Menu
Philosophy of Parent Involvement
Meaningful involvement by parents in all aspects of the program is a core value of Head Start. When Head Start was founded in 1964, the authorizing legislation required programs to provide for direct participation of the parents in the development, conduct and overall program direction at the local level. This revolutionary concept meant that parents would not only serve as volunteers in their child's classroom but would also have a strong voice in decision-making related to the entire local Head Start Program's operation and governance. Parents bring new talents, strengths and ideas to the program while learning new skills, making new friends, enhancing leadership skills and building support systems.
Parent Involvement Opportunities include:
Program Governance
- Be elected as a Policy Council representative
- Participate in the Parent Committee as committee chair, vice chair or secretary
- Participate in the Parent Committee meetings, trainings and activities
- Participate in the nutrition and/or health committees
Volunteer in the Classroom
- Assist teachers with classroom projects
- Assist with and participate in meal time
- Assist with field trips
- Read to children
At Home
- Check books out from the lending library and read to your child
- Help teachers prepare for classroom projects
Office & Administrative
- Classroom cleaning
- Clerical assistance to office staff
- Maintenance
