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Van Buren Co. Head Start

 
   Provides pre-school aged children of low-income families in Van Buren County a variety of preparatory activities for entry into public schools. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education Administration for Children & Families. Serves Van Buren County.

Major Components of Head Start

  Head Start provides diverse services to meet the goals of the following four components:

• Education - Head Starts's educational program is designed to meet the needs of each child, the community served, and its ethnic and cultural characteristics.  Every child receives a variety of learning experiences to foster intellectual, social, and emotional growth.

• Health - Head start emphasizes the importance of the early identification of health problems.  Every child is involved in a comprehensive health program, which includes immunizations, medical, dental, mental health, and nutritional services.

• Parent Involvement - An essential part of Head Start is the involvement of parents in parent education, program planning, and operating activities.  Many parents serve as members of policy councils and committees and have a voice in administrative and managerial decisions.   Participation in classes and workshops on child development and staff visits to the home, allow parents to learn about the needs of their children and about educational activities that can take place at home.

• Social Services - Specific services are geared to each family after its needs are determined. They include: community outreach, referrals, family need assessments, recruitment and enrollment of children, and emergency assistance and/or crisis intervention. 

  The cornerstone of the program is parent and community involvement - which has made it one of the most successful pre-school programs in the country. 

The Role of Volunteers and Community Organizations

  Volunteers are an important part of all Head Start programs.   High school and college students, homemakers, parents of Head Start children, retired senior citizens -- all kinds of people -- have offered critical help to local Head Start programs.  Volunteers assist with: indoor creative play, transportation, parent education, renovation of centers, and recruiting and instructing other volunteers.

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