I. PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Head Start believes gains made by the child, while in the program, must be understood and built on by the entire family. Head Start provides for involvement, of the child's parents and other members of the family, in the experiences he/she receives. This fosters an appreciation of the child's needs and how to satisfy them. Successful parent involvement is a part of each Head Start area including; Education, Mental Health, Disabilities, Health, Nutrition, Transportation, and Social Services.

As a Head Start parent, you can serve as a volunteer or observer in the classroom. This will give you the opportunity to see first-hand how your child and other children learn and play throughout the day. You may also pick up some helpful tips on things to do at home with your child. Volunteers in the classroom are an important part of Head Start. Your child's teacher will want to know what kinds of things you enjoy doing, and she will assign you constructive jobs that fit your personality. For instance, some parents like to read stories to the children, some like to help the children with their art projects, while others enjoy being outside supervising on the playground. Also there are field trips and picnics to such places as the airport, local parks, or nature trails that require extra adult supervision; and parents are called upon for assistance. Volunteers are always needed to ride the mini-bus because we are required to have an extra adult, in addition to the driver, on the bus when the children are riding. There will be trips to the Health Department, doctor and dentist during the year for which volunteer assistance is needed. Parents can volunteer their talents by making things for the Center (curtains, bookshelves, toys, etc.) or helping with repair work.

Head Start parents are deeply involved in the process of making decisions about the operation of the Program. A parent whose child is currently enrolled, in our Head Start Program, is a member of the Parent Center Committee in their respective Center. This group meets monthly to discuss the Center's progress and any problems that may arise. It is their duty to assist in the development and operation of every service area in the Head Start Program. The Center Committee will select delegates to represent them on the Upper East Tennessee Head Start Policy Council. Throughout the year, the Policy Council will meet at the Central Office on the 2^nd Tuesday of each month, for the operation of the Program. It is the duty of the Council to approve or disapprove all major transactions of the Program: Center locations, the hiring and termination of personnel, Grant Packages, Budget, and to approve the application forms and the selection criteria for Head Start enrollees. The Council consists of at least 51% parents, of currently enrolled Head Start children, in addition to interested citizens from various communities. Parents are the most important influence on a child's development. A main ingredient in any Head Start Program is the involvement of parents. Parents can be involved through parent education classes and the center's daily activities. Parents are encouraged to attend classes and workshops so they, as parents, can learn new techniques empowering them to teach their own children. Parent meetings are conducted monthly covering different topics of interest. Parents gain information that can benefit them greatly, such as: where and how to obtain continuing education classes, or how to prepare for a job interview. Head Start parents will be given the opportunity to participate in educational programs in topics which they are interested. Remember, as a Head Start parent your participation in the program makes all the difference for your child.

A. MY RIGHTS AS A HEAD START PARENT

To take part in major policy decisions affecting the planning and the operation of the program.

To help develop adult programs which will improve daily living for me and my family.

To be welcomed in the classroom.

To choose whether or not I participate without fear of endangering my child's right to be in the program.

To be informed regularly about my child's progress in Head Start.

To always be treated with respect and dignity.

To expect guidance for my child from Head Start teachers and staff, which helps his/her total individual development.

To be able to learn about the operation of the program, including the budget and the level of education and experience required to fill various staff positions.

To have a part in planning and carrying out programs designed to increase my skills in areas of possible employment.

To be informed about all community resources concerned with health, education and the improvement of family life.

B. MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A HEAD START PARENT

To learn as much as possible about the program and to take part in major policy decisions.

To accept Head Start as an opportunity through which I can improve my life and my children's lives.

To take part in the classroom as an observer, or a volunteer, and to contribute my services in whatever way I can toward enriching the total program.

To provide parent leadership by taking part in elections, explaining the program to other parents, and encouraging their full participation.

To welcome teachers and staff into my home to discuss ways in which parents can help their children's development.

To work with the teachers, staff, and other parents in a cooperative way.

To guide my children with firmness, which is both loving and protective.

To offer constructive criticism of the program, protect it against unfair criticism, and to share in evaluating it.

To take advantage of programs designed to increase my knowledge about child development.

To become involved in community programs which help to improve health, education, and welfare.

C. THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN THE HEAD START PROGRAM

1. Making decisions about the program

A. Head Start Policy Council

B. Center Committee

By being involved in the decision making process, parents demonstrate an active and involved lifestyle. The child is able to see parents are concerned about his/her world.

2. Participation in the classroom and in the center

A. Parent Meetings

B. Volunteers in the Classroom

C. Visits to the Classroom

D. Parent Conferences

By being involved in Head Start activities, parents show the child their willingness to share their time. This gives the child an opportunity to show pride in his/her own parents.

3. Parent Activities and Projects

A. Educational Activities

B. Family Health and Nutrition

C. Budgeting and Money Management

D. Parenting Skills

E. Community Concerns

In this area, Head Start parents often join with other community action groups. The child is able to see his/her parents becoming involved in community activities.

4. Helping the child at home

A. Permitting home visits by the Head Start staff

B. Planning with the teacher learning activities that can be done at home, with the parent serving as teacher. This is an extension of Head Start classroom activities.

C. Recognizing the child's work

The child needs to know that the whole family is involved and interested in his/her Head Start experiences, teacher and friends, as well as his/her classroom.

 

D. SUGGESTED WAYS FOR PARENTS TO HELP IN THE HEAD START PROGRAM

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Attend Policy Council and agency board meetings, attend or assist with the monthly parent meetings, serve on the Parent Involvement Committee and attend special training sessions.

EDUCATION

Volunteer in the classroom, accompany the class on field trips, complete volunteer projects at home, attend parent-teacher conferences, or assist a teacher in planning an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).

DISABILITIES SERVICES

Assist children, with disabilities, in the classroom and on field trips.

HEALTH SERVICES

Accompany children on visits to the dentist, doctor, or health department, serve on the Health Services Advisory Board or planning committee, or assist the teacher in providing health education in the classroom.

NUTRITION SERVICES

Assist with food services, serve on the Nutrition Planning Committee, distribute menus, or discuss food color, shape, and texture.

SOCIAL SERVICES 

Serve on the Recruitment Committee, the Social Service Advisory Committee, or provide transportation and child care for other Head Start parents.