintained. Any problems such as unsafe water conditions, broken equipment, loose ladders, electrical equipment malfunction, broken/loose main drain grates, etc., are to be reported and immediately corrected. Required supervision personnel shall be on premises at all times the pool is in use and will conduct at least one visual check daily, prior to operation. This visual check shall confirm the pool is in compliance with safety requirements, including inspection of safety equipment and water quality. A log shall be maintained recording the time of inspection and the number of persons using the pool.

Electrical - Electrical shock in areas where moisture is prevalent presents a severe threat to life. Electrical equipment, used as teaching or coaching aids, must be made safe for all users and checked regularly for deterioration.

a.Electrical wall outlets in the pool area or related areas must be equipped with ground fault interrupters, covered and easily rendered inoperable.

b.Plug-in appliances must be properly grounded.

c.Extension cords must be free of splices and of one continuous length.

6142.63 (b)
Instruction
Physical Education

Aquatic Activity Safety (Pool Safety)

Aquatic Facility Requirements (continued)

2.  Lighting - Pool rooms and related areas are often solely dependent on artificial lighting. Therefore, illumination levels must be carefully observed in order to avoid unsafe conditions.

a.Poolroom lighting and water clarity must provide adequate visibility such that a 6 inch disk placed in the deepest section of the pool is visible from the pool deck at a distance of 30 feet.

b.Natural and artificial lighting must not produce surface glare on the water or pool bottom that impedes the supervisory capability of a lifeguard, coach or teacher at any time.

c.All lighting in the pool area, related rooms and areas must be properly maintained and continuously operational.

d.Exits must be clearly marked and continuously functional.

e.A backup lighting system must be provided and tested monthly by the custodial staff and periodically by the instructional and/or coaching staff.

f.Light switches and all wet floor areas must be grounded and coated with nonconductive material.

3. General

a. Pool environments must reflect daily concern for orderliness and safety. This includes the deck free of clutter, instructional and safety equipment in good repair, properly stored and ready for use. Responsibility for this equipment rests with the individual user.

b.Sanitary procedures must be implemented on a daily basis on the pool deck, locker room and shower area.

c.Wet floor areas must be adequately maintained so as to provide a safe walking surface.

d.Only those personnel who are authorized by the school administration should have access to pool chemicals and service equipment.

e.Pool regulations must be posted in the pool room and locker area. These regulations must prohibit rough play, spitting or spouting of water, swimming without a lifeguard present, or use of the facility by personnel with broken skin or contagious disease.

4. Exits

a. Access to exit doors in walkways must be unimpeded, clearly recognizable and quickly accessible.

b.Two emergency exits must be maintained within the poolroom.

c. Emergency exits must be clearly marked, visible and continuously operational.

d.Kickboards, lane lines, baskets and other equipment must be properly stored so as to
maintain unimpeded exits.

e.Doors other than exits must be properly marked so as to avoid confusion during
emergency conditions.

f.Designated exits must have sufficient capacity for the occupant load.

6142.63(i)
Instruction
Physical Education

Aquatic Activity Safety (Pool Safety)

Aquatic Facility Requirements (continued)

Safety Equipment Requirements

All swimming pools must be equipped with the minimum safety equipment specified by the local health codes and the regulations of the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Persons responsible for swimming pool activities must be familiar with the location and competent in the use of this equipment. Suggested guidelines follow:                                                       

1.  Two rescue tubes, 48-52 inches in length must be available in the poolroom, ready for
immediate use from either side of the deep end of the pool.

2.  One rescue/reaching pole of 12 feet minimum length must be mounted on each side wall
of the poolroom near the deep end of the pool.

3.  One elevated lifeguard chair must be located on the pool deck so as to provide the observer with a clear unobstructed view of the pool bottom at its deepest point.

4.  A safety line equipped with colored floats must be available for recreation or instructional swimming to mark the changes in grade in the pool bottom.

5.  A fully stocked first aid kit shall be immediately available in the pool area and will include rubber gloves.

6.  A stretcher and two blankets shall be easily accessible to the pool area.

7.  A backboard (spine board) shall be located in close proximity to the stretcher.

8.  A conspicuously marked emergency telephone must be located on the wall outside of the pool office. The pool area emergency plan should be posted nearby in waterproof plastic. Emergency directions specific to the facility should be inscribed on the emergency plan so that the person making the call can "read a script" to the emergency rescue dispatcher.

9.  All personnel with supervisory responsibility for aquatic activity should be well-versed in the safety and emergency plans for the facility. An annual rehearsal of the emergency response plan shall be periodically completed.

6142.63(j)
Instruction
Physical Education

Aquatic Activity Safety (Pool Safety)

Safety Equipment Requirements (continued)

Aquatic activities shall not be conducted at any pool leased or used by the Board of Education, unless safety equipment complies with the Connecticut Department of Public Health Regulations.

Unauthorized Use of Pool

All designated emergency exit doors must be equipped with self-closing and self-locking hardware that facilitates exiting.

All other pool entry doors must be lockable from both sides and equipped with self- closing and self-locking hardware.

Pool office and storage room door shall be locked when not in immediate use.

Following a school aquatics event, locking the pool doors is the direct responsibility of the school pool supervisor (pool coordinator). The custodian assumes responsibility for all other user groups.

Computer-generated security keys are strongly suggested for use in pool areas.

Keys should be limited in number, assigned to specific staff members, securely stored and never   loaned to unauthorized personnel.

Emergency Procedures

Careful planning is a prerequisite to any accident prevention or injury response program. A written plan of action that responds to all foreseeable emergency situations is essential in order to ensure efficient action during crisis situations.

Specific plans must be developed in response to a potential drowning, stoppage of breathing or serious injury. In addition, written directions shall be conspicuously posted for contacting the emergency response system, providing information to expedite their arrival, managing other swimmers, notifying the Principal and releasing information to the media.

Procedures for response to serious injuries and emergency should be conspicuously posted adjacent to the emergency telephone. These directions should include emergency telephone numbers, emergency script, pool phone number and other important numbers.

Emergency alarms and public address systems must be audible throughout the poolroom and its related  facilities. Procedures for reacting to such alarms or announcements should be established and practiced periodically (at least annually).

6142.63(k)
Instruction
Physical Education

Aquatic Activity Safety (Pool Safety) (continued)

General Pool Health and Safety Rules

·Showers are required before entering the pool.

·Street shoes are not allowed on the pool deck.

·Food or drink is not allowed on the pool deck.

·Glass items or containers are not allowed in locker rooms are on the pool deck.

·No running, pushing or horseplay on the pool deck or in the locker rooms.

·Jump in feet first, facing forward, straight ahead.

        “Diving is permitted at a minimum safe diving depth of 9 feet.

·One person at a time on a diving board, no cartwheels or handstands.

·Go straight off the end of board. Back dives and back flips are allowed off of diving boards, but not on the side of the pool. Swimming under diving boards is not allowed when they are in use. Each diving board area must be roped off as a separate space and from swimming areas. Non-swimmers and weak swimmers are to stay in the shallow end of the pool. Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs are to be prohibited from using the pool.

·People with communicable diseases or open or bleeding sores are prohibited from using the pool.

·Anyone who's been ill with vomiting or diarrhea within the last two weeks is prohibited from using the pool.

Board of Education Policy Regarding:
Instruction – Special Education
Policy # 6171.2(a)
Amended: 6/14/2022
Supersedes/Amends:  (6171.2 - 10/14/2014)

Preschool Special Education

The Board of Education (Board) recognizes the value of special education and its responsibility in ensuring that all resident preschool children with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in special programs and services from which they may benefit. The Board shall maintain an early intervention program for preschool-aged children identified through the “Birth to Age Three” screening process under regulations imposed by the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) which identifies children with special education needs or developmental delays.

The District’s program shall be based upon the “reverse mainstreaming model” which maintains a significant number of non-disabled (regular education) students who serve as role models for the students with identified special needs. The Director/Supervisor of Special Education is responsible to coordinate and evaluate the program annually in order to make a recommendation to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to establish administrative practices and procedures to carry out this responsibility.  Such administrative practices and procedures shall include:

1.         Locating and identifying all preschool children, between the ages of three and five, with disabilities pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).  The register of children eligible to receive preschool special education services is to be maintained and revised annually by the Director/Supervisor of Special Education;

2.         Ensuring that the parents of preschool-age children with disabilities have received and understand the request for consent for the evaluation of their child;

3.         Developing an individualized education program (IEP) for each preschool-age child with a disability requiring services;

4.         Appointing and training appropriately qualified personnel;

5.         Providing transportation to students enrolled in the program as designated or if eligible for transportation per guidelines.

6.         Maintaining lists as required by the State Education Department pertaining to the number of children with disabilities who are being served, as well as those identified disabled students not served; and

7.         Reporting as required to the State Education Department; and

8.         Ensuring the smooth transition from infant to preschool programs.

P6171.2(b)

Instruction

Special Education

Preschool Special Education (continued)

The Planning and Placement Team’s responsibilities will include the evaluation and recommendation for placement in appropriate approved programs and the provision of appropriate special education programs and services for each preschool child with a disability. Children recommended for an educational program may enter at various points throughout the school year.

It is ultimately the responsibility of the Board to provide the appropriate approved preschool program and services for the District children.  Should the PPT’s determination and recommendations differ from parent or guardian preference, placement may be appealed by a parent or guardian through the procedures outlined in IDEA.

If the PPT determines that a child is ineligible for participation in a preschool special education program, screening for developmental and social-emotional delays using validated assessment tools, such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and the Ages and Stages Social-Emotional Questionnaire, or their equivalents, shall take place for such child. The Board directs the Superintendent or his/her designee to ensure that the District considers that adequate and appropriate space and personnel are made available for such programs and services.

Legal Reference:         Connecticut General Statutes

10‑76a Definitions.

10‑76b State supervision of special education programs and services.

10‑76c Receipt and use of money and personal property.

10‑76d Duties and powers of boards of education to provide special education programs and services. (as amended by PA 97-114)

10‑76e School construction grant for cooperative regional special education facilities.

10‑76f Definition of terms used in formula for state aid for special education.

10‑76g State aid for special education.

Legal Reference:         Connecticut General Statutes (continued)

10‑76h Special education hearing and review procedure. Mediation of disputes.

10‑76i Advisory council for special education.

10‑76j Five-year plan for special education.

10‑76k Development of experimental educational programs.

State Board of Education Regulations.

P6171.2(b)

Instruction

Special Education

10‑76m Auditing claims for special education assistance.

10‑76a‑1 et seq. Definitions.

10‑76b‑1 through 10‑76b‑4 Supervision and administration.

10‑76d‑1 through 10‑76d‑19 Conditions of instruction.

10‑76h‑1 through 10‑76h‑2 Due process.

10‑76l‑1 Program Evaluation.

10‑145a‑24 through 10‑145a‑31 Special Education (re teacher certification).

17a-248e Individualized family service plans. Duties of lead agencies (as amended by PA 21-46, Section 27)

34 C.F.R. 3000 Assistance to States for Education for Handicapped Children.

American with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq. as amended by P.L. 105-17.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, 29 U.S.C. §794.