Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERAL
Chapter 5 - HEAD START PROGRAM RULES
Section 144-5-1.5 - Program Performance Standards for Operation of Head Start Programs by Grantee and Delegate Agencies

Universal Citation: 10 ME Code Rules ยง 144-5-1.5

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

A. General

1. Purpose and Application

This part sets out the goals of the Head Start program as they may be achieved by the combined attainment of the objectives of the basic components of the program, with emphasis on the program performance standards necessary and required to attain those objectives. With the required development of plans covering the implementation of the performance standards, grantees and delegate agencies will have firm bases for operations most likely to lead to demonstrable benefits to children and their families. While compliance with the performance standards is required as a condition of State Head Start funding, it Is expected that the standards will be largely self-enforcing. This part applies to all Head Start grantees and delegate agencies.

2. Head Start Program Goals
a The Head Start Program is based on the premise that all children share certain needs, and that children of low Income families, In particular, can benefit from a comprehensive developmental program to meet those needs. The Head Start program approach Is based on the philosophy that:
(1) A child can benefit most from a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program to foster development and remedy problems as expressed In a broad range of services, and that

(2) The child's entire family, as well as the community must be Involved. The program should maximize the strengths and unique experiences of each child. The family, which Is perceived as the principal influence on the child's development, must be a direct participant in the program. Local communities are allowed latitude in developing creative program designs so long as the basic goals, objectives and standards, of a comprehensive program are adhered to.

b The overall goal of the Head Start program is to bring about a greater degree of social competence in children of low income families. By social competence is meant the child's everyday effectiveness in dealing with both present environment and later responsibilities in school and life. Social competence takes into account the interrelatedness of cognitive and mental health, nutritional needs, and other factors that enable a child to function optimally. The Head Start program is a comprehensive developmental approach to helping children achieve social competence. To the accomplishment of this goal, Head Start objectives and performance standards provide for:
(1) The improvement of the child's health and physical abilities, including appropriate steps to correct present physical and mental problems and to enhance every child's access to an adequate diet. The improvement of the family's attitude toward future health care and physical abilities.

(2) The encouragement of self-confidence, spontaneity, curiosity, and self-discipline which will assist In the development of the child's social and emotional health.

(3) The enhancement of the child's mental processes and skills with particular attention to conceptual and communications skills.

(4) The establishment of patterns and expectations of success for the child, which create a climate of confidence for present and future learning efforts and overall development.

(5) An Increase in the ability of the child and the family to relate to each other and to others.

(6) The enhancement of the sense of dignity and selfworth within the child and his family

3. Performance Standards Plan Development

Each grantee and delegate agency shall develop a plan for implementing the performance standards prescribed In these rules for use In the operation of its Head Start program (hereinafter called "plan" or "performance standards plan"). The plan shall provide that the Head Start program covered thereby shall meet or exceed the performance standards. The plan shall be In writing and shall be developed by the appropriate professional Head Start staff of the grantee or delegate agency with cooperation from other Head Start staff, with technical assistance and advice as needed from personnel of the DCS and professional consultants, and with the advice and concurrence of the policy council or policy committee. The plan must be reviewed by grantee or delegate agency staff and the policy council or policy committee at least annually and revised and updated as may be necessary.

4. Performance Standards Implementation and Enforcement
a Grantees and delegate agencies must be In compliance with or exceed the performance standards prescribed in these rules at the commencement of the grantee's program year, and thereafter, unless the period for full compliance Is extended in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section.

b If the DCS as a result of Information obtained from program self-evaluation, pre-review, or routine monitoring, is aware or has reason to believe that a Head Start program, with respect to performance standards other than those for which the time for compliance has been extended in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section, is not in compliance with performance standards, the Division shall notify the grantee promptly in writing of the deficiencies and inform the grantee that It, or if the deficiencies are in a Head Start program operated by a delegate agency, the delegate agency has a period stated In the notice not to exceed 20 calendar days to come Into compliance. If the notice is with respect to a delegate agency, the grantee shall immediately notify the delegate agency and inform it of the time within which the deficiencies must be corrected. Upon receiving the notice the grantee or delegate agency shall Immediately analyze its operations to determine how it might best comply with the performance standards. In this process it shall review, among other things, its utilization of all available local resources, and whether It is receiving the benefits of State and Federal programs for which it is eligible and which are available. It shall review and realign where feasible program priorities, operations, and financial and manpower allocations. It shall also consider the possibility of choosing an alternate program option for the delivery of Head Start Services In accordance with OCD Notice N-30-334-1. Program Options for Project Head Start, attached hereto as Appendix A, which the grantee, with DCS concurrence, determines that it would be able to operate as a quality program In compliance with performance standards.

c The grantee or delegate agency shall report in writing In detail its efforts to meet the performance standards within the time given in the notice to the DCS. A delegate agency shall report through the grantee. If the reporting agency, grantee or delegate agency, determines that it is unable to comply with the performance standards, the DCS shall be notified promptly In writing by the grantee, which notice shall contain a description of the deficiencies not able to be corrected and the reasons therefor. If Insufficient funding is included as a principal reason for inability to comply with performance standards, the notice shall specify the exact amount, and basis for, the funding deficit and efforts made to obtain funding from other sources.

d The DCS will undertake to assist grantees, and delegate agencies through their grantees, to comply with the performance standards, including by furnishing or by recommending technical assistance.

e If the grantee or delegate agency has not complied with the performance standards, other than those for which the time for compliance has been extended in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section, within the period stated in the notice issued under paragraph (b) of this section, the grantee shall be notified promptly by the DCS of the commencement of suspension or termination proceedings or of the Intention to deny refunding, as may be appropriate.

f The time within which a grantee or delegate agency shall be required to correct deficiencies in implementation of the performance standards may be extended by the DCS to a maximum of one year, only with respect to the following deficiencies:
(1) The space per child provided by the Head Start program does not comply with the Education Services performance standard but there Is no risk to the health or safety of the children;

(2) The Head Start program is unable to provide Medical or Dental Treatment Services as required by Health Services Performance Standards because funding Is insufficient and there are no community or other resources available;

(3) The services of a mental health professional is not available or accessible to the program as required by the Health Services Performance Standards; or

(4) The deficient service Is not able to be corrected within the 20 days notice period, notwithstanding full effort at compliance, because of lack of funds and outside community resources, but it is reasonable to expect that the services will be brought Into compliance within the extended period, and the overall high quality of the Head Start program otherwise will be maintained during the extension.

B. Education Services Objectives and Performance Standards

1. Education Services Objectives

The objectives of the Education Service component of the Head Start program are to:

a Provide children with a learning environment and the varied experiences which will help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally In a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development toward the overall goal of social competence.

b Integrate the educational aspects of the various Head Start components In the daily program of activities.

c Involve parents in educational activities of the program to enhance their role as the principal influence on the child's education and development.

d Assist parents to increase knowledge, understanding, skills, and experience in child growth and development.

e Identify and reinforce experience which occurs In the home that parents can utilize as educational activities for their children.

2. Education Services Plan Content: Operations
a The education services component of the performance standards plan shall provide strategies for achieving the education objectives. In so doing It shall provide for program activities that include an organized series of experiences designed to meet the Individual differences and needs of participating children, the special needs of handicapped children, the needs of specific educational priorities of the local population and the community. Program activities must be carried out in a manner to avoid sex role stereotyping. In addition, the plan shall provide methods for assisting parents in understanding and using alternative ways to foster learning and development of their children.

b The education services component of the plan shall provide for:
(1) A supportive social and emotional climate which:
(i) Enhances children's understanding of themselves as individuals, and in relation to others, by providing for Individual, small group, and large group activities;

(ii) Gives children many opportunities for success through program activities

(iii) Provides an environment of acceptance which helps each child build ethnic pride, a positive self-concept, enhance his individual strengths, and develop facility in social relationships.

(2) Development of Intellectual skills by:
(i) Encouraging children to solve problems, initiate activities, explore, experiment, question, and gain mastery through learning by doing;

(ii) Promoting language understanding and use in an atmosphere that encourages easy communication among children and between children and adults;

(iii) Working toward recognition of the symbols for letters and numbers according to the individual developmental level of the children;

(iv) Encouraging children to organize their experiences and understand concepts; and

(v) Providing a balanced program of staff directed and child Initiated activities.

(3) Promotion of physical growth by:
(i) Providing adequate Indoor and outdoor space, materials, equipment, and time for children to use large and small muscles to increase their physical skills; and

(ii) Providing appropriate guidance while children are using equipment and materials in order to promote children's physical growth.

c The education services component of the plan shall provide for a program which is individualized to meet the special needs of children from various populations by:
(1) Having a curriculum which is relevant and reflective of the needs of the population served (bilingual/ bicultural, multi-cultural, rural, urban, reservation, migrant, etc.);

(2) Having staff and program resources reflective of the racial and ethnic population of the children In the program.
(i) Including persons who speak the primary language of the children and are knowledgeable about their heritage; and, at a minimum, when a majority of the children speak a language other than English, at least one teacher or aide interacting regularly with the children must speak their language; and

(ii) Where only a few children or a single child speaks a language different from the rest, one adult In the center should be available to communicate In the native language;

(3) Including parents in curriculum development and having them serve as resource persons (e.g., for bilingual/bicultural activities).

d The education services component of the plan shall provide procedures for ongoing observation, recording and evaluation of each child's growth and development for the purpose of planning activities to suit Individual needs. It shall provide, also, for integrating the educational aspects of other Head Start components into the daily education services program.

e The plan shall provide methods for enhancing the knowledge and understanding of both staff and parents of the educational and developmental needs and activities of children In the program. These shall Include:
(1) Parent participation in planning the education program and in center, classroom and home program activities;

(2) Parent training In activities that can be used in the home to reinforce the learning and development of their children In the center;

(3) Parent training In the observation of growth and development of their children in the home environment and identification of and handling special developmental needs;

(4) Participation in staff and staff-parent conferences and the making of periodic home visits (no less than two) by members of the education staff;

(5) Staff and parent training, under a program jointly developed with all components of the Head Start program, In child development and behavioral developmental problems of preschool children; and

(6) Staff training In identification of and handling children with special needs and working with the parents of such children, and in coordinating relevant referral resources.

3. Education Services Plan Content: Facilities
a The education services component of the plan shall provide for a physical environment conducive to learning and reflective of the different stages of development of the children. Home-based projects must make affirmative efforts to achieve this environment. For center-based programs, space shall be organized Into functional areas recognized by the children, and space, light, ventilation, heat, and other physical arrangements must be consistent with the health, safety, and developmental needs of the children. To comply with this standard:
(1) There shall be a safe and effective heating system;

(2) No highly flammable furnishings or decorations shall be used;

(3) Flammable and other dangerous materials and potential poisons shall be stored in locked cabinets or storage facilities accessible only to authorized persons;

(4) Emergency lighting shall be available in case of power failure;

(5) Approved, working fire extinguishers shall be readily available;

(6) Indoor and outdoor premises shall be kept clean and free, on a daily basis, of undesirable and hazardous material and conditions;

(7) Outdoor play areas shall be made so as to prevent children from leaving the premises and getting into unsafe and unsupervised areas;

(8) Paint coatings In premises used for care of children shall be determined to assure the absence of a hazardous quantity of lead;

(9) Rooms shall be well lighted;

(10) A source of water approved by the appropriate local authority shall be available In the facility; and adequate toilets and handwashing facilities shall be available and easily reached by children;

(11) All sewage and liquid wastes shall be disposed of through a sewer system approved by an appropriate, responsible authority. and garbage and trash shall be stored In a safe and sanitary manner until collected;

(12) There shall be at least 35 square feet of indoor space per child available for the care of children (i.e., exclusive of bathrooms, halls, kitchen, and storage places). There shall be at least 75 square feet per child outdoors; and

(13) Adequate provisions shall be made for handicapped children to ensure their safety and comfort.

Evidence that the center meets or exceeds State or local licensing requirements for similar kinds of facilities for fire, health and safety shall be accepted as prima facie compliance with the fire, health and safety requirements of this section.

b The plan shall provide for appropriate and sufficient furniture, equipment and materials to meet the needs of the program, and for their arrangement in such a way as to facilitate learning, assure a balanced program of spontaneous and structured activities, and encourage self-reliance in the children. The equipment and materials shall be:
(1) Consistent with the specific educational objectives of the local program;

(2) Consistent with the cultural and ethnic background of the children;

(3) Geared to the age, ability, and developmental needs of the children;

(4) Safe, durable, and kept in good condition;

(5) Stored In a safe and orderly fashion when not in use;

(6) Accessible, attractive, and inviting to the children; and

(7) Designed to provide a variety of learning experiences and to encourage experimentation and exploration.

C. Health Services Objectives and Performance Standards

1. Health Services General Objectives

The general objectives of the health services component of the Head Start program are to:

a Provide a comprehensive health services program which Includes a broad range of medical, dental, mental health and nutrition services to preschool children, including handicapped children, to assist the child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social development toward the overall goal of social competence.

b Promote preventive health services and early intervention.

c Provide the child's family with the necessary skills and Insight and otherwise attempt to link the family to an ongoing health care system to ensure that the child continues to receive comprehensive health care even after leaving the Head Start program.

2. Health Services Advisory Committee

The plan shall provide for the creation of a Health Services Advisory Committee whose purpose shall be advising in the planning, operation and evaluation of the health services program and which shall consist of Head Start parents and health services providers in the community and other specialists in the various health disciplines. Existing committees may be modified or combined to carry out this function.

3. Medical and Dental History, Screening, and Examinations
a The health services component of the performance standards plan shall provide that for each child enrolled in the Head Start program a complete medical, dental and developmental history will be obtained and recorded, a thorough health screening will be given, and medical and dental examinations will be performed. The plan will provide also for advance parent or guardian authorization for all health services under this subpart.

b Health screenings shall include:
(1) Growth assessment (head circumference up to two years old), height, weight and age.

(2) Vision testing.

(3) Hearing testing.

(4) Hemoglobin or hematocrit determination.

(5) Based on community health problems, other selected screenings where appropriate, e.g., sickle cell anemia, lead poisoning, and intestinal parasites.

(6) Assessment of current immunization status.

(7) During the course of health screening, procedures must be in effect for Identifying speech problems, determining their cause, and providing services.

(8) Identification of the special needs of handicapped children.

c Medical examinations for children shall Include:
(1) Examination of all systems or regions which are made suspect by the history or screening test.

(2) Search for certain defects In specific regions common or important In this age group, i.e., skin, eye, ear, nose, throat, heart, lungs, and groin (inguinal) area.

d The plan shall provide, also, In accordance with local and state health regulations that employed program staff have initial health examinations, periodic checkups, and are found to be free from communicable disease; and, that voluntary staff be screened for tuberculosis.

4. Medical and Dental Treatment
a The plan shall provide for treatment and follow-up services which Include:
(1) Obtaining or arranging for treatment of all health problems detected. (Where funding is provided by non-Head Start funding sources there must be written documentation that such funds are used to the maximum feasible extent. Head Start funds may be used only when no other source of funding Is available).

(2) Completion of all recommended immunizations --diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT), polio, measles, German measles. Mumps Immunization shall be provided where appropriate.

(3) Obtaining or arranging for basic dental care services as follows:
(i) Dental examination.

(ii) Services required for the relief of pain or Infection.

(iii) Restoration of decayed primary and permanent teeth.

(iv) Pulp therapy for primary and permanent teeth as necessary.

(v) Extraction of non-restorable teeth.

(vi) Dental prophylaxis and instruction in self-care oral hygiene procedures.

(vii) Application of topical fluoride in communities which lack adequate fluoride levels in the public water supply.

b There must be a plan of action for medical emergencies. (Indicated in OCD Head Start Guidance Material.)

5. Medical and Dental Records

The plan shall provide for:

(a) The establishment and maintenance of Individual health records which contain the child's medical and developmental history, screening results, medical and dental examination date, and evaluation of this material, and up-to-date information about treatment and follow-up;

(b) forwarding, with parent consent, the records to either the school or health delivery system or both when the child leaves the program; and

(c) giving parents a summary of the record which includes information on immunization and follow-up treatment; and

(d) assurance that In all cases parents will be told the nature of the data to be collected and the uses to which the data will be put, and that the uses will be restricted to the stated purposes.

6. Health Education
a The plan shall provide for an organized health education program for Program staff, parents and children which ensures that:
(1) Parents are provided with information about all available health resources;

(2) Parents are encouraged to become involved In the health care process relating to their child. One or both parents should be encouraged to accompany their child to medical and dental exams and appointments.

(3) Staff are taught and parents are provided the opportunity to learn the principles of preventive health, emergency first-aid measures, and safety practices;

(4) Health education is integrated Into ongoing classroom and other program activities.

(5) The children are familiarized with all health services they will receive prior to the delivery of those services.

7. Mental Health Objectives

The objectives of the mental health part of the health services component of the Head Start program are to:

a Assist all children participating in the program In emotional, cognitive and social development toward the overall goal of social competence In coordination with the education program and other related component activities;

b Provide handicapped children and children with special needs with the necessary mental health services which will ensure that the child and family achieve the full benefits of participation In the program;

c Provide staff and parents with an understanding of child growth and development, an appreciation of individual differences, and the need for a supportive environment;

d Provide for prevention, early identification and early intervention In problems that interfere with a child's development;

e Develop a positive attitude toward mental health services and a recognition of the contribution of psychology, medicine, social services, education and other disciplines to the mental health program; and

f Mobilize community resources to serve children with problems that prevent them from coping with their environment.

8. Mental Health Services
a The mental health part of the plan shall provide that a mental health. professional shall be available, at least on a consultation basis, to the Head Start program and to the children. The mental health professional shall:
(1) Assist In planning mental health program activities;

(2) Train Head Start staff;

(3) Periodically observe children and consult with teachers and other staff;

(4) Advise and assist In developmental screening and assessment;

(5) Assist In providing special help for children with atypical behavior or development, Including speech;

(6) Advise in the utilization of other community resources and referrals;

(7) Orient parents and work with them to achieve the objectives of the mental health program; and

(8) Take appropriate steps in conjunction with health and education services to refer children for diagnostic examination to determine whether their emotional or behavior problems have a physical basis.

b The plan shall also provide for:
(1) Attention to pertinent medical and family history of each child so that mental health services can be made readily available when needed;

(2) Use of existing community mental health resources;

(3) Coordination with the education services component to provide a program keyed to individual developmental levels;

(4) Confidentiality of records;

(5) Regular group meetings of parents and program staff;

(6) Parental consent for special mental health services;

(7) Opportunity for parents to obtain individual assistance; and

(8) Active involvement of parents In planning and Implementing the individual mental health needs of their children.

9. Nutrition Objectives

The objectives of the nutrition part of the health services component of the Head Start program are to:

a Help provide food which will help meet the child's daily nutritional needs in the child's home or In another clean and pleasant environment, recognizing individual differences and cultural patterns, and thereby promote sound physical, social, and emotional growth and development;

b Provide an environment for nutritional services which will support and promote the use of the feeding situation as an opportunity for learning;

c Help staff, child and family to understand the relationship of nutrition to health, factors which Influence food practices, variety of ways to provide for nutritional needs and to apply this knowledge In the development of sound food habits even after leaving the Head Start program;

d Demonstrate the interrelationships of nutrition to other activities of the Head Start program and Its contribution to the overall child development goals; and

e Involve all staff, parents and other community agencies as appropriate In meeting the child's nutritional needs so that nutritional care provided by Head Start complements and supplements that of the home and community.

10. Nutrition Services
a The nutrition services part of the health services component of the performance standards plan must Identify the nutritional needs and problems of the children In the Head Start program and their families. In so doing, account must be taken of:
(1) The nutrition assessment data (height, weight, hemoglobin hematocrit) obtained for each child;

(2) Information about family eating habits and special dietary needs and feeding problems, especially of handicapped children; and

(3) Information about major community nutrition problems.

b The plan, designed to assist in meeting the daily nutritional needs of the children, shall provide that:
(1) Every child In a part-day program will receive a quantity of food In meals (preferably hot) and snacks which provides at least 1/3 of daily nutritional needs, with consideration for meeting any special needs of children, Including the child with a handicapping condition;

(2) Every child In a full-day program will receive snack(s), lunch, and other meals as appropriate which will provide 1/2 to 2/3 of daily nutritional needs depending on the length of the program;

(3) All children in morning programs who have not received breakfast at the time they arrive at the Head Start program will be served a nourishing breakfast;

(4) The kinds of food served conform to minimum standards for meal patterns Indicated in OCD Head Start Guidance Material;

(5) The quantities of food served conform to recommended amounts indicated in OCD Head Start Guidance Materials; and

(6) Meal and snack periods are scheduled appropriately to meet children's needs and are posted along with menus; e.g., breakfast must be served at least 2 1/2 hours before lunch, and snacks must be served at least 1 1/2 hours before lunch or supper.

c The plan shall undertake to assure that the nutrition services contribute to the development and socialization of the children by providing that:
(1) A variety of foods which broaden the child's food experience in addition to those that consider cultural and ethnic preferences is served;

(2) Food is not used as punishment or reward, and that children are encouraged but not forced to eat or taste;

(3) The size and number of servings of food reflect consideration of Individual children's needs;

(4) Sufficient time Is allowed for children to eat;

(5) Chairs, tables, and eating utensils are suitable for the size and developmental level of the children with special consideration for meeting the needs of children with handicapping conditions;

(6) Children and staff, including volunteers, eat together sharing the same menu and a socializing experience in a relaxed atmosphere; and

(7) Opportunity is provided for the involvement of children In activities related to meal service. (For example: family style service.)

d The plan shall set forth an organized nutrition education program for staff, parents, and children. This program shall assure that:
(1) Meal periods and food are planned to be used as an integral part of the total education program;

(2) Children participate in learning activities planned to effect the selection and enjoyment of a wide variety of nutritious foods;

(3) Families receive education In the selection and preparation of foods to meet family needs, guidance in home and money management and help in consumer education so that they can fulfill their major role and responsibility for the nutritional health of the family;

(4) All staff, including administrative, receive education in principles of nutrition and their application to child development and family health, and ways to create a good physical, social and emotional environment which supports and promotes development of sound food habits and their role in helping the child and family to achieve adequate nutrition.

e The plan shall make special provision for the involvement of parents and appropriate community agencies In planning, implementing, and evaluating the nutrition services. It shall provide that:
(1) The Policy Council or Committee and the Health Services Advisory Committee have opportunity to review and comment on the nutrition services;

(2) The nutritional status of the children will be discussed with their parents;

(3) Information about menus and nutrition activities will be shared regularly with parents;

(4) Parents are informed of the benefits of food assistance programs; and

(5) Community agencies are enlisted to assist eligible families participate In food assistance programs.

f The plan shall provide for compliance with applicable local, State, and Federal sanitation laws and regulations for food service operations including standards for storage, preparation and service of food, and health of food handlers, and for posting of evidence of such compliance. The plan shall provide, also, that vendors and caterers supplying food and beverages comply with similar applicable laws and regulations.

g The plan shall provide for direction of the nutrition services by a qualified, full-time staff nutritionist or for periodic and regularly scheduled supervision by a qualified nutritionist or dietitian as defined In the Head Start Guidance Material. Also, the plan shall provide that all nutrition services staff will receive pre-service and in-service training as necessary to demonstrate and maintain proficiency in menu planning, food purchasing, food preparation and storage, and sanitation and personal hygiene.

h The plan shall provide for the establishment and maintenance of records covering the nutrition services budget, expenditures for food, menus utilized, numbers and types of meals served daily with separate recordings for children and adults, inspection reports made by health authorities, recipes and any other information deemed necessary for efficient operation.

D. Social Services Objectives and Performance Standards

1. Social Services Objectives

The objectives of the social services component of the performance standards plan are to:

a Establish and maintain an outreach and recruitment process which systematically insures enrollment of eligible children.

b Provide enrollment of eligible children regardless of race, sex, creed, color, national origin, or handicapping condition.

c Achieve parent participation in the center and home program and related activities.

d Assist the family In Its own efforts to improve the condition and quality of family life.

e Make parents aware of community services and resources and facilitate their use.

2. Social Services Plan Content
a The social services plan shall provide procedures for:
(1) Recruitment of children, taking into account the demographic makeup of the community and the needs of the children and families;

(2) Recruitment of handicapped children;

(3) Providing or referral for appropriate counseling;

(4) Emergency assistance or crisis intervention;

(5) Furnishing information about available community services and how to use them;

(6) Follow-up to assure delivery of needed assistance;

(7) Establishing a role of advocacy and spokesman for Head Start families;

(8) Contacting of parent or guardian with respect to an enrolled child whose participation in the Head Start program is irregular or who has been absent four consecutive days; and

(9) Identification of the social service needs of Head Start families and working with other community agencies to develop programs to meet those needs.

b The plan shall provide for close cooperation with existing community resources including:
(1) Helping Head Start parent groups work with other neighborhood and community groups with similar concerns;

(2) Communicating to other community agencies the needs of Head Start families and ways of meeting these needs;

(3) Helping to assure better coordination, cooperation, and Information sharing with community agencies;

(4) Calling attention to the inadequacies of existing community services, or to the need for additional services, and assisting in Improving available services, or bringing In new services; and

(5) Preparing and making available a community resource list to Head Start staff and families.

c The plan shall provide for the establishment, maintenance, and confidentiality of records of up-to-date, pertinent family data, including completed enrollment forms, referral and follow-up reports, reports of contacts with other agencies, and reports of contacts with families.

E. Parent Involvement Objectives and Performance Standards

1. Parent Involvement Objectives

The objectives of the parent Involvement component of the performance standards plan are to:

a Provide a planned program of experiences and activities which support and enhance the parental role as the principal influence in their child's education and development.

b Provide a program that recognizes the parent as:
(1) Responsible guardians of their children's well-being.

(2) Prime educators of their children.

(3) Contributors to the Head Start program and to their communities.

c Provide the following kinds of opportunities for parent participation:
(1) Direct Involvement in decision making in program planning and operations.

(2) Participation In classroom and other program activities as paid employees, volunteers or observers.

(3) Activities for parents which they have helped to develop.

(4) Working with their own children In cooperation with Head Start staff.

2. Parent Involvement Plan Content: Parent Participation
a The basic parent participation policy of the Head Start program, with which all Head Start programs must comply as a condition of being granted financial assistance, is contained in Head Start Policy Manual, Instruction I-31 Section B2, The Parents (OCD Transmittal Notice 70.2, dated August 10, 1970). This policy manual instruction Is set forth in Appendix A to this part.

b The plan shall describe in detail the Implementation of Head Start Policy Manual Instruction I-31-section B2, The Parents (Appendix B). The plan shall assure that participation of Head Start parents Is voluntary and shall not be required as a condition of the child's enrollment.

3. Parent Involvement Plan Content: Enhancing Development of Parenting Skills

The plan shall provide methods and opportunities for involving parents In:

a Experiences and activities which lead to enhancing the development of their skills, self-confidence, and sense of independence In fostering an environment in which their children can develop to their full potential.

b Experiences in child growth and development which will strengthen their role as the primary Influence In their children's lives.

c Ways of providing educational and developmental activities for children in the home and community.

d Health, mental health, dental and nutrition education.

e Identification, and use, of family and community resources to meet the basic life support needs of the family.

f Identification of opportunities for continuing education which may lead towards self-enrichment and employment.

g Meeting with the Head Start teachers and other appropriate staff for discussion and assessment of their children's individual needs and progress.

4. Parent Involvement Plan Content: Communications Among Program Management, Program Staff, and Parents
a The plan shall provide for two-way communication between staff and parents carried out on a regular basis throughout the program year which provides information about the program and its services; program activities for the children; the policy groups; and resources within the program and the community. Communication must be designed and carried out In a way which reaches parents and staff effectively. Policy Groups, staff and parents must participate In the planning and development of the communication system used.

b The plan shall provide a system for the regular provision of information to members of Policy Groups. The purpose of such communication is to enable the Policy Group to make Informed decisions in a timely and effective manner, to share professional expertise and generally to be provided with staff support. At a minimum, information provided will include:
(1) Timetable for planning, development, and submission of proposals;

(2) Head Start policies, guidelines, and other communications from the DCS;

(3) Financial reports and statements of funds expended in the Head Start account; and

(4) Work plans, grant applications, and personnel policies for Head Start.

c The entire Head Start staff shall share responsibility for providing assistance in the conduct of the above activities. In addition, Health Services, Education, and Social Services staff shall contribute their direct services to assist the Parent Involvement staff. If staff resources are not available, the necessary resources shall be sought within the community.

5. Parent Involvement Plan Content: Parents, Area Residents and the Program

The plan shall provide for:

a The establishment of effective procedures by which parents and area residents concerned will be enabled to Influence the character of programs affecting their interests;

b Their regular participation in the implementation of such programs;

c Technical and other support needed to enable parents and area residents to secure on their own behalf available assistance from public and private sources.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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