The Family Services Philosophy of CDS is that children live within the context of some type of family and will succeed in life best if the entire family is supported. Each family that comes into our program should be provided high quality family and community partnership services to the whole family to help them live the best lives possible. The Family Services Philosophy incorporates both the Portage Project’s core values and the competency goals for Head Start staff working with families.

Core Values:
-Strength Based: Focus on the strengths of children, families, and staff to build positive relationships and guide intervention.
- Ecological: Consider the larger environmental context in which children, families, staff, and programs exist.
- Family Centered: Allow families to guide the work we do and be the primary decision makers.
- Relationship Based: Learning occurs within the context of relationships.
Relationships support us personally and professionally.
- Reflective: Take time to think individually and collectively about the work we do with families and one another. 

Competency Goals:
#1- Establish mutually respectful partnerships with families to enhance the quality of their lives and their communities.
#2- Support families’ efforts to reach their goals.
#3- Offer parents opportunities to be involved in group activities, including policy groups and educational activities based on interest and need.
#4- Provide opportunities for children and families to participate in family literacy services.
#5- Coordinate and integrate Head Start services in order to enhance effectiveness.
#6- Support families in accessing other community resources.
#7- Assist families in crisis.
#8- Respect and respond competently to the culture, traditions, lifestyle, language, and values of each family and community.
#9- Contribute to effective program practices and maintain a commitment to professionalism.