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Ohio Heartland CAC
Head Start

Education Information

Overview
Welcome to Head Start!
While your child is in Head Start, he/she will have the opportunity to be introduced to many educational skills. The basis of the Head Start Educational Plan comes from the eight domains of learning that are used in all Head Start Classrooms. During Head Start, your child will be introduced to skills in the following eight domain areas:

1. Language
	The Language domain covers vocabulary, speaking skills and assisting non-English speaking children to begin to learn the English language.

2. Literacy
	The Literacy domain covers all activities that prepare children to learn to read and understand books and other written material.

3. Mathematics
	The Mathematics domain covers all skills related to numbers, shapes and recognizing things in our environment.

4. Science
	The Science domain covers discovering how our world works and exploring aspects of our life.

5. Creative Arts
	The Creative Arts domain covers activities in art, music and creative movement.

6. Physical Health
	This domain covers physical activities that strengthen and coordinate the large and small muscles in our bodies as well as discussions about health and nutrition.

7. Social and Emotional
	This domain has activities that help the child feel comfortable in school and with other children. This domain helps children discover appropriate behavior in a social setting.

8. Approaches to Learning
	This domain concentrates on helping each child discover how he/she learns best and can complete activities in a satisfactory manner.

During the school year, your child will have the opportunity to work on skills and activities in all eight domains listed above.

Although the teaching team will observe and assess your child’s progress throughout the year, there is a formal assessment given to your child three times during the year. The results of these assessments will be shared with you at family conferences and home visits. These assessments are called Outcomes. You will hear more about Outcomes as your child progresses throughout the school year. Ohio Heartland CAC Head Start is also participating in The National Head Start Assesment (NRS). For questions regarding either Outcomes or the NRS please call your Education Manager at the office in your county.

Head Start Performance Standards provides a framework for teachers to follow to guarantee that all activities are appropriate for children. When you visit your child’s classroom, you should see the following activities:

1. Lots of hands-on activities, such as blocks, clay, painting, cutting, etc. Young children learn best when allowed to explore and create.

2. Children given an opportunity to make choices. During free exploration/center time, each child will be allowed to choose the timing and location of his activities. Children learn more when they have some choice in the activity.

3. Academic subjects taught using items that can be manipulated, such as blocks, counters, plastic animals, etc. Many play activities in Head Start have a very definite skill that is being taught.

4. Children participating in circle activities as a group. These activities give the children an opportunity to learn to function in a group, share ideas and beginning listening skills.

Head Start is a child-friendly environment that works on developing the entire child. You will not see dittos and worksheets, as those materials are not appropriate for the children that we serve in Head Start.

Head Start provides support for children with special needs. We accept all Head Start eligible children, regardless of their developmental level. Speech, language, hearing and developmental screenings are given to each child.

The Intervention Team works with the teachers and families of children who may require additional support. We address issues regarding behavior, language development and social skills. Partnerships are developed with the school district and other agencies to help families access available services.

Head Start is an inclusive program. ALL children, regardless of needs, are included in regular classroom activities.

Head Start provides mental health support for the entire program. We have a contracted Mental Health Professional who provides services for families, children and staff. Training seminars are provided on a variety of mental health topics, such as: attachment, positive parenting, stress reduction and other topics as requested. Consultations are provided as needed for anyone involved in the Head Start program. If someone needs ongoing mental health services, Head Start will assist the family in finding a mental health professional to address their long-term needs. The contracted Mental Health Professional, along with other staff, will address any crisis or short-term needs that may occur throughout the year.