Partnerships Between Staff and Families 

Rutland County Head Start supports the belief that parents are their child's first and most important teacher.

Families are given a variety of opportunities to be involved in their child's preschool experience. Parents participate in a minimum of two teacher home visits, two parent-teacher conferences and several family services home visits.

Home visits and other opportunities for collaboration allow us to gather a holistic picture of the children. Partnerships between staff and families are grounded in an exploration of families' immediate concerns and interests. For some families, this will mean first focusing on urgent needs related to food and shelter or health and safety.

Family Services staff provide resources, referrals and support, and work with other community agencies to support the family.

Volunteer Opportunities for Parents

Parents have various volunteer opportunities to help in the classroom, on field trips, and on projects at home. Parent Committee meetings are held at each site, giving parents the opportunity for input into their child's preschool experience.

Rutland County Head Start develops networks that link available resources within the community to the needs of parents and children.