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Services for Children and Families
Disabilities
A minimum of 10% of Head Start enrollment opportunities are allocated to children with special needs. The program works in partnership with local school districts and assures that children with special needs can learn and interact with their non-handicapped peers in a less restrictive environment.
Education
Children learn best in a learning environment which is nurturing, accepting, safe, educationally stimulating, and provides many opportunities to explore, discover and create.
Health
Health Education services assure that all children’s health, dental, and development needs are individually met. Children and families participate in ongoing learning opportunities so that they may become comfortable and effective in actively practicing the principles of preventive health, emergency First Aid, and personal and family safety
Mental Health
A variety of developmental screening services and special help for children with a behavior or developmental issue are provided. These services are designed to enhance the parent-child interactions and promote optimal mental health
Nutrition
Children and parents attending the center are provided with two warm, balance meals each day designed to assist in meeting their daily nutritional needs. Nutrition education is integrated into the children’s educational program and family education activities. Through this nutrition component, children are invited to try new foods, experience dishes from other cultures, and learn through active meal preparation, field trips, etc
Parent Involvement and Training
Head Start encourages the active partnership of parents in designing and operating the HS program and by participating in “family connection” opportunities.
Social Services
By reaching out to families early in their child’s development, Head Start can assist families develop the skills and secure important resources that can enhance their child’s life, their family unit, and the community in which they live. The focus may be on economic self-sufficiency, family strengths, and/or creating safe and healthy home
Transportation
Head Start provides a comprehensive system for transporting children and their families to and from the Head Start center. Transportation is provided to as wide a geographical area as possible and is not a guaranteed service. Families who cannot be provided transportation may be eligible to receive a transportation reimbursement to support their child’s daily attendance. Head Start buses regularly transport children and families for field trips and educational programs in the community. A Head Start fleet of 24 vehicles operates daily to assist children and families to participate in Head Start center programs.
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