Education

EDUCATION

Head Start programs provide learning experiences so children can develop and grow.  It is designed to meet each child’s individual needs and encourage parents to work with their child. It aims to meet the ethic, cultural and other needs of the community served.  Children in Head Start grow in various parts of development; including social skills, emotional well-being, language, literacy learning, and concept development.   Children are introduced to the concepts of words and numbers with a focus on Early Literacy.  Development occurs in these areas as a result of relationships with adults, play, as well as planned and sudden instruction.  The foundation of Head Start are relationships.  Children who are emotionally connected to each other are more likely to show positive development and become better prepared for kindergarten and learning later in life.  Relationships are the foundation for a child’s growth and development.

 

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EXAMPLE OF CLASSROOM SCHEDULE

7:15-7:30

Bus route begins

7:45-8:00

Staff Arrive

Wash hands;  Teacher planning;  Prepare classroom & playground for children’s daily activities

8:00-9:00

Children Arrive

 

Greet each child individually;  Check child’s Health Status;  Free Play;  Wash Hands;  Prepare for Breakfast

Parent Transport and Bus Arrives at 8:30

9:00-9:30

Breakfast

Family style with staff seated at table with children;  engage in conversation;  Clean up;  Brush Teeth;  Bathroom & Wash Hands

9:35-10:35

Free Play

Children participate in activities of their choice:  Staff supervise and provide guidance;  Teachers provide directed and enrichment activities to meet individual needs

10:35-11:35

Gross Motor

Playground time-  Child initiated activities and teacher planned activities for those that wish to participate

11:35-11:50

Group Time

Large or small group activities;  Reading;  Finger Plays;  Discussions;  Music & Dance;  Enrichment

11:50-12:00

Transition

Bathroom & Wash Hands;  Prepare for Lunch

 

12:00-12:30

Lunch

Family style with staff seated at table with children;  engage in conversation;  as children finish, transition to an area for quiet activity

12:30-1:30

Rest Time

Quiet/Rest Time;  Children who do not nap may engage in a quiet activity on their mat or at the table

1:30-1:45

Transition

Free choice activities;  small group work, finger plays, wash hands and prepare for snack

1:45-2:00

Snack

Family style with staff seated at table with children;  engage in conversation;  wash hands;  transition to gather belongings for parent pick up

2:00

Departure

Parent transport children depart

Free play for bus riders

2:20-2:30

Bus riders go to bathroom & gather belongings for bus

2:30

Departure

Bus riders depart

2:30-3:45

Teacher Planning;  Paperwork;  Home visits;  Room Clean up