13a. Parent/Guardian/Child Orientation/Open House Policy and Procedure

Policy

Parents are given opportunities to learn about the program structure and philosophy of Head Start/ECEAP and how they are implemented in their child’s classroom and throughout the program.

Procedure

1. Staff will work together to provide Parent/Guardian/Child Orientation before/during slow start begins in the fall and/or first day of school. Parent Orientation will be held at various times to not exclude parents.
2. Staff will inform the parent/guardian of the time at the first home visit/welcome visit. Staff will make a reminder phone call before the Open House/Parent/Guardian Orientation. When parents/guardians leave the child’s classroom orientation to attend the Parent Orientation the Head Start/ECEAP children will stay in their classrooms with the teaching staff.
3. Open House: 
   1. In order to accommodate program families, each classroom/center will conduct two Open Houses; one in the day and one in the evening.
   2. Staff will use this opportunity to introduce the classroom to children/families
   3. Classroom scavenger hunt game will be used to orient all children and families to areas of the classroom
   4. PIC and Full Day models will combine the open house and orientation activities into one event
4. The Direct Service Team will plan and organize a welcoming, fun, and informative Classroom and Parent/Guardian Orientation utilizing the Parent/Guardian/Child Orientation form and providing the following information: 
   1. Classroom Orientation: Have areas set up for children to explore. 
      1. Introduce classroom staff.
      2. Parent/child activities planned to orient the families to classroom environment. 
      3. Activities available in each interest area.
   2. Parent/Guardian Orientation/Open House:
      1. Plan how to provide information in content areas listed on Parent Orientation Checklist.
      2. Designate individual roles/responsibilities.
      3. Utilize content area experts.

Policy complies with Head Start Performance Standard 1304.40 (a) (4) & (5); 1304.40 (g)(1)(ii)