Head Start Buds become Tyler Roses

Head Start is a federally funded program that services families of eligible children who are 4 years old or 3 years old with a diagnosed disability. Students must qualify by age and income requirements set by the federal government.

Families are provided with social services and are assisted in setting and accomplishing family goals. Parent involvement in the child's education is greatly encouraged. Student learning takes place thru classroom instruction and hands on experiences.

The fundamental premise of the Head Start program is based on Piaget's theory that children are active learners and learn best whey they plan and carry out activities which interest them. A carefully organized developmental program is provided to meet the individual needs of children, the special needs of disabled children and the needs of racial and ethnic populations being served. Students are actively engaged in activities that promote social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.

The Head Start Curriculum is based on the Texas Early Childhood Essential Elements, TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework.

The progress of each student is reviewed according to a set of key experiences that include active learning, language usage experience, classification, serration, number concept, spatial relations, and time. These activities provide the teacher with the opportunity to interact with the students and give the students the opportunity to organize their activities through the daily routine of a plan-do-review sequence.

Progress reports are provided to parents three times during the school year. Throughout the year children's progress is shared through parent/teacher conferences and home visits.

Head Start helps link the school, the family, and the related community services and resources. The component provides an organized method of assisting families to assess their needs and then provide access to the services needed. Our goal is to build upon the strengths of families to meet their own needs and goals.

Case managers and a licensed social worker are on hand to assist the families with their goals and to ensure proper attendance. The case managers complete two home visit per year with each family to discuss goals and concerns.

A comprehensive health program is provided which includes a broad range of medical, dental, mental health, and nutrition services with emphasis on early identification and treatment of health problems.

One of the things that make Head Start different from other preschool programs is the importance we place on helping families ensure that their children are healthy and ready to learn. Head Start guidelines state that we must work with parents to make sure that parents and staff work

together as a team to assure that children receive the recommended screenings, exams and immunizations appropriate for their age. Parents are provided with resource and referral information, books to read to children and funds are available for the child's exams and follow-up if no other source of coverage is available to the family.

Social Emotional Development for your Head Start child is a priority for Tyler ISD. Each child benefits from learning to have positive relationships with other people and understand their feelings about the people in their lives and environments. During the year, the teaching staff will focus on helping the children become "resilient," able to "bounce back" from change and disappointments. We focus on three factors: attachment, control, and initiative. Caring long term relationships, understanding right and wrong behaviors for society and school, and using independent thoughts and actions increase success for your child as they transition into their school career.

Parents and community members are encouraged to participate and volunteer in all program activities. Parents participate in the program Policy Council, curriculum development, Health Advisory, staff interviews, trainings, meetings, and in classroom activities. The children learn through interacting with the staff, parents and peers. All family members are welcomed. Tyler ISD Head Start follows the volunteer guidelines set by the Tyler Independent School District and required by law to establish

Complete a volunteer application, which includes a criminal history check, on line at the Tyler ISD web site at www.tylerisd.org. All volunteers must have a valid driver's license or identification. All results of the criminal history are confidential. The identification badge will be sent to the school and teacher for whom you have applied.