Family Handbook: Family Services
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Kreyòl ayisyen: Pou tradui Manyèl Fanmi sa a pou li sou aparèy elektwonik ou oswa pou enprime, klike sou bouton “Translate” anlè ekran ou a. Si ou vle enprime li, ou ka fè klike sou “enprime” nan navigatè entènèt ou a (Google, Safari, oswa Microsoft Edge).
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عربي:
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We embrace the child’s family as their first and most important educator; we work to build off of this philosophy by encouraging families to take part in their child’s educational experiences.
Within the first few months of your child’s enrollment, you will meet with your Family Liaison to start the Family Partnership process. At these meetings, the Family Liaison will help you create your own Family Partnership Agreement that identifies strengths, interests, needs, and goals. The Family Liaison will also be available to provide support in taking steps towards achieving identified goals and needs.
- Some ways we can support you and your family include but are not limited to:
- Refer you to other community resources;
- Assist you to obtain household needs and clothing;
- Contact services to help with crisis situations;
- Ensure that your family receives all services to which it is entitled;
- Link your family to other YCCAC support services.
Parent and Family Engagement
Family engagement is the backbone of our Program. The success of our Program comes from our commitment to building partnerships with families, and families committing to actively supporting their child(ren)’s learning.
! There are many opportunities for families to partner with the program, share their voice, and support their child’s learning and development.
Policy Council
The Policy Council is our governing body that helps to guide the direction of our Program!
As a representative for your child’s classroom, you have the opportunity to share ideas, concerns, and feedback from families while helping to support the success of all children and families served by the program.
As a member of Policy Council, you will:
- Advocate for the needs and interests of children and families;
- Share input on program services, activities, and family engagement opportunities;
- Participate in program planning and decision-making;
- Review and approve key policies and program initiatives;
- Help ensure the program meets the needs of children, families, and Head Start Program Performance Standards.
By serving on Policy Council, families partner with program leadership to help guide decision-making, strengthen services, and support positive outcomes for children and their families.
Parent Meetings
The monthly Parent Meetings are a great opportunity for all families to:
- Meet other parents;
- Share ideas, thoughts, and feedback about the Program;
- Give input to Program decisions;
- Plan activities for your child(ren) and their classroom;
- Plan activities for your family and community;
- Hear about Policy Council and other Program updates.
Family Engagement Events
Family Engagement events are fun gatherings that occur throughout the year. They provide all family members and caregivers an opportunity to actively engage in the child’s learning while making connections with other families and Program staff.
In-Kind
Head Start programs receive 80% of their funding from the Federal Government. The remaining 20% must come from In-Kind contributions provided by families and the community. In-Kind contributions include goods, services, or volunteer time that support the Program’s operations and enhance children’s educational experiences. This requirement fosters community engagement, stretches Program funds, and ensures accountability in the use of federal funds. It encourages a collaborative partnership between the Head Start program, families, and local communities to support children’s development effectively. Check out the Appendix page for In-Kind Ideas – different ways you can contribute In-Kind.
Volunteer
Families are encouraged to become active partners in our program through volunteering. Talk with your Family Liaison about volunteer opportunities and the volunteer training available to help you get started. Families can volunteer in the classroom, assist with activities and events, support program initiatives, and share their skills and talents throughout the program. Whether you volunteer occasionally or on a regular basis, your involvement strengthens our program, supports staff, and most importantly, enriches the experiences of all children.
Table of Contents
History
Mission
The People at the Program
Transportation
Arrival and Pick Up
Attendance and Absences
Suspension and Expulsion
Cancellations and Delays
Outdoor Activities
Field Trips
Celebrations and Diversity
Open Door Policy
Curriculum and Assessment
Learning Genie
School Readiness
Educational Home Visits
Dual Language Learner
Special Services
Behavioral Health Services
Transitions
Parent and Family Engagement
Policy Council
Family Linkz
Classroom Family Engagement
Volunteer
In-Kind
Breastfeeding
Special Diets
“No Food IN- No Food OUT” Policy
Sleeping
Pacifiers
Diapering
Toilet Training
Exclusion due to Illness
Management of Communicable Diseases
Medications
Over-the-Counter Products and Medication
Head Lice/Fleas
Emergency Preparedness Procedures
Serious Injury
Incident Reporting
Rights of Children
Tobacco-Free Policy
Weapons Policy
Car Seat Safety
Mandatory Reporting: Child Abuse and Neglect
Mandatory Reporting: Domestic Violence
Use of Pesticides
Lead Testing
Professional Boundaries
Confidentiality
Centers’ Capacity
Classrooms’ Location and Hours of Operation
Temporary Exclusion due to Illness
CACFP
CACFP Non-Discrimination Statement
Sample Daily Schedule
In-kind Ideas
Sample Monthly Menu
Oral Health Tips
Lead Poisoning Prevention