Family Services

 

All enrolled families are provided a Family Advocate who works with them to develop a Family Partnership Agreement and set goals to support each family. BBI families work with their Family Advocate on goals that are designed to empower parents and transform the lives of families.

Our Family Services Program provides knowledgeable and reliable resources to families to assist them in:

  • Building economic assets

  • Supporting personal health & wellbeing

  • Accruing social capital

Parent Engagement

 
BBI - Web Graphics 1.18.png

Bright Beginnings is deeply committed to a two-generation approach and works closely with parents to help the whole family succeed.

Parents are encouraged to attend BBI’s Parent Orientation Fair on the first Friday in August each year, and join their child for the first half of the first day. During the first day, they can meet teachers and learn about our curriculum, instructional practices and services.

BBI’s monthly parent-teacher conferences keep parents updated on their child’s progress and how they can support their child’s education outside the classroom. Our twice yearly home visits ensure that our teachers know and understand the unique needs of each family.

Parents are also encouraged to volunteer in the classrooms, serve as chaperones on field trips, participate on a parent committee, and serve on the Parent Policy Council which reviews and approves all Head Start budgets.

  • Parent Policy Council

    The Parent Policy Council is a group of Head Start and Early Head Start parents and community members who help lead and make decisions about each program. Parent Policy Council members are elected by the parents of children enrolled in the program. The Policy Council meets monthly as a group and works closely with the BBI staff to provide guidance and feedback to the program.

    Children, parents, and the program all benefit when parents take on leadership roles. Children learn more and experience healthier development at school and at home. Parents can become more confident, gain skills, and connect with other parents and staff. Program staff learn about the strengths, interests, and needs of the children, families, and community they serve.

  • Case Management and the CARE TEAM

    Each family is assigned a Family Advocate who works in conjunction with community partners to support the family’s health and well-being. The Family Advocate supports families by developing goals for the Family Partnership Agreement and connecting them with important resources, services, and programming.

    When families are not making consistent progress toward their goals, our team of highly trained and specialized staff meet to discuss the necessary interventions and supports the families need to move toward goal completion. The BBI CARE Team is comprised of the MDT Coordinator, Child & Family Trauma Specialist, Family Services Manager, Family Advocates, Infant & Maternal Services Manager, Home Visitors, Partnerships Coordinator, Fatherhood Specialist, Health Services Manager and Data Management Analyst.

  • Transition Services

    When a child leaves Bright Beginnings to enroll in kindergarten, the Family Service Team helps parents select the most appropriate kindergarten program for their child and obtains all necessary information for enrollment. Family Advocates accompany parents on visits to new schools prior to enrollment and assist them with the enrollment process. Our teaching staff prepares children for the transition to kindergarten by facilitating visits to kindergarten classrooms and helping the child to process any fears and anxieties they may have about transitioning.

    Each child transitioning from BBI to kindergarten will receive a tablet, culturally affirming books, school supplies, a bookbag, and school uniforms.

Self-Sufficiency Matrix

During the 2018-2019 school year, BBI launched our Self-Sufficiency Matrix (SSM). The matrix is a measurement tool used by case management staff and our CARE (crisis-intervention) Team. Family Advocates assess families using the matrix by asking questions and scoring families in specific categories such as: mental health, employment stability, safety, food access, and more. This measurement enables BBI to identify families who are in crisis and provide them with employment assistance, legal advice, guidance in finding housing, and access to other resources.