Head Start and Early Head Start Programs more than other early childhood education programs have stressed parent involvement and parent education. Participating parents learn about child development and about teaching their children.
In these programs, teachers and parents work together in a "whole child" approach that benefits young children and parents.
At Enrollment or the First Home Visit: The CDR-Parent Questionnaire (or the Infant Development Inventory for under 18 months) gives you the parent's picture of their child and what the child is doing. This includes the child's strengths and possible problems and provides information about the child’s functioning and possible needs. Talking with parents about their child, including their questions and concerns, shows respect and a desire to involve and work with them.
For the 45 Day Screen: Use the brief Child Development Chart to help identify a child’s developmental skills and possible areas of delayed development.
For Ongoing Assessment: The Teacher's Observation Guide shows you how to observe and record a child’s behavior and development and plan educational activities. It covers social development, self help, gross motor, fine motor, language and school readiness skills.
For Parent Education: Wall Charts of Child Development