Parents
What is a parent/teacher conference?
According to Head Start requirements, the teacher will have two parent/teacher conferences at the center. These may be short discussions with you about your child. Your Teacher will work with you to set up times for conferences and home visits.
Why do teachers make home visits?
The teaching staff is required by Head Start regulations to make at least two home visits per child per year. These visits will take place in your home with you and your child. During these visits your child’s development and progress will be discussed and plans for your child will be developed jointly. This is a good time for you to talk to staff about goals you have for your child.
What will be in my child’s folder?
Each child’s folder at eh center and/orat the office includes:
Application/Enrollment form
Correspondence
Dental Exam forms
Emergency Procedures Info.
Family Assessment
Permission forms
Special Evaluation Results
Teacher Observations
Child’s Health & Nutrition History
Any Court Custody Papers
Developmental Assessments
Family Contact Sheets
Other Medical Records
Physical Exam
Special Health Screening Forms
It is required that I attend field trips with my child?
At least one field trip is scheduled each month for preschool children and periodically for infants and toddlers. Parents are encouraged to look at the schedule and to make plans to go if possible.
General Field Trip rules are:
1. Each child should be accompanied by an adult (parent/guardian is encouraged to attend).
2. Normally, only Head Start children and their parents/guardian can participate in these events (our insurance covers only a certain number of Head Start children, staff and volunteers).
3. Younger brothers and sisters of Head Start children may participate with parent.
4. Older children who are enrolled in public school may not participate in these events.
5. No child who is not a member of a Head Start family may go on these trips.
6. Since bus transportation for field trips is provided for parents, mileage will NOT be paid to individuals who choose to drive their own vehicles.
Parent education and resources:
Up-to-date educational information will be provided to all Head Start parents though monthly newsletters, personalized letters, classroom letters, and training sessions offered. Each parent is offered an opportunity to complete a Parent Interest Survey in August (or upon entry into program). Parent training will be based on the results of the Parent Survey. Head Start has many different printed resources available in our library located at the central office.
Parents Are Teachers (PAT) Points
Parents Are Teachers! Each time you volunteer, read to your child, attend workshops, or donate items you receive PAT Points. These points are redeemable for developmentally appropriate books, games, and toys at the end of each school year via the Exchange Point, located at the central office. Always sign in when visiting the classroom or attending a workshop so you can earn your points!
Mileage expenses
The Scott County Public School Head Start Program will reimburse Policy Council members (whose income falls at or below the poverty line) for expense incurred for travel to and from all official Policy Council meetings (excluding the October meeting) with a monthly meeting allowance of $10.00 cash. Those parents in attendance will sign a form that they received meeting allowance at the meeting from Program/Fiscal Officer.
Background check
Regulations require that all adults working with young children be screened by undergoing a child protective services screening and a criminal history record check. Anyone who volunteers on a regular basis must also undergo this screening. Costs incurred for background checks/screenings are paid by the program. Note: Volunteer personnel must also complete an application and provide two references in addition to the background check.
Parenting curriculum:
Parents are offered opportunities to participate in a research-based parenting curriculum. Our parenting curriculum focuses on parent’s skills in developing their child’s social competence, child development, addressing challenging behaviors, and in guiding them toward drug-free, healthy decision-making and coping skills. This parent curriculum is implemented throughout the year at parent workshops.
