For Parents

News for Parents!

ATTENDANCE MATTERS / LA ASISTENCIA IMPORTA

Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and about themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they know right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance is an important skill that will help children do well in high school, college and a job.

Asistir regularmente a la escuela, ayuda a los niños a sentirse mejor en la escuela y consigo mismos. Empezar a crear este hábito en la edad preescolar, los hará aprender rápidamente la importancia de ir a la escuela a la hora indicada y todos los buena asistencia ayudará a los niños a tener éxito en la preparatoria, la universidad y en el trabajo.

The Television Tussle

In her book, The Top Ten Preschool Parenting Problems, Roslyn Duffy observes that one of the hardest challenges parents face is limiting the impact of television on their children's development. Duffy cited research showing that children imitate aggressive behavior they observe on television, and that children who engage in heavy television watching are less likely to be able to read and less likely to spend time outdoors. Duffy suggests:

1. Do not place a television or computer in a young child's bedroom.
2. View programs together ... Watching a program with a child gives an adult the opportunity to question, discuss and help a child interpret what she sees.
3. Choose non-commercial programs. Most videos from the library ... do not promote consumerism.
4. Read. Raise a reader. Read to your children. Read with your children. Model reading. Make time for reading.

How can I get involved in Head Start?

Parents

Opportunities abound for parents to take on leadership roles within the Head Start organization. Parents also benefit from the resources and guidance each program provides to Head Start families, enhancing parenting skills, career building and community connections.

Grandparents

Grandparents are a wonderful resource for Head Start children, and many volunteer in theses capacities, using the opportunity to help and to establish a stronger bond with their grandchildren.

Advocacy

Visit our advocacy page to learn how you can help spread the word about Head Start and it's many success stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get my child into Head Start?

Contact the Head Start or Early Head Start agency serving your community. Your local Head Start agency will provide the required forms and answer questions about the program. The local agency will also help you find the Head Start Center closest to your home.

Find the Head Start program in your area.

What are the eligibility requirements to qualify for Head Start?

Eligibility for Head Start services is primarily based on:

• The child's age
• His/her family's income (See Federal Poverty Guidelines.)
• Whether the child has a disability

Other factors taken into consideration include:

Parental status: emancipated minor, one or two parent household, foster care, or non-biological custodian

Various social conditions that could include, but are not limited to: terminal illness or death in the family, abuse, substance abuse, other siblings attending Head Start programs, referrals from other agencies, mental health of the parent, homelessness, education of parent, non-English speaking family, etc.

Expectant mothers should apply for Head Start assistance as soon as possible to limit the time their children are on a waiting list. The criteria for eligibility can vary with each Head Start program. Contact your program with specific eligibility questions.

Can volunteers assist at Head Start centers?

Local Head Start programs have coordinators of volunteer services to recruit and train volunteers to fill their responsibilities. One goal of volunteer training and experience is to enable parents and other low-income community volunteers to gain the skills and experience needed to qualify for employment.

Find the Head Start program in your area.

What do I do if I have a problem with a Head Start Program?

The Virginia Head Start Association recommends the following:

1. Talk to your local program; state specifically what your concerns are.
2. Ask for a written response to your issue.
3. If you are not satisfied, or need more information, call the Virginia Head Start Association. We can counsel about next steps.

Who oversees Head Start?

The 10 Administration for Children and Families Regional Offices and the Head Start Bureau's American Indian - Alaska Native and Migrant and Seasonal Program Branches award grants for Head Start programs and oversee their administration. Virginia is part of ACF Region Three.