Enrollment applications for the Early Head Start and Head Start classroom and home-based programs are now being accepted for the 2016-17 program year.
The classrooms are open full-day and full-year for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age, while the home-based program provides the above services through weekly home visits to pre-natal mothers and children birth to 3 years of age.
Classrooms are at the Callaway County Child and Family Development Center, 1600 Westminster Ave. Programs are open to qualified Callaway County residents and people who work in the county and meet the criteria, according to Tawnya Pace, site administrator for Central Missouri Community Action based in California.
"Our target is low-income families, helping them with affordable, quality child care," Pace said. "They have to be working 30 hours a week (for the classroom programs). We are a federally funded program."
The classroom programs are $55 a week for older kids and $75 a week for infants and toddlers.
"If they qualify for childcare subsidies, then that's all we take," Pace said, adding parents would not be responsible for the difference in cost.
She also said participation in the home-based programs is free.
Head Start and Early Head Start teachers took part in a pre-service training Aug. 8-11 at Stephens College in Columbia.
"Pre-service is a way to get all the Head Start staff together to learn about all new and exciting things for the upcoming year," team leader Teressa Huskey said. "It also a way to get to know each other and work with others from other centers in our agency. This year's pre-service was fun and exciting."
All Early Childhood staff members from the eight-county area served by Central Missouri Community Action took part in the free training opportunities designed as preparation for the administrative year beginning Sept. 1. All training sessions focused on increasing knowledge, skills and professional development for Head Start directors, teachers, assistant teachers, family care providers, family advocates, coordinators, home-based specialists, and child and family development specialists.
CMCA's Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide education services that support the mental, social and emotional development of children from birth to age five, as well as providing programs that address children and their family's health, nutrition, and social needs. While participating in these programs, parents are encouraged to get involved in their child's education by being a part of parent committees, Head Start Policy Council, or simply volunteering their time to read to children, help in the classroom, and other various activities.
Those living in Callaway County who are interested in receiving services should come by the Callaway County Child and Family Development Center at 1600 Westminster Ave. or call 573-642-3201.