Family Partnerships


The questions in this section of the Interview/Self Study Guide help programs self-reflect on ensuring the involvement of parents of children with disabilities in programmatic decisions as well as protecting their rights. The interview (or self-study) is useful for Early Head Start/Head Start staff and TA providers responsible for coordination of services to children with disabilities and their families.

The following is an excerpt from Disability Services Interview/Self Study Guide. Family Partnerships Describe parent support activities or parent training related to disabilities issues. Describe activities, which assist families to prepare for transitions, both into Head Start and, later, into the public schools. How are issues affecting families of children with disabilities represented in parent committee/policy groups? How does the program assure parents that staff follows confidentiality and informed consent policies regarding disability services? How do you assure that parents are fully informed of their rights under IDEA and are supported in their role as decisionmaker for their child? Describe activities to promote family self–advocacy regarding disabilities services, both within Head Start and in dealing with other agencies. See also: Disability Services Interview - Self Study Guide

"Family Partnerships." Disability Services Interview/Self Study Guide. HHS/ACF/ACYF/HSB. 2004. English.