Head start provides education to children ages 3-5 as well as many other wrap-around services to children and their families. Jefferson County Head Start is currently accepting applications for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. Head Start is a NO COST preschool in Jefferson County with the exception of Lakewood (they have their own). Their mission is to empower families to become stronger, healthier, and self-reliant. Head Start is enrolling children now. A child is eligible if they are placed in foster care, with kin providers, have been adopted, or are in a guardianship placement.
Why Jefferson County Head Start?
- NO-COST, comprehensive preschool program
- Half-day and Full-day sessions available, all at no cost
- FREE meals and snacks, freshly prepared in our kitchen
- FREE family events
- FREE health & nutrition screenings ensure all students are healthy and ready to learn!
- Trauma-informed program supports all students
They provide the following services to children and families:
- Family Support Specialist: The family is provided a Family Support Specialist (FSS) who will meet with the family at enrollment and start coordinating resources. The FSS worker will meet the families where they are in order to help them move further toward self-sufficiency. To do this, the FSS worker will meet with the family in the home 2 times a year and complete thorough assessments on their strengths and what they see as their needs. The FSS worker will develop goals with the family on what THEY want as their goal. The process is very parent-led; the FSS worker will check-in and offer guidance and support as needed. The FSS worker collaborates with the family and other outside agencies (CYFAP, CAD, Child Support, WIC, Fatherhood Program, etc).
- Health: no-cost health and dental screenings for children, it is important to a child’s education. They will provide a health screening within 45 days of school.
- Mental Health: in-class supports, parent classes, parent consultation, individual child support, small social groups, and referrals for other community based mental health services. In addition to Head Start staff, they also collaborate with Jefferson Center for Mental Health. Head Start is a trauma-informed program as well.
- Meal and Nutrition: Head Start partners with families to build healthy eating habits early on for children. They provide cooking tutorials with parents and have classes for children and parents to cook together. All meals at Head Start are cooked from scratch.
- Community Partnership: WIC has an office on the Head Start campus for easier access to families attending Head Start. Head Start has also collaborated with the Fatherhood program and has events to engage parents/fathers in their children’s education.
Although many parts of the 2020-2021 school year are still unknown, Head Start will have spots available to provide excellent education, family support, and mental health support to Jeffco families.
You have a choice. Choose Head Start. To apply and for more information about Head Start visit their website.