School readiness in the Tioga County Head Start program encompasses literacy-based objectives, math and reading curriculums, as well as exposure to music, the arts, creative play, field trips and outdoor play, just to name a few. Pictured are preschool children at Head Start getting acquainted with a spider. Jordan Patch from Animal Adventure in Harpursville, N.Y. visited the school earlier this year. (Provided photo)
ioga County’s Head Start, a federally funded program for preschool children from low-income families participates in the Little Read program. Each school year, the Tioga County Head Start presents a kick off event. Pictured are preschool children at Head Start surrounded by a display for the storybook, “Wind in the Willow.” (Provided photo)
Head Start, a federally funded program for preschool children from low-income families is an integral link for school readiness in Tioga County. Part of the Family Enrichment Network, Tioga County’s Head Start serves children and families in Owego, Candor, Newark Valley, Waverly, and Nichols, N.Y.
An early education program in place since 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson is credited with bringing it to fruition; however the original roots of the idea can be traced back to President John F. Kennedy. Now five decades later, Head Start has grown into a comprehensive educational and family development program. A no-cost program to families if guidelines are met, Head Start provides experiences for preschool children in early learning development, all of which is geared toward preparing them to enter elementary school.
Kathy Gross, local Head Start Program Coordinator, stated, “Head Start is a proven program.”
Starting at age three for preschool children until they enter Kindergarten, and now offering “Early Head Start” for children ages six weeks to three years, Gross explained, “We see Head Start as a continuity of care, from the infant room to the older toddler room to the preschool classroom setting,” and she added, “It is so exciting to see the children develop.”
Tioga County Head Start is available to take applications at any time and currently not all locations are at their full capacity for the school year, which runs September to June.
The Newark Valley location at 117 Whig St. has a full-day schedule, five days a week while the 12 Cooper St. Waverly location offers both morning and afternoon sessions.
Additional options are available at the 1277 Taylor Rd. location in Owego, including morning, afternoon and full-day sessions.
Families of children residing in either Candor or Nichols would be able to utilize the Owego or Waverly locations.
Most transportation to and from Head Start is provided, and the goal, Gross shared, is to provide as much transportation as possible. Head Start will work with families, which includes an agreed upon pick-up point if necessary, outside of the normal transportation route.
Teachers at Head Start hold Bachelor’s degrees and Assistant Teachers have Associates Degrees. For classrooms with a third staff member, that individual may hold a degree or have a diploma or completed GED. Student-teacher ratio is typically 8:1 and teachers work closely with parents to develop opportunities for success, including helping create a positive attitude toward learning and designing activities based on a child’s individual abilities and development levels.
School readiness encompasses a variety of objectives, including a literacy-based, math and reading curriculum, as well as exposure to music, the arts, creative play, field trips, outdoor play, and many more.
New to Tioga County’s Head Start program in Owego is “Early Head Start” which includes children from age six weeks through age 3, with a child to adult ratio of 4:1. A full-day early childhood program, Early Head Start provides meals, formula, diapers, cribs, and other needs. Head Start staff will also partner with families to help support their parental roles as well as a focus on strengthening the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of children.
To consider enrolling a child in Head Start, a prescreening process and application is required to verify eligibility and confirm that physicals and immunizations are up-to-date. A review of children’s needs such as identifying allergies or other medical concerns, special needs, help with speech, among others, is also part of the process. In addition, to help families achieve goals, a family advocate is assigned as a liaison between the classroom and home.
To find out more information about Tioga County’s Head Start program, visit http://www.familyenrichment.cc/head-start/head-start.aspx.
To inquire about completing an application or arranging a visit, contact the main Head Start office at (607) 723-8313, ext. 850. For other information or inquiries, contact the Owego location at (607) 687-6721, ext. 1103 or ext. 1104, the Newark Valley location at (607) 354-3102 or the Waverly location at (607) 249-6302.
