Home Start Program
Home Start is a partnership between SKCDC and family child care providers. Home Start provides comprehensive Head Start services for children and families in a family child care setting. Many children can be more comfortable and successful in the small, multi-age group setting that family child care provides. In addition to receiving the benefits of the Head Start Program, full-day services are provided for families who are employed or participating in training programs.
Home Start services include:
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Health screenings and follow-up for each child (hearing, vision, physical, dental, immunizations, etc.)
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Developmental screenings and follow-up
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Health and nutrition consultation for families
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Nutrition assessment, information, and education
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Nutritious meals and snacks offered daily
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Assessment of emotional and behavioral needs
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Mental health consultation
Child Development and Education services include:
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Curriculum planning appropriate to the development and interests of children
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Continual observation to assess the development of children
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Individualized programming based on each child’s needs and strengths
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A daily schedule which meets children’s developmental needs, including growth in physical, social, cognitive, and language skills
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A print rich environment which supports development of cognitive and language skills
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Encouragement for self-expression and creativity through art, music and movement, and dramatic play
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Opportunities for children to explore, experiment, problem solve, and develop thinking skills
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A safe, developmentally appropriate environment with opportunities indoor / outdoor, quiet / busy activities, and quality educational materials available to children
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Accommodations for the full participation of children with disabilities
Family and Community Partnerships include:
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Home visits and parent-provider conferences for sharing information about each child’s development, needs and goals
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Planning with parents for their child’s success at home and in Home Start
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Opportunities for parents’ involvement and participation in their child’s program
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Opportunities for parents to participate in program governance and decision making, including curriculum and other advisory committees, Parent Committees, and Policy Council
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Guidance and support with transitions, including the child’s transition to kindergarten
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Assessment of family strengths and needs, guidance with setting goals, and support for working towards those goals
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Training opportunities for parents in areas responsive to their expressed needs, such as nutrition, health and mental health, parenting, child development, and community resources
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Information about and referrals to community resources including health services, social services, education and training, and other support services
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Collaboration between Home Start and other community agencies and services to provide for the needs of children and their families
