By signing the end of this indoor IPM plan, the IPM coordinator, Karen  Clark, of this School and the Pest Management Professionals described above acknowledge, and agree to the terms of this INDOOR integrated pest management plan.

A .INTRODUCTION

In compliance with the Act Protecting Children and Families from Harmful Pesticides, Howland Ave Head Start on 6/24/2009 11:07:00 AM has prepared the following indoor IPM plan. By centralizing all of the information about this facility’s pest management practices the plan serves as a guide to direct this facility’s IPM coordinator,  Karen  Clark , about pest control and pesticide use.

This plan describes the pest management practices for indoor areas of the Howland Ave Head Start and clearly states it’s pesticide use policies.

A copy of the plan has been filed with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and at least one printed copy must be kept on site and made available to the public upon request.

Objectives
The objectives of the integrated pest management program conducted at the Howland Ave Head Start are listed below.

	Reduce children’s exposure to pesticides and pesticide residues whenever possible.
	Manage pests that may occur on facilities to prevent interference with the learning environment of the students.
	Provide the safest playing or athletic surfaces possible.

In light of these objectives, the Howland Ave Head Start has selected the following as it’s IPM policy statement:

B.POLICY STATEMENT

Structural and landscape pests can pose significant problems for people and property. Pesticides can pose risks to people, property, and the environment. It is therefore the policy of this school to incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures for control of structural and landscape pests. The objective of this program is to provide necessary pest control while minimizing pesticide use.

C.IPM COMMITTEE

The tasks set before an IPM committee are to:

	Develop an IPM plan. The IPM plan is in essence, a document that describes the organization and implementation of IPM on school grounds.
	Evaluate progress of the IPM program.
	Communicate about IPM - Facilitate communication within the school about IPM practices.
	Assist in development of contract specifications.
	Provide notification to parents about pesticide use.

The INDOOR committee members selected for the Howland Ave Head Start are listed below:
1) Karen  Clark (Indoor IPM Coordinator)
2) Eloise  Stevens
3) Katie  Mc Whirt
4) Deborah  Hartwig
5) Linda Cormier
6) Mary Swift
7) Douglas  Hugabone

D. COMMUNICATING IPM WITHIN THE FACILITY

The Pest Management Professional communicates with the IPM coordinator of the facility. The IPM coordinator then posts this information in a common viewing area dedicated to the subject of integrated pest management. In addition, the IPM coordinator also communicates information to the staff supervisors who then distribute the information to all the staff and occupants concerned.

Staff communicate in writing with an administrator who then passes the information onto the IPM coordinator when necessary.

E. EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF FACILITY OCCUPANTS & STAFF

• *All employees (professional & custodial) will receive training.
• *Training" content will over safe food storage, proper garbage disposal and proper sanitation procedures.
• *The IPM coordinator will provide training for staff on an annual basis to cover pest reporting and pest prevention stratigies.
• *Orkin Pest Management will be hired to present an training for all staff at the Howland Ave School if necessary.
• *Additional IPM related training will include: food consumption in only designated areas, spills cleaned up immediately, floors swept, vacumed and wet mopped daily under eating area tables, leftovers will be disposed of properly, garbage will be disposed of in plastic bags, tied tightly and removed from the building to dumpster after lunch, trash containers will be hosed down and disenfected weekly or as needed, other foods will be refrigerated as appropriate.

F. INDOOR MONITORING

The IPM committee will evaluate the plan quarterly. When pests are present, Howland Ave Head Start has chosen an INDOOR monitoring schedule that consists of daily inspections. When pests are absent the INDOOR monitoring schedule will consist of weekly inspections.

The following technique will be used to monitor for pests:  The IPM committee will evaluate the plan quarterly. When pests are present, Berkshire County Head Start has chosen an Indoor monitoring schedule that consists of daily inspections. When pests are absent the indoor monitoring schedule will consist of weekly inspections. The following technique will be used for pests: reports from staff personel (pest reporting forms) would prompt the IPM coordinator to contact the facility''s Pest Management Professional who would then conduct a facility audit.

G. COURSE OF ACTION TAKEN FOR INDOOR PESTS

The following pests have historically and/or currently been a problem at Howland Ave Head Start:
• Ants
  
• No pests at this time-historically occasional mice
  

The School's IPM approach to managing the indoor pests includes the following actions:



SCHOOL PEST DESCRIPTION

No pests at this timehistorically occasional mice and ants.

SCHOOL PEST LOCATION DETAILS

Occasional mice are seen in basement of building and storage room. Ants are typically seen in the classroom area in the spring.

SCHOOL PEST ACTIVITY

One or two mice have been spotted during the winter months. A few scattered ants have been seen in the classroom area.

MONITORING/INSPECTION

Currently we do not have a problem with pests. If mice are seen mechanical traps are set away from children. Ant cups may be placed in the classroom area over the weekends and will be removed and disposed of by staff before children arrive on Monday morning.

ELIMINATING ACCESS

We currently do not have a pest problem. If we encounter pests all hallways, doorways, windows, holes in exterior wals, openings around pipes, electrical fixtures or ducts will be maintainrd in the following manner: windows will be kept shut when not in use, holes in walls caulked and/or sealed, damaged screens repaired and/or replaced.

ELIMINATING SOURCES OF FOOD AND WATER

To ensure that pests listed have no access to sources of food and water: food and beverages will be allowed only in designated areas, keep all areas of facility as dry as possible by removing standing water or wet materials, routinely clean cubbies and storage areas, frequently vacuum carpeted areas;classrooms, kitchen areas, snack areas and food storage areas, if indoor plants are present they must be maintained and kept healthy.

ELIMINATION OF SHELTER AND HARBORAGE

To ensure pests have no access to shelter or harborage Food and waste will be stored in containers that are inaccessible to pests. Containers must have tight lids and be made of plastic, glass or metal. Waste must be removed at the end of the day. Screens will be placed on vents, windows, and floor drains to prevent pests from using unscreened ducts or vents as pathways. Inhospital living conditions will be created for pests by reducing availability of food and water-remove food debris, sweep up all crumbs, fix dripping faucets and leaks and dry out wet areas. Use proper cleaning practices, including promptyy cleaning food preparation area after use.

NON-CHEMICAL CONTROLS

Non-chemical rodent traps and ant cups will be used to manage pest problems.

CHEMICAL CONTROLS

PESTICIDE USE ATTESTATION:

Pesticides are only applied by a certified and/or licensed applicator.

H. RECORD KEEPING

In the case of Howland Ave Head Start, INDOOOR monitoring records will be maintained through the following technique:  The use of forms which will be filled out by the person monitoring the facility

I. EVALUATING THE PROGRAM

The IPM committee will evaluate the plan quarterly .

J. IN THE EVENT OF A HEALTH EMERGENCY

During the creation of this IPM plan, Katie McWhirt has assigned committee member Karen Clark with the responsibility of applying for an emergency waiver.

K. LIST OF PESTICIDES TO BE USED INSIDE THE FACILITY

The following list includes all the pesticides that will be used inside the Howland Ave Head Start. This list includes all herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides that will be used in the event that chemical is required.



Pesticide Name

Active Ingredient

EPA Registration #

Target Pest

Rationale for use

I attest, to the best of my knowledge, that the above information is complete, accurate and true

                                         _____                                                  __/______/___       
IPM Coordinator Signature                                                         Date

                                                                                                      / _       /               
Administrator, Director, or Principal                                            Date

Indoor IPM Plan originally submitted on: 8/1/2005 11:05:00 AM
Plan updated by Karen Clark on: 6/24/2009 11:07:00 AM