Behavior Management
Within 45 days of entering the program families alongside our behavioral management will be requested to complete a copy of the Ages & Stages Questionnaire-Social Emotional. This questionnaire allows us to recognize which children are at risk for social or emotional difficulties, identify behaviors of concern to caregivers, and identify any need for further assessment. This assessment will not be completed without the consent of the parent.
In situations where a child is displaying extreme aggression or oppositional behavior that may lead to harm to themselves or others, our teaching and management staff are trained to use a behavior management system called Handle With Care. This system is specifically designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children who are displaying disruptive or violent behavior.
Handle With Care is a comprehensive program that provides effective strategies for managing difficult behavior without resorting to physical restraint or other harmful interventions. It is grounded in the principles of trauma-informed care and emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with children and families to address the underlying issues that may be contributing to the child’s behavior.
Children with Special Needs
WHS provides services to children with special needs. The children participate in all activities to the extent of their abilities. WHS works along with the school district to ensure that each special needs child has an Individual Education Program (IEP) and receives all the appropriate and necessary services. Any equipment needed is provided, as well as any training the staff may need to welcome the child into the classroom.
To review more information on our behavior screenings please refer to our parent handbook.
Here is a list of family services offered by Wilmington Head Start:
- Family Service Advocates (FSAs) assigned to work with families throughout their tenure at WHS
- Coordinating services and needs, including medical appointments and community resources such as employment services and housing
- Encouraging family involvement and volunteerism
- Providing transparency and oversight of the program
- Offering opportunities for family participation in both the Parent Committee and the Policy Council
- Emphasizing father engagement and the importance of male family members and father figures in children’s healthy development
- Celebrating the diversity of all families.