Description:Head Start is a free federally-funded comprehensive child development program for 3 and 4 year olds that proposes to promote the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth of the children enrolled.
Head Start operates a variety of programs depending on the needs of the community and Head Start families. The Head Start Center Based Program operates four licensed centers located in Olean, Salamanca, Delevan, and Warsaw. Also included among Head Start are UPK (Universal Pre Kindergarten) classes that are located in Franklinville and Olean. The Center Based Team consists of Teachers, Assistant Teachers or Teacher Aides, Family Workers, Nutrition/Food Service Workers, Bus Drivers, Bus Monitors, Program Aides, and Volunteers.
Head Start generally follows the school calendar.
The Head Start Combined Option Program is offered in the Olean center only. Children enrolled in this option are provided class sessions and home visits that result in an amount of contact that is equivalent to the services provided through the Center Based Program Option or the Home Based Program Option.
Head Start interrelates the four components of Education, Health (physical, dental, mental, nutritional, and services to children with disabilities), Social Services and Parent Involvement to bring about a broad range of services which address the individual needs of each child and his family.