Frederick Head Start

One of the longest lasting and far reaching programs of the "War on Poverty" in the 1960's was "Project Head Start." The program was initially started as an eight-week summer program and designed to help break the cycle of poverty by providing preschool children of low-income families with a comprehensive program to meet their emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs.

Community Action Development Corporation has been involved in Head Start since its inception, opening with summer programs in Hobart and Lone Wolf in 1965. By 1969, the program had changed to a school year program.

Community Action Development Corporation Head Start operates 16 Head Start Centers in the seven county service area, serving approximately 500 children each year. Head Start serves 3 and 4 year old children with priority being given to low-income families. However, all families are encouraged to apply and children are served as space and regulations allow.

Head Start is a research based early childhood program that focuses on the whole child. Each child enrolled in Head Start receives medical, dental, hearing, vision, and developmental screenings. The program also provides 1/3 of the child's minimum daily nutritional requirements. Daily lessons are individualized to meet each child's needs and children with disabilities are served. In the education component, special attention is paid to school readiness and literacy. Children are assessed regularly to monitor their progress in the program.

Parent involvement is an important aspect of Head Start. As the child's first teacher, parents are encouraged to be involved in the classroom. They are welcomed into the center at any time and are a valuable part of the program.

The success and rewards of this program are many. By providing a "head start" to these children, Community Action will continue to nurture the future of our state.

Additional Information: Rated 3 Stars.