Head Start programs can help parents obtain educational, literacy, or job training. They also may offer parents opportunities for employment. Many parents serve as volunteers or as aides to Head Start teachers and staff. Some are cooks, storytellers, or play supervisors. When parents are qualified for Head Start jobs, they may receive preference in hiring.
Staff also help parents find employment in other fields.
Head Start programs take an active role in their communities and collaborate with many other organizations to enable Head Start children and families to receive services that are beyond the scope of Head Start. Head Start community partners include health and mental health providers, agencies that provide services to children with disabilities, child protective services, child care organizations, local schools, businesses, and other service groups. Community partnerships enable Head Start staff to refer parents to many community resources that are available to assist them in achieving their family goals. Head Start has played a major role in focusing the attention of the nation on the importance of early childhood development. The program has had a dramatic impact on the delivery of child development and child care services and on the expansion of community activities for young children.