Parent involvement is the hallmark for Head Start. Parent participation in the design of activities and experiences assist in expanding parental strengths and interests. Parents who are more involved have an opportunity to understand more about how their children grow and develop.

Head Start and Early Head Start programs offer families a variety of parent involvement and education activities. Examples include the local program parent committee, family events (fieldtrips, fatherhood activities, and program work projects), home visit and classroom participation, parent-teacher conferences, parenting education, and involving parents in program governance (policy making) and operations. Parents advocating for the community, children and families is an important part of ensuring that children are provided the most appropriate education and care.

Early Head Start and Head Start settings are open to parents during program hours and parents are welcomed as visitors and encouraged to observe their child and participate with children in group activities.

 *A clearance procedure is required of all regular volunteers for program activities.