ABOUT HEAD START:
Head Start:
A Comprehensive Child Development Program
HEAD START Helps To Build A Foundation For Children's
Success.
Head Start is a comprehensive program designed to foster the
healthy development of young children from low-income
families. The program has grown from a brief, eight-week
summer program for preschoolers in 1965 to a year-round
program today, serving children from birth to age five and
pregnant women. Head Start provides children from low-
income families with daily nutritious meals and many
opportunities for social, emotional, and intellectual growth that
can prepare them for success in school and in life. The program
also connects children to a health care source and provides
vital support services to their families.
HEAD START includes children with diverse backgrounds
and needs.
Each year, over 800,000 children from low-income families
attend Head Start classrooms or receive Head Start services in
their homes. They include infants and toddlers, children of
migrant farm workers, and American Indian families, as well as
children with disabilities. HEAD START draws on the support of
local communities. Head Start programs are operated by over
1,400 community-based organizations. Grantees include school
districts, universities, community health centers, tribal
governments, city/county governments, community action
agencies, and other profit and nonprofit organizations. The U.
S. government provides 80% of Head Start program funding
through the Department of Health and Human Services. The
remaining 20% must come from community sources. This
requirement helps to ensure that each Head Start program
reflects the strengths, needs, concerns, and cultures of the
local community.
HEAD START has expanded to serve infants and toddlers.
Early Head Start, a program for infants and toddlers, was
initiated in response to the changing needs of low-income
families. It has also been included in research indicating how
critical the period from birth to age three is to a child's healthy
growth and development. Beginning in 1995, sixty-eight Early
Head Start programs were funded to serve more than 5,000
pregnant women and families with children under age three. In
subsequent years, Early Head Start has more than doubled in
size and now serves families in all fifty states, District of
Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
HEAD START has set high standards.
Head Start has established comprehensive standards for
program design and operation and strictly enforces them with
on-site monitoring to ensure that all Head Start children and
their families receive the highest quality of services. The
standards reflect the latest research on the best methods for
working with young children and their families. The Head Start
Program Performance Standards were developed by a diverse
team of child development and health experts, teachers, and
program staff, with input from community partners. The Head
Start Program Performance Standards provide valuable
direction on virtually every aspect of Head Start services.
HEAD START actively supports high-quality services.
Head Start maintains a nationwide training network to assist
local program staff. The network engages experts from a wide
variety of fields, who are available to train, guide and support
the Head Start programs. The network also provides an
information channel to help each Head Start program stay
abreast of successful practices as well as the latest research
and technology. To support delivery of high-quality services, all
Head Start programs are required to maintain effective and
efficient management systems and to recruit and hire staff
who meet qualifications specified in the Head Start regulations.
In addition, Head Start staff receive ongoing training and
professional development to enhance their skills.
HEAD START measures its outcomes for children.
Head Start four-year-olds perform above the levels expected
for children from low-income families who have not attended
center-based programs. They develop a sense of structure and
are better prepared for elementary school. Head Start
research is pioneering methods to evaluate these and other
benefits to ensure that Head Start programs continue to be
accountable to the families they serve and to the wider
community.
HEAD START philosophy is reflected in the services provided to
children & families.
The Primary Service Areas are:
Education and Early Childhood Development
Child Health and Development
Family and Community Partnerships
Education and Early Childhood Development
All Head Start services are customized to the individual child's
developmental level (including children with disabilities) and
the program considers each child's temperament, interests,
and learning style. Head Start programs also respect the
culture, language, and family of each child.
HEAD START provides children with a variety of learning
experiences.
Head Start offers many opportunities for children to express
themselves through art, music, movement, and storytelling.
Children participate in indoor and outdoor play. They learn
about books, words, numbers, and science. Children are
encouraged to communicate their ideas and feelings, and to
develop self-confidence and the ability to get along with
others. Head Start programs also work with children and
parents to help them successfully transition to kindergarten or
their next educational setting. Infants, toddlers, and pregnant
women receive specialized care in Early Head Start which
provides services developed specifically for infants and
toddlers from birth to age three and to pregnant women. Early
Head Start staff members have special training to enable them
to create an environment where infants and toddlers can
flourish and develop important skills such as self-awareness,
independence, and self-expression.
HEAD START helps foster secure relationships between children
and staff.
Head Start's policy of having lower child/staff ratios than that
required by day care licensing standards helps programs
create secure relationships between children and staff. This
gives children the sense of trust and emotional security they
need to explore their environment and develop new skills.
Home visits are made by teachers and family advocates to help
strengthen parenting skills and to hear and respond to
parental concerns and goals for their children. Early Head Start
staff make home visits to pregnant women and parents with
newborns and older infants.
HEAD START responds to children with disabilities.
Special training is provided to Head Start staff to help them
work with disabled children. At least 10% of Head Start and
Early Head Start children have special needs, and these
children are included in all program activities. Head Start staff
work closely with community agencies and other programs for
young children with disabilities to ensure that children with
special needs obtain the care and services they need.
HEAD START responds to each child’s health and development
needs.
Head Start programs focus on each child's basic health needs
as well as the healthy behaviors and practices that can
prevent illness and enhance a child's lifelong well-being. HEAD
START children receive medical and dental care. Head Start
recognizes the importance of identifying and addressing health
problems early in a child's life so that they do not interfere with
a child's learning and development. The program arranges
comprehensive health care for every child. This includes a
complete health examination with a screening for chronic or
disabling conditions, a vision and hearing test, a dental
checkup, and immunizations. Follow-ups are scheduled for
children with any indication of problems. Early Head Start
programs provide crucial prenatal care for pregnant women as
well as training in the care of newborns. These and other Early
Head Start services, such as nutrition counseling, medical and
dental examinations, and mental health services, continue long
after delivery.
HEAD START has strict standards for safety and hygiene.
Staff at Head Start programs are trained in CPR and other first-
aid techniques. In addition, all programs are required to have
procedures in place to prevent injuries and to respond to
emergencies. Further, all programs must comply with strict
guidelines for safety and cleanliness.
HEAD START provides nourishing meals and promotes breast-
feeding.
In Head Start, children are served breakfast, lunch, and a
nutritious snack each day. A trained, full-time nutritionist on
staff helps ensure that all Head Start meals are balanced; that
the foods are culturally appropriate for the local community;
and that the meals reflect the needs of the families. In Early
Head Start, careful provisions are made to meet the nutritional
needs of infants.
HEAD START promotes mental health.
Head Start staff work hard to promote the mental health of
each child and family. Head Start staff includes a mental health
professional to teachers identify children's mental health
needs so that treatment referrals can be made if services are
necessary. Both Head Start and local community mental health
resources are combined to assure that children and families
receive needed mental health counseling, play therapy, and
such other mental health services as may be deemed
necessary.
HEAD START promotes Family and Community Partnerships.
Head Start staff approach work with a family as a team effort,
from the beginning process of setting goals for their children
and family to making policy and decisions about the Head Start
program. Head Start programs also actively collaborate with
community agencies and organizations to establish a network
of support that families can draw on during and after Head
Start. Parents are encouraged to become involved in every
aspect of Head Start. Parents and family members work in
partnership with Head Start staff to set goals for their child's
and family's development. Individualized plans are designed to
assist them in achieving their family goals. Parents are
encouraged to share their ideas and opinions, to visit the
programs, and to participate in Parent Committees and other
group activities. Parents can attend classes and workshops to
learn about parenting, nutrition, safety practices, preparing for
jobs, and many other topics. Parents also have an important
voice in program decision-making by serving as elected
members of their Head Start program's Policy Council. Head
Start programs can help parents obtain educational, literacy,
or job training. They also may offer parents opportunities for
employment. Many parents serve as volunteers as they assist
the Head Start teachers and other staff. Some volunteer as
cooks, storytellers, or play supervisors. When parents are
qualified for Head Start jobs, they may receive preference in
hiring. Thirty percent of Head Start staff nationally are parents
of current or former Head Start children. Family advocacy staff
also help parents find employment in other fields.
HEAD START is an active partner with the community.
Head Start programs take an active role in their communities
and collaborate with many other organizations to enable Head
Start children and families to receive services that are beyond
the scope of Head Start. These community partners include
health providers, agencies that provide services to children
with disabilities, child protective services, child care
organizations, local schools, businesses, and other service
groups. Community partnerships enable Head Start staff to
refer parents to community resources that are available to
assist them in achieving their family goals.
HEAD START has led the way in improving child development
services.
Head Start has played a major role in focusing the attention of
the nation on the importance of early childhood development.
The program has had a dramatic impact on the delivery of child
development and child care services and on the expansion of
community activities for young children. In addition to
improving the lives of children, Head Start has had a positive
impact on parents and families. Many parents have earned the
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and have been
hired as Head Start staff or have found employment in other
early childhood settings.
HEAD START continues to respond to the needs of low-income
families.
Today, Head Start is reaching out even more to serve the
needs of young children from low-income families. Through
Early Head Start, the program has expanded to include
services for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. To help
programs run more efficiently and effectively, Head Start has
implemented additional management controls and new training
programs. Many Head Start programs are working with
agencies in their communities to find ways to deliver full-day
and full-year Head Start quality services to children of low-
income parents who are working or in job training. Head Start
is also continuing to build vital partnerships with a variety of
community organizations to help strengthen families and fulfill
family needs that are beyond Head Start's capabilities alone.
Head Start community partners ensure that the benefits to the
child and family continue beyond Head Start.
HEAD START relies on people like you.
For continued success, Head Start needs people of all
backgrounds, training, and ages. High school and college
students, senior citizens, business people, parents, and
community leaders can assist in many ways, from helping out
in the classroom to renovating or building playgrounds.
Community organizations play a vital part in the success of
Head Start. Programs rely on professionals to provide many in-
kind specialized services such as medical and dental
examinations or special education therapies.
TO HELP, CONTACT THE HEAD START PROGRAM NEAR YOU!
Head Start:
A Comprehensive Child Development Program
HEAD START Helps To Build A Foundation For Children's
Success.
Head Start is a comprehensive program designed to foster the
healthy development of young children from low-income
families. The program has grown from a brief, eight-week
summer program for preschoolers in 1965 to a year-round
program today, serving children from birth to age five and
pregnant women. Head Start provides children from low-
income families with daily nutritious meals and many
opportunities for social, emotional, and intellectual growth that
can prepare them for success in school and in life. The program
also connects children to a health care source and provides
vital support services to their families.
HEAD START includes children with diverse backgrounds
and needs.
Each year, over 800,000 children from low-income families
attend Head Start classrooms or receive Head Start services in
their homes. They include infants and toddlers, children of
migrant farm workers, and American Indian families, as well as
children with disabilities. HEAD START draws on the support of
local communities. Head Start programs are operated by over
1,400 community-based organizations. Grantees include school
districts, universities, community health centers, tribal
governments, city/county governments, community action
agencies, and other profit and nonprofit organizations. The U.
S. government provides 80% of Head Start program funding
through the Department of Health and Human Services. The
remaining 20% must come from community sources. This
requirement helps to ensure that each Head Start program
reflects the strengths, needs, concerns, and cultures of the
local community.
HEAD START has expanded to serve infants and toddlers.
Early Head Start, a program for infants and toddlers, was
initiated in response to the changing needs of low-income
families. It has also been included in research indicating how
critical the period from birth to age three is to a child's healthy
growth and development. Beginning in 1995, sixty-eight Early
Head Start programs were funded to serve more than 5,000
pregnant women and families with children under age three. In
subsequent years, Early Head Start has more than doubled in
size and now serves families in all fifty states, District of
Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
HEAD START has set high standards.
Head Start has established comprehensive standards for
program design and operation and strictly enforces them with
on-site monitoring to ensure that all Head Start children and
their families receive the highest quality of services. The
standards reflect the latest research on the best methods for
working with young children and their families. The Head Start
Program Performance Standards were developed by a diverse
team of child development and health experts, teachers, and
program staff, with input from community partners. The Head
Start Program Performance Standards provide valuable
direction on virtually every aspect of Head Start services.
HEAD START actively supports high-quality services.
Head Start maintains a nationwide training network to assist
local program staff. The network engages experts from a wide
variety of fields, who are available to train, guide and support
the Head Start programs. The network also provides an
information channel to help each Head Start program stay
abreast of successful practices as well as the latest research
and technology. To support delivery of high-quality services, all
Head Start programs are required to maintain effective and
efficient management systems and to recruit and hire staff
who meet qualifications specified in the Head Start regulations.
In addition, Head Start staff receive ongoing training and
professional development to enhance their skills.
HEAD START measures its outcomes for children.
Head Start four-year-olds perform above the levels expected
for children from low-income families who have not attended
center-based programs. They develop a sense of structure and
are better prepared for elementary school. Head Start
research is pioneering methods to evaluate these and other
benefits to ensure that Head Start programs continue to be
accountable to the families they serve and to the wider
community.
HEAD START philosophy is reflected in the services provided to
children & families.
The Primary Service Areas are:
Education and Early Childhood Development
Child Health and Development
Family and Community Partnerships
Education and Early Childhood Development
All Head Start services are customized to the individual child's
developmental level (including children with disabilities) and
the program considers each child's temperament, interests,
and learning style. Head Start programs also respect the
culture, language, and family of each child.
HEAD START provides children with a variety of learning
experiences.
Head Start offers many opportunities for children to express
themselves through art, music, movement, and storytelling.
Children participate in indoor and outdoor play. They learn
about books, words, numbers, and science. Children are
encouraged to communicate their ideas and feelings, and to
develop self-confidence and the ability to get along with
others. Head Start programs also work with children and
parents to help them successfully transition to kindergarten or
their next educational setting. Infants, toddlers, and pregnant
women receive specialized care in Early Head Start which
provides services developed specifically for infants and
toddlers from birth to age three and to pregnant women. Early
Head Start staff members have special training to enable them
to create an environment where infants and toddlers can
flourish and develop important skills such as self-awareness,
independence, and self-expression.
HEAD START helps foster secure relationships between children
and staff.
Head Start's policy of having lower child/staff ratios than that
required by day care licensing standards helps programs
create secure relationships between children and staff. This
gives children the sense of trust and emotional security they
need to explore their environment and develop new skills.
Home visits are made by teachers and family advocates to help
strengthen parenting skills and to hear and respond to
parental concerns and goals for their children. Early Head Start
staff make home visits to pregnant women and parents with
newborns and older infants.
HEAD START responds to children with disabilities.
Special training is provided to Head Start staff to help them
work with disabled children. At least 10% of Head Start and
Early Head Start children have special needs, and these
children are included in all program activities. Head Start staff
work closely with community agencies and other programs for
young children with disabilities to ensure that children with
special needs obtain the care and services they need.
HEAD START responds to each child’s health and development
needs.
Head Start programs focus on each child's basic health needs
as well as the healthy behaviors and practices that can
prevent illness and enhance a child's lifelong well-being. HEAD
START children receive medical and dental care. Head Start
recognizes the importance of identifying and addressing health
problems early in a child's life so that they do not interfere with
a child's learning and development. The program arranges
comprehensive health care for every child. This includes a
complete health examination with a screening for chronic or
disabling conditions, a vision and hearing test, a dental
checkup, and immunizations. Follow-ups are scheduled for
children with any indication of problems. Early Head Start
programs provide crucial prenatal care for pregnant women as
well as training in the care of newborns. These and other Early
Head Start services, such as nutrition counseling, medical and
dental examinations, and mental health services, continue long
after delivery.
HEAD START has strict standards for safety and hygiene.
Staff at Head Start programs are trained in CPR and other first-
aid techniques. In addition, all programs are required to have
procedures in place to prevent injuries and to respond to
emergencies. Further, all programs must comply with strict
guidelines for safety and cleanliness.
HEAD START provides nourishing meals and promotes breast-
feeding.
In Head Start, children are served breakfast, lunch, and a
nutritious snack each day. A trained, full-time nutritionist on
staff helps ensure that all Head Start meals are balanced; that
the foods are culturally appropriate for the local community;
and that the meals reflect the needs of the families. In Early
Head Start, careful provisions are made to meet the nutritional
needs of infants.
HEAD START promotes mental health.
Head Start staff work hard to promote the mental health of
each child and family. Head Start staff includes a mental health
professional to teachers identify children's mental health
needs so that treatment referrals can be made if services are
necessary. Both Head Start and local community mental health
resources are combined to assure that children and families
receive needed mental health counseling, play therapy, and
such other mental health services as may be deemed
necessary.
HEAD START promotes Family and Community Partnerships.
Head Start staff approach work with a family as a team effort,
from the beginning process of setting goals for their children
and family to making policy and decisions about the Head Start
program. Head Start programs also actively collaborate with
community agencies and organizations to establish a network
of support that families can draw on during and after Head
Start. Parents are encouraged to become involved in every
aspect of Head Start. Parents and family members work in
partnership with Head Start staff to set goals for their child's
and family's development. Individualized plans are designed to
assist them in achieving their family goals. Parents are
encouraged to share their ideas and opinions, to visit the
programs, and to participate in Parent Committees and other
group activities. Parents can attend classes and workshops to
learn about parenting, nutrition, safety practices, preparing for
jobs, and many other topics. Parents also have an important
voice in program decision-making by serving as elected
members of their Head Start program's Policy Council. Head
Start programs can help parents obtain educational, literacy,
or job training. They also may offer parents opportunities for
employment. Many parents serve as volunteers as they assist
the Head Start teachers and other staff. Some volunteer as
cooks, storytellers, or play supervisors. When parents are
qualified for Head Start jobs, they may receive preference in
hiring. Thirty percent of Head Start staff nationally are parents
of current or former Head Start children. Family advocacy staff
also help parents find employment in other fields.
HEAD START is an active partner with the community.
Head Start programs take an active role in their communities
and collaborate with many other organizations to enable Head
Start children and families to receive services that are beyond
the scope of Head Start. These community partners include
health providers, agencies that provide services to children
with disabilities, child protective services, child care
organizations, local schools, businesses, and other service
groups. Community partnerships enable Head Start staff to
refer parents to community resources that are available to
assist them in achieving their family goals.
HEAD START has led the way in improving child development
services.
Head Start has played a major role in focusing the attention of
the nation on the importance of early childhood development.
The program has had a dramatic impact on the delivery of child
development and child care services and on the expansion of
community activities for young children. In addition to
improving the lives of children, Head Start has had a positive
impact on parents and families. Many parents have earned the
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and have been
hired as Head Start staff or have found employment in other
early childhood settings.
HEAD START continues to respond to the needs of low-income
families.
Today, Head Start is reaching out even more to serve the
needs of young children from low-income families. Through
Early Head Start, the program has expanded to include
services for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. To help
programs run more efficiently and effectively, Head Start has
implemented additional management controls and new training
programs. Many Head Start programs are working with
agencies in their communities to find ways to deliver full-day
and full-year Head Start quality services to children of low-
income parents who are working or in job training. Head Start
is also continuing to build vital partnerships with a variety of
community organizations to help strengthen families and fulfill
family needs that are beyond Head Start's capabilities alone.
Head Start community partners ensure that the benefits to the
child and family continue beyond Head Start.
HEAD START relies on people like you.
For continued success, Head Start needs people of all
backgrounds, training, and ages. High school and college
students, senior citizens, business people, parents, and
community leaders can assist in many ways, from helping out
in the classroom to renovating or building playgrounds.
Community organizations play a vital part in the success of
Head Start. Programs rely on professionals to provide many in-
kind specialized services such as medical and dental
examinations or special education therapies.
TO HELP, CONTACT THE HEAD START PROGRAM NEAR YOU!
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| Proudly serving children and families since 1969 |
Administrative Offices:
22476 Hwy 190
Robert, LA 70455
Phone: (985) 318-8800
Fax: (985) 318-8804
22476 Hwy 190
Robert, LA 70455
Phone: (985) 318-8800
Fax: (985) 318-8804
Human Resources:
Phone: (985) 318-8805
Fax: (985) 318-8807
Phone: (985) 318-8805
Fax: (985) 318-8807
Accounting:
Phone: (985) 318-8810
Fax: (985) 318-8811
Phone: (985) 318-8810
Fax: (985) 318-8811
Purchasing:
Phone: (985) 318-8808
Fax: (985) 318-8809
Phone: (985) 318-8808
Fax: (985) 318-8809