Head Start is a comprehensive pre-school for low-income families. Head Start views the education and socialization of a child in a holistic manner. We believe that to ensure success we must address any and all elements of a child’s life that may inhibit their future academic or social successes.
Head Start divides the delivery of services into the areas listed below. Within each service area a great deal of focus is spent on the education and inclusion of parents. Head Start strives to encourage and support parental involvement in all aspects of their children’s lives.
Volunteer
Along with all community members, parents are encouraged to become actively involved in the program and a wide variety of volunteer opportunities are available. There are numerous one-time activities as well as on-going roles such as participation on the program’s Policy Council or Advisory Committees. Volunteer orientation and recognition programs provide support to our many committed program volunteers.
Transition
We believe that effective transitions are crucial to ensure the most fulfilling experience for parents and children. Staff within all service areas cooperatively addresses transition into and out of the Head Start program. The enrollment process is structured to encourage parental understanding of all elements of the program and includes a home visit by the child’s teacher and the family’s advocate prior to the first day of classes. This visit enables staff to begin understanding each family’s unique needs and to create a more welcoming environment when the child begins school.
The child’s transition to the next academic environment is addressed throughout a family’s participation. A number of activities, both within and outside the classroom, have been developed to increase child and parent awareness and decrease anxiety. Head Start works to ensure that both parents and child make a gentle and effective transition into the public school system.
Transportation
Head Start makes every effort to ensure that transportation is not an obstacle to the enrollment of any eligible child. More than 90% of the children enrolled will receive transportation services, including those with disabilities. Effort is also made to educate parents and children on the importance of vehicle and pedestrian safety. Classroom activities and special events provide information on current requirements and the best safety practices for children and families.
Child Development
The literacy based curriculum used by Head Start focuses on the child’s academic and social development and works to prepare them fully for Kindergarten. Staff is able to individualize each child’s education plan and to structure classroom activities to provide effective opportunities to address each child’s needs. Child Development staff utilizes each classroom activity, from snack time to outdoor play, to incorporate learning opportunities.
Parents are encouraged to visit and spend time in classroom activities. A constant stream of communication is maintained with parents through the program newsletter, weekly classroom updates, special event notices and periodic parent/teacher conferences. Child Development staff educates parents as to the developmental benefits of the various classroom activities and provides information on learning opportunities for the home. Parents are always encouraged to take an active, hands-on role in leading their child’s education.
Family Services
The Family Services staff is charged with assisting families in the development of life goals and a realistic plan for attainment. Family Advocates offer families on-going support and encouragement as they work toward their personal goals and deal with the many complicated aspects of family life. An extensive resource library and referral system is maintained to offer additional support and services.
Staff also provides a wide range of parent involvement activities and learning opportunities throughout the program year. Through the Parent Committees, parents are invited to participate in many aspects of the program’s planning while having access to special presentations on topics such as Effective Parenting, Basic Family Health Care, Nutritional Meal Planning, Home Ownership and Job-Skills Development. The Parent Committee is also charged with providing representatives to the program’s Policy Council. The Policy Council provides direct oversight of program operations and is comprised of both community and parent representatives – with parents making up the majority of positions.
Health & Disabilities
Health & Disabilities staff is responsible for evaluating and monitoring the physical and mental health and development of enrolled children. Initial assessments and screenings are provided for each child and an individualized plan is developed for all identified needs. Parents are actively involved with the development of such plans and provided with information and education on all relevant issues. Staff then works with local service providers to ensure that the child and their family are receiving all necessary service and support to fully address the identified need.