If it is not convenient for some parents to meet at school because of transportation problems, try to schedule a home visit. You may have to meet with them on the weekend or in a nontraditional setting such as a library or community center. The advisory team may identify a parent or a school faculty member or staff person who can try various outreach strategies. Focus groups can help better determine parents' understanding of what is involved in the transition process and what information and services will be necessary to increase their knowledge and active participation in this area. Plan one or more focus group meetings with parents, teachers, students, and administrators while children are still in Head Start.
Parents are full partners in the decisions that affect children and families.
The action plan is a written document describing short and long-term goals, steps toward implementation, expected outcomes, methods for reviewing progress, budget considerations, and an evaluation process. It should offer an ideal system or structure that supports transition goals. Hold a planning meeting with the advisory team to develop an action plan. Encourage the participation of state PTA and state NHSA representatives in the first planning meeting with the advisory team to discuss results from the transition assessment and focus group meetings. Use the results from the focus group meetings and the transition assessment to develop goals for the action plan, such as a goal that calls for additional teacher training.