Write a commentThe Oswego County Head Start Pre-K program has been successfully preparing children for kindergarten since 1972.
Parents throughout Oswego County have discovered the benefits afforded children participating in the Oswego County Head Start Pre-K Program. Now you can help your children discover that experience for themselves by enrolling them now for Head Start’s 2014 – 2015 school year.
A program of Oswego County Opportunities (OCO), Head Start has 7 locations that serve children in all nine Oswego County School Districts. The program, which enrolls 3 and 4-year-old children, is provided at no cost to eligible families and is currently accepting applications for the 2014-2015 program year.
According to Beth Kazel, director of Education Services, the Head Start Pre-K program is focused on school readiness.
“Using a reseach based curriculum our early education teachers use a variety of hands-on learning experiences that include the concepts of math, science, and literacy, combined with active play and nutritious snacks that assist children in developing academically, socially, and emotionally,” Kazel said.
Recognizing that parents are a child’s first and primary teacher Head Start encourage parents to be involved in all areas of their children’s education. The program offers parents the opportunity to share in the Head Start experience. Through volunteering, being involved on parent committees, and participating in education workshops parents are engaged in their children’s education.
“Reliable studies have found positive long-term effects with lower rates of grade repetition and special education placement, as well as increased high school graduation rates for Head Start graduates. Additionally, Head Start children are significantly more likely to attend college than their siblings who did not attend Head Start. I encourage parents seeking a quality pre-kindergarten program for their three or four year old children to discover the benefits of the Head Start Pre-K program,” Kazel said.
For more information about Head Start or to apply for the 2014-2015 school year visit the OCO website at www.oco.org/education or call 315-598-4711 or 1-800-359-1171 to schedule an appointment.
