Giniijaanisinaanig

The Bad River Head Start has been established here on the reservation for over 35 years. We work with children between the ages of 3-5 and their families. We currently receive federal funding for 55 children with supplemental funding from the State for 3 children. As a branch in the Education Department, our staff has demonstrated dedication to the children in our community. Collectively we have 175 years of longevity within our program.

Our hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.. We have children on site between the hours of 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Through the USDA and the State of Wisconsin we provide a healthy breakfast and lunch for each child present.

Our Mission statement is: The place to be happy is here, the time to be happy is now. We take our jobs seriously, while enjoying the blessed moments we get to share with our children, our families, and each other.

Our service area is the Bad River reservation and the City of Ashland. We have three buses that transport our children safely to our center. Each bus is equipped with five point harnesses to ensure that our children are secure in transit.

Aside from transportation we provide early childhood educational services meeting the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards as well as Head Start Performance Standards. As part of the daily lesson plans in the classrooms, we incorporate as much Ojibwe language as possible. We also learn and explore seasonal harvesting including: maple syrup and dip netting. We teach the children to respect our earth by celebrating Earth Day every year and doing our part to keep mother earth clean.

Professional development is part of our philosophy and practice here at Head Start. We currently meet the minimum degree requirements as determined by Head Start Authorization Act. The devoted employees are completing long term education goals, and continuing to work towards higher educational degrees and certifications.

When working with young children health concerns are such an integral part of their daily lives. We work with the Bad River Clinic and the The Lakes Clinic to provide health and dental screenings to our children as well as any necessary follow-up care.

There is a strong family component to our program and we are proud to say that we have 100% of our families that participate in our program throughout the year. All parents are welcome to stop in for lunch, breakfast, or just to say hi.

For the 2010-2011 year we are full and currently have a waiting list. If you are interested in obtaining an application at this time please contact Gina Secord, Family Services/Transportation Manager.

Additional Information: Open SEP - JUNThis provider is not participating in YoungStar. Initial License Date: 8/20/1997.