What is Head Start?

RCCDC provides screenings and ongoing assessments of children to identify any need for special services. If you believe that your child has a special need, please tell your Teacher, Family Advocate, or Center Director about your concerns. If follow-up is needed, we may refer your child for further evaluation. Parents are always involved in the referral, evaluation, and goal setting process for their child. Staff members work closely with families and community agencies to provide services to meet the special needs of children.

Our goal is to work with parents to build trust; identify family goals and strengths; and help parents obtain services and support. Staff members can provide referrals for resources in the community, such as food, clothing, transportation, and counseling.

The program provides foods that help meet your child's daily nutritional needs by serving healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks. Children and adults participate in family style meals served in the classrooms. Meals are part of education in our program. Children are encouraged, but never forced, to eat all the foods on the daily menu. We do not give candy to the children as a treat, reward, or part of any meal. The monthly newsletter includes the menu for all meals to be served during the month.

A child who does not feel well cannot learn as much as a healthy child. In order to participate in the program your child must receive health screenings and follow-up services.

Good mental health for a child and his family is important for success in school and life. RCCDC programs help families and children to feel good about themselves, develop healthy relationships, manage daily stress, and solve problems. Mental health classroom activities provide quiet times and active times. They provide materials and opportunities for each child to explore, experiment, create, and question. The classroom is planned to provide opportunities to get along with others and make friends. This is an important part of creating positive mental health for your child.

You are your child's most important teacher. Young children learn academic and social skills by playing with objects and interacting with people. Classrooms have materials to help your child learn early reading, writing, math, and science skills based on his or her developmental level. Your child’s teachers will assess his or her learning needs and accomplishments throughout the year. The teachers will then plan learning activities based on these assessments.