Qualla Boundary Head Start & Early Head Start

Serving Children Ages Birth-5 Years & Their Families

Head Start & Early Head Start

is a federally funded program, a comprehensive child development and early education program for children ages birth to five years from low income families. Head Start serves children with special needs.

WHERE IS HEAD START?
There are Head Start programs in every state. Locally, Head Start is operated at the Dora Reed Children’s Center and the Big Cove Children’s Center.

WHAT DOES HEAD START TEACH?
Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. Head Start staff offer your child love, acceptance, understanding, and opportunities for success in preparing them with school readiness skills. Head Start children socialize with others, solve problems, and have many experiences which help them become self-confident.

WHAT DOES HEAD START DO FOR PARENTS?
Head Start recognizes that as parents you are the first and foremost teachers of your children. Teachers and staff will welcome your involvement and will work as partners with you to help your child develop skills needed for school readiness. Written information, group meetings, and workshops are also available to all parents, guardians, etc.

WHAT DOES HEAD START COST AND HOW CAN I ENROLL MY CHILD?
The Head Start & Early Head Start program is free.

To apply come by the Dora Reed Children’s Center during center hours to pick up an application, download application here., or call 828-359-6592 for more information.

Qualla Boundary Head Start & Early Head Start

897 Acquoni Road
Cherokee, NC 28719

Tina Saunooke,
MA, HD
Early Education Director
828-359-6589
email

828-359-6589 (Main)
828-359-6590 (Appts)
828-497-4212 (Fax)

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
7:15am – 4:45pm

Morning Cut Off:
8:15am

What Services Are Available?

Comprehensive health screenings for each child, and follow-up treatment if needed. Staff will assist parents with agencies that pro­vide needed services such as rental assistance, Medicaid, food stamps, employment or educa­tional opportunities, and services for children with special needs.

Education

  • Developmental screenings
  • Speech screenings
  • Individualized activities
  • Services to children with special needs
  • Inclusion – therapy class
  • State-approved curriculum
  • Cultural activities
  • School readiness skills
  • Planned transition activities into kindergarten
  • Library on site

Social Emotional

  • Mental health services
  • Behavior services
  • Disability services

Nutrition

  • Dietitian approved menus
  • Healthy meals and snacks
  • Nutrition assessments
  • Consultation with dietitian

Health

  • Hearing screenings
  • Vision screenings
  • Dental exams
  • Growth assessments

Parent Training

  • Yearly calendar
  • Fire safety
  • Meetings & activities
  • Nutrition
  • Child abuse / neglect
  • Health
  • How to budget
  • Dental health care
  • Discipline techniques for young children
  • How to obtain legal services

Helpful links to learn more:

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