Head Start registration is underway

If you have a 3 or 4 year old child, Head Start is an option you may want to check out. Registration is underway here in Decorah.

Head Start is a preschool option for 3 and 4 year old children. There are 15 classrooms located in the seven county service area, including the towns of Cresco, Decorah, Guttenberg, Monona, New Hampton, Oelwein, Postville, Waukon, Waverly and West Union.

Head Start is located at West Side Early Childhood Center in Decorah. The program shares the building with Decorah Community School District's early childhood special education classes, 4 year-old preschool rooms, and transitional kindergarten students.  

17 children attended Head Start in 2016 according to CCAP, ECP Director Sharon Burke. 17 children have registered for 2017 so far. There is one teacher and two co-teachers on staff.

Extended day services are available for parents who qualify. Children participate in a variety of activities to promote motor, language, social/emotional and cognitive skills, literacy, science and math. Teachers use Creative Curriculum to develop these activities and lessons. Head Start offers health, vision and dental screenings.

Nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack are provided daily through the CACFP program. Positive Intervention Behavior and Supports is used to ensure children are cared for in a safe, positive and nurturing environment. All classrooms provide an inclusive environment for children with disabilities.

Applications for Head Start: http://neicac.org/userfiles/forms/hs_ehs_application.pdf.

For more general information go to: http://neicac.org/education.