The Head Start mission is to support school readiness for all children. Head Start programs bring that mission to life by coordinating services to:
- Prepare children for success in school and later in life
- Prepare schools for children
- Prepare families for engagement in their children's education
- Support all children become successful learners
Part 2 of the guide helps you ensure children with disabilities and their families can access and participate in all learning activities and program services. Topics focus on many parts of a coordinated approach, including:
- Individualization
- Curriculum
- Health and mental health services
- Safety practices
- Transitions
In Individualizing Teaching and Learning, you will:
- Review education services that Head Start programs provide for all children
- Understand the importance of individualized teaching and support
- Explore different highly individualized strategies and supports
- Find tips to help you promote the use of individualized strategies
In Implementing Curriculum and Supporting All Learners, you will:
- Explore key parts of implementing a curriculum:
- Head Start requirements
- Parts of a curriculum
- Choosing a curriculum
- Understand the importance of creating learning environments that support and engage all children
- Learn strategies to assess and improve the learning environment
- Explore curriculum modification strategies that ensure participation for children with disabilities
- Find tips to help you support children with disabilities in daily activities
In Coordinating with Health and Mental Health Program Services, you will:
- Review health and mental health services that Head Start programs provide for all children and families
- Learn strategies to support children with special health care needs
- Understand the importance of supporting social and emotional development and positive behavior
- Explore the role and responsibilities of a mental health consultant
- Find tips to help you collaborate with the health and health teams to meet the needs of children with disabilities and their families
In Coordinating Safety Practices, you will:
- Review the rules for safety practices in Head Start programs
- Explore your role in safety and injury prevention
- Learn strategies for creating individualized safety and emergency plans
- Find tips to help you create safe environments for all children
In Helping Children with Disabilities Transition Smoothly, you will:
- Review different rules for supporting transitions, including:
- Head Start Program Performance Standards
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Explore different types of transitions
- Learn strategies to engage and support families in the transition process
- Find tips to help you support smooth transitions for children with disabilities
