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Parents interested in Head Start may pick up an application at any one of the Head Start schools listed above or at the Head Start Center.
Head Start is a federally funded preschool program for children from low-income families. It is a nationally recognized program that enhances the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of each child.
The Las Cruces Public School’s Head Start program offers a school based program for four year old children and children who are 3 years and 8 months to 3 years and 11 months. We also offer a home based program for children who are three years old. Both programs operates on a nine month basis in accordance with the school district’s calendar.
Three and Four Year Old Program
Booker T. Washington has a 3 & 4 year old full day program that meet Monday – Thursday from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm. Parents must meet requirements. Contact Corina Gabaldon at the Even Start Program for more information on the parent requirements 527-5877.
Four Year Old Program
Ten elementary schools have morning and afternoon sessions. Classes meet 3 ½ hours per day Monday – Thursday. Morning sessions are from 7:45 am – 11:15 am, afternoon sessions are from 11:30 am – 3:00 pm. The program does not provide transportation.
- Cesar Chavez
- Columbia
- Conlee
- Doña Ana
- Hermosa Heights
- Loma Heights
- MacArthur
- Mesilla Park
- Sonoma
- Valley View
Three Year Old Program
Three year old children enrolled in the Home-Based Program of Head Start receive all Head Start services. These services are provided in their homes, through home visits by a regular visitor. They meet for an hour and a half one time per week and participate in group experiences.
The educational program is designed to meet the needs of each individual child. Every child receives a variety of learning experiences, which fosters intellectual, social and emotional growth. Children participate in indoor and outdoor play and are introduced to concepts that will be the foundation of the elementary school curriculum. The main topics that will be covered are literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, technology, and problem solving skills.
Nutrition is an integral part of the program. Meals and snacks are served to meet at least one third of the child’s daily nutritional needs. Classroom cooking activities are also provided to not only enhance learning but also to focus on healthy eating habits.
Head Start emphasizes preventive care and early detection of health problems. In collaboration with parents, each child’s health status is determined through a variety of health and developmental screenings. Help is provided to parents to coordinate with community agencies to obtain medical and dental examinations for the Head Start child.
Mental Health professionals work with staff and parents to encourage children to express their feelings, develop self confidence and get along with others. Psychological and social services are provided to Head Start children and their families as need is identified through referrals to community resources as need is identified through in-house referrals and referrals to community agencies.
The program offers 10 percent of its available slots for children with diagnosed disabilities. Our staff is trained and works closely with school personnel to provide services to disabled children while providing them with an integrated, developmentally appropriate early childhood experiences within the Head Start classroom.
An essential part of every Head Start program is the involvement of parents in education, program planning and operation. Families are invited to participate at all levels of the program. Many volunteer in the classroom and some even serve as members of the programs Policy Council. The Head Start Parent Policy Council is made up of representatives from each classroom. The council meets once a month to discuss policies and procedures. In addition, each classroom conducts several parent meetings centered around various topics chosen by the parents. Head Start families are also provided information/programs on nutrition, child growth and development, health, mental health and leadership. Adult Basic Education, GED, and ESL classes which are provided by the Doña Ana Community College.
Head Start Bureau www.acf.hhs.gov/program/hsb/
National Head Start Association— www.nhsa.org/
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