October is Head Start Awareness Month. It was President Ronald Reagan who first proclaimed October as Head Start Awareness Month on October 22, 1982. Since then Head Start teachers, parents and alumni have been engaging in meaningful activities to commemorate the impact of Head Start on our nation’s children. Head Start is a federally funded, educational program for income eligible families.
Southern 7 Head Start will recognize this special observance at each of its centers this October. Activities will include decorating pumpkins and various Fall themed events. Parents will learn the history of Head Start and how this free, kindergarten readiness program has changed the lives of more than 32 million children who have participated in the program since the mid 1960’s.
What began as part of President Johnson’s “War on Poverty” in 1964, Head Start was created in 1965 as a child development program to help communities meet the needs of disadvantaged preschool children. Ever since, Head Start has provided comprehensive child development services that foster children’s growth in social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The program monitors their progress in these areas to ensure that they are well prepared for kindergarten and beyond.
In addition to Kindergarten readiness skills, children enrolled in the program receive health, dental and developmental screenings, participate in educational activities and socialization skills, and receive healthy meals and snacks.
Families with children in Head Start have access to mental health services, parent engagement and training tools, and services to children of all needs and abilities. They are also able to volunteer in the program.
Southern 7 offers both Head Start and Early Head Start for income eligible families that live in the lower seven counties in Illinois. Head Start serves children age 3 to 5, while Early Head Start serves infants and children age 6 weeks to 3. Both programs offer full-day enrollment, with Early Head Start available year-round. There’s also a home-based option for families if requested. Head Start has dual enrollment with Pre-K.
For more information about Southern 7 Head Start, contact Sharity Gaddis at 618-634-2297 ex. 9127 or visit online www.southern7.org and the Southern 7 App.
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