Our Services

 

Education
Our educational program is designed to meet each child's individual needs within the context of his/her culture and community. Our 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 receives 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 and are introduced to skills and concepts through play. They are encouraged to express their feelings in appropriate ways, to develop self-confidence and self-esteem, and to learn how to get along with others.

 

Health Services
All enrollees, which includes pregnant women, infants, toddlers and preschoolers, receive a comprehensive health care program to ensure that medical, dental, nutrition, developmental and mental health needs are met. Emphasis is placed on the importance of obtaining and maintaining optimum health which includes assisting in the establishment and collaboration with a medical and dental home, promotion of regular health check-ups, and the early identification, intervention and follow-up of health concerns. Health education is incorporated into the classroom, parent groups and at staff training.

 

Medical
All enrollees receive a complete physical exam through their medical home. Testing such as vision, hearing, blood pressure, hemoglobin, and developmental screenings may be provided. Health records and results are reviewed to identify the possible need for treatment and follow-ups and for the identification of possible disabling conditions.

 

Dental
All enrollees receive a complete dental screening through their dental home. Dental hygiene is fostered through daily tooth brushing in the classroom and on-going dental education for children. Parents also receive information about fluoride supplements, proper flossing techniques, snack suggestions of food with low sugar content and other useful information at workshops and through flyers. Dental hygiene is fostered through daily tooth brushing in the classroom and on-going dental education for children. Parents also receive dental information about fluoride supplements, proper flossing techniques and alternative snacks and limiting the intake of sugary foods at parent workshops and flyers.

 

Nutrition
Children are served a minimum of one hot meal (lunch) and a breakfast or a snack each day in order to meet at least one-third of their daily nutritional needs. In addition, children in full day programs receive an afternoon snack. Our nutritionist oversees the food service program, helps the staff to develop a nutrition education curriculum for children and a parent education program with topics such as: how to make healthy food choices, and how to prepare well-balanced meals.

 

Special Services
Children with suspected speech and language or developmental delays are referred for observation and evaluation. Parents are consulted prior to any observation or evaluative service. Parent counseling and classroom consultations are provided when indicated. Head Start recognizes the importance of providing mental health and psychological service to children who show emotional or social developmental concerns. A mental health professional is contracted to provide early intervention services and training to assist staff and parents with strategies to work with children with these concerns.

 

Services to Children with Disabilities
Because children come to us with a range and variety of abilities, experiences and needs, Head Start provides an inclusive setting for all children. The program provides opportunities for all children to learn, grow and develop together. The children with special needs and their families receive the full range of Head Start services, including the development of an individual education plan (IEP). The staff works closely with families and agencies to provide services to meet the special needs of these 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 training to all staff to enhance their job performance skills and to provide opportunities for career advancement. The program encourages staff to continue their education by providing educational leave and financial assistance. Head Start also provides parents with opportunities for on-site training in the classroom as a teacher's assistant and job opportunities within the program.

 

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.