Each Head Start family will have an assigned Family Resource Worker and each Early Head Start Family will have an assigned Family Advocate to bring family identified services. The family and the family services worker will discuss the direction the family has in mind for their child’s education and the family’s goals.

Each family will create a Family Map that identifies the family support systems and current resources in place. Depending on the direction or family identified needs the family may create individual or family goals and the family services worker will assist the family in creating the steps to reach their goals.

Family Services Workers also partner with the local community to bring services that are available in the local community. Services may include:

• • Emergency food/clothing/shelter *Parenting Class Resources
  • Medical and Dental Information *Counseling and Support Groups
  • GED or HSED Classes *Literacy and English As a Second Language
  • Substance Abuse Counseling *Children’s Safety/Domestic Violence
  • Dual Language Support *Job Connections & Interview Information
  • Advocacy with Landlords/Tenant Rights *Healthy Foods and Food Budgeting

Families will learn of Family Resource Centers available in Janesville, Beloit and Walworth County.

Parent Involvement:

Children will experience the most success with their education goals and in life when parent/guardians are involved every step of the way.

• • Parent involvement events take place throughout the program year in classrooms and during the evening program wide.
  • At-home activities are available for Head Start classroom parents to assist their child in meeting their educational goals and give the parent an opportunity to participate when they are unable to come to the classroom.
  • Early Head Start families participate through classroom activities and events or through their Home Base weekly visit working closely with the Family Advocate. The family is given weekly at-home assignments to complete with their child putting them in the role of their child’s primary teacher.
  • Each center holds annual Policy Council elections program wide for parents to elect a representative(s) from their center to participate on the Policy Council in a decision making capacity.
  • Each parent is a member of the Parent Center Committee at their child’s center.
  • Families are invited to attend two family literacy events held in the evening program wide and also a daytime literacy event held in individual classrooms.

Fatherhood Programming

All children need a positive male role model in their life. Fathers who live in the home and fathers who live out of the home are encouraged and welcomed to share in their child’s Head Start/Early Head Start experience. We will make all attempts to communicate with fathers and offer programming that will support their role in the family.

Fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers, boyfriends, foster fathers are invited to participate in the following activities:

• • Fatherhood Days hosted by every Head Start Classroom
  • Father-Child Literacy Event
  • Socializations and Home Visits in Early Head Start
  • All Men Are Sons Parenting Class for males only

Community Partnerships

Head Start and Early Head Start depends the local community to bring resources to parents through networking, collaborations and written community agreements. Community partners provide activities, supplies, speakers, trainers, and space for HS & EHS.

Head Start & Early Head Start work closely with Public School Districts, Human Services, Job Centers, Colleges, Extensions and Health Departments to bring the best services possible to children and families.