Free Head Start at Educare Academy
Continuing Early Head Start's critical work, Head Start (HS) further promotes and strengthens school readiness for preschool-aged children from low-income families. HS services and programs are offered in multiple settings (i.e., child care centers, individual homes, etc.) and engage parents, family members, or caretakers in positive relationships, with a focus on family well-being.
Strong Partnerships, Stronger Outcomes
Providing care and preschool services for children ages three through five, Educare Academy has teamed up with Lucas County Family Council and Great Lakes Community Action Partnership at several of our Toledo and surrounding locations to offer HS. Our goal? Enhancing children's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development so they're ready to succeed when entering kindergarten. Children enjoy:
- Full-time program options;
- Hot, catered lunches as well as breakfasts/snacks;
- Research-based Creative Curriculum, which follows Early Learning Developmental Standards;
- Conscious Discipline, a social-emotional curriculum; and
- Activities and routines that teach problem-solving skills and foster a sense of safety.
Supporting Families, Together
While emphasizing the role of parents as their children's first and most important teacher, HS programs go beyond early education to move kids and families toward overall well-being by providing:
- Health/developmental screenings (with referrals, if necessary);
- Medical and dental services;
- Parent education and home visits; and
- Goal-setting at parent-teacher conferences.
Foundational Beliefs
Educare Academy and our partners believe quality, comprehensive services—starting early and continuing through preschool—help prepare children for school and support parents in guiding their children's everyday learning. Toward that end, we:
- Follow the Ohio Department of Education's Early Learning Developmental standards and maintain portfolios for each child to show his or her growth through the years;
- Offer lower student-teacher ratios so educators can personalize learning/activity plans; and
- Provide services in safe, healthy environments by Educare's credentialed staff who regularly participate in ongoing professional development.
Who Qualifies for Services?
- Children ages three to five whose family's household income falls below the Federal Poverty Level.
- Children who are homeless or in foster care, or whose families receive public assistance—Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—are eligible for both EHS and traditional Head Start services, regardless of income.
To see whether your family qualifies or to get more details, contact Educare at (419) 704-2009 or info@educareacademy.com.