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Head Start is a national program designed to help prepare children for school. Early Education and Care's Head Start program provides professional services in the following areas:
Education and early childhood development
Medical and dental
Disability and mental health
Nutrition and parent involvement
WHAT CAN HEAD START OFFER YOUR CHILD?
Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow
mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. Head Start recognizes
that you, as parents, are the first and most important teachers
of your children. They welcome your involvement in Head Start
activities, and will work with you as partners to help your child
progress.
Head Start staff offer your child love, acceptance, understanding,
and the opportunity to learn and experience success. Head Start
children socialize with others, solve problems, and have other
experiences, which help them become self-confident.
The children spend time in stimulating settings where they form good
habits and enjoy playing with toys and working on tasks with classmates.
Your child will leave Head Start more prepared for kindergarten,
excited about learning, and ready to succeed.
Professionals will arrange vision and hearing tests and any needed
immunizations. Head Start offers a nutrition assessment and dental
exams as well. Children with health needs receive follow-up care.
Mental health and other services are available for children and families with special needs.
WHAT CAN HEAD START OFFER YOUR FAMILY?
Head Start offers you a sense of belonging, other support services,
and a chance to be involved in activities to help your entire
family. You can take part in training classes on many subjects,
such as child rearing, job training, learning about health and
nutrition, and using free resources in your own community. Some
parents learn the English language. Head
Start also offers assistance to parents interested in obtaining
a high school General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or other adult
education opportunities.
If you have a family member with a special problem, such as drug
or alcohol abuse, job loss, or other family crisis, your family
can receive help through Head Start. Head Start staff refer families
needing help to medical, social service, or employment specialists
in the community, and will follow up to be sure you receive assistance.
You can become a Head Start volunteer and learn more about child
development. This experience may later qualify you for training,
which can help you find employment in the child care field.
You can also have a voice in the Head Start program by serving
on various committees. Parents' experiences in Head Start have
raised their own self-confidence and improved their ability to
make decisions.
EEC has 11 directly operated and 4 community based Head Start
locations in Bay and Franklin counties.
 Click here to find an EEC Head Start center in your area.
HOW TO APPLY FOR HEAD START
You may apply for Head Start or Early Head Start at EEC's office from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EEC is located in downtown Panama City at 450 Jenks Avenue. Remember to bring proof of income for the past 12 month's and the child's verification of age for eligibility purposes.
HOW CAN YOU BE A SUPPORTER OF HEAD START?
Early Education and Care, Inc. receives federal funding for the Head Start and Early Head Start program from the Department of Health and Human Services. In order to receive any federal funds for HS/EHS, we must secure 20% matching funds from other non-federal sources. Matching funds can be cash or inkind. Inkind is the noncash contributions provided by the organization, other public agencies, private organizations/individuals unless limited by the program. Head Start and Early Head Start are successful programs due to the generosity of our state and local communities.
How can you support Head Start and Early Head Start
Be a volunteer:
Assist in the classroom (assisting teachers, reading to the children, etc.)
Assist on field trips
Assist in planning programs
Assist as a translator Assist with transportation needs
Donate:
Cash donation
Professional volunteer services (health, dental, etc.)
Time
Program supplies & materials
Equipment
HEAD START LINKS
Administration for Children and Families
Florida Head Start Association
Region IV Head Start Association
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