Parent Handbook > Education & Early Childhood Development

 

    Head Start's educational program is designed to meet each child's individual needs within the context of his/her culture and community. Head Start experience has shown that the needs of children vary considerably from community to community, and that to serve these needs most effectively, programs must take into account community resources, the capabilities of local staff, as well as the developmental needs of the children served.

    Every child receives a variety of learning experiences to foster intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth, either through a center-based or home-based setting. Children participate in indoor and outdoor activities and are introduced in skills and concepts through play. They are encouraged to express their feelings in appropriate ways, to develop self-confidence and self-esteem, and to learn how to get along with others.

 

Meals

    One essential aspect of healthy growth and development is good nutrition. All meals served in our program meet the USDA standards for nutritional content. It is the parent's responsibility to inform the teacher if their child has any food allergies or if the child is on a special diet. A doctor's certification is required in order for specific adjustments to be made in meals served.

    Mealtime is also used as a learning experience. Volunteers and staff are expected to sit with the children and to model good eating habits and table manners. Staff also stimulates social interaction, promoting language development and social skills. Language and social interactions are centered on child's interest.

 

Health and Hygiene

The nutrition, health and mental health aspects of the Head Start Program Performance Standards are incorporated into the curriculum through adult modeling of good health practices, as well as through experiences. The teaching staff includes daily routines such as hand washing, tooth brushing, and physical exercise; for example, to promote and discuss good health practices.

 

Learning Environment

All children, no matter what program option or setting they are enrolled in, are provided the kinds of experiences and supports necessary to help them gain the awareness, skills and confidence necessary to succeed in their present environment, and to deal with later responsibilities in school and in life. In all program options and settings for Head Start children (birth to age 5), family members are seen as integral partners in the process of planning and implementing meaningful curriculum for children and in the program's overall approach to child development and education.

 

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher conferences are held three times during the school year.

Initial conference is held approximately three months after the child enters the program. An assessment is made with written goals and strategies planned for each individual child.

Mid year conference will be scheduled to meet with parents to go over objectives and goals or any concerns and progress about child's development.

The final conference is held before the end of the year, summarizing the child's progress and make recommendations for continued growth. These conferences also involve parents in planning and participating in their child's development.

 

Field Trips

Field trip enhances our classroom curriculum to give opportunities for hands on experiences. It also provides opportunities for parents to participate, expand their horizons and expose them to activities for the whole family to enjoy outside of their communities. Teachers are provided with a pre-approved field trip destinations list to choose from that are age appropriate.

Families are welcome on our classroom field trips. We ask that you check with your teachers on the appropriateness of the field trip for younger siblings. As a general rule, siblings are welcome to accompany you on the field trip but due to seating limits on the bus, you may have to transport yourself and your siblings.

 

Safebelt Safety

Hawaii Child Passenger Restraint Law requires children under 4 years old to ride in a child safety seat. The driver is held responsible for compliance with the law. Violators of Hawaii Child Passenger Restraint Law are required to attend a 4-hour class and may be assessed a fine of $100 to $500 depending upon the number of offences.

Please do not leave any child in the car while you run in to the class to sign your Head Start child in. Besides being against the law, it is also dangerous. Our children are very curious and have been watching you drive for a while and may want to try it out if they are left on their own even for a short time. In our Head Start buses, all passengers will be buckled in.

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