A Head Start on early care
by Alesha Jackson on Jul 17 2009 Posted in Class notes
President Obama’s national push for early care has propelled a resurgence of attention to preparing young children for school.
In recent work with families with young children in West Philadelphia, I’ve heard parents remark candidly about early care. Head Start, a national initiative that places 3-, 4-, and 5- year olds into centers for early childhood, is often a good option when seeking out-of- home care for young children.
Parents who are interested start planning early. Philly’s Head Start program began registration for next year this week, with parents lining up Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for spaces in centers. With over 100 locations in and around the Philadelphia area, Head Start programs offer services dedicated to preparing young children for school. Such benefits include:
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Meals, often including breakfast and lunch, and information about preparing nutritious meals and snacks at home;
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Child- centered activities that enhance school readiness and developmental advance;
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Free medical and dental care; and
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Safe, convenient places to play and learn.
Centers vary widely in size and span all areas of the city. Parents can begin their search at the School District’s Office of Early Childhood Education for information on Head Start and other preschool programs offered in the city. They can also go there to find monthly newsletters, forms for enrollment, and even a virtual tour of a local program!
Parents who missed the July 17 registration deadline should contact the office at (215) 400-4270.
Did you attend a Head Start registration? Are your children enrolled in an early care program in Philadelphia? Tell us more here, or you can email me at aleshaj@thenotebook.org.
Comments (5)
Submitted by MS THOMAS (not verified) on Sun, 03/04/2012 - 15:13.
Good Afternoon,
My name is Ms Thomas and I'm interested in information about enrolling my grand-daughter in headstart. She will be 4 on 4/15. she lives in area code 19151. If you can help me with this I WOULD greatly appreciate it .
THANK YOU
MS THOMAS
Submitted by Ms.Collins (not verified) on Mon, 07/09/2012 - 13:50.
Good Afternoon,
My name is Cinnamin and I am looking for a headstart program close to where I live for my daughter who just turned 4 yrs old on March 6th. We live near Broad & Olney.... area code 19141. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Submitted by Ms lidy blogAnonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/25/2012 - 15:38.
Hi my name is lidy bleh And I'm looking for a head start program close to where I live for my 4 year old son we live in south west on 7153 guyer ave area code 19143 any help for my son will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/26/2012 - 09:12.
Good morning I am interested in enrolling my grandson in headstart. He is five years old and recently came under my care. He just turned 5 years old. He is very eager to start school. Can you help. We live in northeast of Phila. Thank you.
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