East Wayne Head StartAnnual Report 2011-2012

“The Nationally Accredited team at East Wayne Head Start focuses on improving families

by putting families first through a hands on approach with commitment, compassion, comprehensive services and a highly trained and experienced staff.”

Funding and BudgetsRevenues

Head Start $612,499

USDA (CACFP) $45,816

Expenditures

Head Start $612,499

USDA (CACFP) $45,816

Enrollment

Total Number of Families Served

Head Start 105

Total Number of Children Served

Head Start 121

Average Monthly Enrollment

Head Start 100%

Physicals and Dentals

Dentals 119 Percentages of Enrolled 98%

Physicals 121 Percentages of Enrolled 100%

East Wayne Head Start Parent Involvement

Our Parent Group and Policy Committee members are very involved in the shared governance of our program. Parents develop a list of topics and speakers that would be presented to families throughout the year. An average of

nineteen parents came to monthly Parent Meetings. We feel that 18% is a strong turnout considering the heavy demands on low-income families with young children. The parents gain self-confidence and advocacy skills through

participating in our Policy Committee.

• Teachers and parents are partners in preparing children for future school success. It is essential that teachers engage in consistent and meaningful sharing of information with parents and caregivers, including meeting with parents to talk about any areas in which their child is experiencing difficulties. In addition, by sharing specific information about the topics children are learning, and the skills they are developing, teachers strengthen parents’ ability to support their children’s learning at home. Teachers do at least two home visits and two parent conferences each school year. Family Service staff also offers home visits for Family Partnership Agreements. Some examples of ways in which staff communicate with parents in our program are—

Talking to parents as they deliver and pick up their children; Sending home newsletters and notes that share what children are learning at school; Arranging regular meetings to discuss the child’s progress; and Identifying strengths and any areas in which the child could use extra support at home.

East Wayne Head StartTransitions to Kindergarten

We meet individual goals for children through observations of each child’s developmental levels; written daily planned activities and written anecdotal notes. Teachers also use the Dial and Pre-K results to individualize lesson plans.

Transition Plan:1. We will set up three meetings with the transition Coordinator from Ft. Wayne Community Schools for Parents

during Feb/March so she can educate them about their options for kindergarten and so parents can ask questions. She will provide each parent with a booklet that explains their system.

2. We will provide information about FWCS’s Spring showcase to all interested parents. This event is held at the Grand Wayne Center on a Sunday in the Spring.

3. Transition coordinator for FWCS will do training for education and family service staff about the options, system and deadlines.

4. At the Feb. parent conferences teachers will discuss parents questions and concerns about choosing the best kindergarten for their child.

5. Field trips will be planned for each classroom that has age eligible children to visit a kindergarten classroom in our area during April or May.

6. Teachers can make arrangements to visit with children and Kindergarten teachers during the fall to check on children’s progress.

7. Special needs/Disability Coordinator will work with teachers and Education Team to follow up with all children that have an I.E.P.

8. The Education Team Leader and teachers participate in the Ready to Learn program with FWCS. This is a funded Grant for Early childhood educators and kindergarten programs in FWCS to collaborate in preparing children for Kindergarten. This collaboration included cross-visitations with FWCS kindergarten classrooms. PASSPORTS are given the teachers to fill out to provide children’s kindergarten teacher with some basic information about the child to help with the transition between pre-k and kindergarten.

East Wayne Head Start Collaborations &Community Resources

• EWSC Family Literacy Program• FWCS and EACS• Anthis Career Center• St. Francis College• Ivy Tech College• IPFW College• SCAN (Suspect child Abuse and neglect)• Ft. Wayne Philharmonics• M.I.X.• Burmese Refugee Center• Center for Non violence• Parkview Health Services• Ft. Wayne Dance Collective• Foster Grandparents• C.A.N.I. Weatherization and Utility

Assistance• Wayne Township• First Steps/Even Start

Outcomes and Monitoring Processes

Indicators of Success• East Wayne Head Start uses the Foundations to

the Indiana Academic Standards for young children birth to age 5 from the IDOE and Family and Social Services administration for lesson planning activity goals. These content areas: English/Language arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Music, Visual Arts and Physical Education. We use these in correlation to the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework Domain areas of Language Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Creative Arts, Social and Emotional Development, Approaches to Learning and Physical Development.

Monitoring• East Wayne Head Start goes through a self

assessment every year and a full Federal Audit every 3 years. In 2010, East Wayne Head Start was recognized as in full compliance with all applicable Head Start program performance standards, laws, regulations and policy requirements.