Positive Discipline and Guidance Policy for Children

The Head Start program uses an approach to discipline and guidance that emphasizes respect for each child; developmentally appropriate expectations of children’s behavior; and the use of positive discipline and guidance strategies.

Our staff members strive to create a relaxed, positive environment that enables children to explore and experiment while remaining safe and feeling well-supported. Through positive guidance strategies and modeling social skills, staff helps children learn pro-social behaviors, build confidence and self-esteem, and develop greater respect for others’ rights and feelings, as well as a sense that they are themselves respected.

Discipline concerns are handled by staff in a way that encourages children to solve problems and develop a sense of inner self-control. Children are given authentic choices and the opportunity to be an active part of decision-making in their environment, thus fostering a sense of personal responsibility. Staff helps children to understand the reasons for rules and limits and to feel good about the choices they make.

Services for Children with Special Needs

We strive to meet the individual needs of all children in the program. If your child has a diagnosed disability or if you suspect that your child will have special program needs, contact your teacher or the Special Services Coordinator at 780-7416. Services for children with special needs can be provided in the Head Start classroom. Head Start encourages the enrollment of children with special needs and will work with you to ensure that your child’s individual needs are met.

Transition

Olathe Head Start will help parents be strong partners in their child’s education.  Information will be provided to families to help them develop the necessary skills to make successful transitions between schools.

Success in school is important for all children. Throughout the school year, Head Start teachers will work with children to develop independent skills for school readiness. In the spring, prior to your child entering Kindergarten, Head Start will notify the neighborhood school that your child will be attending. Families will be invited and encouraged to attend Kindergarten Round Up to enroll their child in school.

If your child has an Individualized Educational Plan (I.E.P.), more transition planning will take place.  A transition meeting will be held in the spring at the child’s elementary school.  The purpose of this meeting will be for the staff at the elementary school to become aware of your child’s needs and develop a plan based on those needs.

Holidays and Celebrations

The Head Start program is interested in facilitating meaningful experiences for children; therefore, we do not emphasize specific holiday celebrations or themed activities. Children will be encouraged to share meaningful experiences from their own family traditions with the class.  Conversations about the diversity of cultures will be encouraged, and will be included as part of our inclusive curriculum and program.

Field Trips

Each year Head Start classes may take several educational field trips. In order to provide proper supervision, we would like to divide children in groups of 2 – 4 children per adult depending on the degree of supervision needed. We ask parents to volunteer to chaperone these field trips.