Welcome to Head Start of Yamhill County's
Structure and History
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Welcome to Head Start of Yamhill County's Structure and History |
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The structure of Head Start began in our country in 1965 as part of the Johnson Administration's "War on Poverty." The federal government asked a panel of child development experts to design a program that would help communities overcome problems low-income children were having when starting public school. The original "Project Head Start" was an 8-week summer program for children who would be entering Kindergarten in the fall. Now, after 40 years of service to children and families, Head Start has matured into a comprehensive, high quality, far reaching program; which sets the standard in many communities throughout the United States for a family-focused early childhood development program. Head Start programs operate at least 9 months of the year and services are provided to children from birth through 5 years of age. Many programs operate full day and full year. Parents are volunteers, policy makers and serve on special committees while learning about their communities and getting involved in projects advancing them in their careers. Head Start consists of four interrelated components: Education: Head Start's educational program is designed to meet each child's individual needs. Developmental screenings are provided and teachers work with parents to plan and implement their child's educational plan. Every effort is made to provide a classroom environment which is culturally comfortable to all families. Children who speak languages other than English are served in their first language whenever possible. Children with special needs and disabilities receive the full range of Head Start developmental services. In addition, staff members work closely with community agencies to provide services. Every child receives a variety of learning experiences to foster intellectual, social and emotional growth. Children participate in indoor and outdoor play; they develop in their ability to understand the concept of numbers and literacy; and they learn about their feelings and appropriate ways to express them. Head Start of Yamhill County operates three program models. Children who are four years old by September 1 are in a "center model" which consists of 3 class days a week, four hours each, and an educationally focused home visit per month. Children who are three years old by September 1 are served in a "home base model" wherein a teacher comes to the family's home each week to help parents learn more about how they can provide learning experiences for their child. Three year olds also come to class one day a week with a parent for time to socialize with other children and their families (Head Start of Yamhill County provides transportation services to Head Start functions when possible). There is a Full Day/Full Year model whereby qualified parents can let their children attend class from Monday through Friday, 6am - 6pm.
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Health: Head
Start not only emphasizes the importance of early identification of
health problems but also works with families to learn more about health
maintenance. Staff work with parents to establish a "medical and dental
home" for their family and encourage parents to accompany their child to
medical, dental and immunization appointments. Children receive vision,
speech and hearing screenings.
Children in Head Start are served nutritious (and free) meals in the classroom. A nutritionist is on staff to help parents identify and provide for individual nutritional needs. In the classroom children learn about the role food plays in their health. They also learn to prepare healthy food. Parents are encouraged to come to class to participate in family style, well-balanced meals with their child. Information on meal planning, shopping and budgeting for food costs is made available to families. Mental health professionals are available to every Head Start program through the services of the HSYC Child and Community Coordinator. Training for staff and parents, counseling services, and observation of children that parents and teachers are concerned about are some services provided. Parent Involvement: Parents are the most important influence on a child's development. An essential part of every Head Start program is the involvement of parents in parent education, program planning and operating activities. Many parents serve as members of Policy Councils and Committees. Through participation in training, home visits, parent meetings and committee work, parents learn about the needs of their children and the community. Many parents volunteer in classrooms, the office, on the bus and in other ways, learning important job skills in the process. Head Start often employs former parents in the program. Social Services: Head Start assists families to assess their own needs; then builds on the individual strengths of families to meet their own needs. Parents may want to learn to read better, speak English or Spanish, find out about housing opportunities, GED's, college classes, find emergency assistance or crisis intervention services, immigration information, etc. Head Start forms a partnership with parents to find and access the resources available in their community. A very important part of Head Start is the volunteer. Parents are predominant in this area. Many parents after serving on Policy Council then become Board members. Many grandparents also spend time in classrooms helping teachers. Some become bus monitors and others help serve lunches. Without volunteers, our program would lack the richness that all participants bring. |
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© 2007 Head Start of
Yamhill County 2045 SW HWY 18 Suite 300 McMinnville, OR 97128 503-472-2000