Research shows that children are most successful in school when the family and the school work as partners. As a result, we strongly encourage parental involvement in our Head Start program. Head Start involves parents as decision-making partners in a variety of ways:
Parent Center Committee
Upon registering your child for Head Start you are encouraged to join the Parent Center Committee. This committee works with the staff to meet the goals of the center. As a member of the committee you can contribute by:
Attending the meetings.
Calling other parents to remind them of the meeting dates and times.
Being a rideshare participant - give or get a ride to ensure optimal attendance at meetings.
Being a meeting aide - come early to help set-up, make copies of the meeting agenda, etc.
Planning training and activities for the meeting.
Planning field trips and special events.
Policy Council
Represent your Parent Center Committee at monthly meetings on the Head Start Policy Council. A parent from each Head Start program option comes together to share ideas, plan Head Start activities, and be a part of program decisions. The Policy Council member will report to their Parent Center Committee and participate in activities, such as Self-Assessment, Advisory Committees and Finance Committees.
Home Visits/Conferences
Another way to actively participate in the program is by making yourself available for home visits and parent/teacher conferences. Parents are encouraged to meet regularly with classroom teachers. Two home visits a year are scheduled by the teacher with the parent. During this time the child’s progress, behavior, social and physical needs and other pertinent matters are discussed. Additional conferences may be scheduled by staff or parents as needed.
By participating as a Parent Volunteer, you and your family will become acquainted with our Head Start program, see its strengths and goals, and help staff make it a fun learning experience for all. We encourage you to volunteer as an aide in the classroom, a receptionist in the office, to help organize materials, or to assist with lunch.
Head Start also provides volunteer opportunities for our parents to enhance existing or acquire new job skills. For a complete listing of these opportunities please review the Volunteer Handbook.
It is the goal of our Head Start program to empower our parents to become advocates for their children through active parental participation.
