Early Head Start

 

HOW CAN EARLY HEAD START HELP MY CHILD?

Educational
The experiences your child has during preschool years are very important to his or her intellectual, emotional, social and physical development. They also make a huge difference in his or her future success – in school, and throughout life.

The Head Start programs provide a stimulating environment where your child can explore, learn by doing, and interact with other children under the guidance of a degreed teacher and an assistant teacher.

Each child is individually assessed to determine his or her particular needs, and the Head Start curriculum is adapted to meet those needs. Special classroom guests and field trips add to children's learning experiences.

Since parents are the most important influence on a child, Head Start programs emphasize parental involvement and education. Two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences are scheduled each year, so that parents and Head Start personnel can work together on behalf of the child.


Nutrition
Good nutrition is essential to learning. To ensure that each child's nutritional needs are being met, Head Start participates in a nutritional program sponsored by the Ohio Department of Education's Office of Child and Nutrition Services. The program provides hot meals and nutritious snacks, and also helps to establish healthy eating habits and positive attitudes towards food.


Disabilities
Children with disabilities and other special needs are included in Head Start classes and receive individual and group instruction.


Social Services
Family Service staff is the link between Head Start families and community referral service agencies. This staff conducts home visits and assists families to achieve their goals. Training and workshops are offered based on a needs assessment. Support services for fathers and grandparents are also offered.


HEAD START FACILITIES AND PROGRAM OPTIONS

MYCAP's Head Start programs have been serving Mahoning County children for over 30 years. There are currently over 1,200 children and their families enrolled in the local Head Start program.

Two program options are available:

  1. Center-based
    Full-day sessions for Early Head Start children (birth to 3 years old) are also held at the Renaissance Learning Center.


  2. Full-day/full-year
    This option is operated via partnerships with various child care centers.

MYCAP oversees 30 Head Start classrooms at 9 sites throughout Mahoning County, as well as two Early Head Start classrooms. All Head Start facilities must meet federal health and safety standards and are regularly inspected and licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

To learn more about Head Start and determine which program will be best for your child, call the MYCAP offices at (330) 747-7921 or mailto:mycapadmin@my-cap.org