Child and Family Opportunities, Inc. is the grantee for Head Start and Early Head Start  programs throughout Hancock and Washington counties (our program locations).

What is Head Start?

The Head Start Program was founded in 1965.  Studies at that time showed that children from low income families were not entering school as prepared to learn as children from higher economic levels.  Head Start was designed to offer high quality early childhood education, nutrition, health, and social services, along with a strong parent involvement component.  Initially, the primary goal of the program was to increase social competence in preschool children.  In recent years that goal has expanded to include more emphasis on a child’s cognitive development especially in the areas of language and literacy. 

Every Head Start program nationwide is guided by the federally mandated Performance Standards.  The Performance Standards were so well conceived that only once in the history of Head Start has there been a revision. This revision occurred in 1998 after an extensive review and solicitation of input from Head Start agencies and parents nationwide. 

Designed to be a comprehensive program for children, families, and communities the Performance Standards cover a number of content areas;

  • Child Health and Development;

  • Education and Early Childhood Development;

  • Child Health and Safety;

  • Child Nutrition;

  • Child Mental Health;

  • Family Partnerships;

  • Community Partnerships;

  • Program Governance;

  • Management Systems and Procedures;

  • Human Resources Management;

  • Facilities, Materials and Equipment.

  • Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and Attendance (ERSEA)

  • Disabilities

Health services

Health services in Head Start take into consideration the child’s total health status by assessing all aspects of growth and development.  A health and diet history is taken on each child as well as data from physical and dental examinations.  Immunization records are also an important part of each child’s file.  Each child’s growth is monitored and recorded on a regular basis and screenings are conducted for vision, hearing, fluoride and exposure to lead. Parents who do not have a medical or dental home for their families are offered assistance to establish one.

The Early Care and Education Curriculum

The Early Care and Education Curriculum is child-centered, emergent, and promotes self-direction, exploration, and social competence.   Daily, Head Start classrooms offer experiences in language, literacy, science, numerary, creative self expression, and physical agility. Other important aspects are guiding children as they explore the environment, developing positive interactions with adults and peers, promoting sound health, nutrition and self help skills, and developing an appreciation for the natural world and all living things. Family involvement in curriculum development and classroom activities are both important factors in the child development program.

Child Nutrition

Child Nutrition is recognized as an important part of a child’s physical and cognitive development.  Children receive nutritious meals and snacks approved by the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program.  Nutrition education is an ongoing part of the classroom curriculum and the agency has a Nutrition Specialist that supports staff to work with families to address food related issues and provide training to encourage healthy food preparation and eating habits.

Disabilities

Disabilities services are offered in an inclusive setting.  Activities are designed to provide a range of developmentally appropriate learning experiences to children of differing abilities. We provide child and family initiated learning experiences that are strength and need based.  A multi-disciplinary team approach (that includes parents and other family members) is used to deliver program services.  We provide the link between families and therapists while recognizing the range of interventions from very structured therapy sessions to the child-centered experiences of Head Start.  Combined, these experiences can significantly and positively impact a child’s development.   Staff recognizes parent involvement as a key to the success of service provision.

Family Partnerships

Family Partnerships support parents to meet their own needs and goals and achieve their full potential.  Parents have the opportunity to assess their family’s strengths and needs, identify short and long term goals, and design a Family Partnership Plan outlining work needed to realize those goals.  Relationships are built between staff and parents that foster trust, communication, and partnership.

Community Partnerships

Community Partnerships happen in a number of different ways and levels. Head Start staff participate in community planning to help develop comprehensive systems/services for children and families.  Head Start agencies work with other agencies within communities to facilitate partnerships to enhance program services and effectively blend resources.  Developing both formal and informal networks and contacts with a wide range of community organizations such as physicians, clinics, dentists, and mental health providers ensures responsive community services are available when needed.

Program Governance

Program Governance is shared between a Board of Directors and a Policy Council made up of enrolled parents and community representatives.  The roles of the two governing bodies are outlined in the Performance Standards.
© 2008 Child & Family Opportunities, Inc.