Early Head Start | Head Start Programs (2024)

Head Start programs were established to provide early, continuous, intensive and comprehensive child development and family support services.

The purpose of the program is to:

Head Start provides special education services in an inclusive classroom setting. Goals on a child's Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Plan (IEP) are incorporated into the daily lesson plans. CCSD Head Start ensures children with special education eligibility receive quality servicesin a leastrestrictive, inclusive classroom environment.

Head Start is a comprehensive program designed to meet the emotional, social, health,
and nutritional needs of children between the ages of 3-5.

CCSD Head Start promotes school readiness and provides family engagement services for children and families in Charleston County. Head Start engages parents in their children’s learning and helps them make progress towards their own educational and career goals.

CCSD Head Start/EHS educational programs are designed to meet each child's individual needs. In collaboration with each child’s parents, every child is screened and receives an ongoing assessment to determine language, motor, and development status.

Teachers strive to construct experiences and an environment to meet the linguistic, ethnic and cultural characteristics of the communities served. Teachers plan and implement learning experiences that advance the social-emotional, intellectual and physical development of children including:

Medical and Dental| Establishing medical and dental homes is a priority for Head Start and Early Head Start. On-site dental prevention screenings are provided for all Head Start children. Children also receivehearing, vision and nutrition screenings with appropriate referrals and resources offered to families when needed. Early interventions ensure there are no barriers to learning.

Nutrition | Mealtimeis an extension of learning by modeling language, conversation, social interaction and introducing new foods. The menu integrates the latest nutritional research so families are offered the healthiest meals possible. Head Start works with all families to ensure that their cultural needs are valued and special diets are accommodated. Cooking Matters classes are also provided to enhance parents’ knowledge of healthy eating and cooking on a budget.

Mental Health |A mental health professional is available to every Head Start and Early Head Start classroom to provide mental health observations and services for children and families. Ongoing training and support ensure that Head Start and Early Head Start staff providehigh-qualityclassroom environments that foster success, safety, and wellness for each child.

Participation in Decision- Making:Parents are the most important influence on a child's development. An essential part of our program is the engagement of parents in program planning and operations. Parents serve as members ofPolicyCouncil and Committees and have a voice in program design.

Volunteers:Parents also volunteer in classrooms, the playground, field-trips, meal times and more. Parents receive preference for employment in Head Start for jobs they qualify for.

Classes & Workshops:Opportunities for participation in classes and workshops support child development, parenting skills, and healthy lifestyles, etc. Home visits by staff enhance educational activities parents can carry out in the home. Ready Rosie (web-based) provides parents with access to parenting information and support in a simple format via their cell phone or computer.

In the midst of national teachershortages, CCSD Head Start and Early Head Start seek out and recruit a highly qualified workforce. The Office of Head Start, as well as our state licensing entity (Department of Social Services), require ongoing training and professional development to include a minimum of 15 hours annually. This regulationensuresteachers and staff have the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate instruction and support to all children.

Head Start teachers are required to have a baccalaureate degree or higher in early childhood education or a related field. Early Head Start teachers are required to have a minimum of a child development associate credential. Individual professional plans are developed to promote staff growth.

Volunteers have been an important part of all Head Start programs from its inception. High school and college students, homemakers, parents of Head Start children, retired senior citizens -- all kinds of people have offered theirmuch-neededhelp to local Head Start programs. Volunteers assist with classroom activities, assist with field trips, become "classroom readers", and help with Head Start community events.

Community organizations provide a wide array of services to Head Start children and families including the donation of, educational materials, equipment for children with special needs, and medical and dental examinations. These services and the time spent by volunteers count toward the required 20 percent non-Federal share of the local Head Start budget.

Recruitment began on January 23, 2024, and will remain open throughout the school year.

All applications submitted online will still require parents/guardians to meet with a Family Advocate or Home Visitor for an in-person interview.

Please bring the following: