SCICAP-Chariton Head Start

The Early Childhood Programs include Head Start, Early Head Start and Child Development At-Risk funding. Head Start programs operate in centers and public schools in all five southern rural counties, with a variety of program options. Head Start, administered by South Central Iowa Community Action Program (SCICAP), has been in operation since 1966. We are fully collaborating in four school districts with the four-year-old state initiative pre-school program. The school districts have agreed to follow Head Start Performance Standards, which the Department of Education recognizes as a sign of quality and exemplary programs. Currently we are partially collaborating with another school district and hope to soon have a full collaboration with two other school districts. We have two full day State Shared Visions programs in two counties operating year round. Eight centers/schools serve their communities by providing nutritious breakfast and lunches, health screenings; age appropriate classroom activities, social services and parent involvement opportunities to each of the 212 children enrolled and their families. All centers/schools are using the research based Creative Curriculum by Diane Trister Dodge. The Creative Curriculum provides developmentally appropriate practices, which provide children with opportunities to learn and practice newly acquired skills. In three counties State Wrap-Around funds allow us to provide extended hours, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to assist families with working members or those needing to fulfill schooling and training obligations.

Additional Information: QRS RATING: 4 Stars. QRS Level: 4;