A parent is his child's first teacher and Head Start encourages parents to become actively involved in ensuring that their children are ready for success in school and in life. Through the Early Head Start and Head Start programs, staff works with families to individualize services that best meet family needs. Services are designed to help families ensure well-being, maintain healthy relationships with children, and become empowered to self-advocate and become self-sufficient.

Families remain engaged and take ownership for goals that they have identified through the Head Start Family Partnership Agreement.

Parents are encouraged to take advantage of services offered, including:

• Workshops on topics such as school readiness, school transition, child safety, child development, nutrition, literacy, substance abuse, GED attainment, budgeting and housing.
• Volunteering in the classroom, helping with classroom projects, reading stories, and participating in special activities and field trips, or by becoming a Parent Committee officer or member of the Head Start Policy Council.
• Job skills development including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) or guidance on careers working with young children.