Goals

IHSD’s programs are based on the following overarching goals:

• Provide individualized programs
  IHSD’s programs utilize a curriculum relevant to the individual needs of each child, as well as to the diverse, multi-cultural population that the agency serves.
  
• Promote family literacy
  IHSD’s programs provide children and families with meaningful literacy experiences and encourage parents to become active participants in their child(ren)’s education.
• Integrate children with special needs
  IHSD integrates children with disabilities and special needs into each of its programs, and emphasizes individualized programming to meet the unique needs of these children.
• Promote health
  IHSD provides space, materials, and equipment to promote children’s physical growth, and provides a healthy, safe physical environment that meets state and local licensing requirements; IHSD’s programs also enrich the children’s learning environment by integrating many services, including health, nutrition and mental health.
• Involve parents
  IHSD’s programs enhance the role of parents as the prime educators of their children; The agency provides parents with opportunities to participate in various program activities and become involved in programmatic decision-making; Each of the child development programs at IHSD offers opportunities for parents to increase their knowledge about child growth, development and activities that foster learning in the home.
• Foster self-sufficiency
  IHSD staff link families to needed resources and services in the community; By empowering families to fulfill their needs, and encouraging parents to take a role in civic and community activities, staff help families to understand how they can achieve their goals and make changes in their community. children and families with meaningful literacy experiences and encourage parents to become active participants in their community.