Family Engagement
As their child’s first teacher, parents play an important role in preparing their child for school and for a lifetime of success. The CAPE Head Start and Early Head Start program partners with families to offer assistance with this endeavor. Our program provides opportunities for families to develop and strengthen relationships, form connections with peers and the community, set and reach their goals, build confidence and knowledge, advocate for their children, and participate in program decision making.
Parents are encouraged to participate in monthly parent meetings to interact with other parents and help plan activities in the program. Parents are also encouraged to participate in Policy Council, volunteer in the classroom, self-assessment, and participate in the Male Initiative Program. Some of the most exciting family engagement activities throughout the year include:
- Family Bowling Night
- Popcorn and a Movie
- Costume Party
- Sweetheart Dance
- Winter Wonderland
- Carnival
Family Fun Day- End of the year celebration
CAPE Family Engagement Center
Established in 199, the Family engagement Center chiefly assists Head Start Families but is open to the public.
Participants range in age, and come from diverse backgrounds.
Family Literacy Services are provided in Gibson, Posey, and Vanderburgh counties.
The Center Offers
- ESL (English as a Second Language)
- Life Skills
- Job Search Assistance
- One-to-One Tutoring
- Computer/Keyboarding
- Basic Math and Reading
- Family Literacy/Parent Child Programs
As a part of the Community Action Program of Evansville, the CAPE Family Engagement Center assists participants with emergency and social service needs through direct referral.
What to Expect from your first meeting…
Upon arrival, each learner receives one-to-one guidance to assist individual needs and determine an educational plan. Much of the Center’s emphasis is on building the learners self-esteem and confidence. We motivate and assist the learner to create a vision for the future. Once a plan is established, Center staff and volunteers help students toward and achieve their goal(s).
Parents As First Teacher
Head Start believes a parent is the most important teacher a child has. The CAPE Family Engagement Center supports this philosophy by offering a variety of Family Literacy Program options.
Program Options…
- Individualized instructions and assessment utilizing books, computers, internet and other non-traditional tools in a comfortable positive environment.
- Evening Instruction Monday through Thursday until 6.00 p.m. Childcare is also available.
- Head Start parents who are unable to participate in on-site instruction may apply for home study. Those with disability, no transportation, very small children, any other barriers are given priority.
Fatherhood Program:
Reggie Fox and Reggie Fox Jr. discuss his dad reading to his classroom
The Fatherhood Program at CAPE Head Start invites Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Big Brothers, Cousins or Family Friend to participate. The program is designed to continually bring awareness to the value a Father figure can have on the life of a child. Males are invited into the classrooms, on field trips, Serve on committees throughout the agency. The Males meet once a month at the Family Engagement Center in Vanderburgh County alongside scheduled Parent meetings in Posey and Gibson Counties.
There are opportunities for Male Only events, Men and Women, Male and their child(s) and Males with their Family and Friends. Some events such as, The Annual Sweet Heart Dance, Read to Me Dad, football, baseball and golf outings, Bowling, Special requested speakers and an opportunity to share your gifts and talents.
Fathers play and invaluable and irreplaceable role in the development and lives of their children. Our staff is committed and look forward to the positive impact you may have on the children and families we serve.