Page 47 - PROGRAM IMPACT AND SATIFACTION AS SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF HEAD START PARENTS

Miguel Montes
Of the 36 parents from Miguel Montes who submitted a survey, 75% provided a response. More than half of all parents who responded (55.6%) did not have a suggestion, but rather provided a compliment to the program. Parents described the Miguel Montes Head Start program as great with attentive teachers. A parent wrote that she or he enjoyed the yoga and another commented that the family meetings were very helpful.
Five provided suggestions for engaging parents. One parent wrote, “There is always room for improvement. For example, in the area of communication, more participation in all activities, and supporting us in other areas.” The other parents recommended more projects that involve parents, developing more strategies to encourage parents to attend the meetings, more opportunities for parents to participate in the classroom, and more parent workshops.
Two parents commented on the need for staff to be more welcoming. One parent wrote, “Create a welcoming environment so the parents will feel welcomed when they volunteer at the school.”
Other suggestions include more class time, warm or hot meals for children, bilingual teachers and directors, teachers who are supported, and a curriculum that involves more academic activities rather than playtime so that children are prepared for kindergarten. Figure 6 in the Appendix presents select comments of parents from Miguel Montes.
Napa
A total of 22 parents (62.9%) completed the question with comments about how the Napa Head Start Center can improve. Half of all parents who responded wrote that they would not improve anything or provided feedback of what they appreciated about the program. The program at Napa was described as great, wonderful, and perfect. One parent wrote, “Everything was great. Thank you for helping my son. You are great teachers.”
Four parents included comments that related to parent engagement. A program that directly involves the parent with his or her child was suggested, as were more meetings for parents to learn better parenting skills. One parent provided an idea and shared how becoming involved has helped: “Every month make a list of the parents so parents will choose a day of the week, of who can help in their child's classroom and learn from the teacher to help children at home. For example, when I came to class to help I learned some stuff I was able to teach my son at home. It was good help for me and my child.”
The comments of five other parents focused on making changes in the curriculum to emphasize writing skills. Parents also suggested adding a music class for children, include more academics such as letters, numbers, and shapes, and provide individual and group activities for the children. One parent would have liked more information about why holidays were not celebrated in the classroom, stating, “I don't understand why the kids can't celebrate holidays with classmates.”
Lastly, two parents wrote comments regarding play equipment. One parent suggested adding a slide and swings to the playground, while the other wrote, “More activities in the child’s playground and more toys.” See Figure 7 in the Appendix for select comments from parents at the Napa Head Start Center.
CCRC’s Head Start Parents Page | 44 December 2014