College Station Independent School District BIRTH to FIVE HEAD START PARENT and FAMILY HANDBOOK
WELCOME TO BIRTH to FIVE HEAD START! The Birth to Five Head Start program of College Station Independent School District welcomes your family to the beginning of an exciting journey with your child. This district is committed to appropriate early education and to supporting and encouraging pregnant women and parents as they are effective advocates for their child. Parents are the first teacher for their child and a source of the best information regarding that child. Links with family members are important to all staff. We want to build relationships with you as we work together to build a strong foundation for your child and family’s success! PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY Birth to Five Head Start helps to prepare children for success in school and in life. The mission of our program is to partner with children and families to: • strengthen attachments and connections • support healthy environments physically, emotionally and educationally • link families with the community to increase well-being fostering school readiness to cultivate lifelong learners. This focus also fosters the development of school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of education, health, nutrition, disability, mental health, and social services to children and families. Children receive an appropriate introduction to learning. Parents become involved in their children's education, discover their own strengths, and continue to develop to their fullest potential. Community members donate time, energy, resources and good will to the program, while also providing opportunities for Birth to Five Head Start families to contribute and serve. This three-fold approach to empowering families works to facilitate the success in life of those involved in our program.
Education is a Partnership! Your part... Our Part.... Head Start Early Head Start The goal of Birth to Five Head Start is to provide an environment Provide an evening routine for Value yourself as your that stimulates each child's curiosity and engagement. We your child so that he/she can be child’s first teacher. encourage each child to develop his/her own interests, talents and well rested; 10-12 hours of sleep skills. We know that children learn best through activities with is recommended for children Keep appointments or call people and objects. Through play they will achieve many goals. going to preschool. and reschedule. We recognize that each child grows and develops at a different Focus on your child’s rate. These are some steps as they grow: Encourage wholesome, development and play. nutritious foods. 1. Language Development: Listening, understanding, Read to your child at least 20 Enjoy at least 20 minutes speaking and communicating. minutes every day. of play together each day. 2. Literacy: The sounds of words, knowing about and Dress your child or children for Work toward your goals. loving books, understanding written words, early writing the weather & for active play and learning letters. experiences. Tennis shoes and Attend play groups. comfortable clothes are best for 3. Mathematics: Geometry, understanding space school. Communicate, talk with relationships, patterns, measurements. or help other families. Create opportunities for learning 4. Science: Scientific skills, methods and knowledge. at home. Talk about the school Actively engage in home 5. Creative Arts: Music, art, movement and dramatic play. day and the importance of visits. 6. Social and Emotional: Self concept, self control, learning. Provide an evening cooperation, social relationships, knowledge of families Keep your child at home if they routine for your child so and communities. do not feel well. that he/she can be well 7. Approaches to Learning: Initiative, curiosity, Label your child’s clothing. rested; 10-12 hours of engagement, persistence, reasoning and problem solving. sleep is recommended for 8. Physical Health and Development: Fine and gross Bring your child to class on time. young children. motor skills, health status and health practices. Participate actively in your Encourage wholesome, 1 child’s education. Talk to your nutritious foods at home child’s teacher and feel free to to help children be healthy ask questions and share and at their best. information. Participate actively Find a variety of ways to be in your child’s ongoing involved in Head Start. Ask at your campus for volunteer assessment. Talk to your opportunities. child’s home visitor and feel free to ask questions. and share information. 2
Components of Head Start Early Head Start Education— • One home visit weekly lasting a minimum of 1 ½ hours • Home-based, hands-on learning activities Birth to Five Head Start believes parents are the first educators of • Specific social/emotional component their children. As part of its primary goal to develop confident • A minimum of two play groups monthly and capable children, parents and staff create individual learning • Nutritious snacks during play groups paths for each child to ensure his/her success in our program. • Parent engagement opportunities • All Early Head Start comprehensive services Head Start Special Services— Classroom Details Our classrooms reflect the rich cultures of the families we serve Birth to Five Head Start makes it possible for all children with and introduce children to the world around them through active special needs to be identified early in the program year. Head hands on experiences. The CSISD Head Start program provides Start collaborates with district Special Services staff & Early a classroom experience for 17-18 children. These classrooms Head Start collaborates with the local Early Childhood operate 5 days a week for a regular school day and follow the Intervention program to ensure appropriate education for all public school calendar. Our classrooms have the following children. To accomplish this: unique characteristics: • Children are screened for speech and language, vision • A lead teacher and an assistant teacher for each classroom and hearing skills, motor skills as well as social and • Center based, hands-on learning activities emotional development. Parents are notified if further • Specific social/emotional component tests are needed and are involved in ways to help their • Appropriate outdoor equipment and activities children reach their goals. • Community connections with TAMU/Blinn students • A Family Services Facilitator for your class • Mental health specialists will observe classrooms and • Nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack each day play groups as well as provide information and resources • Many parent engagement opportunities to teachers, home visitors and families. • Regular Campus Committee meetings • Two home visits from teaching staff • Parents are assisted in transitioning their child into Early • Two Parent-Teacher conferences Head Start, from Early Head Start to Head Start, and • Additional Family Services Facilitator home visits from Head Start to Kindergarten. • All Head Start comprehensive services 4 3
Parent Engagement— Community resources will always be the first option but individualized support may be a possibility as well. Parent engagement is an important part of a successful program for you and your child. Home visits build strong, supportive Family Services— relationships between staff and parents. Parents meet together for educational programs and other parent gatherings. Parent Birth to Five Head Start is committed to supporting your family workshops are offered that are based on parent needs or by establishing a strong partnership with you. We will work with interests. Volunteering provides the opportunity to gain new you to identify your goals and support you in reaching them by skills or develop skills you already have. There are many ways using your own strengths, your family resources, community to make your Head Start experience successful. Some of these links, networking and education. This will reinforce the gains are: made by your child at Birth to Five Head Start and support your own personal goals and self-sufficiency. Family Services • Participate in home visits, parent conferences and play Facilitators and Home Visitors are available to help with groups. information and resources. Services include: • Attend parent meetings, special events and get involved. • Four home visits for Head Start & weekly home visits for • Set goals and check in on progress made with your Home Early Head Start Visitor or Family Services Facilitator. • Information on community resources • Work on activities from home visits or classrooms. • Emergency or crisis intervention and support • Go on a field trip and attend special program events. • Encouragement and support for your own efforts to • Stay informed by reading information from the program obtain the quality services you desire sent in your child’s backpack or other staff. • Development of family identified goals as areas for • Provide feedback about services and advocate for your personal/family growth child and family. • Meetings with parent selected topics • Support for child development, behavior management Family Support— and stress management Birth to Five Head Start recognizes that a family may encounter • Advocacy/support for you in dealing with other agencies • Information to support training and educational needs difficulties or unexpected hardship from time to time. Resources • Assistance with medical & dental needs for children not are available to support families in these situations and to assist covered by Medicaid, CHIP or other insurance • Translation services for non-English speakers with needs that may not be met through community resources. • Support for special groups in parenting roles. Head Start Family Services Facilitators and Early Head Start 6 Home Visitors have information from the local area. Family members are expected to work with the facilitator/home visitor to be a part of the problem solving and to create a plan to prevent the situation from being repeated. 5
Family Partnerships Engagement for Special Groups Building on strengths, Birth to Five Head Start staff members + Fathers and Male Role Models work with families to support them in meeting their goals. Information, referral and resources will be provided in response Birth to Five Head Start has a vision and mission that supports to the goal(s) chosen by the parent. Frequent visits by phone, on the involvement of the men in the lives of the children we serve. site or at home will be made to support parents in making We believe in: progress on their goals throughout the year. • Supporting and encouraging men to become more active When possible, Birth to Five Head Start will make efforts to in the lives of children. include the non-custodial parent, providing support for their involvement with the child and goal attainment. Letters, photos, • Defining and implementing strategies for increasing male copies of newsletters and assessment reports are some of the involvement. methods used to build relationships with these parents and provide information about their child. • Educating staff and parents to effect change in the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward father figures. Home Visits • Acknowledging parents as partners in raising their Home Visits are an important part of our program because we are children, even when they don’t live in the same home. partners in your child's Head Start/Early Head Start experience. We invite you to be an active participant in home visits with • Supporting and communicating with incarcerated dads. Head Start teaching staff, Head Start Family Services Facilitators and Early Head Start Home Visitors. Our staff works to find The opportunities for male involvement in Birth to Five Head times that are convenient for you. Please let the staff know ahead Start include all program activities as well as specific special of time if you need to reschedule a visit. program events that occur throughout the year. 7 + Grandparents Birth to Five Head Start recognizes that, in some instances, grandparents may be the custodians of young children. The program seeks to support these families with both educational issues and family support. Family Services Facilitators and Home Visitors work specifically to meet the unique needs of these families by providing information, locating resources or fostering intergenerational relationships within the family. 8
Health and Nutrition— Immunizations Birth to Five Head Start Health Services include: If your child does not have up-to-date immunizations, please obtain those from your doctor or through the local Health Clinic. • Health, wellness, safety, and nutrition education for If you need help to get this arranged, please let us know. During families and children. your child's time with Birth to Five Head Start, the Health Services staff as well as your Family Services Facilitator and/or • Vision and hearing screenings. Home Visitor will be working with you to make sure that your • Height and weight measurements twice during the year. child is completely caught up on all required immunizations. • Nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack for each Head Start Texas State Law requires that each child must have the appropriate doses of each required immunization before they class. Food substitutions made for special dietary needs. enter the classroom. Texas State Law also requires that children Menus and nutrition education are provided. be kept out of school if they are not up to date on the required • Nutrition snack at play groups. immunizations. Please plan to work with us on the immunization • Child nutrition screening. plan so that we can avoid this \"exclusion deadline.\" • Family nutrition counseling. • Child medical and dental assistance and referral for Healthy Habits families who do not have insurance or do not qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. In Head Start, healthy habits are established in the classroom • Resources and referrals for family health issues. with daily tooth brushing and an emphasis on hand-washing and other habits that help reduce the spread of illnesses. Well Child Care In Head Start, balanced, nutritious meals and special support We believe that having access to medical and dental care (a from Child Nutrition Services give children an opportunity to medical and dental home) is essential for all children. We want learn about healthy eating habits. We use the classroom for to assist in getting and keeping a medical and dental home. teaching children good habits around safety. We ensure that Please be sure to inform your Family Services Facilitator or playground rules are followed and safety devices such as helmets Home Visitor of any problems that have prevented you from and car seats are used appropriately. In Early Head Start, getting medical or dental care in the past. Together we will nutritious snacks are served at play groups. Healthy habits, develop a plan to find solutions. If you already have a medical including tooth brushing, hand-washing, healthy eating habits, and dental home, we will ask that your doctors complete a form and safety are a part of the Early Head Start curriculum. to indicate that your child is up-to-date on well child care. If your doctor indicates that your child is not up-to-date, your Family We encourage parents to become involved in the Health Services Services Facilitator, Home Visitor or the Health Services Advisory Committee so that you can help develop policies for a Specialist will work with you on a plan to bring your child up-to- healthy environment for all of the children in the program. date. Working together to follow the recommended health and dental exams per Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and 10 Treatment schedule (EPSDT) is important for your child’s health. 9
When Your Child is Ill— The Health Services Specialist is available to assist you in getting additional information or finding services for your child. Head Start Head Lice If your child is brought to the classroom sick (or becomes sick), we will require that he/she be taken home immediately. Your Head lice are common among preschoolers. Therefore, teachers child is not well enough to be in class with any of the following will be checking for head lice among ALL children on a symptoms: regular basis. If your child has head lice, you will be contacted to come and pick her/him up. Children with head lice may not • An oral temperature over 101 (100 if taken under arm) return to the class until they are nit free. Your Family Services • A sore red throat, even if no fever is present Facilitator or Health Services Specialist will give you • An earache information about the safest and most effective treatment. • A deep hacking cough • Severe congestion Communicable Diseases • Difficulty breathing or untreated wheezing • An unexplained rash Head Start has a strong focus on wellness and uses many • Vomiting (more than one time in 24 hours) methods to ensure that our children are healthy and strong. • Diarrhea (more than two times in 24 hours) Occasionally, a communicable disease may occur in the • Complaints of a stiff neck and headache with one or more classroom. In this event, you will receive a notice from either the campus nurse or the Health Services Specialist with of the above symptoms (be sure to contact the doctor) information about the illness, what to watch for in your own • Thick, green drainage from the nose, along with sinus child, and the necessary steps to care for your child. Any questions can be directed to either of these staff members. pressure, fever or tiredness. • Seizure that lasts more than five minutes. Special Conditions • Yellow discharge from the eyes • An unusual yellow coloring to the skin or eyes Any special condition that affects your child at school should be • Cuts or pus filled openings on the skin thoroughly discussed with the teacher, Family Services • Lice or nits Facilitator and campus nurse. Special equipment may be kept at • A contagious disease (be sure to let us know also) the school and the nurse is available each day for any treatments or other medication that your child may require. The Health Early Head Start Services Specialist is available to assist you in finding more information or services for your child. If you or your child is ill on a day that your Home Visitor is scheduled for a home visit, please contact your Home Visitor to Note: 12 reschedule as early as possible. Any special condition that affects Be sure to keep your emergency contact your child should be thoroughly discussed with your Home information updated so Family Services Visitor. Your Home Visitor will assist you in linking your child Facilitators and Home Visitors can contact you. to any needed services or resources. 11
Program Governance— Policy Council by receiving information from the group as well as providing information to back to them. Birth to Five Head Start is directed by law to involve parents and to encourage their participation in the oversight of the program. Policy Council This is accomplished by the Campus Committee in Head Start and by the Parent Committee in Early Head Start as well as the Representatives who serve on the Policy Council are elected Policy Council. from each classroom at the first Campus Committee meeting which is held in conjunction with the initial Parent Orientation. Head Start Campus Committee Meetings Representatives are also elected from the Early Head Start families. These representatives are charged with carrying Each parent of a Head Start child is automatically a member of information for their group to and from the Policy Council the Campus Committee. The activities of this group are led by meeting. Meetings are held at least six times each year at a date the Family Services Facilitator. These meetings are held and time set by the Council. The meetings are open to anyone throughout the year, with parent-generated topics and speakers. who wants to attend; however, only the elected Policy Council These meetings give parents an opportunity to learn and practice members are allowed to vote. leadership skills, make site-based decisions, and have a voice in program governance. Parents are encouraged to take an active Policy Council Responsibilities role in these meetings and to provide questions, suggestions or comments to be communicated to the Policy Council at its • Be informed and keep other parents informed about monthly meetings. Information from the Policy Council is then issues facing Policy Council. returned to the Campus Committee by the elected representative who attends each meeting. • Attend meetings regularly and notify staff in advance if you cannot attend. Campus Committee Responsibilities • Advocate for the best interests of all families. • Meet together regularly to receive information about • Attend Campus Committee or Parent Committee Policy Council meetings and to share information and suggestions for campus program. meetings and represent concerns to the Policy Council. • Attend trainings and share the information with others. • Advocate for the best interests of all Head Start families. • Meet with the Family Services Facilitator or Home • Work with the Family Services Facilitator for campus Visitor to coordinate volunteer activities and program events and encourage participation of all parents. events. • Participate in special campus events and assist as needed • Encourage and support Policy Council representative. Policy Council Representatives/Alternates will be: Early Head Start Parent Committee Meetings • Trained in Policy Council’s duties and responsibilities. • Eligible for childcare services (including dinner). A Parent Committee meeting is held during a play group at least • Served meals for all meetings. once each month. This is an opportunity for parents to connect to • Reminded regularly of all meetings or activities. 13 14
Volunteering— How can you help in Birth to Five Head Start? Parents are encouraged to volunteer in their child's classroom, in Head Start Early Head Start their child’s home-based program, and in the program as a Read or tell a story. Translation services whole. Head Start Parents will receive a Volunteer Orientation at Serve food. Mentor other parents. their campus prior to the beginning of Head Start classes and Work closely with one child or Present cultural Early Head Start parents will receive information regarding work with a small group. demonstrations, such as volunteering from their Home Visitor. Descriptions of volunteer Help on field trips. cooking or sewing, at activities and opportunities to assist will be given as well. Get materials ready to use. play groups. Because Head Start, Early Head Start and CSISD are concerned Take a project home. about the safety and well being of our children, all volunteers on Play a game or a musical Work on lesson plans at the campus are required to participate in the CSISD Criminal instrument. home with your child in History Check system. Talk with a child. between home visits. Supervise kids in an activity. Assist with “make and What can you gain? Take pictures. take” activities. Share your family’s culture. • Learn new skills Supervise on the playground. Assist with • Make new friends Sing a song. administrative tasks at • Meet your personal goals Repair toys, books, or equipment. the EHS office. • Gain confidence Sew dress-up clothes. • Learn management tips to use at home Help with tooth brushing time. Assist with set-up and • Become aware of community resources Attend special events. clean-up at play groups. • Build your support system Work with the teacher to meet • Have some fun your child's educational goals. Attend special events. • Learn job/employment skills • Belong to a national organization Work with the Home • Help your community be a better place to live Visitor to meet your • Support the school district and the campus child's educational • Show your family you care about education goals. Note: Be sure to keep your contact information updated so In-Kind Services we can let you know about special opportunities. The Federal Government requires that 20% of the Birth to Five 15 Head Start grant be matched with contributions from the community. This is called \"in-kind\". Parents can support by volunteering, attending program activities, donating materials, serving on Policy Council and many other ways to contribute. 16
Transportation— Repeated problems at pick-up or drop-off time may result in a conference with the Birth to Five Head Start Director and could Head Start result in your child being denied transportation. Head Start offers transportation to and from school on district Note: Be sure to keep your emergency information updated school buses to eligible families. Routes are established only for to ensure contact by Transportation Services. children who attend classes within their attendance zone and who live two miles or more from the campus. Transportation is also Actions for bus referrals are: provided for field trips for Head Start classes. Parents or other family members may not ride district vehicles for these events. • First offense: warning (Other arrangements may be made with your Facilitator.) • Second offense: 3 day exclusion • Third offense: 10 day exclusion Your child will receive special training for riding the bus early in • Fourth offense: 30 day exclusion and parent conference the year. “Bus Camp” is conducted for each class and the materials will be sent to every family as well. Helping your child Head Start and campus staff will work with the child and family understand the importance of safe and responsible riding will to ensure appropriate behavior on the bus so that exclusions are assist the staff and will ensure that your child will have the kept to a minimum. Support from the family is very important in transportation needed between school and home. Campus this area! administrators handle any behavior issues on the bus and will communicate directly with you if necessary. Early Head Start For things to go smoothly on our bus routes, we need you to be Transportation to play groups is provided as needed. If you need aware that: transportation to a play group, notify your Home Visitor. Please notify the office or home visitor if your reservation is no longer • Being ready on time is crucial. A “time window” of needed. approximately ten minutes is provided for each family for pick-up and drop-off. Family Transportation • Calling in advance on any changes or emergencies is Birth to Five Head Start can assist family members with important. occasional transportation requests or for special occasions. Calls may be made to the Birth to Five Head Start office or to your • An adult must be present to receive a child at drop-off Home Visitor to set up transportation for doctor’s appointments, time. special services meetings or other needs that your family may have. Requests are always handled on a “time available” basis • Children will not be dropped off without an adult and will with the support staff. For special family events, Birth to Five be taken back to the district transportation office. Head Start strives to provide transportation for any families that require it. Family Services Facilitators and Home Visitors are the • If the emergency contact is not available, your child will contact point for this information. be taken to the local police station. 18 • No food, animals, weapons, or glass containers are allowed on the bus. 17
Mental Wellness— Be an Active Partner in Birth to Five Head Start Head Start and Early Head Start provides mental wellness services for Head Start and Early Head Start children and Participating in your child’s education means that you are an families. Consultants are available to help teachers, home important partner in a system that will be working for your visitors, and parents encourage behaviors which move children in child’s success for many years. The experiences for parents that the direction of cooperation, making friends and appropriate occur during your child’s Birth to Five Head Start years are choices, developing a strong sense of self-esteem and coping designed to provide a foundation for you in the school district with life's challenges. Consultants and counselors may visit the processes and practices. Please let any of our staff know if there classroom or play group to work with the staff, families and are ways that we can assist you or provide more information for children. If it seems your child could benefit from individual you during this important year. Take part in any of these attention, your signed permission will be requested before any activities listed here and enjoy your partnership with Birth to further services are offered. Five Head Start! Services for parents are available also. Parents may contact their Family Services Facilitator or Home Visitor for more details • Be a member of Policy Council or join a committee. about speaking with a counselor. • Help plan and attend parent meetings. • Help in the office. 19 • Give ideas for activities or field trips. • Read to a child. • Set up a toy or clothing exchange. • Represent Birth to Five Head Start at a community event. • Help your child’s teacher/home visitor assess his/her developmental progress. • Participate in fatherhood involvement activities. 20
Important Policies— Child Abuse Reporting Confidentiality Birth to Five Head Start staff are required by Texas law to report any suspected or identified child abuse to the state. Staff will Information is gathered so that Birth to Five Head Start can fully support families who are involved with CPS and will preserve understand the needs for your child/family and work together to absolute confidentiality of all records pertaining to a report in meet those needs. All information obtained from you is accordance with state law. completely confidential. At the end of the year, records are kept in the administrative offices for five (5) years, and then School Closures Due to Weather destroyed. Except for your local school district, records will only be sent to another agency with written permission of the Head Start classes abide by the school district's decision to close parent or legal guardian. Only the parent or guardian signing the schools. Please listen to the radio. If the school district cancels enrollment form will have access to the records. school, your Head Start class will also be canceled. Attendance Policy Medical Emergency Head Start Head Start Staff are trained to follow emergency procedures. A staff person will stay with the injured child at all times and You must notify your classroom staff if your child is going to be administer first aid as necessary. Staff will seek medical absent. Please give the reason for the absence and the return assistance from: 1) campus nurse or emergency medical services date. Consistent and timely attendance is essential to your child's (911), 2) hospital emergency room or clinic, or 3) poison control. progress in school. Tardies are monitored by the campus and will Staff will contact the parent/guardian as listed on the child's be reported to Head Start if they become excessive. Your Family emergency contact form. If the staff are unsure about the urgency Services Facilitator and your child’s teacher will work with your of a situation, they will call the listed physician on the family to ensure your child’s on time attendance each day. emergency form or the Health Specialist, parent/guardian, or other adults listed on the emergency form. Please make sure Early Head Start that this information is updated whenever necessary!! You must notify your home visitor if you are unable to keep your Right of Access/Campus Sign-in scheduled home visit and need to reschedule. Please give the reason for the need to reschedule the home visit. Consistent Head Start strongly encourages you to participate in your child's home visits are essential to your child’s progress in Early Head preschool experience. Parents/guardians are welcome at the Start. Missed home visits are documented and excessive missed school at any time. Each time a family member comes to the home visits could result in your family being withdrawn from the campus to visit in class, attend a meeting or volunteer for the program. program, the district policy is for that person to sign in at the front office. This ensures safety for all children and the campus 21 and provides an opportunity for campus staff to relate to Head Start families whenever possible. 22
Field Trips Celebrations Field trips are a fun and important part of Head Start and we Head Start classes celebrate for many reasons--holidays, encourage parents to participate in field trips whenever possible. milestones or a special event may be a cause for rejoicing! Parents are asked to make alternative arrangements for siblings These occasions are all used as learning opportunities. Head Start so that the field trip experience is a special one for the Head Start classrooms promote the healthy eating and food choices at child and parent. Parents are notified in advance of every field school. Food of minimal nutritional value (soda water, water trip, including information about location, staff attending and any icees, chewing gum, candy) may not be served. Please talk with special requirements. your child’s teacher about your contribution to any celebration for suggestions and ideas! Also, remember that invitations of Child Guidance any kind must be provided for the entire class if they are to be distributed at school! Our classroom environments, schedules and activities are designed to capture the interest and stimulate the enthusiasm of Complaints young children. Our teachers instruct the children on how to use materials, classroom and equipment and what rules need to be CSISD Birth to Five Head Start follows a set of Performance followed when they interact with them. They also teach social Standards developed by the Federal Government. In addition, skills that will help the children to have successful interactions there are specific processes and policies defined by College with all the adults and children. Occasionally young children Station Independent School District. forget the rules and test limits and this is very appropriate. It helps to learn to respect limits and to develop social skills that If you have a concern or question about the program, you are will help them be successful in our classes and the rest of their encouraged to first speak with the teacher and then contact the life. The strategies we use to help children learn to respect limits campus principal for specific campus issues. Your Home Visitor, include: Family Services Facilitator or the Birth to Five Head Start Director may also answer questions or hear issues that concern • Redirecting them to appropriate activities you. The Director is responsible for compliance of all • Providing appropriate words or actions regulations. • Problem solving with the child • Routines and consistency Written Concerns • Giving choices within limits • Teaching children how to calm themselves In addition, written concerns can be submitted to the Director of Head Start who will respond in writing within ten working days. Our staff will maintain communication with parents/guardians about behavior plans for their children if needed. The program 24 uses Conscious Discipline® as its curriculum. Sessions are made available to parents and family members during the year. 23
Frequently Asked Questions What will my child learn in Head Start? What do I send to school with my child? Socially, your child will learn to build friendships and work out Small towel or blanket; back pack and a change of clothing in a problems by himself. We promote independence and help zip lock bag. All items should be labeled with your child’s name. children learn to make good choices. We promote a “school family” and teach respect for differences. Do I send any school supplies or food? All supplies and food will be furnished by Head Start. Academically, your child will be exposed to alphabet and number activities, letter sounds, math games, colors, shapes and What if I arrive late to school with my child? skills such as cutting and writing. These skills will assist in your child’s transition to the next level. You must go to the office to sign your child in before going to the classroom. After 8:00, classes may be in the cafeteria for Other learning includes nutrition and health lessons, science breakfast. You must walk your child into the classroom each activities, sports experiences, dramatic play, music and creative day. movement and lots of art! What if I arrive late to pick up my child? What is the focus of Early Head Start? Car riders are taken to a specific spot on each campus for pick up. Teachers are on duty is until 3:20 at which time the child The focus of Early Head Start is to strengthen the parent/child will be taken to the campus office. Staff will contact the parents. relationship and to partner with parents by assisting and The last resort when a child is not picked up by the time the supporting them to successfully engage with their child which office closes at 4:00 is to call the local police who will take will ultimately lead to school success. charge of the child and locate the family. It is important to keep your contact information up to date at all times and to How do I know how to get my questions answered? arrive in a timely manner to avoid confusion! All Birth to Five Head Start staff are here to make the experience What if I need a conference with the teacher? for your child and family one that will be positive and helpful. Please call to schedule a conference any time with your child’s You may call anyone on your Birth to Five team, the campus teacher. Teachers will not be able to confer with parents while administration or the administrative office for more information. they are on duty but are happy to arrange a mutually satisfactory For Head Start, at your campus orientation, you will receive a time to meet. The teachers are eager to talk with you about your “Who to Call” roster that will list many program areas and the child! person who can best assist you to find answers to your questions. For Early Head Start, your Home Visitor is your contact person 25 and will either answer your questions or will connect you to the appropriate person(s) to get your questions answered. We always welcome parent input and want to know how we can better serve you! 26
INDEX Home Visits 7 Attendance Policy 21 Immunizations 10 Birthday Invitations 24 Campus Committee 13 Important Policies 21 Campus Committee Responsibilities 13 Celebrations 24 In-Kind Services 16 Child Abuse Reporting 22 Child Guidance 23 Medical Emergencies 22 Classroom Details 3 Communicable Diseases 12 Mental Wellness 19 Complaints 24 Confidentiality 21 Nutrition 9 Education 3 Education Is a Partnership! 1-2 Parent Engagement 5 Frequently Asked Questions 25-26 Family Partnerships 7 Partnering with Birth to Five Head Start 20 Family Services 6 Family Support 5 Philosophy Introduction Family Transportation 18 Fathers and Male Role Models 8 Policy Council 14 Field Trips 23 Grandparents 12 Policy Council Responsibilities 14 Health 9 Healthy Habits 10 Program Governance 13 Right of Access 22 School Closure Due to Weather 22 Special Conditions 12 Special Services 4 Transportation 17 Volunteering 15 Well Child Care 9 When Your Child is Ill 11 Written Concerns 24
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