Edmond Head Start

Head Start is a developmental program to identify and meet the individual needs of income eligible children and their families. Parents and teachers work together to meet the needs of the children and their immediate families through activities for emotional, social, intellectual, and physical growth.

Contents

• Who Is Eligible
• Child Development
• Health & Safety
• Nutrition
• Mental Health & Severe Disabilities
• Family Partnerships
• Program Governance/Parent Involvement
• Pre-Natal to Three Program
• Community Partnerships Literacy Program
• Thirty-Six (36) Centers

Who is Eligible: Children 3 to 5 years of age are eligible for enrollment if their families meet the income guidelines of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).

Child Development: During orientation and enrollment each child receives a developmental screening. This screening is the first step in planning for the Student Education Plan (SEP). After enrollment and classes begin, developmental assessments are completed on each child every three (3) months to determine their strengths and weaknesses. Classroom activities and Student Education Plans are formulated from this assessment and ongoing observation. Each parent receives monthly home or center visits. During this visit the teacher and parent discuss activities for the center, home and other information vital to the childs development.

Health & Safety: Each child is assessed for health needs and receives a thorough medical and dental examination followed by treatment when necessary. Speech, hearing, visual and other health screenings are also provided.

Nutrition: Breakfast is offered and each child receives a hot lunch and supplement (snack) daily.

Mental Health: A certified professional provides every child with an individualized Mental Health observation. Classroom observation provides assurance of a healthy environment for the Head Start child. Disabilities: The Head Start mission is to provide an inclusive atmosphere for children with all disabilities, including severe disabilities. The program is required to make at least ten percent (10%) of its enrollment available to children with disabilities

Family Partnerships: A Family Partnership Agreement will be initiated as early as possible to assist the family in its effort to improve the condition and quality of life. This agreement will be to establish mutual trust and identify family goals, strengths, necessary services and other supports.

Program Governance & Parent Involvement: Parents help determine how the Head Start program operates by serving on Center Committees and the Policy Council. Parents are also asked to participate directly as home teachers and as volunteers in the center.

Pre-Natal to Three Program (P-3): This is a comprehensive program designed to work with families prior to their entrance into Head Start.

Community Partnerships: Head Start recognizes that it serves families within the context of the community, and that many other agencies and groups work with the same families. Head Start will collaborate with these community partners to provide the highest level of services to children and their families, to foster the development of a continuum of family centered services and to advocate for a community that shares responsibility for the healthy development of children and families of all cultures.

Literacy Program: Head Start initiated a literacy program in 1991 to combat the inter-generational cycle of illiteracy among preschool children and their families. Since literacy is best accomplished through the parents and the homes, the program includes center based GED classes. On the Center level, the staff encourages language development and literacy concepts, including the “Simply Phonics/Simply Reading” program.

Head Start Centers: The centers are located throughout Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County, serving approximately 2,000 children. Each child is assigned to the center for five (5) one-half days weekly. For a list of Head Start Centers, click here.

Schedule of Events: A monthly calendar will be made available at the Central Office. Please contact our office and we will be delighted to send you a copy.

Child Ages:

3 years - 5 years

Licenses & Accreditations:

Oklahoma Department of Human Services - Two Star