Handout 5: looking at Head Start from the Parents' Point of View
Story #1 Al's Story
I'm a single, working father. I've seen my daughter Rochelle blossom since she started Head Start this year. that makes me feel good about the program. A staff member called me yesterday and asked me to become a Policy Council member. she said it was the best way for parents to become involved. I feel good that she asked me but I'm shy in groups, especially since I'm usually the only man. I'm also worried about the meetings. I hardly have time to spend with Rochell as it is.Story #2 Juanita's Story
My name is Juanita. My life seems to get crazier everyday. My teenage daughter is pregnant. I'm behind on my rent and worried about getting evicted. I need to work or go to school because of changes in the welfare system. I'm beginning to be concerned about the number of pills I'm taking to control my back pain.
I'm not new to Head Start. I started in the program when my older daughter was a preschooler but because of the many moves we made that year, I didn't continue. I'd really like my son Ernesto to have the benefits of the program. My neighbor is a teacher's aide and encouraged me to enroll him. Now she wants me to volunteer in the classroom. She says parents need to be involved. She also said that I'd learn a lot about Ernesto by being a volunteer. I want what's best for Ernesto but I'm feeling overwhelmed.
Story #3 Yuriko's Story
My name is Yuriko. I'm twenty and have been in a wheelchair for four years now, ever since my Sammi was a toddler. I know it's hard for him to have a mother that's different. Sometimes he takes it out on me. He's gotten better since he's been in Head Start. Having him go to the center everyday gives us some time apart. Recently, the home visitor had been talking to me about coming into the center for some parent activities. She said she could help me find transportation. I'd like to get out of the house. Not too many of my friends come around anymore. I'm just not sure if the center is where I want to go.
Story #4 Porntip's Story
I just moved here from Thailand, so I had never heard of Head Start until my aunt told me about it. It sounded like something I might want for daughter Malee. I want her to make friends here and to learn English. After my aunt talked to me, I was at the laundromat and saw a poster for the local Head Start program. The poster was really faded and none the the children looked like my daughter. Even so, I called the number on the poster. The lady who answered the phone wasn't very friendly. I think she couldn't understand my English. Maybe Head Start isn't the right place for my daughter.