River Dell Head Start

Head Start is a comprehensive preschool education program designed to strengthen the young child and his or her entire family. The program provides low-income families access to services that promote self-sufficiency. The program offers education and early childhood development, comprehensive health care programming, parent involvement programming, and family services.
The program has 142 employees and 32% are former Head Start parents. All of our teachers have Associates or Bachelors degrees. Eight Family Service staffers work one-on-one with Head Start Families to assist them in meeting their self-sufficiency goals. Mental Health and Nutrition are vital components in the Head Start experience. Nutritious meals and snacks are served daily. As well, all Head Start students receive annual physicals, dental examinations, immunizations, and mental health screenings. In addition, the program provides extensive services to children with special needs.
Head Start is committed to parent involvement and kindergarten readiness to ensure a firm foundation and academic success. The program specializes in developmentally appropriate literacy activities coupled with strategies that promote independence and preparation for the transition from home to school. To promote parent involvement, Head Start sponsors parent trainings, a resource fiar, book fairs, parent meetings, and fatherhood activities. Parents are also invivted to participate on the Head Start Policy Council.
The Head Start Wrap-Around Program is funded by the Department of Social Services with funds received through the Partnership for Children. Wrap around provided before and after school care at the Smithfield Head Start Center to approximately 60 children.

Child Ages:

3 years - 5 years

Licenses & Accreditations:

North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education

Special Needs:

Please contact us for more information.

Preschool:

Yes