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CAI 8th Annual Golf Classic Tournament
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Head Start
What is Head
Start?
Head Start is a Federal program for preschool children from
low-income families. The Head Start program is operated by local non-profit
organizations in almost every county in the country. Children who attend
Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also
receive free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and
enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting. Head Start helps all
children succeed. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children
with disabilities.
 Community
Action, Inc. (CAI) Head Start serves approximately 200 children per year and
has OCCS 2 licensed centers in Haverhill and one in Newburyport. The program
offers part-day/part-year and full-day/full-year programs. Families are
eligible if they meet the Head Start income guidelines, qualify for public
assistance, or receive services from a MA Department of Early Education and
Care (EEC) program. To find out if your family is eligible, please contact us. CAI Head Start is a member of the
National Head Start Association and
the Massachusetts Head Start Association.
What can the Head Start program offer your child?
Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow
cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically. The Head Start staff
recognize that, as parents, you are the first and most important teachers of
your children. They will welcome your involvement in Head Start activities
and will work as partners with you to help your child progress. Head Start
staff members offer your child love, acceptance, understanding, the
opportunity to learn and experience success. Head Start children socialize
with others, solve problems, and have other experiences which help them
become self-confident and ready to enter Kindergarten. The children also
improve their listening and speaking skills.
      
What can Head Start offer your family?
- Head Start offers you a sense of belonging, support services, and a
chance to be involved in activities to help your whole family. You can
take part in classes on many subjects, such as child rearing, job
training, health and nutrition, and using free resources in your own
community.
- Some parents learn the English language; others learn to read. Head
Start also offers assistance to parents interested in obtaining a high
school General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or other adult education
opportunities.
- If you have a family member with a special problem, such as drug or
alcohol abuse, job loss, or other family crisis, your family can receive
help through Head Start. Head Start staff members refer families needing
help to medical, social, welfare, or employment specialists in the
community and will follow up to be sure you receive assistance.
- You can become a Head Start volunteer and learn more about child
development. This experience may later qualify you for training which can
help you find employment in the child care field.
- You can also have a voice in the Head Start program by serving on
Policy Council and on various committees. Parents' experiences in Head
Start have raised their own self-confidence and improved their ability to
make decisions.
Who can participate?
All children ages 3 and 4 are eligible for Head Start if their household
income meets the income guidelines established by the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Resources. CAI may fill 10% of its available slots with
over-income families and an additional 10% of available enrollment slots are
reserved for special needs children.
No child shall be excluded because of race, color, gender, national origin
or disability, from participation in CAI Head Start.
How much does it cost?
Head Start is funded by the U.S. Health and Human Services, the
U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Education. There are no fees for most participants. However,
some fees do apply depending on funding source. Contact CAI Head Start for
more information.
When can I apply?
Most applications are completed during the annual spring
recruitment, however applications are accepted throughout the year.
What does Head Start offer?
The highest quality...
- Educators
- Classrooms and Outdoor Space
- Meals
- Family Services
- Health Services
- Mental Health/Wellness Services
- Special Needs Services
- Kindergarten Preparedness
- Volunteer and Leadership Opportunities
- Transportation Services
CAI Head Start – Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Community Action, Inc.
Head Start Program
75 Elm Street
Haverhill, MA 01830
Center Locations
Head Start Administration
75 Elm St.
Haverhill, MA 01830
(978) 372-5052 FAX (978) 373-7034
Fox Center
75 Elm St.
Haverhill, MA 01830
Classroom A (978) 374-2194 Classroom B (978) 374-2195
Classroom C (978) 374-2196 Classroom D (978)374-5384
Goldman Center
230 Hilldale Avenue
Haverhill, MA 01832
(978) 373-6266 FAX (978) 374-3263
Seacoast Center
447 Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 499-8357 FAX (978) 499-4400
CAI Head Start - Hours of Operation:
Fox Ctr. 9:00 AM -12:30 PM and 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Goldman Ctr. 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Seacoast Ctr. 9:00 AM -12:30 PM; 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM; or 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Links
Statement of Purpose
Volunteer Opportunities
2006-2007 Family Handbook
Head Start Bureau:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/
National Head Start Association:
http://www.nhsa.org/
OCCS:
http://www.qualitychildcare.org/
Massachusetts Home Page: http://www.mass.gov
IBM Kid Smart:
http://www.kidsmartearlylearning.org/
DSS Home Page: http:/www.mass.gov/dss/
Child Care Centers and the Americans with Disabilities Act:
http://www.usdoj.gov
NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children):
http://www.naeyc.org
American Academy of Pediatrics: http://www.aap.org
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