Jefferson County Meriden Head Start

Head Start is a comprehensive child development program that serves children from birth to age five, pregnant women, and their families in NEK-CAPs nine county service area. The program is a child-focused program, and has the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families. Head Start services are FREE to eligible children!

Head Start helps all children succeed. Children participate in a variety of activities-reading, math, science in a preschool setting. Most of the 3-5 year old children attend classes four days per week, Monday Thursday for 3 hours per day. Children receive free medical and dental check-ups and follow-up care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting. Field trips are planned to acquaint children with their community. Special services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.

Head Start is federally funded through the Dept. of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children & Families State funded through Social & Rehabilitation Services.

Head Start teachers offer children love, acceptance, understanding, and the opportunity to learn and experience success. Head Start children socialize with other children, solve problems, and have other experiences which help them become more self-confident. Children improve their listening and speaking skills. Children leave Head Start more prepared for kindergarten, excited about learning, and ready to SUCCEED! NEK-CAP Head Start (3-5) program has slots for 402 children.

Head Start services are also family-centered, fostering the role of parents as the primary educators and nurturers of, and advocates for, their children. Head Start works in close partnership with parents to assist them in developing and utilizing individual and family strengths in order to successfully meet personal and family objectives. Parents are encouraged to become involved in all aspects of the program, from participation in childrens activities to direct involvement in policy and program decisions.

Child Ages:

3 years - 5 years

Licenses & Accreditations:

Kansas Department of Health and Enviornment

Special Needs:

Please contact us for more information.

Preschool:

Yes