SAD 4 and Penquis Head Start have recently formed a partnership that will bring Head Start services to preschoolers in our district. The new Child Development Project, located on the McKusick School campus in Parkman, will enroll twenty students this Fall. Children will attend school Tuesday through Friday, four hours a day and will have breakfast and lunch provided.
With a focus on educational and social experiences, Head Start provides a wide range of services to children and their families. Developmental and health screenings are done yearly. Information gathered from these screenings gives teachers a picture of each child and provides the basis for individual educational planning. Our curriculum is based on the Child Development model of learning and includes child-centered activities in the areas of health, nutrition, literacy, cognitive skills and positive social interaction. The children follow a daily schedule designed to enhance self-esteem, self-help skills, health routines, good nutritional habits, social skills and educational experiences. Our day is active, busy and very hands-on.
Families are an important part of our program as well. Head Start realizes that parents are the most important teachers in their children's lives, and we strive to help families meet their goals. Activities for parents include volunteering in the classroom or on field trips, attending monthly Parent Meetings, or participating as a delegate for Policy Council where policy decisions for the Head Start Program are made. Parents are encouraged to become involved in their children's education and development. Staff support parents in their efforts by providing education, information and service referrals throughout the year.
The partnership between Head Start and SAD 4 will bring even more experiences to preschool children in our district. Kindergarten teachers and Head Start teachers will work together to provide children with a smooth transition between preschool and kindergarten. We will share our expertise with each other for the benefit of our children and we will work to help parents become involved in their children's lives as well.
Applications to enroll your child/children in our program are now being accepted. If you would like an application, or if you want more information about our program, please call the Abbot Head Start at 876-4450 or stop in for a visit. After May 23, you can get an application by calling the Dover CAP Office at 564-7116.
This partnership is exciting and it will open up many possibilities for our children and families. Come be a part of this wonderful step toward improving the quality of programs for our district and toward improving the education of our children.