SCICAP-Corydon Head Start

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 have independent Head Start centers and five collaborations with 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 Iowa Department of Education recognizes as a sign of high quality and exemplary programs. Unique to Head Start Programs from other Early Childhood Programs, is individualizing for ALL children and parent engagement, which our school district collaborations follow.

We have two full day State Shared visions programs in two counties, which offer full day service to the children and their families that work or go to school.

Five Head Start Centers and Five School District collaborations, serve the communities by providing age appropriate quality comprehensive programs with kindergarten readiness skills, nutritious breakfast and lunches, health screenings, social services and parent involvement opportunities to each of the 212 children enrolled and their families. All classrooms in our five counties have certified Early Childhood teachers, to best serve our children so they are kindergarten ready.

All centers/schools are using the research based on line Teaching Strategies GOLD by Diane Trister Dodge. Our goal is for our children to be kindergarten ready, but more important to be a lifelong learner.

In two counties State Wrap-Around funds allow us to provide extended hours, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to assist families with working parents or those needing to fulfill schooling and training obligations.

This year our program had to go through the re-compete process and our grant was written and downloaded in July of 2012. We anxiously wait to hear the results and feel confident that we will retain the grant having a perfect triennial review the year before.

Additional Information: QRS RATING: 5 Stars. QRS Level: 4;