MILTON - Three programs in Northumberland County that offer high-quality learning environments and tools that encourage children to learn and grow are gearing up for another school year: Early Head Start, Head Start and Pre-K Counts.
"These programs utilize nationally-recognized, research-based curriculum and assessments," said Terri Locke, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) early childhood program supervisor. "Our staff members are trained on how to use and implement the curriculum in the classroom."
Locke said Early Head Start, Head Start and Pre-K Counts help provide a foundation for children to build upon once they become school age.
"The education a child receives before entering kindergarten will better prepare him or her for success in school and life," she said.
Nutritious meals and snacks are provided to children who attend center-based programs. Limited transportation is available for children in Early Head Start and Head Start, and for children enrolled in Pre-K Counts at Warrior Run School District.
Early Head Start is for expectant mothers and children from birth to age three. It offers education, nutrition, health, social and mental health services, and emphasizes parent involvement. Services are provided in the home or at the Early Head Start Center in Stonington.
Head Start and Pre-K Counts promotes school readiness for 3-, 4- and 5-year olds who are not yet enrolled in school. Head Start centers are located in Coal Township, Herndon, Milton, Mount Carmel, Sunbury and Turbotville. Pre-K Counts is available to residents of Line Mountain, Milton Area, Shikellamy and Warrior Run school districts.
Services are available at no cost to eligible children and families and are coordinated with other agencies to meet all needs of children, including those with disabilities.
Participants must meet federal income guidelines, and are selected based on child and family needs and circumstances. Parents who became unemployed recently also may be eligible.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2015-16 school year. All interested parents are encouraged to apply by calling the CSIU at 570-523-1155, extension 2240 or visiting www.csiu.org/EarlyEd.
Federal grants were awarded to CSIU to conduct Head Start and Early Head Start in Northumberland County. Pre-K Counts is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and the CSIU administers Pre-K Counts in Northumberland County.