Parent Involvement is the key to the success of Head Start. Parents/Guardians are strongly encouraged to be their child's most powerful advocate both in school and outside of school. HOPES Head Start offers a forum for parents/guardians to ask questions and express their concerns about issues affecting the program and their children through monthly Parent Meetings. The meetings are held in the evening in order to accommodate working parents. Child care and a light dinner are provided at no cost to the families.

All parents/guardians of currently enrolled children are invited to participate in the Parent Committee and attend the Parent Meetings each month. Early in the school year, the Parent Committee elects officers to lead and facilitate the parent meetings and to plan fundraisers and activities for the children and families. Bilingual staff are present during the meetings to answer questions and give guidance to the parents/guardians.

Following the meetings, parents/guardians are encouraged to remain and participate in a Parent Workshop. Many topics relevant to the interests and concerns of the families are presented throughout the year. The following is a partial list of topics:

• Program Orientation for Parents/Guardians
  
• Early Childhood Development
  
• Effective Discipline
  
• Stress Management
  
• Cancer Awareness
  
• Domestic Violence
  
• Child Abuse Recognition and Prevention
  
• Basic Nutrition
  
• Menu Planning on a Budget
  
• Transportation Services
  
• Pedestrian Safety
  
• Basic Health Education
  
• First Aide
  
• Diabetes Awareness
  
• Asthma Awareness

For more information, or if you are interested in providing educational workshops to parents/guardians, please contact Lori Renshaw, Family & Community Partnerships Manager at
201-795-3286.