2016-2017 Parent Handbook

Child and Family Development ProgramsVision

Children and families empowered to meet the challenges of a changing world.

MissionWe provide opportunities for children and families to succeed in school and life.

Values1. To celebrate and honor families, staff and

community strengths.2. Promote excellence through communication

and team work.3. Maintain wellness and commitment to life-

long learning.4. Recognize and support holistic wellness in

staff, families and children.

Philosophy1. We believe that the family is the principle influence on the child’s

development.

2. We believe it is essential to support personal, holistic wellness and positive relationships among staff, in order to provide quality services.

3. We believe self-sufficiency, wellness and life-long learning are enhanced by establishing partnerships within our communities.

4. We believe the investment of family focused early childhood educationthrough best practices strengthens our children to become leaders of the future.

Important Resources

Here are a variety of resources you may find helpful:

Program Website - www.nworheadstart.org You can access all program policies, procedures, and other information here.

Community Action Team - http://cat-team.org/Connection to community resources and services

National Head Start Program page - http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslcInformation on the Head Start program, Performance Standards, and resources and information for families and staff

National Head Start Association - http://www.nhsa.org/ Oregon Head Start Association - http://www.ohsa.net/

National and local information on Head Start legislation, advocacy, and scholarship information

Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations of Early Learning - http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/

Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children- http://challengingbehavior.fmhi.usf.edu/Information and ideas for positive solutions to challenging behvaiors

Like us on Facebook! Child and Family Development Programs We have a program page under Child & Family Development Programs. Many of our centers have their own pages as well! Check with your center to connect.

We Believe…… You are your children’s first and

most important teachers.

The teacher is a role model and a guide, helping parents, children and families grow, and reach their potential.

The teacher has a responsibility to set reasonable guidelines and limits, yet allow children to be self-directed.

Children need to know and respect themselves.

Children need to know and respect others.

Diversity is understanding that each individual is unique. Individual differences will be recognized and celebrated.

We need to respect all things around us, natural and manmade.

Attending school every day establishes a healthy habit for school and lifelong success.

Goals for Children……

To know the excitement of exploring and discovering.

To enjoy learning and wanting to learn.

To feel free to question.

To see themselves as individuals.

To learn the basic skills and concepts they will require on their learning journey.

To see themselves as capable of doing many things.

To be responsible, able to make decisions, and have respect for others.

To develop in body, mind and spirit at their own speed and ability.

To learn problem solving skills, to be able to concentrate and listen.

To be prepared for school and future life success.

HEAD START PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES ARE…

Provide a program to meet emotional, social, academic and physical needs of children

Individualize education programs in partnership with families to help children get ready for kindergarten

Promote multicultural, multiethnic diversity awareness curriculum Promote healthy habits by preparing nutritious daily meals and sharing

nutritional information Provide hearing, vision, and developmental screenings and follow-up Support families in establishing a medical home and maintaining routine care

and follow-up Support families in establishing a dental home and maintaining routine care and

follow-up Plan opportunities for the child to experience the community (field trips, etc.) Encourage parent engagement and offer parent training opportunities Support family wellness through social services/referrals Suggest resources to improve family literacy, including GED completion, and

ESL classes Link families to special needs services and community resources

Share community involvement opportunities

HEAD START PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES

ARE… Read information sent home and ask questions Ensure your child attends school each day Arrive and pick-up your child on time Notify the center on the day of any absence Keep Head Start informed of any illnesses which may be spread to others To notify Head Start when there is a change in address, phone number, or

change in authorized adult caregiver To make and keep routine medical and dental appointments Be an active part of education and partnership home visits and ensure a

100% completion rate for all home visits To see that food and/or toys are not brought to school unless it is a sharing

day arranged by each teacher (toys that encourage violence such as guns, knives or swords are not allowed)

To support and aid the program by participating in class, events, and special activities

To attend each center’s parent activities and events To attend parent-teacher conferences

Head Start Guiding PrinciplesEach child is unique and can succeed.

Learning occurs within the context of relationships.Families are children’s first and most important caregivers, teachers, and advocates.

Children learn best when they are emotionally and physically safe and secure.Areas of development are integrated, and children learn

many concepts and skills at the same time.Teaching must be intentional and focused on how children learn and grow.

Every child has diverse strengths rooted in their family’s culture, background, language, and beliefs.

Head Start Services(Are All About School Readiness)

EDUCATION

Head Start’s program is designed to meet each child’s individual needs. Teachers focus on how children learn. They address language, social-emotional and physical development. In the classroom children learn through experiences in literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts and technology. The home base model brings these experiences to the home and socialization activities.

Home Visits, Conferences and Class Days o In the classroom model, children attend class four or five days per week.

Teacher’s meet with the family to complete two home visits and two parent teacher conferences during the year.

o In the home base model families will receive one home visit a week and parents and children will attend a socialization session two times a month.

o Both program models meet with the family three times a year to share progress on goals.

o All families receive social service family partnership visits.

Special Needs: Activities meet the special needs of children. Referrals for special services can be made. We are partners with NW Regional ESD.

HEALTH

Healthy habits are promoted daily and we are happy to share information and resources. Health and safety is taught in the classroom and on home visits.

Medical & Dental ~ We support parents to locate a doctor and dentist and keep up-to-date with well-child and dental exams. We can help with a referral for treatment if there is a concern.

Nutrition ~ Children eat family style. They eat well-balanced meals. Head Start follows USDA rules. Nutrition education for children and parents is part of our program. Each child receives a nutrition assessment by WIC or another consultant.

Mental Health ~ A mental health consultant supports the staff, parents and children. The mental health consultant knows about community services and visits the center regularly. Let the center manager or staff know if you want to meet with the mental health consultant.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

The whole family is involved when a child is in Head Start. You are already doing so many things to help your child be successful. Playing and having conversations with your child supports school readiness. So does reading and enjoying books together. At the center, parents can help in a variety of ways including: classroom, lesson planning, Center Training Assistant and going on field trips. Parents work together in planning monthly center activities, serve on Policy Council and can go to workshops. Parent involvement is one of the most important things to help children succeed.

Policy Council ~ This is part of our shared governance. Parents are elected to Policy Council. They help decide program policies, hire new staff, plan and help with the program budget. Policy Council members meet once a month with the program director and other members from all Head Start centers. The meeting is held in a location central to Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook Counties.CTA (Center Training Assistant) ~ Head Start has an employment training program in which parents can learn job skills over a period of four months. Parents can participate in job training for the classroom, office or kitchen. Parents participating in the CTA program must be on the Central Background Registry.Monthly Center Activities ~ All parents belong to the center parent committee. The group elects officers for the parent committee. Once a month center activities are scheduled. Parents decide what parent activities they want to do, focusing on family friendly events. Activities will include learning opportunities, a chance to connect with other families, and possible community connections. There will be a brief business portion where families give ideas on program policies, planning, parent budget, and activities. Parent activities and training topics are decided by parents annually.

Parent, Family and Community Engagement

Children are more successful in school and life when families receive the community services they need. We want to become partners with every family to celebrate strengths and support being empowered to face the challenges of an ever-changing world. We will work with families to meet their individual needs. Services may include housing, GED, public assistance, financial literacy or budgeting, counseling, emergency assistance, food stamps, special education, parenting classes, and more.

"It takes a village to raise a child" ~African Proverb

Head Start Partnership Services Include……

Getting My Child To A Doctor’s Appointment If you are unable to get childcare or transportation we can help. Contact your center manger, staff or talk about this during a home visit.

Finding Housing ResourcesYour center manager and staff know about housing and housing problems and can help. They have information about landlord tenant laws, mortgage foreclosure and community resources available.

Assisting With DHS (SNAP, Childcare, Medical/Dental, Cash Assistance)Your center manager and staff can help you get in touch with DHS self sufficiency and may help in getting services for which you are eligible.

Getting New Eyeglasses Local service clubs often have a special fund, which provides for the purchase of eyeglasses. Ask us about this.

Helping With Medical And Dental Homes and ExamsWe work with parents so that each child has a doctor and dentist and is up to date with exams and immunizations. If needed, a medical and dental exam and follow-up treatment for the child can be completed. We can connect you to programs for the family or an individual member who has a special need. Examples are: Oregon Health Plan, WIC, Community Connections, FHIAP, CDRC, Shriners and Doernbechers.

Helping Me with Clothes, Food, Energy AssistanceYour center manager and staff can help you find places in your community (Community Action agencies, food banks & pantries, Family Youth Services Team) to get furniture, appliances, clothing and other necessities. Let us know what you need and we will do all we can to help you find it.

Getting The Training I Need To Get A better JobThere are programs which help people to get training or education as a step in getting a job. Ask about the CTA program and other programs in the community (Employment Department).

SCHOOL RECORD POLICY

The program maintains school records for each child. The program has a Child Education Record Policy 1-19. You may request the policy from the center manager, or access it on our websiteThe Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) states:

“Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.”

Head Start will only disclose “directory” information to the school your child will attend when they leave Head Start unless you tell us otherwise.

Play = Learning!

Your Child’s Classroom Day Includes:

A friendly greeting each day Language & Literacy activities Personal hygiene Snack and lunch, or breakfast and

lunch, depending on class times Manners at mealtime Tooth brushing Science and discovery activities

Free choice activities Art activities Problem solving & self help skills Outdoor fun Music Fun with Mathematics Story time

The children may take short field trips or have interesting guests come to school to show or tell them about new things. Daily activities will meet the developmental needs of individual children in all areas of growth.

CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONSSend your child to school in everyday, comfortable clothes. Clothes may become stained by paint, crayons, food, sand, etc. A child will often explore with art materials and go outside. We have paint smocks, but accidents and spills happen with children. Close-toed shoes are best for running, jumping and riding bikes outdoors. Please see that your child is dressed for the weather. Mark all coats, hats, mittens and backpacks with your child’s name.

ATTENDANCE

Daily attendance is vital to school readiness. Attending consistently is important for your child to learn, progress, and feel like part of the group. Good attendance habits start early and can help with building positive life skills, later school success, and graduation. If your child is not coming to school, please call and let us know. SCHOOL CLOSURES

If the local public schools are closed due to weather, we will be closed. When schools are closed due to weather, listen to your local radio, T.V. stations, check our Facebook pages or check the internet. Sometimes we will still complete home visits during inclement weather.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION

Every center practices regular fire drills, earthquake drills bus evacuations drills and other drills like tsunami or windstorm. Each center also has a plan in place if a lock down is needed or it becomes necessary to evacuate away from the center. Emergency plans are posted in the center. You may ask for a copy if you would like.

SIGN IN/OUT

When you drop off or pick up your child at school, come inside with your child and sign in and out. Reminder: It is unlawful to leave young children in a car unattended. It is okay for you to bring all your children inside.

BASIC BUS RULES FOR FIELD TRIPS1. Children and adults must remain in their seat with their seatbelts on. Children

must be in an approved car seat.2. Children cannot bring food, candy, gum, toys, medication or money.3. When participating in the classroom, parents are invited to ride on the bus if

space allows. Bus transportation of siblings must be prearranged with the center manager and siblings shall be the responsibility of the parent. Parents must provide child car seats for younger siblings and follow Oregon Pupil Transportation rules.

WAYS TO PARTICPATE IN THE CLASSROOM Read to a child or a small group of children Sit with children at circle and encourage

participation Help with special projects, i.e., art, music Help with coats and boots if children need help Go outside and help supervise children at play Bring a special lesson or activity in music, art, or

something in your area of interest Get involved in rhythm activities, music, lessons, etc. Sit at the meal table, eat with the children and promote language

development Ask how you can help. If you don’t feel comfortable doing what is asked of

you, say so

Parents and volunteers will not be left alone with a child out of sight or hearing distance at any time.

Other Ways to ParticipateIn the KITCHEN: Help with preparation, cooking, dishes, and eat with the children. A food handler’s card is recommended.

HOME (Ask teachers or family advocate): Help with classroom projects while you are in your home. Examples: cutting and sorting Campbell Soup labels, collecting items for classroom projects, sewing, etc.

OFFICE (Ask the center manager): Be a center greeter, welcoming other families and visitors to the center. Help answer the phone, prepare the center newsletter and calendar, and help with special projects.

Be sure to sign in-kind hours for the time you spent participating!!!All volunteers complete the Central Background Registry when volunteering 16 hours or more a month.

Sign up to be a Center Training Assistant (CTA) today!

-- We value our volunteers and honor them –-- Parent participation is voluntary –

What Parents Who Volunteer Say…

Increases number of adults for children – adding one adult gives more personalized attention to children – smaller groups help kids learn better.

Get to know the other students so you become a familiar face It’s important to our own kids and others to know that we believe that

their education is important We as parents know what is going on at school Takes some stress off of the teachers – helps them be more creative,

focused and less stressed Creates more one-on-one time for children Engages children in more activities Builds more relationships We bring our culture and get to know the culture of others Teachers have time to enter data for reports Children gain a sense of pride when parents are there It’s a safe and secure place to be Kids like to show you what they know Helps teachers when prepping the classroom and cleaning up Frees up the teacher to focus on smaller groups of children Helps office staff get paperwork done/phone calls Gives cook ability to focus on meal prep/cook Gives parent good resume skills Lets children see parents volunteering and encouraging their parents

to volunteer You can bring your skills to teach to the kids

ABOUT ME AS A PRESCHOOLERWhen you want me to come and I am busy, it helps me if you

give me a few minutes to finish what I am doing. Please don’t yell across the room at me. I like it when you get close to me, when you

talk to me and when you use your “happy voice”.

What is PBIS?(Positive Behavior Interventions and Support)

PBIS starts with building supportive relationships. PBIS teaches children how to recognize and manage their emotions and self-regulate their behavior. PBIS helps us understand the purpose of behavior and the need it meets for the child.

 

Talking About RulesAt Head Start we have rules and expectations. Children and teachers talk about what being safe, being respectful (be a friend), and being responsible (be a worker) mean. Here are a few ideas to help children be safe, be respectful (be a friend), and be responsible(be a worker): Be Safe

Use walking feet Use safe hands Sit on your bottom Be gentle with your

toys

Be Respectful (Be a friend)

Share with your friends

Use kind words and quiet inside voices

Use your words: sorry, excuse me, please and thank you

Wait your turn to talk

 Be Responsible (Be a worker) Take care of each

other Take care of ourselves Take care our

classroom Put away your toys Flush the toilet and

wash your hands 

 PBIS at Home! 

Get your child’s attention. Be specific! Tell your child what he/she did that was "good". Keep it simple (try to avoid combining encouragement with criticism). Encourage your child with enthusiasm! Double the impact with physical warmth. Use positive comments and encouragement with your child in front of others.

 Give your child positive encouragement at least 5 times this week.

Check out the CSEFEL website for more ideas and resources!

Role of Parenting Education & SupportChild & Family Development Parenting Education programs are available to all communities. Information about Parenting Education and community workshops will be available during the school year. You can request information from staff members or during parent events. Information on community events will be sent home in newsletters and flyers.

Parenting Matters

Effective early parenting contributes to later development of cognitive and social skills, positive peer relationships, and prevention of risky behaviors, and school failure.

Differences in parenting practices account for up to 50% of the gaps in school readiness.

Brain Power: Why Early Learning Matters “Every child starts with one thing in common: potential. The science of brain development and early learning is evidence how a child’s first few formative years impact their academic achievement all the way through college…and their entire lives.”

For optimal development, children

protection from harm & support

relationships, and prevention of

Differences in parenting practices

The Power of Parenting Groups

 Learn something about your

child’s development  Hear questions and answers you

haven’t thought of  Not just the experts have the

answer, you gain support from each other

 Gain confidence  Find out that there is no one right

way to parent  Gain new perspectives about other

ways of doing things  Build your awareness of

community resources  Make connections and have adult

conversations  Have fun and learn from others

Northwest Parenting Education & SupportServing Clatsop, Columbia & Tillamook Counties

http://www.nworparenting.org/

For Parenting Education class information call:* Clatsop County (503) 325-8673 extension 4* Columbia County (503) 556-3736* Tillamook County (503) 842-8201 extension 271

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATIONBring proof of birth, immunization record, and emergency contacts (some districts also require other items):

To find out where and when to register, ask us at Head Start or call your local school district(see the Parent Community Resource Directory for the number).

To order an Oregon Birth Certificate go to this web address:https://public.health.oregon.gov/BirthDeathCertificates/GetVitalRecords/Documents/birthor.pdf ,print off the form, fill it out and submit it along with copy of legal ID and

$25.00 to:Oregon Vital Records

P.O. Box 14050Portland, OR 97293-0050

Or call (971) 673-1222

Washington Born Children go to http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/422-044-BirthDeathMailInOrder.pdf print off the form, fill it out and send it along with $20.00

to:Washington Department of Health

P.O. Box 9709Olympia, WA 98507-9709

Or call (360) 236-4300 for more information

Talk to your Center Manager if your child was not born in Oregon or Washington and needs proof of birth.

Our houses are full of poisons!!!Household cleaners, paints, bleach, cosmetics, lotions, medicines, vitamins and ASPIRIN – all of these can be poisonous!

PREVENTION IS THE BEST and ONLY SURE CURE

You could never get rid of all the poisons in your home, but there are some things you can do to keep your children safe.

DO NOT store poisonous substances in a low storage area.

Even high places are not safe once your child has learned to climb.

LOCK UP all poisonous substances.

DON’T get in the habit of treating medicine like candy (not even vitamins) – it might get

eaten as candy when you are not near. Keep medications in original containers.

Laundry detergent and dishwasher pods are also poisonous – keep away from children.

IF THERE IS A POISONING ACCIDENT CALL POISON INFORMATION CENTER:

Oregon Poison Center1-800-222-1222

Nondiscrimination Statement:In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint alleging discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SWWashington, D.C. 20250-9410

fax: (202) 690-7442; oremail: program.intake@usda.gov