Handbook

HEAD START PHILOSOPHY
The educational goal of the Head Start Child Development Center in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is to enhance each child's physical, social, emotional and pre-academic readiness skills through experiences of confidence and success. This will be accomplished through a variety of activities to meet individual differences and needs of the participating children from diverse backgrounds. Close ties will be established between parents/guardians and the school to foster learning and development of the children in school as well as at home.

Kenosha Head Start will provide:

  1. A quality early childhood experience which will help your child prepare for kindergarten.
  2. Health and nutrition services to be sure that your child is in the best possible health when he/she begins school.
  3. Community services to assist your family in taking advantage of the many services available to you in Kenosha.
  4. A parent/guardian partnership program to assist you in playing an active part in your child's education and school.
  5. Training and workshops in areas such as child development, parenting education, nutrition, health, literacy, social services and other community career development.
  6. Exceptional educational services for children with specific needs and their families.

Kenosha Unified School District No. 1
Head Start Child Development Centers
Your Child's School Address: Bain Annex Job Center Lincoln Elementary
5117 23rd Avenue 8600 Sheridan Rd. 6811 18th Ave.
Pleasant Prairie Renaissance School Wilson
10450 72nd Avenue 4520 33rd Ave.


HEAD START CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Head Start provides a variety of program options to meet the needs of children enrolling in our program. Parents/guardians wishing to enroll their child at Head Start must provide the following: income verification (check stubs, W-2 form, etc...), child's birth certificate, immunization records and social security numbers for all adults over 21 years of age. Upon enrollment, children will be expected to have completed a health and dental examination. The following is a description of the program options for Head Start.

Center Base Model (Federal Program)

Children participating in the center Base Model are involved in educationally and developmentally appropriate activities based on the child's individual and developmental needs. Educational activities will cover the Head Start areas of Early Childhood Development, Health Services, and Family and Community Partnerships.

Children in the Center Base Model will attend classes four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in the morning from 7:45-11:00 AM or in the afternoon from 12:00-3:15 PM. Students do not attend classes on Wednesday as parent programming takes place at that time. Head Start children enrolled in the Center Base Model receive all benefits such as: health, dental and other follow-up services indicated in the Federal guidelines. Field trips are also included in the program curriculum. There may be a minimal cost to parents for the field trips. Parents are encouraged to volunteer on the field trips as well as in the classroom as scheduled with the teacher.

Early Childhood Special Education Integrated Model

The Early Childhood Special Education Integrated Model operates within the Head Start Center Base program. Students attend classes on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, as do all the Head Start children. Students do not attend classes on Wednesday as parent programming takes place at that time. Wednesday programming includes a home visit schedule or parent involvement functions for all parents/guardians of students enrolled in the sessions. The Early Childhood Special Education Integrated classes are presently available at Bain Annex and Wilson Elementary Schools.

Classroom activities incorporate gross motor, cognitive, fine motor, social, self-care and expressive/receptive language skills into daily lesson plans based on the individual child's identified impairment and developmental needs as outlined in their IEP (Individual Education Plan). The goal of this model is to provide instruction to exceptional three and four year old children in a class with their non-exceptional education peers. The educational needs of each child's disabilities will vary. Educational activities will be provided according to the needs and development of all children. In the classroom, the curriculum will include direct and developmentally appropriate instruction in all the pre-academic areas. The Head Start children enrolled in the Integrated Model will receive all benefits such as health, dental and other follow-up services as indicated in the federal guidelines. All children participating in this program must meet all State and Federal Head Start regulations and income guidelines. Parents/guardians are encouraged to volunteer in the program.

Special Education Services

Special education programming is designed to meet the needs of children who have cognitive, physical, emotional, learning or speech/language challenges. Head Start requires that at least ten percent or more of its enrollment consists of children with exceptional educational needs.

The Kenosha Unified School District Special Education Department and the Head Start Program work cooperatively to provide young children the best integrated exceptional education placement. Placement options are available according to the exceptional needs of the identified children at all Head Start sites.

Parent/guardians of children suspected of having exceptional educational needs will be contacted before a referral for testing is initiated. Parents are also encouraged to let the staff at Head Start know if their child may have an exceptional educational need.

DAILY  SCHEDULE

Each classroom has a daily schedule posted for your viewing. Each classroom provides a program of activities geared toward the age level and developmental needs of the children based on Head Start performance standards and developmental outcomes. The schedule of activities varies from day to day and includes the following:

  • Active and quiet activities
  • Indoor and outdoor activities
  • Free choice of individual activities by the children
  • Group activities
  • Small group and individual activities
  • Music, art, dramatic play, science, math, and socialization activities
  • Direct instruction delivered through educational learning centers within the classroom

ARRIVAL  POLICY

Head Start operates from 7:45-11:00 a.m. (morning session) and from 12:00-3:15 p.m. (afternoon session). No child should be in the school building prior to 7:45 (morning session) or 12:00 p.m. (afternoon session). If your child misses the bus, you or the person bringing the child must escort the child into the building and to the school office. For your child's protection, he/she cannot be dropped off in front of the building. If your child is late, please notify the office. Upon arrival to the school building, all parents/guardians and volunteers must sign in at the school office. Excessive tardiness will not be tolerated.

DEPARTURE  POLICY

Parents/guardians picking up their child on a particular day must notify the office by 10:00 a.m. (morning session) or 2:00 p.m. (afternoon session) so the child is not put on the bus. Parents should be at the child's school no later than 10:50 a.m. or 3:05 p.m. to make sure the child is not placed on the bus. The school office must have on file the name of an authorized adult other than the parent/guardian who can pick up a child. Your child will be released only to the person(s) authorized on the emergency release form. Identification(with photograph) must be shown before the child is released. Prior notification must be given to the office if the child leaves prior to 10:50 a.m. or 3:05 p.m. Excessive requests for leaving classrooms early will not be tolerated.

SAFETY  POLICY

Safety guidelines have been developed by Head Start to assure that every precaution has been taken to prevent accidents and to promote the health and safety of all children. These guidelines are to be followed on all cases at Head Start.

  1. Children are supervised at all times during the school day and on field trips away from school.
  2. Parents/guardians must deliver the children into the building and to the Head Start classroom. You must be sure a staff member is aware that you have either picked up or delivered a child.
  3. Fire and tornado drills are scheduled to teach children procedures.
  4. Emergency plans will be posted in each classroom.
  5. The building has lighted exits.
  6. During field trips, identification tags are worn by all children which includes the school name, address, phone number of the school.
  7. Emergency cards for each child are near classroom teacher materials
  8. The staff is responsible for the care and supervision of the children in their group. Teacher and educational assistants will have first aid kits on all field trips.
  9. Children will be taught bus safety rules and regulations. Parents are expected to follow all bus safety rules.
  10. Parents must sign-out their child in the classroom when they are picked up early.

DISCIPLINE

Physical punishment is not allowed by parents or staff at Head Start. Classroom management is maintained through discussion or redirecting children to other activities.

Every effort will be made to work with the parents/guardians to help children manage their behavioral challenges. Children will be taken to the Principal's office in the event the child's behavior is not in the best interest or safety of the other children or staff.

Children are not permitted to engage in activities that may cause harm to themselves or to others. When a difficulty occurs between children, they are encouraged to talk the problem out or to talk to an adult for help. Fighting is not permitted. Should a child's behavior be so disruptive, proper authorities will be contacted for assistance (Kenosha Police Department, Human Services) and the parent/guardian will be notified.

Parents will be expected to attend required home visits and conferences. Parents will also be expected to pick up their child if behavior concerns are persistent. A discipline plan of action will be completed by the parent/guardian and Head Start Administrator or designee to ensure that discipline problems are dealt with in a supportive and constructive manner. All Kenosha Unified School Board Policies Series 5000, 5134-5139, will be adhered to for all students attending Head Start.

DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES

Kenosha Head Start staff and volunteers who work with preschool children will use positive reinforcement in helping children develop acceptable behavior. The staff will:

  1. Set positive limits and communicate limits clearly to children and adults.
  2. Plan and assist children in making smooth transitions between activities.
  3. Schedule activities in ways which are comfortable and which consider the total needs of the children.
  4. Encourage the development of social skills by providing a favorable environment for mutual respect, sharing, cooperation, etc..
  5. Encourage children to express their feelings and respect the feelings and rights of others, providing assistance and support when needed.
  6. Respect the child as an individual and consider his/her feelings and thoughts.
  7. Work with the children to help them resolve their problems. Anticipate potential areas of concern and take action to avoid the problem.
  8. Always be within reach of every child. A child may be removed to a quiet spot with an adult when necessary.

PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITY

It is your responsibility to:

  • Notify the Head Start Main Office of any change of address or emergency numbers.
  • Call the Head Start Main Office each morning your child will be absent.
  • Call the Head Start Main Office if your child is going to be late.
  • Sign-in at the school office each time you enter the school.
  • Provide transportation for your child if he/she misses the bus.
  • Always escort your child into the classroom whenever taking your child to school
  • Be at the school by 10:50 a.m. (morning session) or 2:50 p.m. (afternoon session) if you do not wish your child to return home on the bus.

VISITORS

Visitors are always welcome at Head Start. All visitors must report to the office before going to the classrooms. Visitors and volunteers provide Head Start with twenty percent of in-kind support. Your support is appreciated and needed. All visitors entering the school buildings must sign-in at the Office! This includes those parents/guardians coming to pick up their children after school and those volunteering in the classroom. NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED IN ANY ROOM WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING IN AT THE OFFICE AND GETTING A CLASSROOM TAG TO WEAR FOR SECURITY PURPOSES. Please remember to sign out when you are leaving the building. Parent visitors or non-paid staff are never allowed in the children's bathrooms also for security reasons. Parents that are training to work at Head Start and student teachers receive special I.D. tags and are allowed in the bathrooms to supervise children.

PROCEDURE FOR PICKING UP YOUR CHILD FROM SCHOOL

  1. Call and notify the school secretary.
  2. Sign -in at the office and identify yourself. The person receiving the child must be listed by the parent/guardian on the child's emergency card and be able to show photo identification.
  3. Office staff will direct the visitor to his/her destination
  4. Parents must always sign out when they pick up their child daily

PARENTS/GUARDIANS WHO DRIVE

Parents/guardians are asked to observe the NO PARKING areas and the bus loading zones at the schools. Parking is available on the side streets of most schools. Cars violating the NO PARKING areas will be ticketed by the Kenosha Police Department.

CLOTHING

Children are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing that can be easily managed for bathroom needs. Please keep in mind that the children participate in a variety of "messy" activities such as painting, sand and water play, and outside play. We discourage you from sending your child to school in "dress clothes" because it is likely they will be soiled while participating in the day's activities.

The Wilson site will follow a uniform policy.

Parents are strongly encouraged to send a change of clothing (pants, underpants, shirt, socks) to school in case your child's clothing is soiled due to accidents.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Students will occasionally misplace things. All articles of clothing and supplies should be clearly marked with the student's name. Students are encouraged not to bring valuables to school. Please have the children leave toys at home, unless it is requested by the teacher for a special activity. Parents/guardians are expected to check the "Lost and Found" periodically for missing items. The school is not responsible for items lost by the students. Desks, coatrooms and lockers are the school property and are subject to inspection at any time by the principal/designee.

TRANSFERS WITHIN/MOVING FROM THE DISTRICT

Official school records are not given to the parents/guardians, but are forwarded to the new school . A release signed by the parent/guardian is required to forward records to a school outside of the Kenosha Unified School District. The school office should be notified in advance when a student moves from the district.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation services will be provided to all Head Start students who meet the established attendance area guidelines. Transportation is an optional service that parents may choose not to use. All Head Start children are expected to follow bus safety rules or lose the privilege of riding the bus.

BUS PROCEDURES

The following procedures have been developed by the Head Start Instructional Leader in cooperation with the School District Transportation Supervisor. Parents/Guardians are expected to comply with the following procedures.

  1. The parent or adult in a home is responsible to get the child to the bus when it stops in front of your legal residence. The driver should not have to sound the horn. The driver will wait no more than two minutes for your child to board the bus.
  2. When your child returns home from school on the bus, you or an assigned adult must come to meet your child at the bus stop. Otherwise, your child may be taken back to school or Protective Service and the Police Department will be notified.
  3. Please be sure to give an emergency number and a person who will be responsible to meet your child at the bus stop if you are not available.
  4. Call the Head Start office if you have a change of address. DO NOT call Laidlaw. It could take up to 7 days for the bus route to be changed to accommodate a change of address and may affect your child's session/site placement.
  5. Head Start students are picked up and delivered to their legal residence. If you request that your child be delivered to an address other than you residence, it will be necessary for the parent/guardian to come to the Head Start Main Office and complete an authorization form which shall be approved or disapproved by the Instructional Leader of Head Start.
  6. If you have a bus concern, we prefer you call the Head Start office. We will relay the concern to the School District Transportation office or Laidlaw transit.
  7. If your child is misbehaving on the bus, the bus driver will report it to the staff member on duty. The staff member will then report it to the child's teacher. Your child's teacher will contact you or a discipline report may be sent home. After three (3) reports, a child will be taken off the bus for three (3) days. The attendance policy will remain in effect and the child will be expected to attend school. After three days, the child will be allowed to ride the bus. Should discipline problems continue, parents/guardians may be required to provide their own transportation.
  8. Get to know your driver and his/her schedule. Remember, bad weather, bus driver substitutes, and children's absences DO cause pick up and drop off times to change.
  9. When you plan to pick up your child from the Head Start Center, please send a written note to your child's teacher in the morning or call the Head start Office by 7:30 a.m. or 12 noon. If you are sending someone else to pick up your child, give the name of the person and the relationship to the child to the secretary. If this is not done, you are responsible to meet your child at the authorized bus stop. Proper photo identification is required.
  10. When you ride the bus to Head Start as a volunteer, you cannot assume the responsibility for other children's behavior; this is the bus driver's responsibility. You are to ride the bus as a passenger only.
  11. If you plan to ride the bus to Head Start as a volunteer worker, you must fill out the authorization form at the Head Start office to receive your Head start "Volunteer Bus Pass."
  12. At the beginning of the school year, you will be given a school bus "STOP" and "GO" window sign. If your child is going to ride the bus, display the RED sign in the window. If your child is not going or ride the bus, display the green sign.

ATTENDANCE

Head Start Absentee Procedure

The procedures for ABSENTEEISM follows:

  • Each day a child is absent, the parent/guardian must call the school office by 7:30 a.m. (morning session) or by 12:00 p.m. (afternoon session).
  • Each day that a child is absent and the parent/guardian does not contact the School, the teacher or designee will make contact with the parent/guardian by phone or home visit to determine the reason for the child's absence. If a family does not have a phone, the child must bring from home a note from the parent/guardian as to the reason for the absence.
  • On the third consecutive day of an absence, the Family Service Provider is notified by the teacher. It is the responsibility of the Family Services Provider and the teacher to make a home visit to determine, document, and report to the coordinator the nature of the problem and how it can be resolved.
  • Daily attendance reports will be shared with the parents/guardians during home visits or conferences to ensure that attendance issues are handled promptly.
  • Serious and repeated absences/tardiness will require Head Start to dismiss the child from the program.
  • Parents/Guardians will be notified in writing if their child is being considered for dismissal.

The overall goal of Head Start is to foster a positive, comprehensive learning experience for all children enrolled in the program. In order to accomplish this goal, it is essential that the child is present on the days he/she is designated to attend. It is, therefore, unfair to children on the waiting list to continue to serve children with poor and/or irregular attendance/tardiness. To provide delivery of services, the above absentee policy will be implemented.

When a child is absent for three consecutive days or has routine and consistent absences, the Family Service Provider will document the nature of the absence and will continue to do so until the child's absence has been resolved. An average of one or two days absence per week indicates irregular attendance. After two weeks of irregular attendance, it is the teacher's responsibility to schedule a conference between parent/guardian and the Family Service Provider/Designee. Documentation will be placed on file regarding the conference. If attendance does not improve and there is another two-week period of irregular attendance, the Coordinator will be notified. At this time, a decision will be made whether to withdraw the child from the program and place him/her on the waiting list. A letter will be sent to parents/guardians and a copy of the action will be kept on file. Excessive absences due to illness will require a medical doctor form, if requested by the principal after three days.

TARDINESS/TRUANCY

Regular and prompt attendance is necessary for a students' education. Being late for school is unacceptable. Excessive tardiness will be considered a form of absence and will be dealt with according to the Head Start Absentee Policy.

To ensure that your child has a "Head Start" for school, he/she must attend the program regularly and for a complete session. If a child is excessively tardy, the Family Service Community Provider, teacher and parent/guardian will need to meet to resolve the situation. When tardiness is not resolved, further action, such as withdrawal may result. We encourage you to contact the school if absence is unavoidable. We may be able to offer some alternatives in programming.

FIELD TRIPS

Classes may take field trips to a variety of places. Each student must have a signed parent/guardian permission slip to participate. Prior to the event date, parents/guardians will be notified with trip details. Since field trips are instructional and related to activities going on in the classroom, students are expected to participate. Because of transportation regulations, brothers, sisters, or other children are not allowed on field trips. All day field trips that require the Head Start staff to be gone all day will require students to attend or the parent may make the choice to keep their child from attending on the day of the field trip. Some field trips may require parents to attend due to parental-child supervisory concerns.

DISTRICT POLICIES/RULES

A copy of all District and Head Start Policies and Rules are available for review at school offices upon request. Per District Policy and State Laws, no smoking is allowed on school premises.

FIRE DRILLS/TORNADO DRILLS

All schools conduct monthly fire drills. Parents are encouraged to talk to your child about fires and fire drills to prepare them to some extent. Teachers will also be talking with the children during classes, but additional input from the parents/guardians is reassuring to the child.

INCLEMENT WEATHER/CLOSING OF SCHOOLS

In the event of extreme weather conditions, or other similar emergencies, the Superintendent of School may make the decision to close district schools. Radio stations, WLIP-AM (1050), WGTD-FM (91,1), WIIL -FM (95.1), WTMJ-AM (620) and cable channel 20 will carry this announcement at frequent intervals. Students are expected to attend school unless an official announcement is made. On rare occasions school may close early. Parents/guardians should be prepared to receive children early should schools close early. Parents must update their emergency information monthly to ensure that Head Start has current and accurate information if necessary.

MAKE-UP DAYS/CALENDAR CHANGES

If school is closed due to inclement weather or other emergencies, staff, if necessary, will reschedule home visits. Make up days will be handled in accordance with the Federal Guidelines and School District Policy.

CABLE TELEVISION

Cable Channel 20, Kenosha, provides access to a variety of District activities throughout the greater Kenosha Area. School Board meetings, public service announcements, special school events and other programs are aired.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION AND EMERGENCY CARE

Generally, Head Start school personnel does not dispense any prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Where no other reasonable alternative exists, the following rules apply:

  • Medication must be in a clean pharmaceutical container which has the same medication name, unit size, dosage and student name attached.
  • All medication shall be kept in the main office for safe keeping.

A prescription drug may be administered provided that;

  • Written directions from a physician for administering the drug (s) accompany the medication. The physician providing the directions and prescribing the medication must also state in writing, either in the prescription, or in a letter, the specific conditions under which he/she should be contacted regarding the condition or reaction of the student receiving the medication. The physician must also express a willingness to accept communication from the person administering the medications.
  • Written permission to administer the drug (s) from the student's parent/guardian must accompany the medication. Any unused medication at the end of the period for which prescribed or at the end of the school year shall be picked up by the parent/guardian. Medication not picked up will be destroyed.

HEAD LICE (PEDICULOSIS)

Periodically, schools have students in need of treatment because of pediculosis (head lice). Parents/guardians of students suspected of being infested with lice will be notified by telephone, of the situation, including an informational fact/treatment sheet. Parents are required to pick up their child to avoid infestation of other students in the class.

Upon return to school, if the students is not free of lice or lice eggs as determined by the principal/nurse/designees, the student will again be sent home for proper treatment.

HEALTH SERVICES

A number of health services such as vision and hearing screening are provided by the District in cooperation with the city/county health department. These services do not provide the type of medical care that one would normally expect through family doctor. Students will be sent home for treatment when it is deemed necessary. The Head Start nurse will notify the parent/guardian. If the student has a communicable disease, the parent/guardian is expected to notify the Health Department. A release from the Health Department or family physician is necessary before returning to school. It is important that parents/guardians keep emergency phone numbers and contact persons names updated.

When students are ill, they should be kept home. When they return to school, they should be well enough to participate in normal school activities unless they have a written excuse from the physician. Excessive absences due to illness or following a contagious illness will require a doctors note.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

If your child becomes seriously ill or injured, first aid will be administered by the staff of Head Start. The parent or authorized adult will be notified as quickly as possible. If medical attention is required, the staff will call the local ambulance service or transport the child to the Hospital. Please indicate your hospital preference on your child's emergency card.

ROUTINE INJURIES

An accident report will be completed for all routine injuries. A report shall be stored at the school site and central district offices. A record of the report will be filed in the school's medical log. Routine cuts and scratches will be cleaned with soap and water only and the area will be covered to protect it. School staff are prohibited to use or administer first aid creams/ointments and/or any other over the counter medications.

ABUSED OR NEGLECTED STUDENTS

Wisconsin Statutes require any members of the teaching, counseling or administrative staff having reasonable cause to suspect that a student seen in the course of professional duties has been physically or emotionally abused or neglected shall immediately report the suspected abuse or neglect to the Kenosha County Department of Social Services/Police Department. Such personnel shall also report having reason to believe that a student has been threatened with injury and that abuse of the student will occur. In such cases, parents may not be notified by school personnel. Parents would be contacted by the appropriate authorities. Staff are not allowed to discuss any referrals of this nature with the parent. Parents should be aware that this law applies to other community agencies/neighbors/citizens which may choose to report suspected abuse and/or neglect.

IMMUNIZATIONS

In order to protect the health of our students, State Law requires that students must meet minimum immunizations requirements. The parent/guardian of a student must present written evidence of required immunization within thirty (30) school days of admission. These requirements can be waived only if a properly signed health, religious or personal conviction waiver is filed with the Head Start office. Specific information regarding waivers may be obtained through the school office. A child may be excluded from attending classes should these requirements not be met. In this case, Head Start absentee procedures would be followed. A child may be at risk of being dismissed or placed on a waiting list until such requirements are met.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

In order to reflect the cultural diversity at Head Start, our curriculum includes:

  • Language (showing respect and interest in a child's first or second language and other expressions of his/her culture in music, art, literature, food, etc.)
  • Food (including food variety in snack planning)
  • Celebrations (recognizing traditions, special holidays of cultures by sharing stories, having special foods, and including it in daily play activities.)
  • Equipment and materials reflect cultural diversity and individual differences.
  • Parent participation in classes and Inservice workshops that will allow them to share their own interests and culture with staff and children.

PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT

All parents are invited and encouraged to volunteer at Head Start. Parents are encouraged to volunteer a minimum of twenty (20) hours for the program. Volunteering is an essential component to our program. Parents enrolling their child for the first time receive further information in September/October about volunteering at Head Start. A Head Start school calendar and class/program assignments are also provided to parents during the initial home visit in September.

New students will not be allowed to attend school without an initial Home Visit. A minimum of two required visits are scheduled during the year. However, teachers will schedule weekly home visits as needed to support parents in meeting Head Start Performance Standards and also build partnerships towards their child's learning. Parents are expected to attend Parent/Teacher Conferences and all Home Visits that are scheduled in advance.

YOUR PARTICIPATION/INVOLVEMENT IS IMPORTANT!

Head Start has a parent/staff site based council designed to work toward the benefit of all students. All parents/guardians are encouraged to support their local school organization by becoming active in those school's activities as well as Head Start sponsored activities. Parent/teacher groups provide adult volunteers who are actively involved in school projects. Many parents/guardians who participate in school activities find a sense of accomplishment, self-satisfaction and pride in their school.

There at least four ways parents/guardians can participate in the Head Start Program.

  • Participate in the process of making decisions about the nature and operation of the program.
  • Participate in the classroom as a volunteer or observer.
  • Plan and participate in parent activities.
  • Work with your children in cooperation with the Head Start staff.
  • Become a Head Start site representative on the Parent Committee
  • Become an officer and/or attend monthly Policy Council Meetings

POLICY COUNCIL

The Policy Council is comprised of community representatives and parent representatives from Head Start. Some of the major responsibilities of the Policy Council include approval of the grant proposal and the development of program policies and procedures. Regular Policy Council meetings are held on a monthly basis. Parent committees meet monthly at school sites.

Your participation on committees helps to strengthen our Head Start Program by enabling staff to share your ideas and suggestions. Working together, staff and parents/guardians can build a strong and effective program. Please plan to be a classroom representative, alternate or run for one of Policy Council positions: President. Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer. All positions must be filled according to Head Start Regulations in order to be an effective governing body, which is essential to the success of the program. Parent involvement is necessary to achieve an effective Parent Policy Council and Parent Committees.

PARENT TRAINING AND IN SERVICE WORKSHOPS

A variety of opportunities are available to parents at Head Start. Parents who wish to receive training as a classroom assistant will be encouraged to attend workshops and classes available to staff. Volunteer work in the classroom will also be considered as training under the cooperation and supervision of educational staff. Parents that fulfill training requirements will be given an opportunity to work in substitute positions when available. Literacy development classes, GED class referrals, and many other opportunities for training are available to parents at Head Start. Head Start also works cooperatively with other community agencies to provide training opportunities.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

The Kenosha Unified School District Board of Education meets regularly the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. All regular meetings are held at the Educational Support Center, 3600 52nd Street, Kenosha WI and are carried "live" on Cable Channel 20. Interested parties may review a copy of the agenda at any school office or at the Superintendent's Office. The shared-governance bodies for Head Start are the School Board and the Policy Council

NONDISCRIMINATION INFORMATION, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Kenosha Unified School District No. 1 is an Equal Opportunity Employer with established policies prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, color, sex, national origin, disability or handicap, sexual orientation, or political affiliation in any educational program, activity, or employment in the District. The Executive Director of K-8 Education (262) 653-6008 addresses questions regarding students discrimination, and the Director of Personnel (262) 653-6333 answers questions concerning staff discrimination.