For fifty years Head Start has been the premier model for providing the children an opportunity for success in school and in life. Since the summer of 1965, more than 31 million children have benefited from Head Start’s comprehensive services. In Northwest Wisconsin the Head Start program, has been serving children since 1967. During that time approximately 23,000 children have been served by Family Forum, Inc. who operates the program in Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron and Price counties. Early Head Start which is also sponsored by Family Forum, Inc. began in 1995 and serves pregnant women and children birth to three.
Head Start, from its beginning has been focused on providing comprehensive services to children and their families. Health, Education, Social Services and Parent involvement have been the cornerstones of the Head Start Program. By providing these services to children, the Head Start program reaches it goals of social competence and school readiness. Social Competence means that the child is successful today and in future school years. School readiness is defined by the Office of Head Start (OHS) as “children are ready for school, families are ready to support their children’s learning, and schools are ready for children”. Research shows that what happens in the first months and years of life is critical in the development of a healthy child, ready and eager to learn.
This April, the local Head Start and Early Head Start Programs, will host an Anniversary Event for the children and the community during the week of April 13, 2015. This celebration is being held in coordination with the national celebrations in Washington, DC by the National Head Start Association and the NAEYC’s national Week of the Young Child. The local Head Start centers will provide an opportunity for parents and community leaders to tour their facilities and obtain information on the services provided. The Head Start programs will also welcome and enroll pregnant women and children 0-4 for the 2015-2016 school years.
Head Start Centers sponsored by Family Forum, Inc. are located in Ashland, Bayfield, Brule, Hurley, Phillips and Superior.
