parent handbook 2012 13.pdf - Plaquemines Parish School Board

Communication Between Home and Head Start
Special Information From Home
It is very important that there be good communication between your child’s home and
the Head Start program. We will try in every way possible to communicate with you
as to what is happening at Head Start, and we hope that you will communicate freely
with us. In the event that a significant change occurs in your home, please inform the
center as soon as possible. All information will be regarded as confidential. We will
accept your judgment as to the kinds of changes which may affect your child’s behavior,
safety, and general well being. Common causes of distress for children, which we
see affecting them in Head Start include: either both parents or guardians away from
home for any reason, new people living in the home, illness of either parent or guardian,
illness of another family member, hospitalization of a family member, accident or
death in the family, change of residence, death of a pet, divorce or legal separation of
the parents.
Change of Address or Phone Number
Please inform the Head Start staff immediately of any change in your
address or telephone number. Also, please inform the staff of any change in
the name, address, and phone number of any of your emergency contacts.
It is extremely important that we know how to contact you in the event that
your child or the Head Start Center is involved in any emergency situation.
Our program only serves residents of Plaquemines Parish.
Daily Communication
You will be receiving regular communication from the Head Start staff and teachers
about what is happening for you and your child in the Head Start Program. This communication
will provide important information for you about opportunities for you and
ways that you can help us give your child a “Head Start.” Please check your child’s
backpack each afternoon when he/she arrives home.
Your Child’s Attendance in Head Start
It is important for your child to attend Head Start every day that he/she is not ill. We
have just 165 days to get your child ready for kindergarten or preschool, and we need
every possible day to give him/her a real “Head Start”. If we are to teach your child
the language, academic, and social skills that he/she needs for school, you must help
us by having your child attend Head Start every day.
Please refer to Appendix E, Plaquemines Parish Head Start Attendance Policy
at the back of this handbook for additional information about attendance.
12 Plaquemines Parish Head Start Parent Handbook