Head Start provides educational, health, parent engagement and social services designed to prepare children ages 3-5 for entry into public school.
Together the Frankie B. King Center in Auburn, the Darden Center in Opelika, and the Marian Wright Edelman Center in rural Russell County serve more than 350 children ages 3-5.
Most classrooms consist of 17 or fewer children in a mixed age group. Teachers have a degree in child development. The Teacher Assistants have or are working toward a CDA or an AA in early childhood.
Head Start has an income guideline. Ten percent of the children can be over the income limit, so we are able to accept children with diagnosed special needs who otherwise might not be eligible. We accept children into the program based on a priority points system, following Federal rules.
Because of the importance of regular attendance to eventual school readiness, the ACHR-CDP has adopted an attendance procedure.
Applications will be accepted at any time, but are particularly encouraged in time for the beginning of the Head Start year. Darden Center has an extended year that starts in early July. King and Edelman Centers start in late August.
Key Benefits
- HighScope Curriculum Approach that allows and encourages each child to learn at his/her own pace.
- Conscious Discipline Curriculum that assists children in learning social communication skills, how to manage frustration, resolve conflicts and problem-solve.
- On-site services for children with special needs (such as speech/language, developmental delay, etc.) provided as appropriate through linkages with local public schools and other resources.
- Linkage to medical and dental care.
- Family Engagement Advocates assist families in setting goals and finding needed services as well as in times of crisis.
- Availability of a variety of ways for parents to increase their knowledge about children’s issues and advocacy including parent meetings and newsletters.
- Variety of ways (parent meetings, newsletters, conferences, home visits etc.) for parents to increase their knowledge about children’s needs, possible solutions to problems /concerns, issues.
- Transportation provided for children who live over two miles from centers as needed by parents.
- Wraparound care offered at Darden and Edelman through vouchers or on a sliding fee scale for parents who work or are in school and need childcare. Care provided as early as 6:00 am and as late as 5:30 at Darden; 4:30 at Edelman and during the summer. At King Center we partner with other childcare centers that provide care
- Opportunity for parents to serve on parent or policy-making committees and to gain experience in advocacy.
To apply, pick up an application at any our centers at any time or call the main office and ask to speak to Family Engagement staff.
Return completed application along with copy of birth certificate and proof of income to the attention of Family Engagement staff.