Head Start program taking applications

VW independent/submitted information

Head Start is a comprehensive early childhood development program that serves low-income children from ages birth to 5 years and their families at no cost.

It is a federally funded program that is operated by Council on Rural Services/Kids Learning Place in Van Wert County. Children who attend Head Start programs are involved in school readiness that includes literacy, language, science, mathematics, and social-emotional development.  They also receive medical and dental services, are served healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing safely indoors and outdoors.

Families are involved and are the center of Head Start’s success, Families can take part in the classroom as volunteers, help with class projects and even serve on the Policy Council, a board that partners with staff in decision-making for the program.

This fall, part-day morning or afternoon classes (3½ hours) will be offered in the Van Wert areas. Another option available for the county is home based learning, with staff visiting families (1½ hours) each week with periodic group socializations.

Kids Learning Place participates in the “Step Up to Quality” program that rates licensed programs in Ohio. The Kids Learning Place in Van Wert is one of the only education/child care centers in Van Wert County to earn a 5 star “Step Up To Quality” award from the State of Ohio.

Kids Learning Place is now taking applications for the 2016-17 school year.  Call today for information about eligibility for the program, which provides services to children that are income eligible, in foster care, or homeless. The program also allocates 10 percent of the slots for children with diagnosed special needs.

To secure a child’s spot in the no cost program, call toll-free toll free 866-627-4557 today.

The Council on Rural Services provides education and support services through Kids Learning Place™, Head Start, Early Head Start, Gateway Youth Programs, Achievement Center for Educational Success (ACES), and Community Connectors in its nine-county service area.