5.2.2
Family Orientation
Family orientation is held to ease the child’s transition into a group setting and to familiarize the child and family with the classroom environment, curriculum and daily activities and routines.
Details
Family orientation should be scheduled at the beginning of the program year within a week of the start of school. Orientation is scheduled by the Site Supervisor/Head Teacher and Family Worker.
Consideration should be given to the parents’ availability and the program option when scheduling orientation date and time. Remember to call or text parents in advance to let them know the date and time of the orientation.
All necessary staff are required to attend and participate in orientation. Site Supervisors are responsible for determining who is required to attend.
Important Notes:
- Plan and designate roles for each staff before
- Create an agenda for everyone to follow.
- A Bilingual Aide may attend to provide translation services.
Parent Orientation Guidelines Checklist
The Parent Orientation Guidelines checklist is a helpful document that can be used when planning the family orientation. Prior to the event, it should be printed and used to manage the orientation to ensure that all of the items listed are completed. The checklist doesn’t need signatures and it does not get turned in after orientation.
The items listed on the Parent Orientation Guidelines are to be divided between staff to present at orientation. Everybody will have a role to participate during orientation.
Plan and prepare for a “mini” school day which includes a group time, a short work time or free choice time, outside time, hand washing, snack, and a bus tour (where applicable).
While children are outside or in a separate classroom, conduct the parent portion of the orientation which should include:
- Introducing the Staff
- Reviewing the Parent Handbook | Spanish – provide an overview and collect the signature page
- Health Policies
- Emergency Procedures
- Discipline Policy
- Spare Clothes and Diapers
- Field Trips
- Explaining the rules pertaining to Drop off/Pick-up Procedures , arrival/departure times, and siblings left in cars.
- Reviewing the Introducing Behavior Tracking Process to Family Members | Spanish
- letter (link) which introduces Shasta Head Start’s response when behavioral concerns occur in the classroom
- Pedestrian Safety pertaining to drop-off/pick-up procedures and siblings not being left in the car.
- Explaining areas that are off limits to parents (child bathrooms) etc.
- Explaining the daily schedule
- Explaining the Creative Curriculum. Refer to Creative Curriculum Volume 1 Chapter 5: Partnering With Families.
- Explaining “family style eating” and meal time procedures. The cook can share, give a copy of the menu, and inform them of “no food from home”.
- Showing parents the parent bulletin board and where to sign in/sign out
- Explaining various ways parents can be involved in the program. For example, the family worker can talk about classroom volunteering, field trips, policy council, center committee meetings
- Explain parent and volunteer immunization guidelines
- Explaining “in-kind” and the importance of their support.
- Explaining parent child activity records and home work. Don’t go into too much detail on the parent child activity records, rather tell them that it will be discussed in detail at the first home visit. Make sure you share the importance of in-kind and their role in it.
Remember, parents may be overwhelmed if too much information is presented at one time. It is nice to provide the parent with a folder for any forms you hand out.
References
- Parent Orientation Guideline – SHS
- Parent and Volunteer Immunization Guidelines
- Related SOPs:
- Screening & Compliance Requirement – 45-day
- Parent Handbooks are found here
- Pedestrian Safety
- Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures
- Meals
- Screening & Compliance Requirement – 45-day
- COVID Orientation Guidelines