GENERAL INFORMATION
Head Start
Fayette County School Corporation
306 W 16th
Connersville, IN 47331
(765) 827-0191, Extension 232
Hours of Operation
Morning sessions are from 8:00
AM to 11:30 AM.
Afternoon sessions are from 11:30
AM to 3:00 PM.
Full day sessions (Maplewood
2) are from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
Five half-day Head Start
classrooms are open
Monday through Thursday.
Eastview 1 (825-9126, ext. 1)
Fayette Central 1(825-6261, ext.
207)
Fayette Central 2 (825-6261, ext.
206)
Grandview (825-2981, ext. 232)
Maplewood 1 (825-3941, ext. 257)
One half-day classroom is open Monday
through Friday
with wrap around childcare
available.
Magic Moments Head Start (825-1375)
One full day classroom is open Monday
through Friday
8:30 a.m to 3:00 p.m.
Maplewood 2 825-3941, ext. 255
Family Services
Debbie
Barrett 827-0191,
Ext. 232 Maplewood, All
Schools
Andrea
Spicer 825-9126,
Ext. 3 Eastview,
Grandview
Julie
Cox 827-0191.
Ext. 239 Maplewood, Magic
Moments
Maureen
Holm 825-6261,
Ext. 212 Fayette Central
Health Services
Mary
Congleton 827-0191,
Ext. 235 Grandview
Cynthia
Hunt 825-9126,
Ext. 4 Eastview,
Maplewood
Jill
Kennedy 825-6261,
Ext. 219 Fayette Central,
Magic Moments
OUR
MISSION...
The Mission of Fayette County School Corporation
Head Start is to serve low income, special needs and at-risk three to five year
old children, not eligible for kindergarten, and their families. Our program provides comprehensive, high
quality education, health and social services to enrolled families within
Fayette County.
Services are provided in an inclusive social
setting by professional, competent, and compassionate staff. We believe these services promote the growth
and development of children and families while improving their quality of life
in an ever changing society
OUR VISION... 2004-2009
We will continue to provide quality services for children and families
and be on the forefront in advocating for programs in our community that shape
the future...one child, one family at a time.
FCSC Head Start
will continue to pursue excellence by meeting the standards of NAEYC
accreditation.
Through
partnerships, programming will be offered that results in a more well-rounded
population.
Professional and
competent staff will work together to solve problems and will be secure in what
they are doing and the values they hold.
FCSC Head Start will continue to investigate literacy
and math programming
to meet each childs individual needs.
Children and
families who meet income guidelines will continue to be served by the program.
OUR
PHILOSOPHY: The Values That Shape Our
Work
Professionalism:
Making decisions in
the best interests of the Head Start program and families in an ethical,
confidential, and knowledgeable manner.
Accountability:
Responsibility for carrying out program goals with measurable
results.
Competence:
Possessing the
knowledge and initiative to successfully and confidently carry out job duties.
Compassion:
Accepting diversity,
acting with empathy, humor, and sensitivity; and showing respect and patience
for all.
Honesty:
Communicating and
interacting with staff, families, and community in a truthful, straightforward,
yet tactful manner.
Flexibility:
Adaptable to new circumstances; carrying out duties with
resiliency.
FAYETTE
COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION
HEAD
START
20092010
GOALS
Approved
by Policy Council 3/6/09
Approved
by School Board 3/10/09
LONG
TERM GOALS
1.
Utilize measurable
results and annual self assessment in all aspects of program management.
2.
Maintain NAEYC
accreditation.
3.
Continue to investigate
expansion options, including full-day program options.
4.
Partner with other local
agencies to share information/promote education relating to the communitys
available transportation and health care services for families.
5.
Encourage and support
all staff to further formal education in the early childhood and social
services fields.
6.
Continue to update
technology for children and staff.
7.
Continue to update
facilities. Emphasis will be placed on
developmentally appropriate playground equipment that reinforces the curriculum
and handicap accessibility at all playgrounds (with appropriate equipment for
special needs children).
SHORT
TERM GOALS
1.
Continue to implement
measurable results in program outcomes and train staff in use and
implementation of appropriate measurement tools and data interpretation and
application.
2.
Maintain the NAEYC
annual submission process for re-accreditation.
3.
Continue implementing
new strategies to increase parent involvement and volunteer hours in classroom,
parent meetings, and other activities.
4.
Partner with local
agencies to promote adult literacy and enhance community knowledge on health
and fitness issues.
5.
Continue to offer and
enhance the Fatherhood/Motherhood programs and parent/child activities at all
Head Start sites, and make them more user-friendly for other family members.
6.
Seek out training
opportunities for staff and parents to better serve the special needs
population.
7.
Expand use of monitoring
system that addresses child development, health, and family service timelines
and follow-up.
8.
Support education staff
to meet new credentialing requirements (CDA).
9.
Form a curriculum
planning committee to include parents and staff.
Admission to Head Start
All
children are eligible for enrollment
regardless of race, color, religion, gender or national origin. Children must be at least three years of age
by August 1 of the program year and meet the Federal Family Income Guidelines
for Head Start. Some children
identified for special needs are admitted through CFR Special Services. There is no charge for children who are
accepted into the program.
2009 HHS Poverty
Guidelines
Size of 48 States
Family and D. C.
1 $10,830
2 14,570
3 18,310
4 22,050
5 25,790
6 29,530
Assignment to Class
Children
will be assigned to a Head Start attendance area when possible. Exceptions may be made through the Head
Start Coordinator if the parents provide transportation.
If a
family moves to another attendance area, the child may continue at the former
school if the parent provides transportation.
The child may enter the class in the new attendance area if there is a
vacancy. If the class is full, the
child will be put at the top of the waiting list until there is a vacancy.
WELCOME TO HEAD
START!!!
The staff members of
the Fayette County School Corporation Head Start are anxiously awaiting the
coming year to get to know you and your family.
Head Start is all about
families, working and growing together.
Head Start believes
that you, the parent, are the most important influence on your child. You are your childs most important
teacher. The Head Start staff is here
to support you in that role.
There are many
opportunities for you in the Head Start program. We invite you to become as involved as you would like to be. Head Start can provide services to your
family to assist you in your involvement.
We consider our
volunteers an important part of our total staff. We want you to feel comfortable and make suggestions and ask
questions about any aspect of the programs activities. Sometimes the way we do things may be
different than your way. When this
happens, we want to listen to your experience and to share with you our reasons
for asking that things be done a certain way.
Project Head Start is mandated
by the federal government to have parent participation in every aspect of the
program.
This booklet outlines
the basic components of Head Start. It
will answer many of your questions. But
there is no way that one booklet can give you all the information that you
need. That is why the staff encourage
you to contact them with any questions or concerns that you may have.
We want your experience
in the Head Start program to be positive for your entire family.
Play is the work
of children.
HEAD START PROGRAM
COMPONENTS
The Head Start program is
made up of several different areas or components. These components are:
Education, Health, Nutrition, Mental Health, Social Services and Parent
Involvement. All of these components
come together to form Head Start.
EDUCATION
Staff
The teacher is a full-time
licensed teacher
who plans and implements
the day-to-day operation
of Head Start. The teacher is assisted by
one assistant
teacher. Nutrition/bus aides will
assist the teacher and
students also. Adult
supervision will seldom
exceed a ratio of 1:10.
Curriculum
Three, four, and five-year
old children learn
differently than older
children and adults.
When you visit the class,
you may be surprised to see that the children spend a great deal of the day
playing. This is the way young
children learn. The curriculum
model used in Head Start is called High Scope. Head Start
teachers are trained in early childhood education. Parents may be asked to participate in the classroom or on a
committee. Workshops in child
development are offered throughout the program year.
Assessment
Assessments are used to
measure development and on-going growth and progress.
ACUSCREEN: All children are screened within the first 2 weeks
of enrollment.
GALILEO: All children are
assessed using this tool on a on-going basis throughout the school year.
Results are shared
with parents and kept in confidential school records.
Arrival and
Departure
All children are required to enter and depart with an adult. Please
notify the teacher if someone other than the usual person will be picking up
your child. We cannot release your
child to someone who is not listed on your childs emergency contact card. Unless there are unusual circumstances,
parents are expected to adhere to the times of the Head Start sessions. Please do not bring your child more
than 10 minutes before class begins and pick him/her up promptly at the end of
class.
Visitors Pass
All schools are secured
facilities with only the front doors being unlocked. Visitors must sign in at the office and obtain a visitor
badge or pass. Parent volunteers in the
classroom must also sign in at the office.
Transportation
The program offers
transportation both to and from all Head Start classrooms with the exception of
Magic Moments afternoon class. Some
classrooms may have walk zones. The buses run on a tight schedule, and the
drivers want your child to have a safe ride.
Seat belts/harnesses will be worn by the children. Because of busy streets and extra time
with harnesses/seat belts, parents should have their children ready and waiting
at the proper time and walk them to the bus. Be sure you are waiting when it is time
for your child to arrive home.
Frequent waiting for parents to come out to the bus may result in loss
of bus riding privileges.
The bus driver must see
you before releasing the child. Be sure
to notify your childs teacher if someone other than the usual person will be
meeting the child when he arrives home.
The driver cannot release children to anyone not listed on the bus
card. If no one is home or the
person at home is not on the card, the child will be brought back to the
classroom (morning class) or Magic Moments Child Care Center (afternoon
class.) Parents will be notified and
will be responsible for picking up their child. The Head Start Coordinator may call Child Protective Services for
repeated cases.
Please do not ask the
bus driver to take your child to any other location except the usual one. All
transportation changes must be approved by the Head Start Coordinator. The Fayette County School Corporation
Transportation Department must have 5 school days notice before taking
your child to a different home destination than usual. Notify your childs teacher or family
service coordinator of the needed change, and Head Start office staff will
approve and notify the transportation department if the change is
within the Head Start transportation district.
Discipline
Philosophy
All children are worthy of
the same respect that adults are given and are expected to give each other that
same respect. Each classroom staff,
with parental input, will develop procedures for a discipline plan. The plan will be posted in each
classroom and follow the guidelines of the Fayette County School Corporation.
Confidentiality
All
information about families and children who apply for admission into the Head
Start program is strictly confidential.
Staff members are not permitted to discuss facts about the families with
anyone outside of the program. With the
familys permission, information may be shared with agencies or other persons
necessary to meet the needs of the family. All child and family records are
stored in locked files.
Attendance
In order
to provide the best learning situation for each child, it is necessary that the
child attend regularly. Head Start
requires us to have an attendance rate of 85%.
Each day your child is unable to attend class, please call the teacher.
If a child is absent for more than 3 days without a call, the Family Service
Coordinator will make a contact with the family to assist in getting the child
back in school.
Clothing
Children
learn by playing. They will use paint,
clay, water,
sand,
etc. They will be indoors and outdoors
almost everyday.
Gloves,
hats and coats are a must on cold days. A layered
outfit
that is loose fitting, comfortable, and OK to get dirty
is
preferred. Remember to allow for
temperature changes
during
the day. Tennis shoes are fine, but
sandals are not
good for
protecting little feet.
Personal
items
Head
Start cannot be responsible for breakage and/or loss of any items that a child
brings to the school. It is preferred
that toys are not brought from home.
The teachers discretion to determine the appropriateness will be used
for any item that is brought to the school by the child. Under no circumstances will guns or other
weapons be allowed at school: toy guns and weapons are not allowed in the
classroom either.
Birthdays
and holidays
Each
child will be recognized on his/her
birthday. Birthday treats are not allowed according to
Fayette County Schools policy.
.
The
holidays celebrated are designed to provide enjoyment for the children as well
as to aid in the understanding of our cultural heritage and that of other
people. These celebrations are intended
to provide a social experience for the children.
It is not
our intention to offend or be disrespectful to any person or their values. The children help plan and prepare
activities related to the celebration.
If there are any concerns, please discuss them with the classroom
teacher.
Routine
trips, Field trips, Special outings
Routine
trips will be taken as a regular part of our program. Parents will be asked to sign one permission form to cover all
the routine trips during the year.
These trips include any activities or walks that are near the school.
The
program will include occasional field trips.
Parents will be notified in advance of any trips that might be
taken. A staff member trained in first
aid will accompany each field trip. The
first aid kit, attendance list and emergency medical cards will be taken along
on each trip. Parents will be asked to
sign and date permission forms for each field trip or special outing that we
take.
FIELD
TRIPS
Field
trips are taken so that children can apply what they have learned about a
certain topic or to gain information about a place so that learning activities
can be based on information gained.
Field trips should be fun, but there must be an educational purpose for
going. Children and adults should know what information should be gathered,
what questions will be asked, and what they will see.
Parents are
invited to accompany children on field trips for the following reasons:
1. Additional adults are needed to
supervise the children closely so that no one gets lost or hurt during the
field trip.
2. More
adults are needed to talk to the children about what they are experiencing so
that children learn new words and new ideas.
3. It is
a time when the parent can be with their child, talk with their child and
experience an activity with their child without other brothers and sisters
competing for attention.
The parent or
other family member who volunteer to accompany children on field trips must
understand and agree to abide by the following guidelines:
1. For the safety of all children, parent and
community volunteers must
have a
criminal history check by the school corporation BEFORE attending a field trip
or supervising children for a school activity.
2. Every
parent may not be invited to accompany the children on every field trip. Because of bus regulations, size of
building where going or attendance restrictions imposed by field trip hosts, it
may be impossible to accommodate everyone.
For their safety, children must ride the Head Start bus to and from
the field trip. The field
trip is not a family outing. No more
than one adult from each family should volunteer.
3. The
field trip is an educational experience just the same as a classroom day at
school and all school rules apply.
SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED at school functions, like field
trips. Alcoholic beverages are not
allowed. No guns, knives or other
weapons may be taken. No cursing or
other vulgar language should be used.
Proper dress by adults is a must. Remember that while parents are on
the field trip, they are a role model to all the children as are the staff.
4. Field
trips are not the time to talk to the teacher about a childs problems or the
problems of other children or adults.
Schedule another time if you need to talk to the staff. The teacher is responsible for the safety
and education of the children, and the class needs her complete attention.
5. Remember that you have
responsibilities to the children of the class and your own child while on this
trip. Please arrange to have someone else take care of your younger children
while you are on the field trip. Under
no circumstances should older children be taken out of their classes in order
to attend a Head Start field trip.
HEALTH
Head Start believes that
the health of the child directly
affects how well the child
is able to learn. All enrolled
children are required
to have a physical examination
and bloodwork before
they begin class and checkups yearly.
All enrolled children will
receive hearing and communication screenings, and vision and dental exams.
If a problem is identified, the child will be referred for additional testing
or treatment. The parents are strongly
encouraged to be a part of the screenings and exams. Not only is it beneficial to the parents to
know what is going on with the child, but the child will be more at ease if the
parents are involved.
Management of
communicable diseases
No child or staff
member will remain in school with the
following
conditions: mouth temperature of 99.8
degrees
or more, any
suspicious skin rash, a cough or cold when associated with a temperature
elevation or any other symptom of a communicable disease, a severe sore or
inflamed throat, discharging reddened eye or eyes, head lice, scabies or any
other communicable diseases.
Head Lice Procedure: Head checks of all children are
routinely completed in Head Start classrooms.
When head lice is found, the child will be excluded. To be readmitted to class, the parent
must call Head Start health staff for an appointment for a recheck.
The following procedure
will be taken for children developing the above symptoms during the school day:
1. Isolate the child from the rest of the class until he/she
can be picked up.
2. Notify the parent and
arrange for the child to be sent home as soon as possible.
3. Keep the child as comfortable as possible.
4. Keep the child under
close observation to note any changes in his/her condition until the parent arrives.
Children will be
readmitted to Head Start when the school nurse finds the symptoms have
disappeared or when the child brings a physicians note that the condition is
not infectious.
Injuries and
accidents
A staff member trained in
first aid will be on duty at all times.
There is a first aid kit in the classroom. For minor injuries the child will be treated, and the parent will
be notified when the child is picked up.
For
any serious injury or accident, the following procedure will be used:
1. Notify
the school nurse, principal, or designated first aid personnel.
2. Administer
first aid as needed.
3. Call
the Emergency Unit, if necessary.
4. Notify
parents.
Medication
We do not dispense any
non-prescription medication other
than Tylenol (which
requires the parents written permission).
Any prescription
medication must be clearly labeled
with the childs name,
type of medication, purpose, and
dosage in the original
prescription bottle. Medications
should never be carried by
the child and may only be given
by school office
staff. DO NOT SEND MEDICATION ON THE
BUS! Parents must sign a separate release form at
school.
Child Abuse
The Coordinator,
Administrator, teacher, or any other employee or worker at the Fayette County
School Corporation Head Start is required by Indiana law to report any
suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the State Department of Public Welfare.
Safety
guidelines
The
Fayette County Head Start will adhere to the
following guidelines:
1. Children
will be supervised at all times while in attendance.
2. Children will be accompanied by an
authorized adult when entering or departing Head Start.
3. Children
are released only to legal parents/guardians.
Exceptions are possible if the parent/guardian notifies the teacher
verbally or in writing that the child will be picked up by a particular person
on a particular day.
4. There
is always immediate access to a telephone within the Head Start room for emergency
use.
5. The emergency exit and weather alert
plan is posted by the door of the classroom.
6. A fire drill and/or tornado drill will
be held each month.
NUTRITION
All children funded by the
Head Start program receive healthy meals and snacks which comply with USDA
daily requirements at no cost.
Breakfast, lunch, and P.M. snack will be served. Menus will be sent home with the child. All designated staff in the classroom are
required to sit and eat with the children. Parent volunteers are encouraged to
eat with the class. Children entering the program through CFR Special
Services whose family does not qualify for free lunch are required to pay the
reduced or regular lunch fees.
2009-2010
SCHOOL BREAKFAST/LUNCH PRICES
Reduced
Breakfast $1.20 $.30
Lunch $1.80 $.40
HEAD START NUTRITION
POLICY
The information below was
taken from the Federal Regulations governing the Head Start Program.
1. Children
and designated staff, including volunteers, eat together sharing the same menu
and socializing experiences in a relaxed atmosphere. Exceptions to the menu will be made to accommodate childrens
health problems as directed by written doctors orders submitted at least 1 day
in advance.
2. Food
is not to be used as punishment or reward, and children are encouraged but not
forced to eat or taste.
3. Sufficient
time is allowed for children to eat.
Slow eaters should be allowed sufficient time to finish their food. A leisurely meal time pace should be
encouraged.
4. Opportunities
will be provided for the involvement of children in activities related to meal
service. Examples: Helping to set
places, cleaning up places, use of napkins, eating utensils, table manners.
MENTAL HEALTH
Head Start believes that
the family is the main influence and educator of the child. It is important to promote good mental
health in the entire family. If you
need help with childrens behavior, marriage counseling, depression, stress,
step-parenting, anxiety, or anything else, please contact your Family Service
Coordinator.
The Head Start staff
focuses on fostering a positive self-image in each member of the family. Building and increasing self-esteem is one
of the primary goals of the Head Start program.
SOCIAL SERVICES
The Head Start program is
designed to be of assistance not only to the enrolled child, but to the entire
family. Head Start staff have been
trained in providing support to the family.
Your childs teacher will be asking many different questions about the
needs of your family. Please do not be
offended. Because we try to meet the
needs of the family, these questions are necessary. All information which you give to any staff member must be held
strictly confidential. This information
is released only to persons/agencies necessary to meet your familys
needs. You are not required to provide
this information if you do not wish to.
The Family Service Coordinator
helps individual families overcome personal, social or emotional problems by
helping them find the proper agencies in the community that can help. She cooperates and consults with teachers
and parents in assessing the strengths and needs of families having
difficulties and helps the family develop plans to solve their problems. She conducts or arranges parent education
classes and special interest meetings.
She encourages parents to get involved in family literacy and in the
classroom. She is a person you can call
if you are having a crisis. She cant
solve all your problems, but she can listen, make you aware of choices and help
you make a plan.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
The philosophy of Head Start is that the parent is
the childs first and most important teacher.
Head Start believes that the gains made by the child must be understood
and built upon by the family and the community.
It is important to
note that parents cannot be required to volunteer. However, it is a goal of this program to
involve all parents in some way.
Since there are so many different ways to become involved, we hope that
everyone will find something they enjoy doing.
At least two conferences
will be held between the parent and teacher to discuss the concerns, growth,
and expectations of their child.
Parents are encouraged to attend Head Start parent meetings. The teacher may ask a parent to assist in
classroom activities. Any parent with a
talent or special interest that they are willing to share is encouraged to
contact the teacher and schedule the activity.
Volunteer calendars or cut out activities may be sent home by the
teachers. All parent volunteers are
required to have a criminal history check before volunteering in class.
Staff is required by Head
Start to make at least 2 home visits to each family during the year. They will meet with the parent and find out
if there is something the Head Start program can provide to help the parent become
involved.
VOLUNTEERS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE
HEAD START PROGRAM!!!
Volunteering everyday
in your childs classroom may not be beneficial to your child. Part of your childs preschool experiences
include making the transition from home to school and accepting the separation
from parents. Some children behave
differently when parents visit. We encourage parents to volunteer once a month.
We also ask that you do not bring younger children with you when you volunteer. All
parent and community volunteers are required to have a criminal history check
before volunteering in the classroom.
SCHEDULED VOLUNTEERS: Scheduled
volunteer time is preferred and is beneficial to both the volunteer and the
program. Arranging a position and
schedule through the teacher will allow persons to help in the area most suited
to their interests and skill.
Scheduling will also help assure that volunteers are available when and
where their assistance is needed.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS: Parents may
learn new skills that they can use at home or perhaps in a job situation. Staff also may learn from the parent through
the sharing of ideas and suggestions about the program.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS: Community
members help to make the Head Start program better known in the community and
establish links that can build community support.
1) Volunteer
Code of Conduct
2)
1
I will respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family
and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture,
religion, or disability.
2)
1
I will follow program confidentiality policies concerning information
about children, families, and other staff members.
3)
1
No child will be left alone or unsupervised while under my care. I will place the welfare of the children as
a primary concern, including the need to assure that students are under
supervision at all times.
4)
1
I will use positive methods of child guidance and not engage in corporal
punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation. In addition, I will not employ methods of
discipline involving isolation, the use of food as punishment or reward, or
denial of basic needs.
Parent Rights and
Responsibilities
YOU HAVE THE:
.RIGHT to be involved in
your childs education.
.RIGHT to talk to your
childs teacher by appointment.
.RIGHT to confidentiality
concerning your childs education and records.
.RIGHT to review your
childs records at any time.
.RIGHT to be your childs
advocate.
RESPONSIBILITY to send your child to school everyday (85%) unless
child is sick.
.RESPONSIBILITY to bring
and pick up your child on time.
.RESPONSIBILITY to be
waiting for the bus when your child is picked/dropped off.
.RESPONSIBILITY to
provide required income documentation and health follow-up.
.RESPONSIBILITY to dress
your child appropriately according to school dress code.
Parent
Involvement
Funny
Money
In
order to encourage parent involvement, an incentive program called Funny
Money will continue this year. Parents
can earn money by volunteering in various capacities as follows:
Parent meetings/Policy Council......................................... $2
·
Classroom
volunteer........................................................... $2/hr
Field
trips.............................................................................. $2/trip
Trainings/workshops........................................................... $2
·
Fatherhood/Motherhood
programs.................................... $2
Second Steps
Video............................................................ $2
·
Surveys................................................................................. $2
Parent/Teacher
Conferences.............................................. $1
G.E.D. (per
class attended)................................................. $1
Other volunteer
activity....................................................... $1
(cut outs at home, etc.)
Your
Family Service Coordinator will send your earned Funny Money home. All volunteer work must be documented
on signed IN-KIND cards to qualify.
Each family is responsible for their own Funny Money .
Examples
of some items that can be purchased with Funny Money are: soap, shampoo,
detergent, towels, coloring books, crayons, childrens books, toys, light
bulbs, candles, and more! GED testing
can even be paid for with Funny Money by prearrangement with your Family
Service Coordinator.
There
will be at least 2 cash-in days for Funny Money. The first date is planned for sometime in November or early
December, just in time for Christmas.
The second cash-in day is planned in May. Suggestions are welcome.
Funny
Money Opportunities
Parent/Child
Activities
Reading
with Little Critter
AUGUST Classroom Orientation Meetings
Safety Training Bus Evacuation and Pedestrian Safety Training at
Orientation Meetings.
SEPTEMBER
Volunteer Education Parent Training:
Volunteer training will be provided at September parent meetings. Volunteer handbook will be given to all
families.
Sub Training Training will be held on September 9th at
10 AM at the Resource
Sept. 9 Center
for anyone who is interested in subbing in Head Start classrooms.
Literacy
Sept. 24 GED
Orientation Night 4-8 PM at Resource Center.
Fatherhood Pizza with Pop Birdfeeder Activity
Sept. 21-29 Father/Child
activity at every site.
Eastview (21), Maplewood (22), Fayette Central (23),
Grandview (24)
Magic
Moments (29)
OCTOBER The
Best Teacher Ever by Mercer Mayer
Oct. 13 Parent/Child
Activity at Maplewood cafeteria at 9 AM
Oct. 14 Parent/Child
Activity at Fayette Central at 11:30 AM
Literacy GOAL: Parents
will be given information on teaching shapes, colors, and concepts about print
for reinforcement at home.
Training GED/College info given to interested parents.
P.A.C.T.:
Parent and child will make a shape collage and make a cereal shape
snack.
Health CPR Training as requested by parent groups.
NOVEMBER Just
Shopping With Mom by Mercer Mayer
Nov. 6 Parent/Child
Activity at Eastview at 11:30 AM
Nov. 10 Parent/Child
Activity at Maplewood cafeteria at 9 AM.
Nutrition Training GOAL: Parents
will be given tips about encouraging good eating habits and shopping with
children.
P.A.C.T.: Parent and child will
make a healthy quick after-school
snack.
DECEMBER The
Best Christmas Ever by Mercer Mayer
Dec. 7-14 Mother/Child
Activity at every site.
Eastview
(7), Maplewood (8), Fayette Central (9), Grandview (10),
Parent Education Magic Moments
(14)
GOAL: Parent
will be given information about discipline and making holidays less
stressful. Choosing childrens toys
flyer will also be included in handouts.
P.A.C.T.: Mother and child will
design a pillowcase, make a door
hanger for a nursing
home resident, and make a Christmas sticker book.
JANUARY Good
for Me and You by Mercer Mayer
Jan. 19 Parent/Child
Activity at Maplewood cafeteria at 9 AM.
Jan. 21 Parent/Child
Activity at Grandview at 11:30 AM
Health Training GOAL: Parents
will be given tips on keeping healthy, especially being fit and
exercising. Resources on how to quit
smoking will be available.
P.A.C.T.: Parents and child will exercise together and
receive a music exercise CD.
FEBRUARY Just
Go to Bed by Mercer Mayer
Feb. 9 Parent/Child
Activity at Maplewood cafeteria at 9 AM.
Feb. 10 Parent/Child
Activity at Fayette Central at 11:30 AM.
Parent Education GOAL: Parent
will be given info on getting children to sleep and bedwetting.
P.A.C.T.: Make-it, Take-it
games
MARCH All
by Myself by Mercer Mayer
Mar. 16 Parent/Child
Activity at Maplewood cafeteria at 9 AM.
Mar. 19 Parent/Child
Activity at Magic Moments at 11:30 AM.
Mental Health GOAL: Parent
will talk and identify feelings with child and
Training receive
info about positive self-esteem development.
P.A.C.T.: Children will make a brown bag puppet that
shows how he/she feels.
Transition Transition activities will be held during parent
meetings in March or April with kindergarten teacher if possible.
APRIL Just
For You by Mercer Mayer
Apr. 6 Parent/Child
Activity at Eastview at 11:30 AM.
Apr. 20 Parent/Child
Activity at Maplewood cafeteria at 9 AM.
Parent Education GOAL: Parents
will receive info on communicating with children and single/step parenting.
P.A.C.T.: Parent and child will
make an I Am Special t-shirt.
MAY Just
Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer
May 7 Fatherhood
Fishing Trip
PARENT
GROUPS
Each class has their
own Parent Group which is made up of parents of children in the program. The Parent Group will meet once each month.
All parents are
encouraged to be a part of their Parent Group.
The meetings will be held during a time which is convenient to the
majority of the parents. Child care is
provided during the meeting.
During the meetings,
you will be able to help plan many exciting activities for yourself and for
your child, such as: field trips,
parties, and classroom activities. You
will make decisions about the parent funds and choose topics for trainings
which can be held during your parent meetings.
At your first parent
meeting you will select four officers; Chairperson, Vice Chairperson,
Secretary, and Alternate Secretary.
These people will lead your parent group, and two elected members will
represent your group at Policy Council.
Conducting a Parent Meeting
1. The Chairperson should start the meeting on
time.
2. The Secretary will pass around a sign-in
sheet and read the minutes
of the last meeting.
3. The Chairperson will report on the Parent
Activity Funds.
4. The Chairperson will call for business
items, getting approval or denial on
each item discussed.
5. Announcements will be made of upcoming Head
Start or community events.
6. Set a date and time for the next meeting.
7. Someone will make a motion to adjourn the
meeting which will be
seconded by another person.
Attending a Parent Meeting
1. People should not
talk among themselves during the meeting.
2. If you have a
comment, raise your hand. When you are
recognized by the
Chairperson, you may state
your question or opinion.
3. After your statement, there will be
discussion.
4. Someone will make a motion to accept or
reject and the motion will then be
seconded by another person.
The group will then vote by saying yes or no.
Responsibilities of the
Officers
CHAIRPERSON
A. Will meet
with the teacher and set up a plan
for the Parent Meeting of things to be
discussed.
Plan should include:
1. Attendance
2. Policy
Council Report
3. Business
4. Announcements,
Community Events
5. Date
and Time of Next Meeting
6. Educational
Activity
B. Will conduct Parent Meeting
C. Will attend Policy Council once per month.
D. Will share with Policy Council any
interesting activities
done in the Parent Group.
E. Will
share Policy Council happenings with the Parent Group.
F. Will present a parent fund report.
VICE CHAIRPERSON
A. Will
assume duties of Chairperson in his/her absence.
B. Will
attend Policy Council meeting monthly.
SECRETARY
A. Will take written minutes of Parent Meeting, sign name and
date, and
turn
them in to the teacher immediately after the meeting.
B. Minutes should include a list of people
attending the meeting.
C. All expenditures of parent funds must be
approved by parent
group, and motions showing approval must be included in
the minutes.
ALTERNATE SECRETARY
A. Will assume the duties of secretary in
his/her absence.
WHAT
IS POLICY COUNCIL?
Policy Council is made up
of at least 51% parents of children currently enrolled in the program. Professionals in the education, health,
business, and social service fields may also serve on the council as well as past
parents and other interested people in the community. Staff members, the Coordinator, and the Family Service
Coordinators may attend Policy Council but are not members and have no voting
rights.
It is the responsibility
of the Fayette County School Corporation to develop policies that meet the
performance standards of Head Start.
However, the Policy Council must be consulted and must approve these
policies. Policy Council members assist
in developing and approving all program goals and budget each year. Policy Council members also have input into
the recruitment, screening and hiring of all employees. Individual concerns are not dealt
with by the Policy Council until properly channeled through the
Parent/Volunteer Complaint Procedure with no resolution.
Policy
Council is a special time to...
1.
Share your classroom and parent group experiences with other
Head Start parents.
2.
Listen to upcoming events in the Head Start program.
3.
Share your ideas about Head Start.
4.
Make decisions about the operation of the Head Start program.
5.
Affect your childs education in the Head Start program.
6.
Grow as an individual.
7.
Gain insight into other social service programs.
8.
Represent Head Start at the Local, State, and National levels.
The Chairperson and Vice
Chairperson or the elected representative of each parent group will serve on
Policy Council as voting members. All
parents are welcome to attend Policy Council meeting but do not have voting
privileges. Policy Council meets on the
second Friday of the month at 9 AM.
(Subject to change by the Policy Council.)
2009-10
Policy Council Meetings:
October
9th , November 13th , December 11th ,
January
8th, February 12th, March 12th,
April
9th, May 7th
Head Start Conferences
Registration,
transportation, housing and food are paid by Head Start when Head Start sends
representatives to conferences. Parents
must make their own babysitting arrangements for the time they are gone. Reservations and other arrangements must be
made at least two months before conferences.
Head Start staff will let parents know of opportunities in advance so
they can make plans. If parents are
interested in a Head Start conference, they may notify a Head Start teacher, a
Family Service Coordinator or call the Head Start Coordinator at 827-0191, Ext.
224.
Upcoming Conference
Events
Head
Start Leadership Institute, Arlington,
VA..................................................September 21-25, 2009
Head
Start Parent Training Conference, San Jose, CA..........................................December
4-8, 2009
IAEYC
Conference, Indianapolis,
IN................................................................................April
8-10, 2010
Head
Start National Conference, Dallas,
TX......................................................................May
3-8, 2010
FAYETTE COUNTY SCHOOL
CORPORATION
HEAD START PROCEDURE
PARENT REPRESENTATIVES FOR
OUT OF TOWN CONFERENCES
Factors to be considered
in choosing parent representatives to out of town conferences will be:
1. Ability to
provide own childcare while they are gone.
2. Eligibility for future participation in Head
Start.
3. To have representatives from different
sites.
4. Parent Group or Policy Council Service.
5. Parent Involvement.
6. Representation from the different funding
sources such as
special needs.
7. Parents must
be in compliance with all Head Start regulations.
Alternates will be named.
FAYETTE COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION
HEAD START
COMMITTEES
Health Advisory Committee
A committee made up of health professionals,
community representatives, staff and
parents. It meets in October in order
to advise on the development of the health services and health education
program and must be informed of program health procedure changes. Health Advisory Committee members may also
be consulted throughout the program year for assistance with program issues.
Management Committee
This committee meets in January in order to review
all components of the Head Start program.
Needs and recommendations of other Self-Evaluation committees are
presented to this committee in order to develop the annual budget and goals for
the program. These must be completed
by February in order for the Policy Council to approve the grant application
for the next year at their March meeting.
Education and Disabilities Committee
This committee will become familiar with the
performance objectives that must be met in
Education and Special Needs.
Fayette County program plans will be reviewed to make sure they are in
compliance and that they reflect the beliefs of the staff and the
community.
Health, Nutrition, Mental Health, Facilities
Committee
This committee will become familiar with the
performance objectives that must be met in
Child Health, Nutrition, Mental Health, and Facilities. The Fayette County program plans will be
reviewed to make sure they are in compliance and that they reflect the beliefs
of the staff and the community.
Family and Community Partnerships and ERSEA
Committee
The Parent Involvement and Social Services Plan
must be evaluated and recommendations made for changes or improvement. This committees suggestions for better ways
that our families may be served will be valued.
Public Awareness and Recognition
This committee will investigate ways in which
parents, staff, community members, and students can be rewarded and/or
recognized for the many ways they contribute to the success of the
program. The committee will determine
the meeting schedule.
Recruitment
The Head Start Program is a valuable resource for
parents of young children. This
committee begins meeting in February or early March to organize Enrollment
Day in April.
Personnel Committee
All parent Policy Council members may be asked to
serve on interview committees and recommend to the Policy Council new employees
that my be hired. Members are trained
in interview techniques and how the law applies to questions that candidates
may be asked. The committee meets as
needed.
PARENT/VOLUNTEER COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
The Fayette County School Corporation believes that most problems can be
solved by good communication between parents, staff members, administrators and
the community. Parents and volunteers
are urged to talk to staff members when they have a concern, be good listeners
and attempt to reach a solution that is satisfactory to all. If a compromise can not be reached, then
parent/volunteer complaints should be handled in the following manner:
1. If
a parent/volunteer has a complaint regarding a Head Start staff member or
procedure, the parent/volunteer has the right to report the complaint verbally
to the staff member involved. The
parent or volunteer must do this within five working days of a specific
complaint. The staff member must
respond to the complaint in writing within three working days. The complaint must be documented by using
the Head Start parent/volunteer complaint procedure form.
2. If
the parent is not satisfied by the staff members response, the
parent/volunteer will report the response of the staff member to the Head Start
Coordinator. The coordinator will have
three working days to respond to the parent/volunteer.
3. If
the parent/volunteer is not satisfied with the coordinators response, the
parent/volunteer will report the complaint to the building principal. The principal must respond within five
working days.
4. If
the parent/volunteer is not satisfied with the principals response, the
parent/volunteer will report the complaint to the Assistant Superintendent of
the Fayette County School Corporation.
The assistant superintendent must respond within fourteen working days.
5. If
the parent/volunteer is not satisfied with the assistant superintendents
response, the Fayette County Board of Trustees will consult with the Head Start
Policy Council. The school board/Policy
Council must respond within thirty working days. The Policy Council will serve as the final arbitrator of
unresolved complaints.
6. All
complaints and reports must be in writing and must follow the necessary chain
of command.
Fayette County School
Corporation
Head Start
Parent/Volunteer
Complaint Form
Name of person filing complaint:
____________________________________________
School:
___________________________________________________________________
Name of person complaint is against:
________________________________________
Date complaint occurred:
__________________________________________________
Brief description of complaint:
Complainant Signature: ___________________________________ Date:
__________
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Response:
Signature: _____________________________________________ Date:
___________
(Staff Member)
Complaint resolved Yes
_____ No _____ Date resolved: ____________
DATE
__________ Sent to Head Start Coordinator Response Date: ____________
__________ Sent to Principal Response Date: ____________
__________ Sent to Assistant Superintendent Response Date: ____________
__________ Sent to FCSC School Board Consult Date:
____________
__________ Sent to Head Start Policy Council Response Date: ____________
RESOURCES
How to Ask for Help
1. Decide what the problem really is.
-What is happening?
-How long have you had this problem?
-Who is it a problem for?
2. Gather together documents and
information for the problem.
-Medical Information
*doctors & dentists
name and addresses
*medical records/card
*immunization records
-Legal Papers
*birth certificates
*social security cards
*divorce/custody papers
3. Check the resource directory for help.
4. Contact the agency and ask for help.
-Be clear about what you want.
-Have your documents together.
-Write down what the agency tells you,
the date & the persons name.
-Repeat the information so you know
its right.
5. If the agency cant help you - ASK WHO
CAN.
6. BE PERSISTENT.
-You may need to make several contacts and talk to
many people.
Hang in there.
CHILDCARE
Morning or afternoon
childcare may be provided at free or reduced fees for Head Start children whose
parents are working or attending school.
Children may attend the Magic Moments Child Care Center site located
behind Whitewater Technical Career Center.
The child would attend a 1/2 day Head Start in either AM or PM and go to
childcare for the remaining time.
Families are responsible for applying for childcare vouchers. There is limited transportation to the
Magic Moments Head Start because of varying work schedules for parents. Please contact your Family Service
Coordinator if you need childcare.
FATHERHOOD
Special opportunities for
fathers to volunteer in Head Start: watch for special meetings at each site,
special speakers for dads, and field trips with dad. See your Family Service Coordinator for more information.
MOTHERHOOD
A schedule of special
events for moms has been planned. These
may include mother/child activities at each site, night programs, and field
trips. See your Family Service
Coordinator for more information.
HEAD START LITERACY
PROGRAM
Head Start encourages
those without a G. E. D. or high school
diploma to work towards
that goal.
To assist with this, Head
Start refers families to the
Even Start Program and the
Link/Adult Basic
Education Programs.
(Assistance with child care
during GED times can also
be arranged, when possible.)
For more information,
contact your teacher or the Family
Service Coordinator.
PARENTING CLASSES
Welcome to the world of
parenthood! Why didnt someone tell
you there were going to be
days when you would feel: old
before your time, tired
before 11 a.m., and too upset to
think straight.
Would you have believed
them, if they had?
The fact is youre a
parent now, and those children are yours.
But, youre not alone
(lots of parents feel the way you do), and things can get better.
So, take a few moments,
just for yourself, and learn how to make the rewards of parenting equal the
demands.
Opportunities for parents
to increase their skills will be offered if interest is shown. For referrals to community parent classes,
contact your Family Service Coordinator.
TRANSITION PROGRAM
Transition is a part of
our lives. As things change, we also
have to change. Sometimes change is
hard, so transitions take time and planning.
It is important for
parents to help their children during their early transitions in to and out of
the Head Start program. As children
learn to adjust to new schools, teachers, and
routines, they gradually gain skills that will help them deal with
changes throughout their lives.
Your Family Service
Coordinator and/or Head Start teacher can help families and children making
transitions by being available for questions, attending transition conferences
with parents, planning meetings with kindergarten teachers, and arranging
programs.
Call your Family Service
Coordinator for more information.
‟It is still true, no matter how old you are---when
you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together. ............Robert Fulgham
We Are Here...
...to listen, not to work miracles.
...to help you
discover what you feel, not to make the feelings go away.
...to help you identify your options, not to decide
for you what you want to do.
...to discuss
steps with you, not to take the steps for you.
...to help you discover your own strength, not to
rescue and leave you still vulnerable.
...to help you
learn to choose,
not to make it unnecessary for you to
make difficult choices.
...to provide
support for change.
Head Start
2009-2010
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
ADMISSION TO HEAD
START.................................................................................................... 5
CALENDAR.................................................................................................................................. 6
CHILDCARE................................................................................................................................. 31
COMMITTEES............................................................................................................................. 26
COMPLAINT
FORM..................................................................................................................
28
COMPLAINT
PROCEDURE......................................................................................................
. 27
EDUCATION
COMPONENT......................................................................................................
8-12
Staff,
Curriculum, Assessment, Arrival and Departure....................................................
8
Visitors
Pass,Transportation,Discipline.........................................................................
9
Confidentiality,
Attendance, Clothing, Personal Items, Birthdays and Holidays..............
.
10
Routine
Trips and Field Trips............................................................................
. 11
FATHERHOOD............................................................................................................................ 31
FIELD
TRIP
PROCEDURE........................................................................................................... 11-12
FUNNY
MONEY FOR PARENT
INVOLVEMENT......................................................................
... 19
GENERAL
INFORMATION........................................................................................................
1-7
GOALS,
POLICY
COUNCIL......................................................................................................
4
HEAD
START TRAINING CONFERENCES................................................................................... 25
HEAD
START
MISSION.............................................................................................................. 3
HEAD
START VISION................................................................................................................. 3
HEAD
START
PHILOSOPHY...................................................................................................... 3
HEALTH
COMPONENT.............................................................................................................. 13-14
Communicable
Disease
Management...........................................................................
.. 13
Injuries
and accidents, Medication, Child Abuse, Safety
Guidelines........................
......... 14
HOURS
OF
OPERATION.........................................................................................................
2
HOW
TO ASK FOR HELP.......................................................................................................... 30
HUG
POEM................................................................................................................................. 35
LITERACY
PROGRAM................................................................................................................ 31
MENTAL
HEALTH
COMPONENT................................................................................................ 16
MOTHERHOOD........................................................................................................................... 31
NUTRITION
COMPONENT.......................................................................................................... 15
PARENT/CHILD
ACTIVITIES....................................................................................................... 20-21
PARENT
GROUP
INFORMATION............................................................................................... 22-28
PARENT
GROUPS...................................................................................................................... 22-23
PARENT
INVOLVEMENT
COMPONENT...................................................................................
17
PARENT
MEETINGS................................................................................................................... 22
PARENT
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
.... 18
PARENTING
CLASSES............................................................................................................... 32
PHONE
NUMBERS...................................................................................................................... 2
POLICY
COUNCIL...................................................................................................................... 24
PROGRAM
COMPONENTS........................................................................................................ 8-17
RESOURCE
INFORMATION....................................................................................................... 29-32
SOCIAL
SERVICES
COMPONENT............................................................................................. 16
TRANSITION
PROGRAM........................................................................................................... 32
TRANSPORTATION.................................................................................................................... 9
VOLUNTEER
CODE OF CONDUCT
18
VOLUNTEERS............................................................................................................................. 17-18
WE
ARE HERE............................................................................................................................ 34
WELCOME.................................................................................................................................. 7