Program and Parent
Action Tools


 
 

Parents and Programs Use Transition
Action Tools to...



 
 
 
 

  1. Organize a Family Night and Create a Family Folder
  1. Discuss Child's Transition and Help Your Child Adjust
  1. Create a Summer Packet and Work with Your Child


Build Partnerships

  1. Plan a Program Tour and Learn about the New Program
  1. Invite Parent Involvement and Share Information
  1. Conduct a Training Workshop and Plan for Ongoing Services

 
  1. Discuss Family Advocacy and Speak Out and Act for Children
  1. Hold a Panel Discussion and Take Part in Making Decisions
  1. Invite Discussion of a Family Center and Stay Involved

Action Tools to Support
Each Child in Transition






Program Action:  Organize a Family Night
Parent Action:  Create a Family Folder

Program Action:  Discuss Child's Transition
Parent Action:  Help Your Child Adjust


Program Action:  Create a Summer Packet
Parent Action:  Work with Your Child





Program Action:  Organize a Family Night

Purpose

Families organize personal information to share with teachers in the current or new program.

Staff can use the information received from families to help individualize classroom activities and create transition supports.

Suggested Materials

  • Tool 1-Parent Action:  Create a Family Folder
  • Pocket folders
  • Art materials
  • Sample Family Folder
Tips for Leaders
  • Invite family members to come to the program for a potluck dinner and parent-child activities.  Plan several parent-child activities (including making a Family Folder) to be conducted at the same time.  This way you can keep the groups small and avoid confusion.
  • Review the information and create a sample Family Folder.  Gather art materials and organize them in a room with plenty of space to spread out.
Leading the Activity
  • Show participants your sample Family Folder and use the information on sides 1 and 2 of the Parent Action pages to explain the purpose of creating these folders.
  • Explain that during the activity, parents and children can work together on decorating side 3 of the Parent Action pages.  Parents may also complete sides 2 and 4 during the activity.
  • Suggest that parents use additional ideas from side 1 to add to their folder when they are at home.






                Parents are the experts on their children
 

You know about your child's: Every day, you learn more about:
  • Health, development, and temperament
  • Relationships with others
  • Interests and strengths
  • Special needs
  • Usual way of dealing with change
  • What your child can do
  • What you child likes and dislikes
  • How your child gets along with others
  • How your child takes care of himself
  • What she notices around her
Because you know so much about your child, it is important to share this information with your child's new teachers and staff members.  As you build your Family Folders, you may want to include some of the samples that follow to introduce your child to the new staff.

 
Action Step:  What information will YOU share about your child's skills?
My child knows how to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

My child is good at:

 
 
Action Step:  Work with your child to complete the following phrases. 
Have your child draw the pictures.  you can write the labels.
Some things I like to do are:
Some things I want do do in the new place are:

 
Action Step:  Sharing your Family Folder with staff members

The first few days of school are busy ones for teachers, parents, and children.  when you share your Family Folder at the beginning of the year, it may help to explain what it is and why you are sharing it.  Below is a sample letter you may want to use or adapt.

 

Dear                                           :   (Teacher's Name)

I am pleased to share my Family Folder with you.  this folder includes a lot of information about my child,                                   , and our family.  Some of the papers are ones I know the school needs for its records.  Other special papers (such as my child's family portrait) will help you learn a little more about our family.

I would like to meet with you to talk about the folder and our goals for the year.  You can call me at                                  .  The best time to call me is                                        .

I am looking forward to working with you this year.  Please let me know how I can help.

Sincerely,
 

Adapted from the Dallas Head Start Public Schools Transition Demonstration Project



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