School Readiness & PFCE

What IS School Readiness?

Head Start defines school readiness as children possessing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in school and for later learning and life. The Head Start Approach to School Readiness means that children are ready for school, families are ready to support their children’s learning, and schools are ready for children. Head Start is a leader in the early childhood field with a strong, clear, and comprehensive focus on all aspects of healthy development, including physical, cognitive, and social and emotional development, all of which are essential to children getting ready for school.

The Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework is the foundation of the Head Start Approach to School Readiness. There are five domains that Head Start and Early Head Start programs must focus on and set goals for: Language & Literacy, Physical Health & Development, Social & Emotional Development, Cognition & General Knowledge, and Approaches to Learning

HS/EHS Early Learning Framework

What does all that mean for my child?

The Framework is a tool being used nationwide to help guide programs as they ultimately prepare your child for entry into school. Research has shown that the first five years of a child’s life are the most important in regards to learning and retention. High quality, comprehensive care is the name of the game at Head Start and Early Head Start. These guides help us make the best choices in regards to things like: curriculum implementation, staff training, and planning teaching and learning experiences for your child. As your child is assessed during the school year to measure their accomplishments, we carefully analyze data gathered on their progress. Those results help “drive” our program, or show us what we are doing well/what changes we need to make to maximize their learning.

Head Start and Early Head Start are NOT just “daycare”.

Head Start and Early Head Start are NOT just “daycare”. Since 1965, we have provided the only comprehensive Preschool program in the nation. In 1995, Early Head Start began and remains the only comprehensive Infant/Toddler program in the nation. What does “comprehensive” mean in regards to our program? It means that not only are we focused on your child’s education, but also on their health, nutrition, mental health, and disabilities if applicable. We focus on the whole child AND family as well. Our Family Service and Parent Involvement components focus on the whole family. Your Family Advocate can assist with resources you may need and connect you with other community agencies that may assist you as well. Parent Involvement offers various opportunities throughout the year for you to be closely involved with your child’s education, classroom, and center activities. We always need parent leaders and encourage volunteers to come help in our classrooms and around our centers! If you would like more information or would like to hear more about how you can help, please feel free to contact us at: (828) 652-3229 or stop by the main office at 2111 Sugar Hill Rd., Marion, NC to speak with one of our staff.

The Parent, Family, and Community Framework (PFCE)

What is the PFCE?

Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework

Parent and family engagement in Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) is about building relationships with families that support family well-being, strong relationships between parents and their children, and ongoing learning and development for both parents and children. The Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework is a road map for progress in achieving the kinds of outcomes that lead to positive and enduring change for children and families. The PFCE Framework was developed in partnership with programs, families, experts, and the National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement. It is a research-based approach to program change that shows how an agency can work together as a whole—across systems and service areas— to promote parent and family engagement and children’s learning and development. Ultimately, research has shown that parents being engaged in their child’s education are crucial to that child’s success throughout life.

Why is Head Start/Early Head Start different than other programs?

The comprehensive nature of the program makes it one of a kind. As mentioned before, there are NO other programs that provide the multitude of services, opportunities, and benefits for the whole family that Head Start/Early Head Start provides. We invite you to learn more at: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc