The handbook describes the Home Start Training Center's approach to serving Head Start families. Much of the program is focused on the Portage Project and on early intervention efforts for preschoolers. The first of the major parts of the handbook presents an overview of the approach, reviewing the philosophy of parent-focused home-based…

Teachers and administrators can promote the involvement of parents of handicapped students through individualized education programs which include home-or home-school-based objectives. The programs must then be monitored to determine their success. (CL)

Part of the Home Secrets Program for children in Head Start preschool programs and the first four elementary grades, this packet of 18 teacher-developed activity sheets is intended for use at home by parents and their first-graders. Activities include color and shape games, cut/trace/paste activities, word games, stories, writing, health…

Described in this collection are activities designed to help parents provide informal home learning experiences for children in kindergarten through third grade. Each activity sheet provided is based on an objective or unit included in one of two programs implemented in the Montgomery County, Maryland, public schools: the Instructional Program in…

Emphasizes the importance of home visits and provides tips on making Head Start program home visits rewarding for parents and children. Lists 11 behaviors of effective home visitors, and emphasizes the importance of empowering parents and creating adequate documentary materials concerning the home visit. (SD)

This resource guide aims to assist parents, other adults, and the school in providing a stronger continuum of educational opportunities for children at home and in the school. The introductory section provides background information on parent involvement. Section 2 discusses the physical, emotional/social, intellectual, and creative development of…

This guide for leaders of parent workshops is based on the Getting Involved booklets (which suggest ways parents of children in Head Start, day care, and other preschool programs can support children's learning through everyday family activities using materials at hand). This workshop leaders' guide offers suggestions for helping parents become…

Described is a program which encouraged parents to become involved with their children in a science program at home. Discussed are the activities and organization of the program. A list of resources is provided. (CW)

This curriculum guide contains monthly work plans and weekly activity units for a Home Start Program. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the home, the family unit, and the education and development of young children by their own parents. Yearly goals include concern for the following: physical and dental health, nutrition, mental health and…

Lists 10 practical suggestions and literature sources for parents to use with their children, including creating a "reading and writing corner," playing word games such as "pictodictionary," taking children to the library, and using magazines and newspapers as sources of learning material. Lists newsletters, brochures, and…

The increasing number of Head Start parents returning to school or taking employment has resulted in a decline in parent time volunteering. Many Head Start programs have had to increase their recruitment efforts to attract volunteers from the larger community. This handbook provides a model for the development of a Head Start volunteer program.…

Presents guidelines and ideas for school-home learning activities that can be used by teachers and administrators who work with at-risk children and their families to build partnerships between the home and school. Recommends that teachers and administrators listen to families, develop home-learning activities, share activities with families, and…

Noting that parents are children's most important teachers, this guide provides parents and children with weekly activities for all parts of the year that are intended to enhance children's eagerness to learn. The suggested activities, carefully chosen by Medina County, Ohio, kindergarten teachers, were designed to reinforce skills introduced in…

This guide discusses policies and programs that help families contribute to and support educational excellence. Chapter 1, on the significance of family involvement, covers increased student achievement; home learning activities; improved student behavior; family and teacher acceptance; benefits to parents, teachers, and the community; basic…

This guide provides ideas and procedures to help agencies in providing services to children and families through the home-based program option of Head Start. It is designed to assist program administrators who are beginning Head Start Home-Based programs for the first time as well as those seeking to strengthen existing programs. The chapters are:…