New Directions Early Head Start
Resources for Families
“When you work hand-in-hand with families to build trusting relationships, you help families support their children to reach their fullest potential.”
— National Center on Parent, Family and Community Engagement, “Markers of Progress”
Families are young children’s first and most important teachers. Head Start and Early Head Start programs work with families as equal partners to support children’s ongoing development and learning. This work can help families achieve positive outcomes for themselves and their children.
Parents Are Valued Partners
In New Directions Early Head Start, parents are valued partners in our programs.
Role of Parents in New Directions Early Head Start Programs
- Parents are expected to actively participate in activities conducted during the weekly, 90-minute home visit and assist in planning the visit.
- Parents participating in the Home Visiting option must be available to meet with their Child and Family Specialist once each week.
- Parents are expected to be at the designated meeting location at the agreed-upon time.
- If parents are unable to keep a home visit appointment, they should contact their Child and Family Specialist as soon as possible and reschedule the visit for a more convenient time that week.
- Parents are encouraged to complete suggested follow-up activities with their child between home visits and report those activities to their Child and Family Specialist for inclusion on the volunteer form.
- Parents are encouraged to participate in volunteer opportunities whenever possible.
- Parents are encouraged to partner with staff and participate in program decision-making through representation on the Parent Committee and/or Policy Council.
- Parents enrolled in NDEHS are automatically members of the Parent Committee. The committee provides an opportunity for parents and staff to work together in program planning, decision-making, and identifying what families would like to do and learn.
Parent Committee activities may include:
- Electing Policy Council representatives
- Providing input and suggestions for the program curriculum
- Designing activities for group socializations and weekly home visits
- Locating resources to support program activities
- Bringing parents together to share common interests
- Working with Policy Council to support program development
- Planning programs and activities for parents and staff
- Parents and children participating in the Home Visiting option are encouraged to participate in program socializations throughout the year.
Family Resources
Useful Websites
Explore trusted national and Delaware resources related to child development, parenting, education, health, safety, housing, employment, disabilities, and family well-being.
Finding Quality Care
Find information and guidance to help your family identify safe, nurturing, and high-quality early childhood care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about eligibility, enrollment, program services, participation, and what families can expect from New Directions Early Head Start.
