Federally-funded early childhood development program to increase school readiness of young children in low-income families.

Head Start is Partnered with the following schools and districts:

- Niobrara Public School (North Hwy 12, Niobrara, NE 68760)

- Norfolk Public Schools (2500 West Norfolk Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701)

- Wisner-Pilger Public School (801 18th Street, Wisner, NE 68791)

- Pender Public School (609 Whitney Street, Pender, NE 68047)

Offers child care, preschool, before/after school, school days out, and summer programs, as well as Early Head Start.

All children six weeks to 12 years old are eligible, depending on space available; financial assistance is available to those who qualify through. Language support is available for those whose first language is not English.

Provides an early childhood program for eligible preschool children. Services include 2 and a half hours daily of education, morning and afternoon sessions, with school bus transportation from school to home. In addition, an occupational therapist, speech therapist, social worker, parent coordinator, and physical therapist work with the classroom team.

Preschool. All classes are inclusive and offer many learning opportunities for children ages 3-5.

Families that live in the district may apply when their child is three years old prior to July 31st. Students who qualify for special education and/or who are at risk will be accepted first. Others will be taken on a first come first serve basis. Only students living in the Adams Central school district will be accepted.

Offers an intensive voluntary program for pregnant individuals or have newly delivered children in Hamilton County. Families are enrolled and receive weekly home visits with staff that provide in home activities, assessments and education on growth and development. Children may remain in the program until age 3.

Extended day care is provided for children from Kindergarten to 5th grade attending School District 158. Also provided:
- Summer camps
- Seedlings Preschool
- Beyond the Bell (after-school program)
- School's Out (after-school program)
- Special event rental spaces

Offers early childhood programming for children ages birth-5 years. Provides educational experience that fosters holistic development and engages parents in their children's learning journey, both within the classroom and at home.

Offers early childhood programming for children ages birth-5 years. Provides educational experience that fosters holistic development and engages parents in their children's learning journey, both within the classroom and at home.

Offers part- and full-time childcare, preschool services, and extended childcare.

- Infant Education (6 weeks - 15 months): Teachers talk, read, and sing to infants and engage them in play. All activities are designed to ensure social-emotional development, as well as to build problem solving and self-help skills.

- Toddler Education (15 months - 2 years): Daily activities in this program promote language development, problem solving, motor skills, social interaction, and self help skills.

- Early Pre-School (2 - 3 years): Teachers begin encouraging independence, while offering science, math, art, and language development activities. Students also hone social and potty training skills.

- ROE Pre-School (3 - 5 years): Teachers promote math, early literacy, writing, art, science, social studies, technology, and social skills through play-based learning. Teachers design activities to meet the needs and interests of all children.

- Other programs for other age groups are available.

Offers early childhood programming for children ages birth-5 years. Provides educational experience that fosters holistic development and engages parents in their children's learning journey, both within the classroom and at home.

Administers Head Start, a comprehensive developmental preschool program for children. At the three center locations throughout McHenry County, open enrollment is available at any time and emphasis is on school readiness.

Also provided the following classes, parent training, health and dental screening, social services and a nutrition program.

Transportation may be available in certain areas For qualifying families.

Part-time half day sessions focused on nurturing children's social, emotional, physical and intellectual development through play and group activities.

Hickory Knolls Preschool focuses on exploring natural world.

Pottawatomie Preschool offers structured classroom setting rich in educational materials and a Summer Preschool Program offering preparation for fall preschool or kindergarten.

Family resource program to support parents in educating and nurturing their children. The program provides parents with opportunities to move toward self-sufficiency by working with other community organizations. Health and mental health services are also provided to participants.

Program helps parents better understand their child's stages of development with individualized visits in the home. The weekly visits are 90 minutes in length and are designed to meet the needs of each family. Staff will assist families in planning activities that encourage the child's growth. Social activities will be held twice monthly to provide the opportunity to interact with your child and other families.

Offers an after-school program for low-income children and families. Includes healthy meals and snacks, assistance with medical and dental care, educational field trips, and support services to the family.

Offers early childhood education to children through the local school district. Half-day or full-day schedules may be available.

Education services to families experiencing low income who have children birth to age five.

Head Start has center based services for children 3-5 years.

Home-based services for families with children birth to age 3.

Early Head Start has center based services for children 6 weeks-3 years whose parents are working or attending school.

Information on education, health, nutrition, mental health, child development, parenting skills and disabilities.

Comprehensive child development program serving children 6 weeks to 3 years old.

Staff make visits to the homes of Early Head Start children to assist parents in meeting their family goals.

Parents have the opportunity to be part of a parent committee and/or to volunteer in the center.

Early Head Start provides educational activities through the High/Scope curriculum.

All diapers, wipes, baby food and formula needed during the day are provided free of charge.

Head Start and Early Head Start are comprehensive child development programs that serve children from birth to age five, pregnant women and their families. The programs are child-focused and have the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families.

Both programs provide a range of individualized services in the areas of education, medical, dental and mental health, nutrition and social service to children and their families. Parent involvement is encouraged and support is offered for children with disabilities.

Local school contacts in Audubon, Calhoun, Carroll, Dallas, Greene, Guthrie and Sac Counties are listed below:

-- Audubon, Carroll, Coon Rapids: (712) 830-9442

-- Adel, Waukee: (515) 987-7428 or (712) 830-1327

-- Guthrie Center, Jefferson, Panora: (712) 830-6990

-- Rockwell City, Lytton, Sac City, Schaller, Crestland, Southern Cal: (712) 830-1326

-- Perry: (515) 238-2194