Application

Head Start Program

SKCDC has operated the Head Start Program since its inception in 1965. Studies at that time showed that children from low income families were not entering school as prepared to learn as children from higher economic levels. Head Start was designed to offer high quality early childhood education, nutrition, health, and social services, along with a strong parent involvement component. Initially, the primary goal of the program was to increase social competence in preschool children. In recent years that goal has expanded to include more emphasis on a child’s cognitive development especially in the areas of language and literacy.

Every Head Start program nationwide is guided by the federally mandated Performance Standards. The Performance Standards were so well conceived that only once in history of Head Start has there been a revision. This revision occurred in 1998 after an extensive review and solicitation of input from Head Start agencies and parents nationwide.

Designed to be a comprehensive program for children, families, and communities, the Performance Standards cover a number of content areas:

Health services in Head Start take into consideration the child’s total health status by assessing all aspects of growth and development. A health and diet history is completed for each child as well as data from physical and dental examinations. Immunization records are also an important part of each child’s file. Each child’s growth is monitored and recorded on a regular basis and screenings are conducted for vision, hearing, flouride and exposure to lead. Follow-up health services are provided. Parents who do not have a medical or dental home for their families are offered assistance to establish one.

The Early Care and Education Curriculum is child-centered, emergent, and promotes self-direction, exploration, and social competence. Head Start classrooms offer experiences in language, literacy, science, numerary, creative self-expression, and physical agility. Other important aspects are guiding children as they explore the environment, developing positive interactions with adults and peers, promoting sound health, nutrition and self help skills, and developing an appreciation for the natural world and all living things. Family involvement in curriculum development and classroom activities are both important factors in the child development program.

Child Nutrition is recognized as an important part of a child’s physical and cognitive development. Children receive nutritious meals and snacks approved by the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program. Nutrition education is an ongoing part of the classroom curriculum. The Nutrition Specialist supports staff and families to address food related issues and provides training to encourage healthy food preparation and eating habits.

SKCDC contracts with a consultant for mental health services. These services include training and technical assistance for employees, individualized services for children, and support services for families.

Disabilities services are offered in an inclusive setting. Activities are designed to provide a range of developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children with differing abilities. We provide child and family initiated learning experiences that are strength and need based. A multi-disciplinary team approach (that includes parents and other family members) is used to deliver program services. We provide the link between families and therapists while recognizing the range of interventions from very structured therapy sessions to the child-centered experiences of Head Start. Combined, these experiences can significantly and positively impact a child’s development. Staff recognize parent involvement as a key to the success of service provision.

Family Partnerships support parents to meet their own needs and goals and achieve their full potential. Parents have the opportunity to assess their family’s strengths and needs, identify short and long term goals, and design a Family Partnership Plan to work toward those goals. Relationships are built between staff and parents that foster trust, communication, and partnership.

Community Partnerships happen in a number of different ways and levels. Head Start staff participate in community planning to help develop comprehensive systems/services for children and families. Head Start works with community agencies to facilitate partnerships to enhance program services and effectively blend resources. Developing both formal and informal networks and contacts with a wide range of community organizations such as physicians, clinics, dentists, and mental health providers ensures responsive community services are available when needed.

Program Governance is shared between a Board of Directors and a Policy Council made up of enrolled parents and community representatives. The roles of the two governing bodies are outlined in the Performance Standards and in SKCDC’s Operations Plan.

Every three years Head Start agencies are reviewed by a Federal Review Team and during each review, SKCDC has been recognized as a “Program of Excellence.” In its most recent review, in November, 2002, SKCDC was again recognized as a “Program of Excellence” and was commended for its exemplary practices in community partnerships and program design and management.

The State of Maine recognizes this award and has certified SKCDC programs as Quality Centers. As such, families enrolled in our child care programs are eligible for double the State of Maine income tax childcare credit.