Family members are always welcome in the classroom and may also use the observation booth. We publish a Family Handbook, weekly newsletters, a Family Directory, and encourage daily communication with families at arrival and departure times. Family conferences, telephone calls, and journals provide additional ways to keep in touch.
There are many ways that our families get involved in the Early Childhood Education Center! An informal Family Group meets a few times throughout the year. Our annual St. Jude Children's Hospital Trike-a-Thon fund-raiser is organized by some of the families. Families can be involved with their children's learning experiences by reading books, singing, organizing activities, bringing in pets, visiting the Center during annual family events (see Calendars), making donations, and providing healthy birthday snacks. Families are asked to provide feedback through our annual Program Evaluation Family Survey.
In our alcove lounge, we offer a lending library to our families that contains children's books, family resources and children's videos. Family members are welcome to utilize the spacious college student TV lounge in our building.
Resource Links for Families
National Organizations:
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
National Head Start Association
National Child Care Information Center
Family Involvement in Education:
Children's Literature and Software:
Special Needs/Behavior:
Council for Exceptional Children/Division for Early Childhood
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
Local and State links:
Tuscarora Intermediate Unit (TIU)
Penn State Cooperative Extension for Families and Children
Child Care Works Subsidized Child Care Program
Huntingdon County Pride (Services for Disabilities)
Chamber of Commerce Community Services
Fun and Games
FunBrain Game Finder (6 & Under)
Caramax (Ages 3-8)
Julias Rainbow Corner (Preschool)