What does a typical head start day look like?
Head Start takes place in a classroom setting. Depending on the center, children may attend:
- Four to five days a week
- Three and a half to eight hours per day
Curriculum
A research-based curriculum entitled The Creative Curriculum Preschool System is implemented throughout the program. All children’s strengths and needs are met through individualization.
- Social/Emotional: Children make friends, learn to cooperate, gain self-confidence, express feelings appropriately, and develop independence.
- Language/Literacy: Children will increase vocabulary, use full sentences in conversations, rhyme words, gain knowledge of the alphabet, use books, and write their name.
- Approaches to Learning: Children will learn to complete work, show creativity and interest, and get excited about learning.
- Cognition/Early Math: Children will learn to count, describe shapes, measure and create patterns.
- Physical Development: Children will learn to balance and control large muscles to ride trikes, climb, and run with coordination. Children will also be able to use small muscles to write and draw.
The activities planned for children, the environment, toys and materials, the daily schedule, and interactions with teachers are all designed to prepare children for kindergarten.
What criteria are considered for Head Start when selecting children?
The selection criteria used has been approved by our Policy Council and takes into consideration the child’s age, family income, diagnosed disabilities and other factors that impact children.
- Children must live in United Community Action Partnership service area of Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Redwood, and Renville counties
- Meet income guidelines set by the Federal government
- Must be three to five-years-old
Does Head Start provide transportation?
Head Start provides transportation at the following locations:
- Jackson
- Marshall
- Mountain Lake
- Redwood Falls
- Tracy
There are other transportation opportunities at various locations.
Apply for Early Head Start or Head Start
Interested in learning more about the Early Head Start or Head Start program? Reach out to our main office!
Family Participation Opportunities
Family engagement is welcomed and encouraged in the child’s education. Volunteer activities take place at home, in the classroom, and in the community.
Classroom Volunteers
- Read to children
- Be an expert visitor
- General cleaning
- Building and playground maintenance and repair
- Help teachers prepare materials
- Assist on walking study trips
- Help children put on winter gear
- Teach a small group
- Help with kitchen duties
Volunteer from Home
- Help prepare materials for the classroom
- Laundry (washing dress up clothes/blankets)
- Work on At-Home activities with your child
Other Opportunities for Family Engagement
- Be involved in Parent Committee meetings
- Become a Policy Council member
- Provide direction for the program
- Work with the Board of Directors and Program Managers