Our Services

Education

Head Start’s educational program is designed to meet each child’s individual needs as well as the needs of families and the community. Every child in Head Start receives a variety of learning experiences to foster intellectual, social, physical, language and emotional growth. Children receive books three times per school year through a “Reading Is Fundamental” grant, which promotes literacy and language competency. Through the use of a curriculum, ongoing assessments, early learning standards, and The Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework, Community United Head Start & Day Care, Inc. prepares the children for kindergarten. Children are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings – developing self-confidence and the ability to get along with others.

Medical

Community United Head Start & Day Care assists parents in obtaining speech, hearing, vision, and dental screenings. This past year, 100% of enrolled children received medical exams and were reviewed to insure they were up-to-date on all immunizations. In addition, 90% received dental exams. All CUHS children were screened to determine needs for mental health services. A licensed mental health professional was available to meet the needs of children and families with social, emotional, or behavioral issues as concerns arise.

Special Needs / Disability Services

Community United Head Start seeks to enroll and support children with developmental disabilities, including those who are hearing impaired, emotionally disturbed, orthopedically impaired and others who have health impairments which require special education and related services. Community United Head Start partners with local school districts to serve children with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to assist the child in reaching their educational objectives and goals. Benefits of participation in Head Start include: support for parents in meeting the special needs of their children, improvement of self image as the child becomes more sociable, independent and self reliant, with an increased sense of belonging. An individualized approach is utilized for the unique needs and capabilities of the child and the child’s family. The challenge is great but the rewards are greater as children with special needs will now have a “HEAD START” on life.

Social Services

All families are initially screened to determine a possible need for Social Services, which may include direct services to parents, advocacy services and collaborative services with other agencies. We strive to assist and support parents in achieving individual and family aspirations.

Center Staff

Each Community United Head Start & Day Care center employs a site administrator, teacher, assistant teacher, educational aide (not all locations), and nutritional aide. All of the centers receive assistance from parent and community volunteers. Rest assured, your child will be well cared for and supervised in nurturing environments.

Nutrition

Each Community United Head Start & Day Center Care is equipped with a kitchen. Our goal is to promote nutritious meals and snacks to all Head Start children. The menus are planned by health and nutrition experts that include center staff, parents, medical professionals and a nutrition coordinator.

Parent Involvement & Volunteers

Parents actively participate in the decision-making process, including curriculum development. In fact, during the 2009/2010 program year, approximately 1,000 volunteers gave of their time and talents at Head Start locations throughout our community. Additionally, educational programs and group activities were offered to help expand parental strengths and interests. Our staff assists, supports and challenges families to realize their goals. This close partnership between Head Start employees and families is celebrated as children and families achieve and often surpass long sought-after dreams.