Services

Research-based Approach

Child Start, Inc. implements a researchbased educational approach through The Creative Curriculum, utilized consistently across all Head Start, Early Head Start, and Child Start program options. This curriculumaligned framework supports school readiness and wholechild development, addressing children’s cognitive, socialemotional, physical, and language development in accordance with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF). 

The Creative Curriculum is grounded in developmentally appropriate practices and evidencebased strategies that promote individualized learning, ensuring that instruction is responsive to each child’s strengths, interests, culture, and developmental needs. Through intentional teaching, handson exploration, and nurturing adultchild interactions, children acquire the foundational skills necessary for future success in school and life.

In partnership with families, Child Start integrates meaningful learning experiences into daily routines and classroom environments, fostering strong relationships between children, educators, and caregivers. By implementing a consistent, highquality curriculum across programs, Child Start ensures equitable learning opportunities that prepare children for a successful transition to kindergarten and beyond.

School Readiness Goals

Child Start, Inc. implements school readiness goals that focus on preparing children for a successful transition into kindergarten and beyond. These goals are tailored to foster growth in key developmental areas, including literacy, math, social-emotional skills, and physical health. Through engaging, age-appropriate activities, Child Start, Inc. supports children in building the foundational skills needed to thrive in school. By collaborating with families and utilizing data-driven assessments, the organization ensures each child’s progress aligns with established milestones for future academic success.

Inclusive Environment

Child Start, Inc. provides a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported. The organization prioritizes the emotional and physical well-being of its students by fostering a culture of respect, kindness, and collaboration among children, families, and staff. Through diverse programming and a commitment to equity, Child Start, Inc. ensures that all children, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, have access to enriching experiences that promote growth and learning. This welcoming atmosphere empowers children to explore, express themselves, and build meaningful relationships, laying a strong foundation for their future development.

Meal Plans

Child Start, Inc. offers thoughtfully designed meal plans that prioritize nutrition, variety, and accessibility for young children. Each menu is crafted to meet the dietary needs of growing kids, featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. The meal plans not only aim to introduce diverse flavors and textures, but also incorporate culturally relevant dishes to foster an appreciation for different cuisines. By focusing on balanced meals, Child Start, Inc. ensures that children receive the essential nutrients they need for healthy development while promoting healthy eating habits from an early age. Additionally, the program accommodates dietary restrictions and allergies, ensuring that every child can enjoy nutritious and delicious meals.

Wellness Programs

Child Start, Inc. offers comprehensive wellness programs designed to promote holistic health and well-being for children and their families. These programs focus on physical, emotional, and social wellness, incorporating activities such as nutrition education, physical fitness, and mental health support. Families are engaged through workshops and resources that emphasize healthy lifestyles, including cooking classes and gardening activities that teach the importance of fresh, nutritious foods. Additionally, Child Start, Inc. provides access to screenings and assessments to identify and address any health concerns early on. By fostering a supportive community and empowering families with knowledge and tools, these wellness programs aim to create a strong foundation for lifelong health and resilience.

Immunization & Health Services

Child Start, Inc. provides essential immunization and health services to ensure the well-being of young children and their families. The program offers access to routine vaccinations, helping to protect against preventable diseases and promoting public health within the community. In addition to immunizations, Child Start, Inc. conducts health screenings to monitor growth and development, identifying any potential issues early on. Families receive education on health and wellness topics, including nutrition and hygiene, empowering them to make informed decisions about their children’s health. By facilitating connections to healthcare providers and resources, Child Start, Inc. plays a crucial role in fostering a healthy environment for children to thrive.

Family Goal Setting

Evidence-based parenting curriculum is a component of all program options. Child Start uses two parenting curriculums: Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) curriculum and Partners for a Healthy Baby pregnant mom curriculum. All parents are offered a series of three seminar- style parenting workshops to support positive parenting practices starting in October.  Parents can also participate in one-on-one sessions for individual concerns throughout the year on over 40 different topics. Family Advocates, FSSW, Home Visitors and CCP Coaches are accredited and participate in monthly meetings and training to support with implementation of the Triple P parenting curriculum to fidelity.  

Parenting Education

Evidence-based parenting curriculum is a component of all program options. Child Start uses two parenting curriculums, Triple P parenting curriculum and Partners for a Healthy Baby pregnant mom curriculum. All parents are offered a series of three seminar- style parenting workshops to support positive parenting practices starting in October.  Parents can also participate in one-on-one sessions for individual concerns throughout the year on over 40 different topics. Family Advocates, FSSW, Home Visitors and CCP Coaches are accredited and participate in monthly meetings and training to support with implementation of the Triple P parenting curriculum to fidelity.  

Parent Leadership Opportunities

Building parent leaders is a hallmark of Head Start and will continue to be an integral part of each program year. Policy Council elections take place in September and orientation for new members occurs in October. For sites that have not obtained a PC representative, PC recruitment is ongoing with elections and orientations occurring as needed through March of each program year. Policy Council representatives meet monthly in person at our admin office on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Policy Council members also have the opportunity to participate in advisory committee meetings with content managers to support program planning in the areas of health, nutrition, education, family services, enrollment, fiscal and facilities.