Head Start Recruitment & Community Resources

Recruitment follows Head Start guidelines and covers the five county area.

Enrollment priorities are (Listed in order of priority)

a) Repeaters - 4 year old’s

b) Income eligible 4-year-old’s

c) Income eligible 3-year-old’s

d) Income eligible 5-year-old’s with IEP’s or extenuating circumstances

e) 130% income eligible children

f) Over income 4-year-old’s with referral/disabilities

g) Over income 5-year-old’s with IEP’s or extenuating circumstances

h) Over income 3-year-old’s with referral/disabilities

i) Other over incomes

2009 Poverty Guidelines

Persons in Family Unit            100% Poverty             130% of Poverty

        1                                $10,830                                $14,079

        2                                14,570                                    18,941   

        3                                18,310                                    23,803

        4                                22,050                                    28,665

        5                                25,790                                    33,527

        6                                29,530                                    38,389   

        7                                33,270                                    43,251

        8                                37,010                                    48,113

                For family units with more than 8 persons, add $3740 for each additional person.

You may also qualify if you receive Public Assistance.

                For more information and to receive an application call 800-443-4283 or email                         kathy.wollschlager@lqpco.com

(* Referrals may come from pre-school screening, Family Service Centers, Early Intervention Teams, Special Education Staff, Countryside Public Health, Outreach Workers, Doctors and Day Care Providers.)

Minnesota Care   Web site that gives you information on Minnesota Care health program.

Medical Assistance  Web site that gives you information on Medical Assistance health program.

Head Start Parent Involvement

Parents form the backbone of the Head Start Program and participate in monthly parent meetings.  They are the volunteers in our classroom.  Policy Council, made up of parents and community representatives, govern the Head Start Program.   Head Start believes the best way to teach a child is through family involvement.  A parent is a child's first and most influential teacher.

Links to Other Sites

Parenting.com  Read articles, read expert questions and answers, or explore other parenting tips and resources

The National Parenting Center  Support site for parenting - dedicated to providing parents with comprehensive and responsible guidance

Positive Parenting  Dedicated to providing resources and information to make parenting rewarding, effective and fun

Parenting Today's Teen  Provides information, insight and support for parents of teens.

Education & Early Childhood

A creative curriculum is offered that allows each child the opportunity to explore their environment and develop a positive self-concept.  Kindergarten readiness skills are introduced to each child according to his or her developmental level.  Head Start strives to help children develop life success skills, which will enhance social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.  Parents are given many opportunities throughout the year to increase their knowledge of child development.   Seminars, lectures, and workshops are offered free of charge to Head Start Parents.

Links to Other Sites

www.naeyc.org  The National Association for the Education of Young Children

http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Academic_Excellence/Academic_Standards/Graduation_Requirements/index.html

 MN graduation requirements.   

http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Accountability_Programs/No_Child_Left_Behind_Programs/index.html

No Child Left Behind information

Health, Safety & Nutrition Services

Head Start provides health care (medical, dental, nutrition, and mental health) for families.  Each child enrolled in the program is required to have a physical and dental examination with follow-up work if necessary.  Each child also has vision, hearing, and height/weight screening completed by Head Start staff.  The children are introduced to nutrition education and receive nutritious meals and snacks during the day.  Mental health professionals are available to children and their children.

LINKS TO OTHER SITES

Health & Safety

The Minnesota Department of Health & Human Services

The official Webmd site

Kidshealth - Discover how the body works and what can make the body sick.

Kidsource - Education & health care information including: recall notices, book reviews, fun activities, homework helper, health & safety articles.

Immunizations  - Complete guide to immunizations.

Toothfairy.org  -  All about dental health

Nutrition

http://www.mypyramid.gov/ Official USDA Food Pyramid website

 www.pueblo.gsa.gov  Educational materials on health, food & nutrition published and reviewed by government agencies.

www.dole5aday.com  An award winning site that educates kids and parents about why fruits and vegetables are so good for you.

www.mayoclinic.com  Healthy Living Center, Answers from Mayo, Clinic on Food & Nutrition, Take Charge of Your Health.

www.nal.usda.gov/fnic  Food & Nutrition Information Center sponsored by the National Agriculture Library

www.fightbac.org  Food safety facts.

Disability Services

Chidren with special needs are mainstreamed into the Head Start classroom.  Special needs may include; vision, hearing, social, emotional, mental, and physical delays.  Specialist are available to give additional services to these children and their families.

Links to Other Sites

www.health.state.mn.us Minnesota Children with Special Health Needs.  A public program promoting optimal health, well-being, respect and dignity of children and youth with special health needs and families.

www.usdoj.gov  United States Department of Justice - American with Disabilities Act.  *ADA Regulations  *Legal Issues  *ADA Resources  *Technical Assistance  *State & Local Building Codes

http://www.macmh.org  Mission:  To enhance the quality of life for children with emotional/behavioral disorders and their families.

http://www.chadd.org  CHADD is a national non-profit organization founded in 1987 by  a group of concerned parents.  It represents children and adults with AD/HD.

http://www.gillettechildrens.org  Gillette Children's Hospital Specialty Healthcare.

http://www.courage.org  Courage Center's web page brings together information about disability, adaptive technology and various related services.

http://www.pacer.org   Pacer was founded in 1977 by parents of children with disabilities to help other parents and families facing similar challenges.

http://www.wheelchairramp.org  Provides important information, safety tips, and funding ideas.

http://www.nads.org   Founded in 1961, NADS is the oldest organization in the US serving children and adults with Down Syndrome.

http://www.arcminnesota.com   The Arc (nationwide) has provided 50 years of advocacy and support services for persons with developmental disabilities and their families.  They refer to themselves as a "cradle to grave" organization.

http://www.mnlegalservices.org   MDLC is a project of Mid- Minnesota Legal Assistance that addresses the unique legal needs of persons with disabilities.

http://www.easter-seals.org   For 80 years, Easter Seals has offered a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals.

 http://www.rarediseases.org   Established in 1983, NORD has been working toward the prevention, treatment and cure of rare diseases.