Community Action Head Start works with parents and community partners to prepare children for educational success, and assists their families to achieve their goals.
Community Action Head Start
2010-2011 Annual Report
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el programa de Head Start
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Community Action operates Head Start and Early Head Start programs for Washington County children who are 6 weeks to 5 years old. These programs prepare children for success in school, show parents how to be their children’s first teachers, and help families set and achieve family goals. Children who attend high-quality early childhood programs such as Head Start and Early Head Start begin school fully prepared to learn. A good early education makes a big difference. Head Start children learn, play, and eat meals together. They go on wonderful field trips, create portfolios of art and journal entries, and begin to develop literacy, math, and computer skills. Teachers build close relationships with children and parents, and together they monitor children’s development and help them reach individual goals.
Program Options
The Part-Day Part-Year Head Start program option serves children 3-5 years of age. It operates four days per week, three and one-half hours per day, from September through May. Children receive lunch and breakfast or snack. Teachers conduct two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences during the year. The classes operate in public schools throughout Washington County and include three classrooms in the Child Development Centers. Bus transportation is provided for most classes.
Full-Day Full-Year Head Start and Early Head Start program options provide full-day services for working parents with children ages 6 weeks - 5 years who are eligible to receive Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) funds from the State of Oregon. The program operates from 7-5:30pm, five days a week, all year round. Children receive breakfast, lunch and snacks. Teachers conduct two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences during the year.
Combination or Part-Day/Full-Year Early Head Start program option serves parents and children ages 6 weeks-36 months. Parents and children attend class together in a nurturing play environment twice a week. Classes are led by qualified and trained teachers who encourage parents to strengthen their parenting skills through observation, play, practice, and fun. Teachers conduct two home visits per month with each family.
The Early Head Start Home Based program option serves children ages 6 weeks – 3 years in Beaverton and Hillsboro. Services include weekly home visits to families, socialization for children and their families two times per month, and parent training.
Combination or Part-Day/Full-Year Early Head Start at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. This program option serves eight children ages 0-3, their caregivers, and their incarcerated mothers in our Early Head Start classroom located at the Coffee Creek facility. Our qualified and trained teachers facilitate the interactions that help parents bond with their children, learn parenting skills, and prepare for parenting after they are released from prison.
Focus Areas
Family Support
Head Start staff assist families who are facing the challenges of raising children on a limited income. Teachers and Family Support Teachers help parents locate health care, dental services, housing and utilities assistance, and services for children with special needs. Through home visits and parent-teacher conferences, strong links between families, schools, and child care providers are established.
Health and Nutrition
Each child enrolled in our Head Start or Early Head Start program receives a medical and dental exam. We also conduct vision, hearing, and developmental screenings. Our staff helps parents locate affordable services and establish a medical and dental home. Children learn strong health habits, including hand washing, tooth brushing, and good nutrition. Healthy meals and snacks are served every day.
Parent Engagement
Parents are a vital part of Head Start and participate in all aspects of our program. Parents work alongside teachers in the classroom, volunteer on field trips, attend parent education sessions and Parent Site Meetings, and serve as decision-makers on the Head Start Policy Council. Our staff includes many current or former Head Start parents. Many Head Start classrooms are located in elementary schools, where parents and children can participate in early literacy, science, and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs offered by the schools.
Children with Special Needs
Children with disabilities, special health needs, children in foster care, and children who do not yet speak English are all welcome in Head Start. Our staff works with parents to make sure that the program meets each child’s individual needs.
