PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Head Start involves parents in every aspect of their child’s education. Parents gain skills through participation in classroom activities, parent meetings and as members of policy-making committees. Several training opportunities are available for parents that include: parenting skills, community advocacy, healthy relationships, and personal growth and development.
EDUCATION
Head Start believes that the parents are the primary educators of their children. An individual educational plan is developed for each child, and parents and teachers work together to enrich the child’s educational environment so that children enjoy learning, develop a positive attitude toward school, and reach their maximum potential.
HEALTH
Head Start assists parents in securing a complete physical and dental exam for their child and ensuring follow-up which includes vision, hearing, blood pressure, height/weight lead and iron screenings. Provides daily health, nutrition and dental assessments for every child in the program. Emphasis is placed on preventive care.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Head Start actively recruits and enrolls eligible children within the recruitment area of the availability of services and encourages families to apply for admission to the program. The program also support parents as they identify and meet their own goals, nurture the development of their children in the context of their family and culture, and advocate for communities that are supportive of children and families of all cultures.
NUTRITION
Head Start provides the opportunity for each child in the half-day program to receive one-third of the recommended dietary allowance, and for each child enrolled for a full day to receive two-thirds of the R.D.A according to USDA guidelines. A variety of attractive, new and culturally diverse foods are offered through family-style dining. Classroom activities include cooking experiences. Nutrition education is a vital part of the daily curriculum.
MENTAL HEALTH
Parents, staff and children work together and are given assistance to build a support system that fosters a healthy, happy environment at home, school and play.
DISABILITIES SERVICES
Head Start makes available directly or in cooperation with other agencies, services in accordance with an individualized education program (IEP) for 10% of enrolled children who meet the disabilities criteria.
TRANSITION SERVICES
Head Start implements and maintains procedures to support successful transitions and continuity of programming for enrolled children and families from previous programs into Head Start, and from Head Start into elementary school programs, or other child care settings.
Head Start Locations
PDF Downloads
Head Start Brochure • Spanish • Hmong
Parent Resource Guide
Parent Handbook
Funding for the Social Development Commission’s Milwaukee Head Start Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
The nutrition component is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture, Child & Adult Care Food Program.