Our goal is to prepare children and families for successful transitions to kindergarten and beyond by building social competence and school readiness skills. Portland Public Schools Head Start serves 648 low-income three and four year old children and their families. The goal of Head Start is to prepare young children for successful transitions to kindergarten and beyond by building social compete
nce and developing school readiness skills. We will accomplish this by enhancing children's growth and development, both physically and emotionally. We offer them a sense of belonging, support services, and a chance to be involved in activities to help the whole family. Parents take part in training classes on subjects such as parenting, job skills, health and nutrition, and free community resources. We offer assistance to parents interested in obtaining a GED, learning to speak English, or read. Families receive help with special problems such as drug or alcohol abuse, job loss or other family crisis. We refer families for help with medical, social welfare, or employment. Our families have a voice in our program through various committees or on the Policy Council, our parent and community shared decision-making body.
