PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE: ATCAA Head Start supports and encourages
parents to influence the procedures and goals of community services to make them
more responsive to the family's interests and needs.
ATCAA Head Start Staff and parents work together to identify ways that
parents can play a role in supporting the improvement of community services.
During Parent Orientation Week, Teachers and Family Advocates present
parents with information on the role and function of Head Start policy groups
and Parent Committees. Home Visitors present the same information to parents
in home base programs.
Parents are encouraged to participate in Parent Committees and policy
groups, to develop confidence and skill for further community advocacy.
All center base and home base staff encourage parents to join groups and
organizations such as:
- Parent-Teacher Association
- School Site Policy Councils
- Healthy Families Collaboratives
- Infant Child Enrichment Service
- Community gardens
ATCAA Head Start provides families with comprehensive information about
community resources.
Family Advocates and Home Visitors provide families with a Community
Resource Directory that lists public and private agencies.
Staff refer parents to agencies that can assist them with obstacles to
community involvement, such as work or training schedules, childcare and
transportation, language barriers, and the family's length of stay in the
local area.
See CFR 1304.41 A (2) Community Partnerships for additional requirements
ATCAA Head Start provides parents regular opportunities to work together and
with other community members on activities that interest them.
- Parent Committees on curriculum, nutrition, menu planning,
activities, field trips, events, and holiday celebrations
- Parent Policy Council (PPC)
- Health Services Advisory Committees
