Article19

Parent Centers, established in 1993 through the Head Start Public Schools Early Childhood Transition Demonstration Projects (known in Walnut Ridge as 1st STEPS), and the revision of the Title I program in July 1995, lay the foundation for collaborative opportunities in the area of parent involvement for this Arkansas Head Start Transition Project. Because of 1st Steps, parent involvement with the schools has expanded and meshed. Title I and 1st STEPS parents have opportunities to schedule and plan parent meetings and make decisions about the Parent Center's purchases. Informal family support groups and GED/literacy programs are offered and attended. Orientations for school volunteers are conducted. Computers have been added to the Parent Centers.

Some Head Start centers refer their parents to the Parent Centers at the public schools, which is a wonderful example of transition from Head Start to public school. Head Start parents visit with t he public school before their children enroll, providing a family-friendly setting and a feeling of identity with the future school of their child.

One Parent Center is now sharing their space, equipment, and materials with "Parents as Teachers," a program that provides home visits to children from birth to three years old. "Parents as Teachers" parent meetings are also coordinated with Title I and 1st STEPS parent meetings.

For more information, contact:
1st STEPS,
P.O. Box 685,
Walnut Ridge, AR 72476.
T: 501/886-9030, F:501/886-3955,
E-mail: arktran@cswnet.com