Schuyler Head Start/Early Head Start is a Federal program for children between the ages of 6 weeks and five years from low-income families. Children participate in a variety of educational activities, receive free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting. Head Start helps all children succeed. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.
We also offer preschool education, health and dental services, kindergarten transition, nutrition education, hygiene development, small bus transportation, and alcohol & drug prevention.
Our Programs
Head Start
Head Start Programs promote the school readiness to children ages 3 to 5. We support children’s growth in a positive learning environment through a variety of services. We ensure a smooth transition to Kindergarten for each child by working closely with families, school districts, and other entities. Health and physical development are crucial for early learning opportunities that require children to fully explore and experience their environment. Our program provides a safe and healthy learning experience for all children. We also provide program services to support family well-being and strengthen parent-child relationships by engaging families in the learning and development of their child.
Our Early Head Start Program serves children 6 weeks – 36 months. We provide a variety of services including weekly home visits to focus on child development, safety, nutrition and family goals. There are playgroups for parents and children to socialize and share. We also offer assistance in connecting with community resources when needed as well as support for parents in their role as the child’s first and most important teacher.
Head Start offers you a sense of belonging, other support services, and a chance to be involved in activities to help your whole family. You can take part in training classes on many subjects, such as child rearing, job training, health and nutrition, and using free resources in your own community. Some parents learn the English language; others learn to read. Head Start also offers assistance to parents interested in obtaining 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 members refer families needing help to medical, social welfare, or employment specialists they know 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.
While the majority of funding for the Head Start program comes in the form of a federal grant, Head Start has always relied on the support of the community through company and individual donations. These donations help us to provide a quality program for the children of Schuyler County. Your donation could assist us with the purchase of healthy foods and snacks, classroom supplies, equipment and many other necessary items. To donate to the Schuyler Head Start program please print, fill-out and mail the donor form along with your tax-deductible donation to:
Schuyler Head Start Inc. 323 Owego St. Unit 1 Montour Falls, NY 14865