Head Start
What is Head Start?
Head Start is a federally funded program for children ages three to five, not attending kindergarten.It is offered at no charge to eligible families and eligibility is based on age and income.
A reminder: childcare beyond the Head Start day is charged to the family.
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, experimentation, inquiry, observation, play and exploration are used. Opportunities are provided for creative self-expression such as art, music, movement and dialogue.
Children and their families 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 also works with the child.
The program offers socialization opportunities two times per month. These socialization meetings offer the child and families the opportunity 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 collaborate with Central Valley, Hillsboro and Dakota Prairie school districts to provide a Pre-K environment. Collaborative agreements currently in place outline 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 are planning to attend kindergarten the following school year. Options for days vary from site to site as the hours are set according to the school district's schedule. 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.
Children and their families 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.
