Head Start applications now accepted

Head Start program news

Parents who want to make sure their child has a spot in the local Head Start part-day preschool program this fall should call now and complete an application.

Kids Learning Place has a long tradition of delivering high quality education services for children from birth through age 5.  Programs in Van Wert County are open to all children to begin their early childhood learning.  The part-day program centers on improving the lives of young children through active, involved learning.  Children are given everyday opportunities to learn, grow, and explore in their environment.  Transportation may be available in most areas.

The local Van Wert County Kids Learning Place, located in Van Wert, includes Head Start and Public Preschool classrooms funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and Ohio Department of Education.  Eligibility for the programs is based on families that meet federal mandated income guidelines, children and families that are homeless or in foster care are also eligible.   Children with disabilities may be accepted without income restrictions.

The part day preschool features quality family-focused programs serving children three through five years in either a center, or a home based setting for rural parts of the county. Infant and toddler Early Head Start home base programs are also available in Van Wert County.

The program embraces the idea of being responsive and appropriate to each child’s education needs.  The overall goal is to increase school readiness and the healthy development of young children, with strong parent involvement and social service focus.

In addition to classroom education, families will be supported with services in the areas of medical, dental, and mental health, nutrition and parent involvement.  Every preschool child receives periodic growth and development assessments.  These assessments are shared with the parents, and used by the staff to plan education activities to meet the child’s individual development needs.

For more information about the preschool programs and to complete an application, please call the local toll free number 866.627.4557 immediately. Approvals are in process now, but there is still time to complete an application and enroll.

For more information about Kids Learning Place and Council on Rural Services – programs for innovative learning, check the web site at www.councilonruralservices.org. or like the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kidslearningplace.