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October named as Head Start awareness month Head Start is a federal program for preschool children from low-income families. The Head Start program is operated by local non-profit organizations in almost every county in the country. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting. Head Start helps all children succeed. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. Most children in Head Start are between the ages of three and five years old. Services are also available to infants and toddlers in selected sites. Head Start provides children with activities what help them grow mentally, emotionally and physically. Head Start children socialize with others, solve problems and have other experiences which help them become self-confident. The children also improve their listening and speaking skills. The children spend time in stimulating settings where they form good habits and enjoy playing with toys and working on tasks with classmates. A child will leave Head Start more prepared for kindergarten, excited about learning and ready to succeed. A Head Start child will also be examined by skilled professionals for any health problems. Professionals will arrange vision and hearing tests and any needed immunizations. Head Start offers a nutrition assessment and dental exam as well. Children with health needs receive follow-up care. Mental health and other services are available for children and families with special needs. Head Start offers other support services and a chance to be involved in activities to help the whole family. Families can take part in training classes on many subjects, such as child rearing, job training, health and nutrition and using free resources in the community. Some parents learn the English language; others learn to read. Head Start also offers assistance to parents interested in obtaining a high school general equivalency diploma or adult education opportunities. Family members with a special problem, such as drug or alcohol abuse, job loss, or other family crisis can receive help through Head Start. Head Start staff members refer families needing help to medical, social welfare or employment specialists. Parents can have a voice in the Head Start program by serving on various committees. Parents' experiences in Head Start have raised their own self-confidence and improved their ability to make decisions. There are Head Start programs nationwide. The nearest Head Start location is the Early County Head Start in Blakely.
Please contact 723-6814 for details about the programs. Contact Kim Williams, center supervisor, Teresa Bishop family service worker or Monica Harris, family service worker.
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