Head Start & Early Head Start

Head Start and Early Head Start are the anchors of MICA's Early Childhood services. MICA opened the doors of its first Head Start classroom in 1964. Today, we have a total of 17 Head Start classrooms, three Early Head Start classrooms, and Early Head Start home-based services. Both programs are comprehensive in nature. They combine age-appropriate learning, social interaction, health screenings, nutrition education, strong parent involvement and family development.

To take an in-depth look at our Head Start and Early Head Start programs, check out our 2009 Head Start and Early Head Start Annual Report by clicking the report below:

MICA HEAD START & EARLY HEAD START 2009 ANNUAL REPORT »

Comprehensive Programming
MICA staff strongly believe in the utilization of age-appropriate learning techniques and the individuality of each child. Based upon the results of parent input, teacher observations, and child screenings, activities are tailored, the curriculum adapted, and the physical environment modified to support each child's individual learning style and growth pattern. Children with identified developmental needs receive additional services in conjunction with community partners such as the Area Education Agency.

To build children's social skills, MICA staff engage children in socialization activities. Good social skills are key to a child's successful interaction with their peers, which in turn helps build a child's self-esteem. Studies show children with strong self-esteem are more likely to be successful later in life than children with low self-esteem.

Good health also plays a critical role in a child's development. To give Head Start and Early Head Start children a healthy start in their development, our staff make sure health screenings are conducted on every child enrolled in both programs. Children are screened for such health concerns as high blood lead levels, poor nutrition, poor dental health, and hearing and vision problems. Staff also educate parents about the importance of proper immunizations and refer them to appropriate health providers. Additionally, all meals and snacks served in MICA's classrooms are planned by Registered Dietitians and meet nutrition standards put forth by the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Regular nutrition activities also take place in the classroom, introducing children to new foods while educating them on the importance of a healthy diet.

Parental Involvement
Perhaps no element is as critical to a child's success as parent involvement. We believe parents are a child's first and most important teachers. MICA's Head Start and Early Head Start programs emphasize strong parental involvement. Head Start parents are encouraged to participate in the classroom, help set their child's educational goals, attend class field trips, and read and do educational activities with their child at home. Early Head Start parents are taught the stages of a child's development and activities they can do with their child to nurture her or his development. Through Policy Council and Parent Committees, Head Start and Early Head Start parents help shape the programs, making sure they continue to meet the needs of their family and child.

To strengthen the health and well-being of the entire family, Head Start and Early Head Start parents can also participate in Family Development. Through Family Development, MICA Family Development Specialists work one-on-one with families on issues that affect their overall success. In addition, parents can take part in parenting classes and fatherhood groups. All our efforts build on families' strengths, helping them create safer, more nurturing environments for their children.

Head Start
Head Start gives children ages 3 and 4 the opportunity to grow and learn in a high quality early childhood setting. The program is specifically tailored to meet the educational and social needs of preschool-aged children. MICA has Head Start locations in Eldora, Grinnell, Huxley, Iowa Falls, Marshalltown, Nevada, Story City, and Tama. Head Start offers half-day and full-day classes with availability depending on the community.

For more information about MICA's Head Start program, please contact Cindy Stockner at 641-752-7162 ext. 153.

Early Head Start
MICA offers classroom-based and home-based Early Head Start. The Early Head Start program is offered for children ages 0-3. Pregnant women can also register. Early Head Start involves educational experiences for both children and parents and offers families a wide range of free services designed to support the child and the family. Services include assistance in:

• Parent support and education opportunities
• Child development
• Family development
• Health services and screenings
• Good nutrition

For more information about our Early Head Start program, please contact Carrie Sodders at 641-752-7162 ext. 160.

Sign Up For Early Childhood Services!

After reading the above information, if you feel like MICA's early childhood programs can help you and your family, simply click here (for Head Start) or here (for Early Head Start) to fill out a request to be contacted by a MICA Family Development Specialist about our early childhood services.