In August of 2011, The National Head Start Center has implemented the Head Start Parent, Family and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework, the first of its kind. The Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework provide programs with a research based, organizational guide for implementing relevant Head Start Program Performance Standards. Because supporting children's school readiness is an ongoing partnership between staff and families, the PFCE Framework is a tool that all staff and families can use. The entire Head Start and Early Head Start staff has received training.
As the League continues to rise to the challenge of empowering our children and their families, the Head Start and Early Head Start programs recognize the need to continue to promote a healthy lifestyle and good nutritional choices. This year collaboration was created with Lewis and Clark College in Godfrey, IL. This collaboration gives the programs access to their health van, which provided physicals, dental exams, and lead and hemoglobin screening to over 100 families this past fall. In addition to the continuing dental care provided by Orland Park Dental Services Inc. (OPDS) of Peoria, IL, this year they are offering additional funding for follow ups on dental services. Another new collaboration we have this year is with Sangamon County Resource Services. They are providing funding for dental work that requires sedation for the children of the programs.