What is Head Start?
The program is federally funded and offered at no charge to eligible families. Eligibility is based on age and income. A reminder childcare beyond the HS day is charged to the family. Head Start is for three to five year olds, not attending kindergarten.
To get more details on eligibility, click here.
Center-Based – Head Start
Head Start classrooms operate Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with wrap-around child care offered in Mayville, Hillsboro and Cooperstown from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The classrooms reflect the Creative Curriculum philosophy and an environment which is structured in a way to support all areas of development. We believe children learn as they play; therefore, they use experimentation, inquiry, observation, play and exploration. Opportunities are provided for creative self-expression such as art, music, movement and dialogue.
Child and family are involved with all Head Start components including health, nutrition, family services, parent involvement, social services and child development. The classroom teacher, classroom aide and administrative staff support and assist the family with any goals they choose to strive for.
Home-based – Head Start
The home-based program is a comprehensive Head Start program option offered in the families’ home and with socialization opportunities. A home visitor will come into the home four times per month. In the home environment, parents are encouraged to be the “teacher.” The home visitor facilitates and works with the child also.
The program offers socialization opportunities two times per month. These socialization meetings offer the child and families the opportunities to come to the center and interact with other children and parents.
The family is involved with all Head Start components including health, nutrition, family services, parent involvement, social services and child development. The home visitor and administrative staff support and assist the family on any goals they choose to strive for.
Collaborative Pre-K
The Child Development Programs collaborates with Central Valley, Hillsboro and Dakota Prairie school districts to provide a Pre-K environment. Collaborative agreements are in place outlining programs, enrollment and other aspects of the program. Head Start center-based services are integrated at the sites. The classrooms provide Head Start and Pre-K opportunities to children who will be expecting to attend kindergarten the following school year. Options for days vary from site to site; the hours are set to the school district’s day. These classrooms also follow the school district calendar.
The Pre-K classrooms reflect the Creative Curriculum philosophy and an environment which is structured in a way to support all areas of development. We believe children learn as they play; therefore, they use experimentation, inquiry, observation, play and exploration. Opportunities are provided for creative self-expression such as art, music, movement and dialogue.
Child and family are involved with all Head Start components including health, nutrition, family services, parent involvement, social services and child development. The classroom teacher, classroom aide and administrative staff support and assist the family with any goals they choose to strive for.