Action Tools to

Build Partnerships

with Families

 

Program Action: Plan a Program Tour

Parent Action: Learn about the New Program

 

Program Action: Invite Parent Involvement

Parent Action: Share Information

 

Program Action: Conduct a Training Workshop

Parent Action: Plan for Ongoing Services

Purpose

Families meet with new staff and learn about a program or school their child may attend in the future.

Staff work in partnership with staff from other community settings to plan for transitions.

Suggested Materials
Tool 4-Parent Action: Learn About the New Program
Dates of events listed on side 1 of the tool

Tips for Leaders

· Find out what programs or schools parents would like to visit. Meet with staff from that program to plan a tour. Let them know that parents want to see the classrooms, talk with the teachers, and meet with administrators.

· Plan to meet with parents and discuss the Parent Action Tool before you go on the tour. On side 1 of the tool, fill in dates of upcoming events.

Guiding a Discussion

· Begin your parent meeting by asking what parents hope to learn on the visit. Make sure they know that the tour can help them learn about and prepare for changes. Share the Parent Action Tool and refer them to the upcoming events and other action steps listed on side 1.

· Ask parents to recall how they learned about Head Start services when they enrolled. Explain that it takes time to learn about any program. On the tour they can begin by looking around, asking questions, and reviewing program information  . As they become involved in the new program they will learn more.

· Refer parents to side 2 of the tool and point out that some services will be the same as Head Start and some will be different. Suggest that parents choose one or two services they want to know about and plan a few questions to ask staff. Point out sample questions on side 3.

· Suggest parents plan a time to visit the new program with their child. They can use side 4 of the Parent Action Tool to talk with the teacher about the changes the child will experience.
 
 



Parent Action: Learn about the New Program

Purpose: Many things will change for you and your child in the new school or program.  Find out what to look for on a visit and how to ask questions to learn all you can about the program.
 

Preparing for changes You can find out how things will change by visiting the school and attending informational meetings.  When you take time to meet staff, share information, and ask questions, you show staff that you care about your child's education.  This is the beginning of a new partnership.
Visits help your child Visiting a new school makes your child feel at home.  The more you visit before school starts, the more you will both learn. Check with your local Head Start Program to learn if the following suggestions are possible: Arrange for a classroom visit or a personal tour Make a video or take pictures of your child at the school Attend a school program with other children Have a family picnic on school grounds Take a walk to the school		Action Step: Making connections There are many ways to get to know your child's new school and staff. 1) Talk with staff to find out when each of these activities will be held. 2) Plan which events you will attend.     Date Will Attend School/program orientation Head Start visits to kindergarten School staff visits to your program Combined Head Start/school classroom activities Parent information nights and parent meetings Home visits Transition planning meetings (see Tool 6) Other:

Action Step: Checklist for a visit

When you visit the school or program, you can look for both new and familiar things.  Take your time to see everything and visit with teachers, administrators, and other staff.  You will learn some things about the program, like its building size, just by looking.  To learn more, ask staff to talk with you and give you written information on these program areas:
 

People Teachers and other staff Child's classmates Parent network Community connections	Program Goals Goals for children Goals for teachers Goals for the school	Building Space Classroom furniture and materials arrangement Classroom size Building size Location of bathrooms
Services Support services (e.g., speech therapy or counseling) Parent involvement Program decision making Transportation Meals	Classroom Rules Group activities Individual activities Teacher help Routines Testing

Special Questions: What other questions does your family have about the new school?

Action Step: As you meet new staff you may want to ask: What do you expect my child to learn? What is the daily schedule? How will my child be tested? How do you expect my child to behave? How can I help the school? Other

Other ways to learn about the new program:

Action Step: There are many other ways to  learn about the new school or program  Review school handbooks Talk with parent leaders Ask for written policies Read school newsletters Ask Head Start staff for information Talk with children and parents in the new school Attend board meetings or parent meetings


 

Parent Story: My daughter's kindergarten teacher was so surprised to hear what my child had been doing  in Head Start. Before I talked with her, she assumed Head Start children would be behind.  Now she's seen that Head Start children are at the head of the class.  My child learned social skills that are helping her do well in school. Former Head Start Parent

During a personal visit

Action Step: Share this list with the new teacher to help him prepare for your child These things will be new for my child: These things will be familiar to my child: My child says these things about the new school:



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