What Parents Need to Know

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Division of Early Childhood Programs and Services

Prekindergarten/Head Start

2013–2014

VISIONWe inspire learning by providing the greatest public education to each and every student.

MISSIONEvery student will have the academic, creative problem solving, and social emotional skills to be successful in college and career.

CORE PURPOSEPrepare all students to thrive in their future.

CORE VALUESLearning Relationships Respect Excellence Equity

Board of Education

Mr. Christopher S. BarclayPresident

Mr. Philip KauffmanVice President

Ms. Shirley Brandman

Dr. Judith R. Docca

Mr. Michael A. Durso

Mrs. Patricia B. O’Neill

Mrs. Rebecca Smondrowski

Mr. Justin C. KimStudent Member

School Administration

Dr. Joshua P. StarrSuperintendent of Schools

Mr. Larry A. BowersChief Operating Officer

Dr. Beth Schiavino-NarvaezDeputy Superintendent of School Support and Improvement

Dr. Kimberly A. StathamDeputy Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Programs

850 Hungerford Drive Rockville, Maryland 20850 www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org

Prekindergarten/Head Start Directory

Rocking Horse Road Center 4910 Macon Road, Rockville, MD 20852 301-230-0676 or 301-230-0678 TTY: 301-230-5462 Fax: 301-230-5401

Division of Early Childhood Programs and Services, Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Janine Bacquie

Prekindergarten/Head Start, Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Claudia Nash Simmons

Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gloria Diaz

Fiscal Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine Rogewitz

School Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arlinda Woods

Data Systems Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gyungae Kim

Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penny King

Office Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeannette Escobar

A BC Child Development and

Education Staff—301-230-0676

Instructional Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy DodsonMaxine Coven

Louise Tolin

Program Support Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hillary Hill

Psychologists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary McCarthyJeffrey Seltzer

Kim Watson

Speech/Language Pathologists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marcena BeattyJoe Ann Robinson

Mary Kate Ryner Lynne Teoman

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Board of Education

Mr. Christopher S. BarclayPresident

Mr. Philip KauffmanVice President

Ms. Shirley Brandman

Dr. Judith R. Docca

Mr. Michael A. Durso

Mrs. Patricia B. O’Neill

Mrs. Rebecca Smondrowski

Mr. Justin C. KimStudent Member

School Administration

Dr. Joshua P. StarrSuperintendent of Schools

Mr. Larry A. BowersChief Operating Officer

Dr. Beth Schiavino-NarvaezDeputy Superintendent of School Support and Improvement

Dr. Kimberly A. StathamDeputy Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Programs

850 Hungerford Drive Rockville, Maryland 20850 www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org

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Health Services Staff—240-777-1553

Health Services Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judy McMillan

Dental Hygienists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy FarhoodLesley Konigsburg

Marsha Kudlick Teresa Soodak

Nurses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stacy BalmerHeidi Blaine Lois Boylan

Eileen CarroccioBarbara Cassidy

Pam GambonAurora Gavilan

Lynn McConnell

Health Aides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Norma DavisCheryl Pyle

Cheryl Smith

Eligibility Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carolyn Welch

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Engagement Staff—301-230-0678

Social Services Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Conlon

Social Workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annette Harris Renee Foster-St . Paul

Parent Engagement/Volunteer Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beverly Brown

Family Service Workers

Rose CoxTeresa DelgadilloMichelle DoveRosa EscobarEsperanza FloresIgnico FrazierDeborah GarciaRosa HardyTeresa HarrisSamira HusseinVicki Johnson

Saroj JoshiNuha KhalafJennifer KotunRennea MatthewsGwendolyn Parker-HarrisMilena ParraKathleen PotterAmabilia ReyesDaniela RodriguezCesiah Ventura

Program Design and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Policy Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Policy Council Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Responsibilities of the Policy Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

School Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Childhood Development and Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

A Typical Prekindergarten/Head Start Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Home Visits and Parent-Teacher Conferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Snow Days or Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Early Release Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Disabilities Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Health Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Family and Community Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Parent Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Parent/Center Committee Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Early Head Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Child Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Community-based Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Words Often Used in Prekindergarten/Head Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2013–2014 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Table of Contents A BC

2013–2014 Prekindergarten/Head Start—What Parents Need to Know 1

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Program Design and Management The Prekindergarten/Head Start Unit supervisor coordinates the implementation of grant requirements with the Policy Council, Community Action Agency, Region III Office, and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) . This group also maintains and nurtures contacts with other agencies that provide services to meet the needs of low-income families and their preschool children . The director and supervisor assess, evaluate, and update the program’s goals, objectives, and outcomes to support the needs of prekindergarten/Head Start parents .

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Policy Council Each prekindergarten/Head Start school elects a parent delegate . Delegates work to keep other parents informed and help plan activities . New officers are elected in December and take office in January .

Parent delegates meet monthly at 7:00 p .m ., in the auditorium of Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Rockville, MD 20852 . Meetings begin with orientation/training sessions in late September or early October . The budget meeting is held during the October meeting, and regular monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month thereafter .

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Policy Council OfficersThe elected officers of the Policy Council set the agenda for the monthly meetings and make recommendations to the total body .

Chairperson

Vice Chairpersons (2)

Treasurer

Recording Secretary

Corresponding Secretary

Community Action Board Representatives

Maryland State Head Start Representatives

Policy Council Delegate for your Center: Phone No:

Policy Council Alternate for your Center: Phone No:

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Some out-of-pocket expenses are paid to Policy Council representatives from the program Parent Activity Fund . The council updates the budget annually and determines the amount of reimbursement . All parents are invited to attend the Policy Council meetings and to participate . However, only elected representatives may vote .

The Policy Council has subcommittees that plan and conduct activities related to the prekindergarten/Head Start service areas, such as social services, education, disabilities services, and health . Other subcommittees focus on issues related to program operation .

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Responsibilities of the Policy Council • Prepares a budget for the Parent Activity Fund

• Participates in the program evaluations

• Supports action on child and family legislation

• Arranges programs with guest speakers

• Hosts family outings and picnics

• Helps prepare the program budget and the project proposal

• Serves on service area committees

• Develops plans for recruiting children

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School Readiness The Prekindergarten/Head Start Unit provides a wide range of services to support children’s readiness for school . School readiness means that children have the skills, abilities, and attitudes to make them successful in school . Parents are children’s first and most important teachers . Parents, teachers, program staff members, and other family and community members all play a key part in preparing children for school .

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Child Development and EducationChildren do a great deal of playing in the prekindergarten/Head Start program . Play is the work of small children; this is the way they learn . As each child prepares for success in kindergarten, he/she will do the following:

• Develop small and large muscles

• Listen to stories and look at books

• Paint, draw, and create

• Explore science materials

• Play house and act out stories and songs

• Listen, dance, sing, and make music

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• Work puzzles and play games

• Recognize names, colors, and numbers

• Learn to share and cooperate

The Prekindergarten/Head Start Unit promotes children’s emotional, intellectual, social, and physical growth .

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A Typical Prekindergarten/Head Start Day

• Opening: Welcome song Weather Calendar

• Whole-group Literacy Block: Books and stories Songs and rhymes Alphabet Language

• Small-group Literacy Block: Oral language Concepts about print Phonemic awareness Letter knowledge

• Center Time: Dramatic play Literacy centers Blocks—enhanced with props Math/manipulatives Science projects Cooking

• Mathematics Block: Number concepts Sorting and patterns

• Outdoor play: Physical motor Social activities

• Lunch

Field trips expand the children’s cultural experiences, broaden their horizons, and increase understanding of their own environments .

As a part of the safety curriculum, children will be taught personal safety techniques, including giving them permission to say “no” to adults, and encouraging children to tell an adult whom they trust when they feel their safety is threatened . Parents need to know that Maryland state law requires staff to report suspected cases of abuse and neglect .

The Prekindergarten/Head Start Unit’s speech/language pathologists and psychologists have special early childhood education training; they provide services for children and families .

Play clothes are appropriate for prekindergarten/Head Start . Sometimes children spill things on their clothing, get wet, or have accidents . Parents are requested to send a change of clothing labeled with the child’s name to help keep him/her dry . Raincoats, boots, gloves, and other types of clothes need to be marked to prevent mix-ups .

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AttendanceIn order for each child to receive the most benefits from his/her prekindergarten/Head Start experience, regular attendance is necessary . If your child is sick, call the school or community-based site and leave a message for the teacher . When your child is able to return, send a note with the child to explain his/her absence . Repeated lateness weakens your child’s educational and social experience in prekindergarten/Head Start . It is important that he/she attend school every day and arrive on time . Please keep your child’s teacher or your family service worker informed of any illness or emergency . If your child is absent 10 nonconsecutive days in a month, you will be asked to meet with the family service worker to discuss the attendance issue .

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Home Visits and Parent-Teacher ConferencesYour child’s teacher and paraeducator will visit your home to meet with you before school starts in September . Head Start families will receive another home visit in February . Also, you will have two conferences—one in November and one in June . Parents can arrange to meet with their child’s teacher at other times by calling the school to schedule an appointment .

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Snow Days or EmergenciesIn case of bad weather, MCPS schools may be closed for the entire day or school opening may be delayed for two hours . If school opening is delayed for two hours, prekindergarten/Head Start morning classes will not meet . Afternoon classes will meet as usual . If schools close early because of inclement weather, prekindergarten/Head Start children in the morning classes may be returned home early; afternoon prekindergarten/Head Start classes will not meet . If school is closed all day, or if there is an early closing of school, all evening activities will be canceled automatically, and there will be no Policy Council meeting or adult education classes .

Community-based sites determine their own policy on snow days or emergencies . Call your community-based site for information .

School-closing information is broadcast on local radio and television stations, the MCPS cable channel, and the MCPS website—www .montgomeryschoolsmd .org .

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Early Release DaysPrekindergarten/Head Start classes are scheduled differently on early release days . Your child’s teacher will inform you of the times of departure . Also, a reminder will be sent before these early release days occur:

September 27November 27 February 28

June 12 (last day for students)

Each community-based site determines its own early release days .

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Disabilities Services Head Start is a federally funded program and mandates that children with disabilities must occupy 10 percent of the program’s enrollment slots . Children with disabilities are coded and have one or more of the following medical diagnoses: deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, speech impaired, visually impaired, mentally retarded, multi-handicapped, orthopedically impaired, brain injured, autistic, and developmentally delayed . In addition to the child having a disability, there must be an educational impact, that is, the disability must interfere with the child’s ability to learn .

Children with disabilities share prekindergarten/Head Start classrooms with those who have no disabilities (inclusion) and receive all services and privileges enjoyed by all prekindergarten/Head Start children . Classroom activities and experiences are adapted to accommodate children with disabilities whenever and wherever the need dictates . Parents, educators, and children enjoy the inclusion model, as it is a time when diversity is recognized and celebrated . Staff answer questions parents have about their child’s development . Also, staff members provide parents with at-home activities that assist their child with a particular area of need . If, through the screenings (educational, speech/language, vision, dental, and hearing), they find that a child has special needs, parents will be notified of the screening results . Services needed may be provided through the prekindergarten/Head Start program or other MCPS programs . If your child needs more services or services other than those provided by the sources noted above, Head Start staff will help parents locate them .

Do you have any questions or concerns about your child’s development?

• Speech and Language: Is he/she able to speak and understand language?

• Cognitive: Is he/she learning and developing in the same way as other children his/her age?

• Gross and Fine Motor: Is he/she awkward or clumsy?

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• Social/Emotional: Does he/she get along with other children and adults?

• Attention: Does he/she have difficulty sitting still or paying attention?

• Hearing or vision: Do you have any concerns?

Notify your teacher if you have concerns about your child, or call the Prekindergarten/Head Start Unit at 301-230-0676 .

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Health ServicesAs a requirement for prekindergarten/Head Start, all students must have a physical examination, state and federal required immunizations, and a dental examination . If your child does not have a source of health care to receive the physical examination and immunizations, please let your child’s teacher, family service worker, or the school nurse know so that we may assist you in getting these services . You may be financially eligible for state or local health and nutrition programs for your family . Service Eligibility Units are located as follows:

12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD 20874 240-777-3591

1335 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 240-777-3120

8630 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910 240-777-3066

4910 Macon Road, Rockville, MD 20852 301-468-4533

All immunizations given at Montgomery County health centers and the MCPS Health Services Center at Rocking Horse Road Center (4910 Macon Road, Rockville) are free to students . Please keep a record of the immunizations your child receives .

During the school year, your child will receive screenings for dental, hearing, vision, height, and weight .

Head Start children receive a school lunch each day at no cost to families . Schools with breakfast programs also may provide breakfast for Head Start children, if class begins early .

Cooking and tasting activities in class give prekindergarten/Head Start children other experiences with new foods and good nutrition . Parents are invited to help plan and cook with the children .

As a volunteer or visitor, Head Start parents are invited to share lunch in the classroom with their children when they come to school or the community-based Head Start site .

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Family and Community ServicesThe Head Start program requires that each federally eligible family develop a Family Partnership Agreement (FPA) with a designated prekindergarten/Head Start staff member . The FPA is a process for determining family strengths and needs and assisting families in achieving their personal goals .

Prekindergarten/Head Start staff form partnerships with other community agencies and link parents to support services such as employment, housing, food, clothing, family literacy, domestic violence, and substance abuse resources . Families are encouraged to complete this agreement to avoid duplication and coordinate services between prekindergarten/Head Start and community agencies .

Emergency and crisis intervention is provided by the prekindergarten/Head Start family service worker, __________________________, assigned to your child’s class . You may contact him/her at the Prekindergarten/Head Start Unit at 301-230-0676 . Each family will receive a community resource directory to assist them with current and future needs . Both individual and family counseling are provided by the prekindergarten/Head Start social workers . All information is confidential .

Each month, parents are invited to assist the family service worker and the teaching team in planning a parent education workshop at their child’s school . Workshop topics include child growth and development, health and safety, parent involvement in basic skills, and personal safety .

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Parent Engagement In order to have a high-quality prekindergarten/Head Start program, parents and staff need to share their talents, knowledge, time, and energy so that children can receive the maximum benefits . Parents who participate in the program show their children that learning and sharing are important . Parents participate in the following ways:

Helping to make decisions about the nature and operation of the program by—

• electing one parent to be the center representative at the Policy Council meetings

• attending the Policy Council meetings

• organizing and running center meetings

• planning ways to help the center and the program to operate effectively

• working on the program budget and project proposal

• helping with the annual program evaluation

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Working in the classroom as a volunteer, observer, or paid employee, by—

• visiting the classroom

• chaperoning field trips

• volunteering regularly in the classroom

• gaining employment as a paraeducator, substitute paraeducator, family service worker, etc .

Developing activities for parents including—

• planning and carrying out family activities

• working with county and nonprofit organizations to improve communities

• using community resources

Working with their children at home in cooperation with the prekindergarten/Head Start staff including—

• using games or activities at home that encourage children to learn

• using techniques learned about child development

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Volunteers Parent participation in prekindergarten/Head Start is extremely important and is encouraged . Parents support their children and prekindergarten/Head Start by visiting, observing, and helping in the classroom . Also, parents help by going on field trips, making suggestions to improve the program, and preparing classroom materials at home . If you can help as a regular volunteer, talk with your child’s teacher and schedule the day of the week when you are available to volunteer in the class . If daytime hours are limited, you can discuss other ways you can help at home . Call the Prekindergarten/Head Start Unit at 301-230-0676 for more information .

You must have a tuberculosis (TB) test before volunteering in the classroom . To get a TB test, please call the school nurse at your child’s school .

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TransportationPlease bring your child to the bus each morning and meet the bus each afternoon . If you are unable to meet the bus and you have chosen another responsible adult to do so (e .g ., child care provider, grandparent), please notify your child’s teacher or paraeducator in writing . If you or your designee fail to meet your child, he/she will be returned to school . If you or your designee fail to meet the bus three times, you must meet with the family service worker .

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Parent/Center Committee MeetingsParents, teaching staff, and family service workers cooperate to plan parent meetings that provide information and fun .

Your child will bring home invitations for you to attend parent/center committee meetings held at the school or at the community-based site . You may ride the bus with your child if space permits . Often, child care is provided, or parents take turns caring for younger children during the meeting time .

Each prekindergarten/Head Start class has a center committee to which all parents belong . The center committee meets monthly during class hours for the following reasons:

• Assisting parents in getting acquainted

• Making decisions about the prekindergarten/Head Start class volunteers and field trips, and assisting in planning the best possible program for students

• Providing two-way communication between the school and the prekindergarten/Head Start program

• Sending/receiving concerns and information to and from the Policy Council

• Conducting center business Share information on — -how children grow and develop -enjoyable ways to help children learn -how to stretch food dollars and cook nutritious meals -crafts and skills -helping students learn at home

Prekindergarten/Head Start is a family program . We need your help in the classroom, on the Policy Council, and in the whole program .

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Early Head StartEarly Head Start is an exciting program for families with children from birth to 3 years old . The program provides many of the same services as Head Start, and some that are special to Early Head Start . To apply, families must be pregnant or have children 26 months or younger .

For more information about the program:

In the Gaithersburg and upcounty areas, call Family Services, Inc ., Early Head Start at 301-840-3272 .

In the Silver Spring and Rockville areas, call The Reginald S . Lourie Center, Early Head Start at 301-891-1900 .

In the Langley Park/Silver Spring areas, call CentroNia, Early Head Start at 301-543-8040 .

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Child CareFor a referral for a high-quality child care provider in your area, call LOCATE, 240-777-3130, or ChildLink, 240-777-4769 .

Also, you may apply for financial assistance to pay for child care through the Child Care Subsidy Programs of Montgomery County Health and Human Services: Working Parents Assistance (WPA) or Purchase of Care (POC) . Call their office at 240-777-1155 . A recording provides general information and tells you how to determine if you are eligible .

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Community-based ProgramFull-day/full-year Head Start provides full-day Head Start instruction, child care, and a full range of Head Start support services . The child care center participating in this program is Montgomery College, Rockville . Parents who have been approved for either the POC or WPA child care subsidy programs are eligible to apply for the community-based Head Start program . For additional information, please call the Prekindergarten/Head Start Unit at 301-230-0676 .

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Words Often Used in Prekindergarten/Head Start

ACYF: Administration for Children, Youth, and Families— a federal agency that oversees the Head Start program .

Community-based site: a licensed child-care facility that is participating as a community-based, full-day/full-year Head Start program .

Community representative: A person who serves with the Policy Council but is not a parent of a current prekindergarten/Head Start child; often parents who have had children in the program previously or a representative of an organization or county agency .

Curriculum: The instructional framework that supports children’s learning .

Family Partnership Agreement (FPA): An opportunity for families, with support from their family service worker, to set family goals and develop a written plan with steps for follow-up and completion .

Grant: Money provided to finance the Head Start program, as described in a written proposal .

Grantee agency: The agency that receives funds from ACYF to finance the Head Start program—Montgomery County Community Action Agency .

Delegate agency: The agency that is responsible for daily operation of the prekindergarten/Head Start program—Montgomery County Public Schools .

Policy Council: The parent/center committee representatives who assist in policy making for the prekindergarten/Head Start program .

Federal Review: The tri-annual Head Start program assessment conducted by the federal government .

School readiness: A child has the skills, abilities, and attitudes necessary for school success .

Self-assessment: The program self-evaluation process conducted by parents and staff annually .

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2013 CalendarAugust 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Last Day of Summer School

August 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Teachers Return to Work

August 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Head Start Family Service Workers and Paraeducators Return to Work

August 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Prekindergarten Paraeducators Return to Work

August 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prekindergarten/Head Start In-service 8:30 a .m .–12:30 p .m .

August 26-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Prekindergarten/Head Start Home Visits—NO CLASSES FOR STUDENTS

September 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holiday—Labor Day —NO SCHOOL—SCHOOLS & OFFICES CLOSED

September 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prekindergarten/Head Start Parent Orientations Begin

September 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staggered Opening

September 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staggered Opening

September 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rosh Hashanah—NO SCHOOL

September 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Day of School for all Prekindergarten/Head Start

September 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Early Release Day—Students dismissed after lunch

October 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Start Parent Orientations End

October 3 . . . . . . . . . . . Policy Council Meeting—Orientation—7 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center— Representatives and all other parents are encouraged to participate

October 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Policy Council Meeting—Training—7 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

October 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MSEA Convention—NO SCHOOL

October 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Policy Council—Monthly Meeting—7 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

October 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prekindergarten Parent Orientations End

November 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professional Day for Teachers—NO SCHOOL

November 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Policy Council Executive Committee Meeting— 6 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

November 11 & 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parent-Teacher Conferences— NO SCHOOL for Prekindergarten/Head Start Students

November 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Child Growth & Development Parent Meeting— 6:30–8:30 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

November 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Policy Council Meeting—7 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

November 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Early Release before Thanksgiving—Students dismissed after lunch

November 28 & 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holiday—Thanksgiving—SCHOOLS AND OFFICES CLOSED

December 5 . . . Policy Council Executive Committee Meeting—6 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

December 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holiday Lights Event—Brookside Gardens

December 9–13 . . . . . . . . . . .National Head Start Parent Engagement Conference—Atlanta, Georgia

December 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Language & Literacy Parent Meeting— 6:30–8:30 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

December 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Policy Council Meeting—7 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

December 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter Break Begins—NO SCHOOL

December 24 & 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holiday—Christmas—SCHOOLS AND OFFICES CLOSED

December 26–31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter Break—NO SCHOOL

Head Start TOT Line: 301-230-0688A special telephone line is available for Head Start parents to use when they have questions or concerns about their child’s

behavior or development . Call for specific suggestions on handling problems . The TOT Line operates Monday through

Friday, 8:30 a .m . to 5:00 p .m .

2014 CalendarJanuary 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holiday—New Year’s Day—NO SCHOOL

January 2 . . . . . . Policy Council Executive Committee Meeting—6 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

January 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Policy Council Meeting—7 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

January 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Holiday—Dr . Martin L . King Jr . Day—SCHOOLS & OFFICES CLOSED

January 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professional Day for Teachers—NO SCHOOL

February 6 . . . . . Policy Council Executive Committee Meeting—6 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

February 12 . . . . . . Health & Nutrition Parent Meeting—6:30–8:30 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

February 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Holiday—Presidents’ Day—SCHOOLS & OFFICES CLOSED

February 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Policy Council Meeting—7 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

February 24–27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Start Home Visits—NO CLASSES for Head Start students

February 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Early Release Day—Students dismissed after lunch

March 6 . . . . . . . . Policy Council Executive Committee Meeting—6 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

March 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Policy Council Meeting—7 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

March 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professional Day for Teachers—NO SCHOOL

April 3 . . . . . . . . . Policy Council Executive Committee Meeting—6 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

April 14–17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spring Break—NO SCHOOL

April 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Policy Council Meeting—7 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

April 18 & 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holiday—Easter—SCHOOLS & OFFICES CLOSED

April 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Personal Safety Parent Meeting—6:30–8:30 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

May 1 . . . . . . . . . . Policy Council Executive Committee Meeting—6 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

May 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Policy Council Meeting—7 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

May 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Holiday—Memorial Day—SCHOOLS & OFFICES CLOSED

June 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Policy Council Meeting—7 p .m ., Rocking Horse Road Center

June 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Last Day of School for Students—Early Release Day

This document is available in an alternate format, upon request, under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, by contacting the Department of Public Information and Web Services at 850 Hungerford Drive, Room 112, Rockville, MD 20850, or by telephone at 301-279-3391 or via the Maryland Relay at 1-800-735-2258.

Individuals who request (need) sign language interpretation or cued speech transliteration in communicating with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) may contact Interpreting Services in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at 301-517-5539.

MCPS prohibits illegal discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, socioeconomic status, age, disability, physical characteristics, or sexual orientation. Inquiries or complaints regarding discrimination or Title IX issues such as gender equity and sexual harassment should be directed to the Office of the Deputy Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Programs at 301-279-3126, via the Maryland Relay at 1-800-735-2258, or addressed to that office at 850 Hungerford Drive, Room 129, Rockville, MD 20850.

Published by the Department of Materials Management for the Division of Early Childhood Programs and Services/Prekindergarten/Head Start Unit

0200.14ct • Editorial, Graphics & Publishing Services • 9/13 • 2,500

Copyright © 2013 Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, Maryland