Family Engagement
Research has shown that when parents are engaged in their children’s lives and education it benefits both parent and child now and in the long term. We encourage parents to participate in all aspects of the program by volunteering in the classroom or center, participating in program governance, special events and celebrations, workshops, and partnering with staff to support their child’s education and their family development.
SCCDC has an “open door” policy. Parents are welcome to visit and participate in program activities. It is important that the learning environment be respected and that visitors follow the directions of the teaching team.
Home Visits and Parent-Teacher Conferences
For Center-Based Families
Each year, Center-Based families will have at least four visits with a child’s family to help build a home-to-school link with families. These important are a chance for families to review their child’s growth, set goals and make plans for the future.
Two visits will be Parent Teacher Conferences in the classroom. This helps families become comfortable and confident for when they have these types of conferences in elementary school.
Two visits will take place at the family’s home. This an opportunity to be together in an environment that is more comfortable for the child and often more convenient for parents.
At least once a year, your Family Advocates will visit you at home too. Together with the Family Advocate you will complete a family assessment. This helps parents measure their own confidence as a parent and lets us know if our program is working for you. Family Advocates will work with you to set goals for your family, providing you with support, information, and resources.
For Home-Based Families
The Home-Based program offers weekly home visits. Your experience is based on your family’s strengths and goals. Family Educators work with parents to nurture positive parent-child interactions, provide appropriate activities for infants and toddlers, and to promote healthy child growth and development. Parents are involved in each activity and in the planning of all visits. Home-Based is offered in the Early Head Start program.
Volunteer With Us!
At SCCDC we encourage parents to join in the fun! We have volunteer experiences that fit the many different parents in our program. We welcome the important adults in a child’s life to volunteer. Whether you are helping from home, in a classroom, at the center, or on a committee – your talents make the program even better!
Are you nervous or unsure of what to do? Don’t worry! We will provide support along the way.
But we have to warn you… about half of our employees were Head Start parents! When you volunteer, you just might find a new career.
Family Connections Committee
Each center establishes a Family Connections Committee comprised exclusively of parents/guardians of children currently enrolled at the center.
- Provide input on agency policies and services to ensure the needs of children and families are met.
- Plan activities for the center – including family events!
- Provide suggestions and input on classroom activities
- Plan parent education experiences such as knitting, cooking, and more
Policy Council
The Policy Council is the formal structure through which parents participate in the shared decision making and operation of the Early Head Start/Head Start program. The Policy Council is comprised of elected Representatives from each of the local Family Connections Committees and community representatives. Your role on Policy Council will advance your learning, provide training and other experiences that will support your parenting, career and life goals. Policy Council members play an important role program planning, human resources, and grant development.
Health Services Advisory Committee
Parent Training and Education
Each center will host parent classes using the Your Journey Together curriculum. Your Journey Together provides parents with skills and techniques to build resilience in themselves and their families.
