Mission
It is our mission that children and families become self-sufficient through the provision of comprehensive services which empower them socially, emotionally, economically, and physically.
Philosophy
Educating, energizing, and equalizing children and families for the 21st century.
The Capital Area Community Action Agency’s Head Start Program is celebrating 40 years of successfully providing quality school readiness services to preschool children from low-income families. During the 2004-2005 school term comprehensive services were made available to 490 enrollees and their families. Six centers operated in Leon County, two in Franklin County, and one in Jefferson County.
We are very proud of our achievements over the past year, which include adding Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten programs in five (5) centers in Leon and Jefferson County; transitioning 187 Head Start enrollees who were ready and eager to begin Kindergarten; successfully completing the triennial PRISM Review; and renovating all centers to meet ADA requirements.
The Head Start staff of 82, under the leadership of Louise Royal, Director, provided a stimulating full year of school readiness experiences.
Click an area of interest below to see more information
Services Overview |
Child Care and Development |
Nutrition |
Mental Health |
Disability Services |
Family Partnerships |
Community Partnerships |
Transportation |
Policy Council |
Below is a complete list of our Head Start Centers and locations (click on center name for an interactive map):
Bainbridge Road
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Murat Hills
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Long Grove
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South City
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Franklin County
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Jefferson County
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Head Start Services
The overall goal of Head Start is to increase the social competence of the children who participate so that they succeed in their present environment and effectively deal with later responsibilities in school and life. Services are provided that enhance their social, emotional and cognitive development.
Child Care and Developmental Services
Through collaboration with families, staff, and health professionals, each child’s health status and developmental needs is determined and addressed. Additionally, efforts are made to link children and families with a source of continuous, accessible health care that is available even after the child leaves Head Start.
Child Nutrition
Child nutrition services assist families in meeting each child’s nutrition needs and in establishing good eating habits. In addition to nutrition education for the children and parents / guardians, 134,583 nutritious meals and snacks were served to participants. Through assessments 152 families were enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Woman, Infants and Children (WIC).
Child Mental Health
Mental health services are provided not only for participants but are made available to staff and family members as well. Services are provided by staff and a contracted mental health professional.
Disabilities Services
A minimum of 10 percent of enrollment opportunities are mad available to children with disabilities. They receive the full range of services provided to all enrollees and specialized services to meet their identified needs.
Family Partnerships
With assistance from staff, parents are encouraged to identify their own strengths, need, and interests, to find their own solutions through the family partnership agreement process. They are provided opportunities to get involved in all program activities individually and directly or through referrals, community services and resources.
Community Partnerships
Programs must develop formal and informal partnerships with representatives of various community organizations. Staff collaborates with these partners to provide high levels of services to the children and families.
Transportation
360 trips were mad to transport students to and from the Concord Head Start Center, which is located in the rural Miccosukee Community. 3 Head start buses mage 132 runs for field trips for all centers.
