HOME

ABOUT US

OUR PROGRAMS

WHAT'S NEW

FOR PARENTS

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

LINKS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Head Start

 

Early Head Start

 

Other Preschool Programs

 

Other Infant Programs

 

Literacy

 

Family Support Services

 

Children with Special Needs

 

Health Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Head Start

Head Start is a federally-funded program that has proven successful and effective for children and families. It provides free, comprehensive child development and educational programs, as well as support services for children from ages three to five and their families. The program includes a developmentally-appropriate curriculum that reflects the varied ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds of the children and families it serves. Currently the San Mateo Head Start program serves more than 700 children in centers, and home-based programs.

History
Head Start was started in 1965 during President Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” era as a way to address the need for health and education services for children from low-income families. Over a span of nearly 40 years, Head Start has provided educational, social, medical, dental, nutrition, mental health services, and parent involvement activities to almost 18 million children nationwide, and at least 10% of its enrollment is available for children with special needs or disabilities.

Head Start Experience
IHSD’s Head Start programs offer children a developmentally appropriate curriculum that emphasizes language and cognitive development, social skills, and creativity, while offering their parents literacy and support services to enhance their productivity and self-sufficiency.

Head Start teachers use materials that are designed to match the age and development of each child and are sensitive to the ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds of the children. These materials encourage active learning through independent exploration and innovation. Children participate in open-ended activities that reflect their specific needs and interests within a flexible, yet structured framework. We offer children many opportunities to engage with one another, learn about decision making, and develop problem-solving skills.

All of our classrooms are arranged by learning centers, with specific areas for dramatic play, science, art, sensory exploration, books, writing, and blocks. In addition to providing a variety of learning experiences, these centers build children’s self-confidence, enable them to express feelings and ideas, and help them develop social skills. The daily schedule includes a balance of large group, small group, and individual play time, as well as outdoor activities, mealtimes, and personal hygiene.

Our staff conducts at least two annual home visits with each family, completes a developmental screening for each child, shares child development information with the families, and offers supportive home activities to enhance classroom learning.

IHSD staff are dedicated to providing the best possible care and education for children. It is our belief that parents make the real difference in their children’s health and development. After all, parents are their children’s most important teacher. Some of the ways parents can be involved in their children’s program include assisting teachers in developing their child's learning plan; working with their children at home to extend the children’s learning experience; volunteering or visiting children in the classroom; and participating in parent education workshops.

Program Options & Locations
There are two program options for families enrolled in Head Start: (for children 3-5 years old)

  • Center-based Head Start
  • Home-based Head Start

Center-based Head Start

Our center-based program include 18 Head Start classrooms, 7 of which offer full-day programs and 11 of which offer two half-day sessions during the regular K-12 school year.

Home-based Head Start

Our home-based program serves 20 preschool-aged children across San Mateo County. Families receive services in their homes where family service specialists lead children in program activities, while working closely with parents and other family members to promote the preschooler's growth and development. The home-based program includes weekly home visits, educational activities for the entire family, and family support services with an emphasis on health, nutrition, and self-sufficiency.

Directory of Sites and Offices

Enrollment/Eligibility
Enrollment Guidelines for the San Mateo County Head Start Program are as follows:

Enrollment Guidelines
A. Families enrolled in the Head Start Program must meet Federal income guidelines

Federal Income Guidelines

B. A minimum if 10% of Head Start enrollment is reserved for children with certifiable special needs conditions or disabilities

C. San Mateo County Head Start/Early Head Start enrolls eligible families regardless of race, color, religion and/or disability

D. Families must be residents of San Mateo County and must provide proof of county residence.

Eligibility
Eligibility for the San Mateo County Head Star Program is based upon receipt and verification of:

  • The Head Start application
  • Proof of child’s age (preferably Birth Certificate)
  • Proof of income for each adult family member
  • Child's immunization records including: 3 Polio, 4DTP, 3Hep B, at least 1Hib, and 1MMR given on or after the first birthday

Head Start Application

Adobe Reader is required for viewing these files. It can be downloaded from this site: www.adobe.com

 

HOME || ABOUT US || OUR PROGRAMS || WHAT'SNEW || FOR PARENTS || JOB OPPORTUNITIES || LINKS
Copyright 2004 IHSD. All rights reserved
1265 Mission Road, South San Francisco, California 94080. Phone: 650-871-5613 Fax: 650-872-0433