The 2015-2016 school year is ending. Over 600 preschoolers will enter kindergarten next year, confident in their ability to make friends and learn exciting new things.
Eighty nine (89) HS children in our Full day option and seventy (70) EHS children will continue to learn and grow in HS/EHS over the summer months. Administration will be here to support those Centers, as well as prepare for the 2016-2017 upcoming program year.
We are expecting to have our request to drop 34 prekindergarten slots (two HS combo classes from Park)and add 20 EHS slots approved this week. While the child outcomes in the Combo model have been great, the Federal Office of Head Start no longer allows the Combo model for Pre-K. Many thanks to the staff who have been great implementers of the classroom/home base Combo model!
The Agency has been given the opportunity to apply for supplemental grant funds to have 12 classrooms operating September-late June, 5 days a week/6 hours a day. Yes, I did say 5 days a week/6 hours a day with kids. Research has shown better outcomes for children who receive a larger “dose” of HS over a longer “duration.” You will hear more about the extended day model next year. The start date for the extended model will be September 2017 (2017-2018 program year).
The constant in Head Start is change. Our program will continue to change to meet the mandates of our funders, who base their decisions on solid research and funding (politics).
For those of you who will not be working at HS this summer, I wish you good health and great adventures. For staff who work throughout the summer, I hope each day brings you the enjoyment of a job well done.
Annie Soto
Executive Director
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