Head Start Information—Head Start Parents
Head Start supports you as you and your child experience change. When your child enters school it can be a difficult period of change for you as a parent. It is often hard for many parents to believe that their young child is ready for “big school.” This is an important time for both you and your child. You will want to make sure that your Head Start program is including you in the planning for this important transition. If you do not feel included in the planning for this change, you should discuss this with your child’s teacher or your Family Service Worker. They will be able to provide you with information about the new school and tell you about important timelines for school enrollment. You may want to schedule a visit to the school or see if there will be a community meeting held for parents that are new to the school. Most schools try to schedule events where parents can visit a classroom and meet with other new parents and teachers.
Becoming involved in school activities is one way to get to know your child’s new school and teacher. Many parents join the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA encourages parents to be actively involved in school events. You may find that your family has an easier transition to school if you have the information that you need to make choices and decisions about your child’s future educational experiences.
To learn more about Head Start, please visit the website of the Head Start Bureau. Specific information about Early Head Start can be obtained from the Early Head Start National Resource Center website.