Head Start's educational approach places emphasis on hands on learning through play. Staff members work with families to assist with needs such as medical care and counseling. There are many opportunities for parents to be involved in the program.
The educational goal of our program is to develop each child's potential for success. A wide variety of activities are offered to help children grow mentally, socially, emotionally and physically. Children learn skills that will help them be successful in kindergarten. The program supports parents/caregivers as the first and most important teachers of their children. Children attend class and teachers also visit families in their homes.
The goal of the Family Partnership component is to foster independence in families as they recognize strengths, solve problems and gain confidence.
Staff members work with families to assist with essentials such as housing, transportation, literacy, employment, medical care, and counseling. The program partners with families to assist them in setting goals and developing ways to achieve their goals. Head Start works with community agencies to better serve families and provides educational trainings. Families are helped to access GED and ELL classes.
Parents have a central role in the program. Opportunities for involvement include participation in monthly parent/family meetings and volunteering in the classroom and on field trips. Parents are also involved as decision-makers on the Policy Council, a governing body that is made up of Kidco Head Start parents and community representatives. Emphasis is also placed on parent education including child growth and development, health, nutrition, safety and prevention of child abuse, neglect and domestic violence.
Making sure every child has an ongoing source of healthcare is a priority for this program. Vision, hearing and developmental screenings are scheduled throughout the year. If needed, families are assisted with scheduling, transportation and interpretation for their child's medical appointments. Family Advocates review immunization records with parents to ensure that each child is up to date on well child care. Valuable health resources are explored and shared with families in need.
Kidco Head Start provides healthy meals for children in our program. Our menu emphasizes foods that are low in fat, sugar and salt and high in fiber. All menus are approved by the
USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. A Registered Dietician will conduct a nutrition assessment on each child. Nutrition is integrated in the classroom through curriculum and nutrition activities.
To learn more about our Head Start program view our 2010-2011 Annual Report.
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