Parents As Partners

Healthy children start with healthy families! We believe at ABC Head Start that the best way to help children is to strengthen families and community. We believe that as we work together in partnership, we benefit from the shared enthusiasm, energy and ideas that each partner contributes.

Social workers at each of the 6 locations, provide the link between the classroom and the families. Their role sets the tone for the family involvement. Before the program year begins, social workers visit families and complete an intake visit. Parents are asked for input on their child's strengths and needs. Later as social workers plan the weekly parent group, parents contribute their skills, share knowledge of their culture and customs, as well as learn about child development, the benefits of play for children and other topics.

Social workers also support families who may need information or help with food, housing, or other needs. Specifically, social workers may assist a family in obtaining a food hamper, link families with organizations that fund sports equipment or pay for soccer, or refer for family counseling.