Berkeley HeadStart

Head Start is a comprehensive pre-school program for low-income 3-5 year olds. Eligibility is based on income guidelines from the federal government. To be eligible your family income must be 100% or below on the Income Guidelines chart. The program provides services in five major areas: Education, Health, Social Services, Parent Involvement, and Special Needs.

Education: Every child receives a variety of learning experiences that foster physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. The program combines teacher-directed and child-directed activities

Health: Head Start arranges for every child to receive, if needed, comprehensive health care including:

*Complete medical examinations *Nutrition services *Mental Health screening and services

Medical examinations include vision and hearing tests, identification of disabling conditions, immunizations, and dental exams. Registration for WIC (Women, Infant and Children) services are available and encouraged.

Nutrition services include a minimum of one hot meal and one snack for each child daily. A nutritionist supervises nutrition activities for the Head Start program.

A mental health professional is available to provide mental health education to staff, parents, and children.

Parent Involvement: Parents are encouraged to be involved in Head Start program planning by joining the Policy Council where they have a strong voice in decisions, and by volunteering their time as teacher aides, storytellers, cooks, or clerical workers.

Social Services: Emphasis is placed on assisting Head Start families in determining what their specific needs are, and guiding each family to meet those needs through referrals to community resources. Details of resources available for emergency situations are also provided.

---

Child Ages:

3 years - 5 years

Licenses & Accreditations:

New Jersey Department of Children and Families

Special Needs:

Ten percent of Head Starts enrollment are children with disabilities. Special needs services (including speech and mental health consultation) are offered at each Head Start site. Children with diverse needs are always welcome at Head Start.
All staff are trained and possess the skills necessary to meet the needs of young children. All staff are CPR certified and First Aid trained.

Preschool:

Yes