Our Services

 

Education

Head Start's educational program is designed to meet each child's individual needs within the context of his/her culture and community. Head Start's experience has shown that the needs of children vary considerably from community to community, and that to serve these needs most effectively, programs must take into account community resources, the capabilities of local staff, as well as the developmental needs of the children served.
Every child is provided a variety of learning experiences to foster intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth, either through a center-based or home-based setting. Children participate in indoor and outdoor activities that promote the development of skills and concepts through play. They are encouraged to express their feelings in appropriate ways, develop self-confidence and self-esteem, and learn how to get along successfully with others.

 

Health Services
Every child is provided a comprehensive health care program to ensure that medical, dental, nutrition, developmental and mental health needs are met. Head Start emphasizes the importance of obtaining and maintaining optimum health which includes assisting families in securing a medical and dental home, promoting regular health and dental check-ups, and ensuring that early identification, intervention and follow-up of health concerns are done. Health education is incorporated into the curriculum for all program options and settings and is promoted within parent groups and at staff training to encourage healthy practices.

 

Medical

All Head Start children receive a complete physical exam through their medical home. Staff ensures that every child receives all age-appropriate immunizations and health screenings in accordance with the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) schedules. Health screenings, including vision, hearing, blood pressure, hemoglobin, growth, and developmental screenings are provided. Health records and results are reviewed to identify the possible need for treatment and follow up and for the identification of possible disabilities.

 

Dental
All Head Start children receive a complete dental screening through their dental home, and parents are encouraged to follow up with 6-month checkups and treatment, as needed. Dental hygiene is fostered through tooth brushing in the classroom and through ongoing dental education for children and parents. Fluoride supplements are encouraged where appropriate.

 

Nutrition

Children are served a minimum of one hot meal (lunch) and breakfast or snack each day in order to meet at least one-third of their daily nutritional needs. Nutritionists oversee nutrition-related activities, including providing technical support around nutrition education for children and helping staff develop an educational program for parents on selecting healthy foods and preparing well-balanced, nutritious meals. Nutritionists also provide assistance in accessing community resources and services when needed.

 

Special Services

Children with suspected speech and language or developmental delays are referred for observation and assessment by specialists. Appropriate follow-up is provided, which includes parent counseling and classroom consultations, as needed. Children may be monitored and/or referred for additional evaluation and/or referred for additional evaluation and/or services.

 

Services to Children with Disabilities

Since 1972, Head Start has successfully carried out a congressional mandate which requires that at least ten percent of its enrollment opportunities be provided to children with disabilities. Head Start is an inclusive setting which provides children with a range and variety of abilities, experiences, and needs, the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop together. Special needs children and their families receive the fullrange of Head Start services. In addition, Head Start staff works closely with families and agencies to provide services to meet the special needs of those children and their families.

 

Parent Involvement
We believe parents are the most important influence in a child's development and through direct involvement of parents in program planning and policy-making, families are given a greater role in the welfare of their children. Parents serve as members of the Policy Council and Parent Committees and have a voice in administrative and managerial decisions. Through participation in the classroom, attendance at workshops on child development, activities sent home, or home visits by staff, parents learn about the needs of their child and about developmentally appropriate educational activities that can be carried out in the home.

 

Policy Council
The Policy Council is a body that provides a formal means of involving parents in the decision making process of the Head Start program. The Council is made up of representatives from center and home base programs. They meet monthly with the Director, Assistant Director, Program Managers, and Community Representatives. The Council is the defining difference between Head Start and all other child care programs. We empower our parents to make a DIRECT impact in their child's education program.

 

Career Development and Training

Head Start provides staff at all levels and in all program areas with specific training to improve job performance and opportunities for career advancement. In-house training, as well as opportunities to attend classes and community workshops enables staff to meet professional development goals. A goal of the program is also to provide opportunities for parents to learn a job skill and gain on-site experience in order to be more marketable in the employment arena.

 

More about Head Start
Nationally, the Head Start program has played a major role in focusing the attention of the country on the importance of early childhood development, especially in the first five years of life. Head Start has served as a model for many programs in the planning of child development and day care services, on the expansion of state and local activities for children and their families, and on the design of training programs for those who staff such programs.

The program has led in efforts to improve the cognitive abilities and social competence of young children. Studies have indicated that Head Start children score higher than comparable non-Head Start children in preschool achievement tests that measure these abilities. The studies also show that Head Start children perform equal to or better than their peers do when they enter regular school, and there are fewer grade retention and special class placements. The Head Start outreach and training programs have helped provide low-income parents with the knowledge and resources they need to build a better life for their children.