Founded in 1965, Head Start has been described as “the most important social and educational investment in children, families and communities that the United States has ever undertaken.” Head Start is a comprehensive school-readiness program that helps to reduce the achievement gap in the classroom. Head Start Parent Policy Councils and family support services empower low-income families.

The Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency's Head Start program serves 275 income eligible children ages 3 to 5, and their families who reside in Cayuga County via three Head Start centers, which are located in Auburn, Moravia and Southern Cayuga.

The program supports parents as the primary educators of their children and partners with them to strengthen their efforts at home to reinforce what their children are learning in school. Each child is treated as an individual in an inclusive school community that values, respects and responds to diversity. Children are exposed daily to a variety of activities and experiences that support their physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth and development.

Additionally, Head Start works closely and cooperatively with the local school districts to ensure continuity of curriculum and ease of transition for the children as they enter kindergarten. Helping children to develop the basic building blocks they are expected to have when they enter kindergarten, prepares them for the more advanced lessons they begin in kindergarten and beyond.

Demographics of the 4-year-old children enrolled this program year shows that 26 percent of the students have a diagnosed disability, 22 percent have a suspected disability and have been referred for an evaluation. Seventy percent of the parents enrolled are single parent households. On average, the children know only two to three letters, recognize no numbers, rote count to about 4 to 6 and do not recognize their name in print.

They do, however, know colors and shapes. To assist in each child's development, full-day classes are six and one-half hours per day, and weekly literacy activities and instructions are sent home for parent and child.

The children and their families have the support of a family worker who serves as a link between home and school. Teachers conduct three teaching home visits.

In addition, an on-site mental health consultant observes classrooms and individual children, consults with teachers, administration and parents. A speech therapist provides speech therapy on-site, and we will be adding Family Counseling on-site in the near future through a collaboration with Cayuga Counseling.

Ron Herndon, National Head Start Association chairperson, stated recently, “Head Start has helped to launch 25 million American children and their families into a life of achievement in the classroom and in the community. Not only has Head Start served as a laboratory for pre-kindergarten and early education in the United States, but it will continue to be the cornerstone for Pre-K/early education for the United States as we look ahead to changes under a new Congress and President in 2009.”

Head Start works and a large part of its success is strong parent involvement. Parents are encouraged and welcome to participate in every aspect of the program from policy making and operations to program volunteers. Many former Head Start children and parents are successful adults contributing to our community.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in Head Start, please call 252-0038 ext. 264 for more information and an application.

Terry DeFelice is the director of Head Start