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Mission Statement: Connecting communities to remove obstacles and provide opportunities, tools,
and hope as a pathway out of poverty.
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Head Start...Enhancing each child and family's self-esteem and potential through honesty, caring and
individualization. |
Head Start is a FREE, family focused preschool program. For over 40 years, Head Start has worked to promote the growth and
development of 3 to 5 year old children and their families. Children learn on an individual basis in their home or in a classroom
setting. Parents participate in special activities that help them to learn and grow along with their child.
Our Head Start program is available to children who live in Cottonwood, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, or Redwood County
in Minnesota who:
- Are between 3 and 5 years of age (turning 3 on or before September 1 and not yet eligible for kindergarten);
- Meet
income guidelines
set by the federal government, which may be waived for children with a diagnosed
disability. At least 10% of children enrolled have a diagnosed disability.
In addition to providing high quality preschool programming for children, Western Community Action Head Start provides
health, mental health, dental and nutrition education and services to children and their families. Each enrolled child
is required to have a current physical and dental examination with follow-up services if necessary. The children and
families receive nutrition education and the children are given nutritious meals and snacks. Mental health consultants
are available to observe children in their classroom or home-based setting and may provide necessary follow-up services.
Families also receive needed referrals to:
- Dental and Health Services
- Vision and Hearing Screenings
- Mental Health Consultant Services
- Child/Family Advocacy Services
How is Head Start Delivered?
- Home-Based Head Start
- Home-based Head Start is offered in all five counties. A teacher makes a weekly 1 1/2 hour home visit. The teacher
and parent(s) work together to plan activities that meet the individual needs of each child and family. Children also
come together regularly to a group socialization experience. This classroom-like setting meets two or three times each
month.
- Center-Based
- Center-based Head Start is offered four days per week in Marshall, Redwood Falls, Mt. Lake, Tracy, and Jackson. Classes meet 3 1/2
hours each day, 4 days per week. Families also receive a minimum of 4 home visits and two parent/teacher conferences during the year.
Combination Head Start classes meet three days per week in Marshall and Walnut Grove. In the option, classes meet
2 or 3 times a week for 3 1/2 hours and families receive one or two home visits monthly.
Head Start Partnerships
- With Families
- Parents are the backbone of the Head Start program. They are encouraged to participate in monthly parent meetings.
They often volunteer in our classrooms and at socialization activities. The Head Start Parent Council provides an
opportunity for parents to be involved in the management of the program.
Head Start believes that parents are the child's first and most influential teacher. The best way to teach children
is by involving and engaging the family.
- In Communities
- Head Start works in partnership with schools, transitional services, advisory committees, medical and dental clinics,
Public Health agencies and many other community-based organizations to meet the needs of children and families.
Head Start Works!
Head Start was created in 1965 by the U.S. Congress to prepare low-income children for kindergarten by providing
them with opportunity to build the knowledge, social skills, and self-confidence they need for future learning successes.
Children who are enrolled in Head Start as preschoolers show lower dropout rates, higher test scores and higher
employment rates later in life.
Follow this link to learn more about our Head Start program.
WCA Head Start Report to the Public
Related Links:
Locations
National Head Start Association.
Minnesota Head Start Association.
Head Start Bureau
Pacer Center
Healthfinder
Minnesota Health
Please E-mail: Gail Goltz gail.goltz@wcainc.org for additional information.
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