What is a Head Start Family Advocate?
A Head Start Family Advocate is a key member of the Windham Early Childhood Center who works closely with families to ensure that every child has the support needed to succeed in school and in life. Family Advocates serve as a bridge between home, school, and community services.
What a Family Advocate Does:
Supports Families: Works with parents and caregivers to set goals, access resources, and strengthen family well-being.
Connects to Services: Helps families navigate and access community resources such as health care, dental care, housing support, job training, food assistance, and mental health services.
Encourages Parent Engagement: Promotes family participation in the classroom, school activities, and leadership opportunities within the Head Start program.
Advocates for Children and Families: Partners with families to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met, both in the school setting and in the wider community.
Promotes Child Development: Collaborates with teachers and staff to support children’s learning, social-emotional growth, and overall development.
Family Advocates play an essential role in empowering families, strengthening connections, and ensuring children are ready for school and lifelong success.
Our Family Advocates are:
Early Head Start Advocate
Marisely Ortiz Torres mOrtizTorres@windham.k12.ct.us
PreK Family Advocates are:
Kerumi Huertas kHuertas@windham.k12.ct.us
Glenda Borgos gBorgos@windham.k12.ct.us
Tisha Salgado tSalgado@windham.k12.ct.us