Curriculum

Head Start Curriculum (Ages 3-5)

The curriculum of choice is the Creative Curriculum for Preschoolers 4th Edition which uses an environmentally based approach to learning. Instructors provide materials to initiate and then guide learning in literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts and technology. More than having a well organized classroom focusing on children's interests, the Creative Curriculum teaches Instructors to observe purposely, using their observations to plan for the entire class and small groups of children, as well as individual needs. The curriculum supports each child's innate ability to be curious to explore the world and make sense of their experiences in a meaningful context.

Instructors observe and collect samples of children's work, using the documentation to note progress on the Developmental Continuum. What is the Developmental Continuum? In essence, it is a road map used to determine where each child is developmentally. It is used to track their progress as well as for planning learning experiences while in the Head Start classrooms or on home visits. All children, including children with special needs, feel comfortable and feel they belong. They are helped to become independent and confident learners.

Learning is integrated into everyday learning experiences and family involvement is the key to successful learning. Head Start strives to build partnerships with all Head Start families. Mothers, as well as Fathers, are encouraged to participate. Fathers are asked to be positive male role models and are encouraged to join our male involvement group through the Private Industry Councils "Dad's Matter" group.

Our goal is to build a bridge from the child's home to school making parents feel they belong and have a valuable role to play. The bottom line is, when parents are involved, children do better.

Early Head Start Curriculum (Ages Birth-3 & Expectant Mothers)

The curriculum of choice is the Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers and Partners for a Heathy Baby Curriculum for expectant mothers.

The Creative Curriculum focuses learning in the natural home environment. This is an appropriate setting to learn the basic skills such as dressing, feeding and learning to communicate. Our staff, Family Resource Specialists, assist parents to meet the basic needs using all aspects of the home environment to broaden the child's knowledge and skills. Our goal is to enhance the parent-child interaction helping parents to become effective teachers and managers of their own child's behavior. Parents learn child management techniques that can also be applied to other children in the family.

The Partners for a Healthy Baby Curriculum is our focus with our enrolled pregnant mothers and fathers to be. This curriculum outlines what mothers can expect month to month throughout their pregnancy. It helps to prepare mothers for the journey ahead when their new little one is born. In addition, it helps fathers prepare for their very important role. After the child is born, the curriculum follows the journey through that first year of life making the family aware of what to expect from month to month as their child grows and develops. It helps families to plan for all the needs of their new little bundle of joy.

Family Activity Booklets