C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation

Head Start Program

What are the goals of Head Start?

Head Start is a national program providing comprehensive developmental services primarily to low-income preschool children. The approach is based on the philosophy that a child can benefit most from a comprehensive program to foster their development. To help enrolled children achieve their full potential, Head Start programs provide comprehensive health, nutritional, educational, social, parent involvement and other services.

The Head Start Program offers both Center and Home Base programs in the seven-county service area. The Head Start Program is funded by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The program has 18 Center Base Programs serving 435 children and their families, 2 Home Base Programs serving 24 children and their families and one Child Care Collaboration serving 8 children and their families for a total of 467 children.

Head Start is "Building America's Future."

Double Session Centers hold 2 sessions per facility each day for 3 1/2 hours each session. Full Day Centers hold 1 session per facility each day for 6 1/2 hours. Home Base meets 1 1/2 hours once a week, with two socialization days held each month. The Child Care Collaboration offers full day services with extended child care services as needed to meet the needs of working parents

Locations of Programs:

The Head Start Program is operated by local non-profit organizations in almost every county in the country. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They have healthy meals and snacks, enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting, plus receive free medical and dental care (if they qualify).

Head Start helps all children succeed. Services are also offered to children with special needs. Children in Head Start are between the ages of three and five years old.

The Head Start program provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. The Head Start staff recognize that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. Parents involvement in Head Start activities are welcomed as they work as partners with the program to help children succeed.

The Head Start staff members offer children love, acceptance, understanding, and the opportunity to learn and experience success. Head Start children socialize with others, solve problems, and have other experiences which help them become self-confident. The children also improve their listening and language skills.

The children spend time in stimulating settings where they form good habits, enjoy playing with toys and working on tasks with classmates. Children will leave Head Start more prepared for Kindergarten, excited about learning, and ready to succeed.

Head Start children will also be examined by skilled professionals for any health problems. Professionals will arrange vision and hearing tests and any needed immunizations. Head Start offers a nutrition assessment and dental exam as well. Children with health needs receive follow-up care. Mental health and other services are available for children and families with special needs.

Children who enroll in Head Start attend a Double Session Program, a Full Day Program, Full Day/Full Year Program or a Home-Based setting. In the Home-Based Program, Home Visitors teach parents how to provide learning experiences for their own children.

The Center-Based Programs offer children transportation to and from school. When the children arrive at the Center, they are greeted warmly by their teachers. They put whatever they have brought from home in a place which is their own to use every day.

Classroom time includes many different activities. Some teachers begin the day by asking the children to sit in a circle. This encourages the children to talk about an idea or experience they want to share with others. The children plan their activities. They may choose among art, playing with blocks or table toys, science activities, dancing to music, looking at books, or pretend housekeeping. Children can switch activities if they prefer another challenge. Each day, they have time to work in a small group with other children and to play outdoors on safe playground equipment.

Children receive nutritious meals and snacks. All the students are taught to wash their hands before meals, to brush their teeth and are encouraged to develop good personal and health habits.

Head Start offers parents a sense of belonging, support services, and a chance to be involved in activities to help the whole family. Parents can take part in training classes on many subjects, such as child rearing, job training, learning about health and nutrition, and using free resources in your own community. Some parents learn the English language; others learn to read. Head Start also offers assistance to parents interested in obtaining a high school General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or other adult education opportunities. If a family member has a special problem, such as drug or alcohol abuse, job loss, or other family crisis, the family can receive help through Head Start. Head Start staff refer families needing assistance to medical, social welfare, or employment specialists in the community. They will follow up to see if further assistance is needed.

Parents and community members can become Head Start volunteers and learn more about child development. They can also have a voice in the Head Start Program by serving on various committees. Parents' experiences in Head Start have raised their own self-confidence and improved their ability to make decisions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact one of our local centers or offices.

Write or call our central office:

Head Start Program
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation
1805 S Banker
P O Box 928
Effingham IL 62401-0928
(217) 342-2193 Extension 139
fax (217) 342-4701

Or contact us by E-Mail:

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