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Preface

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Often when we hear the word "hand," we think of a part of the human body attached to the end of the forearm, including the wrist, palm fingers, and thumb. Rarely do we think of the symbolic meaning of a hand given in partnership. Listen as parents describe their Head Start partnership experiences: HELPING I owe a lot to Head Start. Head Start saw the potential in me and helped me develop it. -Parent, Alabama ACCEPTING It does not matter where you came from or where you are. Head Start is only concerned with where you want to go. -Parent, Washington NURTURING I was inspired to excellence by this wonderful program. -Parent, Ohio DYNAMIC Because of Head Start, I now have dreams for the future. -Parent, Indiana SUPPORTIVE The Head Start program was the support system for (members of) my family to see more clearly where we've been, where we are, and what goals for our future we want to achieve. -Parent, Virginia Partnerships are the hallmark of Head Start's success; they represent strong and caring relationships between Head Start staff and families. The family partnership agreement is an individualized, strengths-based, family-driven process-one in which staff provide support to families in response to their interests, goals, strengths, and needs. This technical guide, Family Partnerships: A Continuous Process, takes an in-depth look at this process.

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