Head Start 1011

 Head Start was established in 1965 as part of President Johnson’s War on Poverty  It is the only early childhood program, then and now, that employs a comprehensive service approach to early childhood education. Head Start 1012

 The original & ongoing overall goal of the program is to provide high quality, comprehensive early childhood and family development services to income eligible children from birth to five-years old, pregnant women and families. Head Start 1013

 Head Start’s focus on social competence means that the child will acquire skills in dealing with their present environment & later responsibilities in school & life.  This is done by addressing the child within the family, within the culture, from the community. Head Start 1014

 The key principles of Head Start is to provide comprehensive individualized child development services, including curriculum, screenings & assessments.  These services are offered through parent involvement & a family centered approach Head Start 1015

 Head Start provides a range of individualized services in the areas of education, care and early childhood development; medical, dental, and mental health; nutrition; parental involvement and family support.  Center Base Services offer safe, nurturing environments in state licensed facilities.  Home Based Services offer home visiting and socializations Head Start 1016

 All centers must be licensed by Missouri Child Care Licensing.  The Program options are chosen based on the community & family need.  The Program Services may be provided for preschool, pregnant women & children birth to ages 3 or 5; they may also be part or full day/year. (This depends on the location.) Head Start 1017

 Safe, healthy environment  Evidence based curriculum & best practices  Child screening & ongoing developmental assessment; child outcomes monitored  Quality schedules & classroom management  Activities to meet individual goals  Transitions planned - to public school & other settings  Child’s progress shared with parents during home visits & parent conferences Head Start 1018

 Children are learning all the time—and they learn best by being active! The most important goals of our curriculum are for children to get along well with others and become enthusiastic learners. We teach them how to learn, not just in preschool, but throughout their lives. Head Start 1019

 The Head Start/Early Head Start Program knows that a child’s early years are very important to their development and learning. This is why we put a strong focus on helping prepare children for success in school and life. Head Start 10110

 The program implements a research based curriculum that supports active learning, exploration through play and the development of the whole child.  Our teachers focus on four areas of development: ◦ Social & Emotional Development ◦ Physical Development ◦ Intellectual Development ◦ Language Development  Head Start 10111

 The Program assist parents in identifying medical & dental homes  We do regular assessments of the child’s health status & dental exams that have been completed  Through this we are able to identify health and dental needs early and educated the families on what it is their child may need or options that are available for them related to the overall health. Head Start 10112

 At least 10% of children enrolled in both Head Start and Early Head start must be children with disabilities  The program provides inclusive, individualized services to each child. Head Start 10113

 The program recognizes parents as their child’s first teacher.  Because of this, we provide enhanced parent education through: ◦ Enhancing parent’s decision-making and leadership skills and, ◦ Encouraging volunteerism in all areas of the program Head Start 10114

 Head Start partners with community agencies to implement services that meet the needs of those in our communities.  We serve as a change agent for those in need through advocating for parents and teaching them to advocate for their child and themselves.  We conduct Policy Council meetings regularly, as well as hold Health Advisory Committees twice a year. Head Start 10115

 Acknowledge and understand the goals and underlying philosophy of the program.  Complete appropriate trainings covering the following topics: Head Start 10116

 First Week: ◦ Head Start 101 ( What you are doing now) ◦ Professional Standards of Conduct and Ethics ◦ Confidentiality ◦ Child Abuse and Neglect/Mandated Reporting ◦ General Information Checklist (See Center Director) ◦ Transportation Policy & Procedures (If Applicable) Head Start 10117

 Second Week: ◦ Blood Borne Pathogens and Universal Precautions ◦ Prevention of Shaken Baby & Abusive Head Trauma ◦ Safe Sleep ◦ Hand-to-Hand Policy ◦ Immunization Policy ◦ Tooth Brushing Policy ◦ Food Allergies ◦ Medication Administration & Parental Consent Head Start 10118

 Third and Fourth Week: ◦ Familiarize yourself with program specialist. ◦ Begin discussing with your center director additional help or training you may want or need in order to carry out necessary job duties adequately. Head Start 10119

 If you have any questions regarding this process contact Sarah Thacker at or at (573) ,Ext Head Start 10120