parent handbook 2012 13.pdf - Plaquemines Parish School Board

Mental Health
To be effective, our Head Start programs must support staff, parents, and children
in their abilities to develop relationships, feel good about themselves, manage
daily stress, and solve problems. Many of our activities promote good mental health in
the classroom. Some of the ways that we in Head Start provide mental health programs
for families include:
� Parenting classes which focus on various topics such as discipline,
child growth and development, literacy, stress management, emergency
preparedness, money management and smart shopping, etc.
� Social events and celebrations
� Center Committees, Policy Council
� Volunteer of the Month Program
� Referrals to community agencies
Health
Head Start believes in the importance of early identification of health problems.
We will provide every child with a complete health care program, including medical,
dental, mental health and nutritional services. We will provide transportation if necessary,
and do everything possible to make sure that your child receives all of the necessary
health screenings, examinations, immunizations, and follow-up health services. It
is very important that your child receive all of these services if we are to give him/her
the Head Start he/she needs for school. If you have health concerns about your child
at the beginning or during the year, please share these concerns with the staff.
Nutrition
The Plaquemines Parish School Board Nutrition Program assists Head Start in
providing food which will help meet your child’s daily nutritional needs, while recognizing
differences and cultural patterns. Your child will receive breakfast, lunch, and the
necessary number of snacks that meet the nutritional requirements of a child three to
five years of age. All Head Start children are served all of the foods on the daily cafeteria
menu and will be encouraged, but never forced or bribed, to learn to eat the
foods served.
Our menus are posted in the classroom for all visitors to see. Please do not
send food with your child to Head Start. We will provide all the food needs.
In accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards all meals and
snacks will be nutritious and low in sodium, sugar, and fat.
22 Plaquemines Parish Head Start Parent Handbook