May 11, 2004

Dear Head Start Parent:

I am pleased to announce the exciting new Head Start Parent-Mentor Training Program. This project is part of the President's Good Start, Grow Smart Initiative, which seeks to help young children to be ready to succeed in school and in life by improving their language and literacy skills. The involvement of mothers, fathers and legal guardians is very important to the healthy development of their children, especially for the important tasks involved in helping them get ready to succeed in school.

Head Start Parent-Mentors will gain knowledge and skills to help them work with their own children on language and literacy skills, as well as, to mentor other parents to do the same with their children. Please consider becoming a Parent-Mentor and attending 2.5 days of training this summer if you have:

• a 4 year old child who is returning to Head Start in the fall of 2004, and will go to kindergarten in the fall of 2005;
• a high school diploma, a GED or attended college;
• the ability to travel and participate in your region's training; and
• a commitment to return to your community to work with your children and to share this knowledge with other parents.

If you apply, you will be asked to confirm your eligibility and you will also be asked to provide a brief statement about why you believe you would make an effective Head Start Parent-Mentor. The registration information you provide will be used solely for the purpose of the Parent-Mentor training and will only be shared with the program in which your child is enrolled.

Your application must be submitted by May 20, 2004. If you are selected, your Head Start program will be given funds to cover the costs of your participation. It is important to note that child care services will not be available at the training site. Therefore, it is essential that you make safe and appropriate child care arrangements before you leave home.

If you would like more information about these requirements and the application process, please call the Parent-Mentor hotline at 1-877-488-4888. Information is also available at www.headstartinfo.org Parent-Mentor Training.

I hope you will consider participating in this leadership opportunity.

Sincerely,

Windy M. Hill
Associate Commissioner
Head Start Bureau