Health & Human Services - Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

Parent Education EveningsParents and children participate in activities to improve their educational and parentingskills. This includes family activity nights, positive Indian parenting, and fatherhood events.Family Activity EventsHeld once a month, these events are open to parents and families of Early Educationchildren who want to learn about topics such as child development, nutrition, and familystress.Time with Child ProgramThis program grants Band employees three hours of paid leave from work each month tospend time with their children in school.Mille Lacs Early Education Parent StoreParents who volunteer their time by attending Early Education parent committee meetings orparent activity nights, working in the classroom, or performing other activities earn “parentbucks” to use in the Parent Store. The store features household goods, personal careproducts, and children’s toys and games.Parent Action Committee MeetingsThese meetings provide a small-group setting in which parents and teachers can talk abouta child’s performance or discuss topics such as child development. These meetings are heldmonthly.Karen Sam, Parent Involvement Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .320-532-4695, ext. 2160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ksam@nas.k12.mn.usHead Start Policy CouncilElected Head Start parents serve on a board that works with staff and the school board tomake decisions on policies and procedures for the Head Start program.Tammy Wickstrom, Early Education Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .320-532-4690, ext. 2239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .twickstrom@nas.k12.mn.usGaylene Spolarich, Family and Community Specialist . . . . . . . . . .320-532-4690, ext. 2210. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .gspolarich@nas.k12.mn.us35