HS/EHS of Fayette County Alphabet Safari Parent Engagement Event

Families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start of Fayette County were invited to “Alphabet Safari” held at the Lemont Furnace Head Start Center on November 19, 2025. The theme of the event was to focus on language and literacy skills from the program’s school readiness goals. We also had several activities for families to do during the event as they adventured through the building. Prior to the event, families were provided with an in-kind activity to make a 3D diorama of a safari environment. The families’ dioramas were on display the night of the event.  The families all did such a great job! The dioramas were very cool!

One hundred and seven HS/EHS staff members were present and eager to support families as they made their way through the activities. Families were greeted by staff at the doors to sign in. The families were then able to participate in various activities. The activities included alphabet hunt, Elmer the Elephant, lion letters, alligator swamp obstacle course, animal tracks hopscotch, yawn yak yoga, snap and learn alligators, beginning sound match, sensory bins, animal masks puppet theater, what’s in the jeep mystery box, read aloud, safari rhyme toss, monkey and banana story builder, animal sort, and sensory room. Our school nurse completed lead and hemoglobin tests and staff from the health team completed vision and hearing screens on enrolled children. Lastly, families were offered a light refreshment that included fresh vegetables of carrots and broccoli and dip, fresh fruit of blueberries, kiwi, bananas strawberries, and pears, cheese, peperoni and salami, alphabet veggie cheese puffs, alphabet cookies, and animal crackers, bottled water, and juices. The families were provided with a bag upon entering the event that included the book Alligator Alphabet, a safari stuffed animal, and a set of safari animal building blocks.

We were joined by a few community agencies at Alphabet Safari. The Private Industry Council along with a representative from PA CareerLink. Fayette County Behavioral Health and WQED/PBS also joined in for the event.

In attendance were 83 families; 183 adults (45 being male), 68 Head Start children, 36 Early Head Start children, and 57 siblings. There was also one family that came that was not enrolled. We completed 1 application for enrollment. Feedback from the families, included statements from parents such as “This was a great program. One of the best that you have done!” “Great Event. Love to have more during the year.” “This was a very fun event!”