1. Las Cruces Public Schools Head Start

2. Head Start Vision Statement VISION To provide opportunities which enable all students to increase school readiness and achieve their highest potential.

3. Head Start Mission Statement MISSION To embrace quality education as one of the cornerstones to success. Young children shall be instilled with the fundamentals of learning, respect and social competency through effective teaching methods in partnership with families and community. We also promote the vision of diversity and equity within our program.

4. Locations of Head Start Centers LocationSessionStudents Per Session Total Number of Students B.T. Washington – 3-Year-OldFull Day Session17 Students B.T. Washington – 4-Year-OldFull Day Session20 Students Cesar ChavezDouble Sessions17 Students34 Students ColumbiaDouble Sessions15 Students30 Students ConleeDouble Sessions17 Students34 Students Dona AnaDouble Sessions17 Students34 Students Hermosa HeightsDouble Sessions17 Students34 Students Loma HeightsDouble Sessions17 Students34 Students MacArthurDouble Sessions15 Students30 Students Mesilla ParkDouble Sessions17 Students34 Students SonomaDouble Sessions15 Students30 Students Valley ViewDouble Sessions17 Students34 Students Home-BaseWeekly Visits12 Students per Home Visitor48 Students Funded for 393 StudentsServe 413 Students

5. Las Cruces Public Schools-Grantee Head Start Staff 1 Program Coordinator 5 Content Area Facilitators (Education/Disabilities, Health/Nutrition/Home Base, Mental Health, Family and Community Partnership and Parent Involvement) 2 Secretaries 1 Fiscal Specialist 12 Teachers 12 Educational Assistants 7 Parent Involvement Assistants 4 Home Visitors

6. Hatch Public Schools-Delegate 1 Program Coordinator/Principal 2 Teachers 2 Educational Assistants 2 Parent Involvement Assistants *Funded for 68 students

7. A Typical Day…. Structured Teaching Calendar, math, science, social studies, phonemic awareness, letter study activities Whole Group Focus on early literacy and math skills based on ability levels Small Group Focus on vocabulary development and pre reading skills Story Time Songs, finger plays, creative movement activities Music Work on gross motor skills as well as several planned academic activities Outside

8. Continued…. Non Structured Teaching Opportunities Includes name recognition/writing, quiet reading, and self organization Arrival & Dismissal Focus on nutrition, table manners, language skills, and dental health Meals & Tooth brushing Not only provides a multitude of academic learning opportunities but also promotes self regulation, social skills acquisition, and responsibility. Give staff a chance to work individually with students. (RTI) Free Choice & Cleanup Variety of skill related activities. (Literacy, math, language, science) Transitions

9. Researched Based Curricula WE CAN Curriculum (Booker T. Washington -3 year old, Columbia, Hermosa Heights and Mesilla Park) *WE CAN has been the curriculum since 2007-2008 School Year Literacy Express Curriculum (Booker T. Washington -4 year old, Cesar Chavez, Conlee, Dona Ana, Loma Heights, MacArthur, Sonoma and Valley View) *Literacy Express is a research pilot conducted by The Florida Center for Reading Research implemented School Year 2010-2012

10. Individualization (Performance Standard 1304.21(c)(1)(i)) The areas education, health, social emotional development, parent involvement, and social services are addressed. Individual goals are routinely set for each child which are reflected in lesson planning. Classroom staff meet to “staff” each child in the Fall and Spring. Observations and assessments performed daily to monitor progress and plan appropriate teaching experiences. A plan is developed in order to address areas of concern.

11. What makes us unique….. 1. Partnerships with our parents

12. Parent Involvement and Program Governance Structure A. Governing Body B. Policy Groups School Board Policy Council (LCPS Parents) Policy Committee (Hatch Parents) Parent Committee(LCPS/Hatch) C. Head Start Staff

13. Partnership with Parents Goal Setting with Parents (Performance Standard 1304.40(e)(1)) During first home visit, progress reports are discussed and educational goals are set in partnership with parents. During subsequent conferences and 2nd home visit, assessments are examined and goals update. Family goals are also discussed and set.

14. Partnership with Parents Curriculum Input (Performance Standard 1304.40(e)(1) During first home visit, classroom curriculum is explained. Parent survey is also completed. Survey covers child’s learning style and interests. Starting point for individualization

15. M. E. N.’ S Program Males Encouraging Niños History of M.E.N.’s Group-Implemented in Fall 1996 Became Initiative 2004 by the Administration for Children & Families Presented at National School Board Conference in New Orleans Presented at National Head Start Conference in New York City Participated in the TWEF-Parade, won 1 st place twice in Theme Category Participated in a National Workgroup in Washington D.C. to create toolkit to implement Male Involvement Programs. Father/Child activities are scheduled monthly. Since it’s inception, the Program has experienced an increase in male participation.

16. What makes us unique….. 2. Required focus on health, safety, social emotional development

17. Mental Health Component In house Counselor Children’s needs are identified through pre and post parent and teacher reports (Social Attributes Checklist-Behavioral Screening) Counselor works with child and family based on referral process Classroom presentations on social emotional topics such as keeping hands to self, getting along with others, using your words, feelings, etc.

18. Social & Emotional (performance standard 1304.21(c)(1)(iv) Our goal is to help our students develop a strong sense of self, make friends and learn about the social world. Provide support when problems arise. Helping young children acquire social competence has been an over reaching goal of Head Start since it’s inception in 1965.

19. Health and Nutrition Student health status is determined through health history, nutrition assessment, and current medical/dental exams In house screenings monitor children’s hearing, vision, height/weight, speech/language, and overall development; appropriate referrals are generated as needed Ensure health care providers follow state guidelines based on Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) schedule Collaborate with parents, school nurses and key district personnel regarding student allergies, immunizations and health concerns; ensure health plan is in place as needed Actively participate in Health Advisory Council

20. Health & Nutrition physical (performance standard 1304.20(a)(1)) dental (performance standard 1304.21(c)(3)(i) & (ii)) behavioral (performance standard 1304.20(b)(1)).cooking (performance standard 1304.21(c)(1)(iii) Weekly health, nutrition and dental health activities are planned. Bi-monthly cooking activities not only focus on nutrition but also include practical application of math and science skills Growth is monitored during the year.

21. Meals (Family Style) Children learn to serve, pass, pour and clean up. Adults eat with students to model manners and facilitate discussions to help children develop oral language. Meal time is an opportunity to discuss food groups as well as good eating habits. Children also learn how to be part of a group as well as turn taking skills. (Performance standard 1304.23(c)(4)

22. Safety Safety lessons are planned through out the year. Include:  Pedestrian safety  Classroom safety  Playground safety  Seat belt safety All staff are responsible for maintaining the stringent health and safety regulations required by Head Start.

23. Self-Assessment “How are we doing?” Timeline Established Training provided to Head Start staff and Policy Council members Invite School Board member participation via email Identify strengths and areas of concern Develop action plan to address concerns Action Plan submitted to Regional office with annual grant proposal-Due April 1

24. Federal Review Preparations Conducted for the Federal Review... On Going Monitoring Documentation Staff Development Child Plus Reporting Self-Assessment Community-Wide Strategic Planning and Needs Assessment Safe Environment Researched Based Curricula Maintain Full Enrollment Policy Council and Governing Body

25. Las Cruces Public Schools Head Start wishes to extend our thanks for your support of and dedication to the children and families in our community