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.
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
|
|