The Head Start office is open Mon. through Fri., from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you have questions about any aspect of the Head Start program, please call our office. WELCOME TO HEAD START!

NORTHWEST COMMUNITY ACTION, INC.
HEAD START
P.O. Box 67
Badger, MN 56714
(218) 528-3227
1-800-568-5319
Email: mcarlson@nwcaa.org

CENTRAL OFFICE STAFF
Head Start Director - Mark Carlson
Early Childhood Developmental Services - Missy Okeson
Child Health/Nutrition Services - Debby Stromlund                                      Family Services - Sharon Noethe                                                                Disabilities Services - Pam Hanson 
Early Head Start Child Development - Patti McKinnon
Early Head Start Health Services - Becky Coffield
Family Support - Sandy Baumgartner
Computer Services - Kathy Hamann
Fiscal Director - Peggy Zak
Bookkeeper - Missy Newton                                                                                   Data Entry/HSFIS - Cecelia Hendrickson

Northwest Community Action's Head Start program has been serving families in northwestern Minnesota since 1965.   Currently, our Head Start program serves over two hundred children each year in Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Kittson, and Marshall counties. Center  sites for children are located in Baudette, Warroad, Wannaska, Badger, Greenbush, Grygla, Middle River, Newfolden, Karlstad, Hallock, Lancaster and Roseau. We also now serve 71 families with Early Head Start. Eleven thousand families are served by Head Start programs throughout the state of Minnesota each year, and over one million children are served nationally.

Head Start is a family oriented program which provides services and/or information in the areas of education, health, mental health, nutrition, disabilities, parent involvement and social services. Head Start believes that parents are the most important influence in a child's life. Parent participation is needed for a successful year with Head Start.

Early Childhood Development
Head Start firmly believes that you, the parent, are the most important teacher your child will ever have. You know your child better than anyone else. You know your child's strengths and weaknesses, and what he/she is most interested in. By working together with your teacher, you can be sure that your child is given the learning opportunities you want him/her to have. Home visits and lessons can be planned so they will best benefit your child.

Developmental Screening
Each child enrolled in the Head Start program will have a developmental screening. This screening will be done by either the local school district or by Head Start staff. Further follow-up, assessment, and/or referrals will be done as needed.

Home Visits
Teachers and Family Service Workers make home visits.  The number and structure of home visits varies among communities depending on the number of centers offered by each local program option.. Areas with fewer centers offer more home visits.  Head Start staff provide developmentally appropriate activities for enrolled children in the areas of school readiness, health, safety and nutrition.  Additional family support includes parenting education and reviewing the Family Partnership Agreement (FPA): update family goals, request information and discuss information received.
* If you need to cancel a home visit for any reason, please let your teacher know. Cancelled home visits must be made up within ten days. Repeatedly rescheduled/cancelled home visits will be followed up by a central office staff member.

Center Sessions
Center sessions are from 3 1/2 to full-day depending on Center option and location. Parents may be  responsible to arrange for transportation to and from center depending on location and option. Transportation with Head Start buses is available at Centerbase option sites. Regular center attendance is important for your child's social and emotional growth. Irregular attendance will be followed up by a central office staff member. In case of bad weather, listen to your local radio or TV station for announcements. If your local school is closed, center will be cancelled also.

Child Health
Head Start's health goal is to involve your family in an on-going health care system. Head Start provides comprehensive, preventive health services to enrolled preschool children. Your child will receive medical and dental services, as well as any needed immunizations, through the Head Start program. At the end of the program year, you will receive a summary of your child's health services. With your permission, the school district will also receive a copy of this summary.

Medical Services
Your child is required to have a complete physical, including lab work, before starting home visits or center sessions. Head Start physical exams will be completed at screening sites in each area, or by the doctor of your choice. The physical exam includes: exam, hematocrit, urinalysis, blood pressure, pulse, height, weight, immunizations, and nutritional assessment. Any follow-up services needed should be completed as soon as possible. Prior approval is needed, and you will need to have the proper forms accompanying your child on all referrals. Basic expenses for out-of-area referrals will be reimbursed.

Dental Services
The dental exam is required to be completed by October 1st, or within 30 days after enrollment. Any follow-up work needed should be completed as soon as possible. Dental exams will be completed by the dentist of your choice.

Immunizations
Immunizations need to be completed or made current by the end of our program year. Immunization clinics are held throughout the 4 counties served by Head Start. Immunization clinic schedules are distributed to parents at the beginning of the program year.

Health Rules at Center
1. If your child shows signs of illness or has a contagious infection, do not send him/her to center. Always let your teacher know when your child will not be attending center session.
2. Only prescription medication can be given at center. Please make every effort to give your child any needed medications at home. If your child must receive prescription medicine while at center, you must bring the medicine to the center in the prescription bottle and sign a consent form.

Health Education
Your child will receive education about dental health, personal hygiene, nutrition and safety at center sessions, with follow-up on home visits. Health education for parents is provided through workshops and parent meetings, and a health resource listing is provided for your family. Medical and dental emergency procedures are posted in classrooms. Review them when you are in a classroom.

Health Advisory Committee
Each year Head Start forms a Health Advisory Committee. This committee is made up of area health care professionals, Head Start parents, and Head Start staff. The committee meets twice a year to review all aspects of the Head Start health requirements.

Mental Health
A mental health consultant is available to assist parents and Head Start staff with areas of concern. Consultants can also provide training for staff and parents, and observe at center sessions if requested. Counselors are available for individual or family counseling. Referrals can be made upon request.

Nutrition
Head Start's Nutrition Goal is to provide education on proper nutrition for children and their parents. Through home visits and center sessions, Head Start also provides nutritious meals and snacks. Proper nutrition is vital to the growth and development of children. Because of the importance of proper nutrition in a child's development, nutritious foods and nutrition education are stressed at center sessions and home visits.

Home Visits
Throughout the year, plan for the preparation of fun and nutritious snacks during home visit time. You, your child and Head Start teacher can prepare nutritious foods together. Preparing food can be a wonderful learning experience for your child. While your child is helping you prepare food, he/she can learn many things. You can you use the opportunity to talk with your child about good nutrition. You can also note colors, shapes, and textures of different foods, or practice math skills by counting and measuring. Conversation about food preparation can also help to expand your child's language skills.

Center Sessions
While your child is at center sessions, he/she will receive well balanced meals and/or snacks. The meals that will be served (breakfast and/or snack and/or lunch) will depend on the center your child attends. Family style eating is encouraged where feasible in the classrooms.

If you wish to provide treats at center for a holiday or a special occasion, you are encouraged to bring a snack that is nutritious. Candy and other sugary snacks are not encouraged.

Every effort is made to follow doctor-prescribed diets for children at center. If your child has diagnosed food allergies, or is on a doctor prescribed diet, be sure to let your teacher know. You will be required to give your teacher a written copy of the child's special diet, listing any/all specific foods the child should not be allowed to have and any other pertinent information.

Nutrition Education
Information is given to parents and children through games, handouts, videos, etc. to increase awareness and knowledge of proper nutrition. A nutrition consultant is available through the Head Start program to assist you with questions you may have regarding nutrition. Parent workshops can be arranged throughout the year to demonstrate preparation of nourishing but inexpensive foods.

Disability Services
Through the Head Start program, every effort is made to meet the needs of all enrolled children. Ten percent, or more, of our enrollment are children with specific special needs or disabilities.

There may be times when referral for diagnostic assessment of a child may be indicated. Parents, teachers and other Head Start staff will work together to determine whether a referral or assessment is needed. Head Start will work with other agencies or health care providers, as well as families, to best insure that a child's needs are being met.

If you have any concerns or questions about your child's development, please discuss them with your teacher or another Head Start staff member. All information given to Head Start is kept strictly confidential. No information from a child's files is released to anyone without written permission from the child's parents.

Family Partnership Activities
Head Start believes that parents are the most important influence in a child's development. You know your child better than anyone else. By working together with your teacher, you can be sure that your child will get the learning experiences you want your him/her to have.

Center Sessions
Parents are needed and welcome at Head Start centers. It is important to have at least one parent volunteer at each center. Being a volunteer at center gives you the opportunity to see how your child interacts with other children. It's also a good chance for your child to "show you off" to classmates and friends. While you are in the Head Start classroom, please do not hesitate to ask questions about ways you may help. We are counting on you!

When you arrive at center, ask the teacher to show you the center plan so you will know what is scheduled for the day. Some ways you can help out in the classroom are: Help the children with their coats, boots, etc.; Welcome the children to center and help with name tags; Help prepare for snacks and meal time; Supervise bathroom breaks.

Some rules to follow when volunteering at center:
Physical discipline is NOT allowed at center.
Verbal put-downs, profanity, name calling, etc. is NOT allowed at center.
If you have a concern about a child's behavior, please discuss it with the teacher.
These rules apply to all children at center, including yours.

Respect for the CONFIDENTIALITY of all families must be kept. Volunteers may not disclose confidential information that they become aware of while working in the center, including the progress of children.

Remember, volunteering at center should be FUN! If you feel that center is not fun and enjoyable, please discuss this with your teacher. Communication is the best remedy in most situations.

Parent Activities
Throughout the Head Start program year, each center has parent meetings. This gives parents the opportunity to discuss issues that affect your community. In addition, parent workshops and trainings are held throughout the year dealing with issues that concern Head Start parents.

Policy Council
The Policy Council consists of Head Start parents from each area served. Meetings are held monthly to discuss issues affecting Head Start, and to make decisions about how the program operates. Each center parent group will elect one representative (and an alternate) to attend Policy Council meetings.

It is very important that your center elect a representative who is dedicated and willing to attend Policy Council meetings. If your center does not have a representative, your area will not be represented when issues come to a vote at Policy Council meetings. Becoming the Policy Council representative for your center area requires a commitment to attend meetings, and to be more involved in Head Start.

Child Protection
ACYF Department of Health and Human Services Transmittal Notice 77.1 requires all Head Start program staff report all incidents of suspected abuse and neglect to their local child protective service agency. NWCA Head Start staff are mandated reporters of any suspected child abuse or neglect.

Grievance Procedure
If a parent or community member feels they have been treated unfairly or in a disrespectful manner by a Head Start staff person, he/she may implement the following grievance procedure.
1. Present, in writing, the reason and circumstances surrounding the specific incident to the Head Start Director. The Head Start Director will attempt to resolve the issue within five working days of action.
2. If unsuccessful in Step One, the complaint can then be sent to the Executive Director. The Executive Director will attempt to resolve the issue within five working days of action.
3. If unsuccessful in Step Two, the complaint can be sent to the chairman of the Agency Board of Directors, who will attempt to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of the parent or community member.

Family Services
A variety of services are available to assist families in meeting unmet needs they may have. Head Start staff will help assess your individual family needs by completing a Family Partnership Plan at the beginning of the program year. If needed, referrals may be made to meet those identified needs. Head Start staff will assist parents in seeking out services to address family needs. There is a lot of Information available to families on a wide variety of topics in the areas of material needs, health issues, continued education, job readiness, social issues, health, and parenting/family issues.

Services and information are available in the areas of Home Repair; Home Weatherization; Fuel Assistance; Otter Tail Energy Program; Public Assistance; Food Stamps; Social Security Benefits; Unemployment Benefits; Child Support Enforcement; Medical Assistance; Minnesota Care Insurance; First Aid; WIC Clinic Schedules; Nutrition Education; Meal Planning/Preparation; Exercise/Dieting; Fitness; Immunization Clinic Schedules; Welfare Rights; Tenants Rights; Legal Aid; Project Gift Tree; Coats for Kids; and more.

Continued education and job readiness information available includes: Adult Education and GED Classes; College or Tech School Enrollment; Financial Aid for College or Tech School; Head Start Scholarships; Family Loan Program; Vocational Rehabilitation; Displaced Homemaker; Job Readiness/Training; Drivers Education; Transportation; Child Care Provider Information; and more.

Information available on social issues, and parenting/family issues includes: Certified Credit Counseling; Individual or Family Counseling; Depression/Stress; Developmental Disabilities; Stress & Coping; Child Abuse/Neglect; Spouse Abuse; Alcohol/Drug Abuse; Compulsive Gambling; Support Groups; Blended and Step Families; Single Parenting; Balancing Work and Family; Child Care; Child Discipline/Management; and more.

Parent Reimbursement Center
In areas where Head Start is unable to provide busing, parents are responsible for arranging transportation to and from center.  For your child's safety, you need to bring your child into the Head Start classroom and pick your child up in the classroom.  Please call your teacher or the Head Start office if your child will be absent from centers.  Parents are reimbursed for mileage when transporting their child to center. You will be reimbursed at a rate of 15 cents per mile for one round trip to the center each time your child attends. When parents volunteer to help at center, in addition to mileage, any child care expenses incurred during that time will also be reimbursed. Parents can pay the childcare provider and ask for reimbursement later, or can ask the childcare provider to bill Head Start directly. Child care reimbursement rates are paid as follows:
$2.00 per hour for one child;
$3.00 per hour for two children;
$4.00 per hour for three children.
$4.75 per hour for four or more children.
Any expense over the set amounts is the responsibility of the parent. Reimbursement checks are only issued to parents when the total reimbursement amount due to the parent is $10.00 or more.

Parent Meetings
Child care expense is reimbursed for parents attending parent meetings at the following rates: $1.75 per hour for one child; $2.25 per hour for two children;
$3.00 per hour for three or more children. Mileage is not paid to/from parent meetings.

Workshops
Parents who attend workshops in the area are reimbursed for mileage at a rate of 10¢ per mile, and for child care, at the same rates as listed above. Parents who attend out-of-area or overnight workshops are reimbursed for the cost of the workshop, and for child care at the following rates: $30.00 per day for one to three children; $45.00 per day for four or more children. Transportation is usually provided by an agency vehicle. In the event that parents must provide their own transportation, mileage will be paid at the rate of 10¢ per mile.

Policy Council
Parents who are members of the policy council are reimbursed as follows: $25.00 meeting allowance, child care expense (same rates as above); Mileage to and from Badger is paid at 32¢ per mile. Noon meal after the meeting is also provided.

State Parent Affiliate Member
The State Parent Organization Representative is reimbursed for mileage at 32¢ per mile, and for child care at the same rates as above.
The State Parent Organization Representative also receives a $25.00 meeting allowance per day.

In-Kind
In-Kind is one way parents and the community help support the Head Start program. The Federal Government grants funds to Northwest Community Action Agency with the stipulation that the local community contributes 25% matching funds. These funds are raised by In-Kind contributions.

Some examples of In-Kind contributions are:
Time spent volunteering at center, on home visits, and working on activities with your child
Time spent at parent meetings and/or workshops
Space provided in your home for the home visit.

Each month you will be given an In-Kind sheet by your Head Start Teacher. Please keep track of the amount of time you spend doing Head Start activities with your child or attending Head Start parent meetings, etc. Your teacher will turn this form into the main Head Start office at the end of each month.

Remember, this is considered your payment for the services Head Start is providing your child and your family. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP! Without parent participation, Head Start would not be the success it is.

Roles and Responsibilities of Parents in Head Start
Participant Participate in Head Start planning activities, such as orientation, open house, center/classroom committee meetings, educational, recreational, and social events.

Learner
Observe in classrooms;
Join parent education groups;
Read about Head Start and child development;
Sign up for literacy, GED, and/or college credit classes;
Attend workshops, seminars, conferences, and talks;
Attend consumer information talks.

Contributor
Volunteer in various aspects of the program;
Contribute ideas and thoughts for the program;
Give as much time as possible to your Head Start program.
Supporter Get other parents to participate;
Interpret Head Start in the broader community;
Support all staff in their efforts;
Help out in centers whenever needed.
Evaluator Participate in annual program evaluation;
Identify methods for strengthening program.

Planner
Initiate and/or plan activities of interest to parents;
Identify goals for Head Start program;
Help planning process in policy groups;
Participate in refunding process.

Decision-Maker
Participate in/attend policy council meetings;
Participate in county-wide, citywide, statewide policy group meetings.

Prime Educator
Work with your child to reinforce what he/she has learned in Head Start.

Child Advocate
Understand your child's needs and meet them;
Protect your child from injury and bodily harm;
Know and protect your child's rights;
Be an advocate for your child and other children in your community.

Paid Employee
Apply for openings on Head Start staff;
Become qualified if not already qualified;
Be an effective, sensitive, responsive staff person.

Leader
Become involved in your community (school, government, health and human services activities);
Learn the political system and how it works;
Use any leadership skills you have learned in or outside Head Start;
Assume a community leadership role.

Back up to:
• Early Childhood Development • Child Health • Mental Health •
• Nutrition • Disability Services • Family Partnership Activities
• Family Services • Parent Reimbursement • In-Kind •
• Roles and Responsibilities of Parents in Head Start •

Northwest Community Action, Inc. Badger, MN 57614

Hop down to:

Early Childhood 
Development

Child Health

Mental Health

Nutrition

Disability Services

Family Partnership Activities

Family Services

Parent Reimbursement

In-Kind

Roles and Responsibilities of Parents in Head Start