Head Start Programs

Offer Learning Experiences to Students and Parents Alike

Every spring, hundreds of preschool-aged children in Jefferson Parish’s Head Start program take part in their “Moving Up” ceremony. Donning their Sunday best, these children celebrate their progression into kindergarten with an academic foundation and a variety of cultural experiences.

Head Start began nearly 50 years ago as an eight-week summer program. A component of President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty, the program evolved into a full preschool year. The federally funded plan was designed to help preschool children from low-income families by offering an educational concept that would meet emotional, social, health, nutritional and psychological needs.

The Jefferson Parish Head Start program accomplishes that and more—reaching out to all family members, providing instructive guidance on topics like nutrition and parenting, and supplying parents with tangible tools to implement strategies in their own homes.

Nicole Ferrier, Director of Jefferson Community Action Programs (JEFFCAP), is particularly proud of the program in Jefferson Parish and the boost it gives to kids who need one. “It’s all about getting these kids to a point where they’re going to grow up and become someone, because we’re going to need them when they grow up,” said Ferrier. She credits Head Start with laying the groundwork for the next generation of productive workers and model citizens.

According to Ferrier, what sets the Jefferson Parish program apart is the support system provided by the parish administration. Darryl Ward, Chief Administrative Assistant in the Jefferson Parish President’s Office, supervises Head Start. He said that if the program was not in place, the group of children it serves would typically be left behind or at a disadvantage. “The parish as a whole is very supportive of the program because these are children who will grow to become productive citizens.”

With federal grants of about $6 million annually, Jefferson Parish operates a total of nine centers. Each center stands on the philosophy of “establishing a supportive learning environment for children, parents and staff, giving them enhanced awareness, refined skills and increased understanding of values.” The goals are simple—give the kids and their families a bona fide “head start” in life through academics, life skills (manners, social graces, awareness of others’ feelings), and health education (nutrition, exercise and proper medical care).

In a standard center you will find vibrant classrooms brimming with stimulating teaching materials where children prepare for kindergarten through a curriculum loaded with reading, writing and comprehension. Kids learn through role playing in elaborate play centers. Arts and crafts are a vital part of each day—walls and doors are adorned with students’ art projects. Physical education is also a component, with children participating in both strength training and cardiovascular exercises.

The mother of three-year-old Joshua Slack, Janelle Fluker, said that in the few months her son has been in preschool at the Gretna center, he has learned his days of the week, how to count in Spanish and many things an ordinary daycare just could not provide. “Every day I ask him what they did in circle time. This is where they do things like reading and science projects and I think this is so important,” she said.

No more than 18 children are in a given class, taught by a specially certified Head Start teacher and an assistant.

Every child has access to full healthcare services (there is a nurse on site at every center), vision and hearing screenings, eye care and psychiatric care.

Nutritionally, the children are served two balanced meals and a snack each day at school. According to Ferrier, many of the students have never seen, let alone eaten, fresh vegetables. Therefore the nutrition program has expanded to provide kids with the opportunity to get acquainted with foods they might never have tried otherwise. Parents are urged to eat and prepare new foods as well. At some centers, parents have access to fresh vegetables that they can take home to personally prepare and enjoy. While learning about and eating the new foods, students learn how to dine with manners and regard for others. They also discover how to forge and maintain friendships.

The Head Start program doesn’t end with educating the students. Parents are expected to engage in the early education of their children. They are encouraged to utilize the centers for their own needs, like learning proper parenting skills or deepening the role they play in their children’s lives.

Ferrier described the Fatherhood Program, an educational component unique to Jefferson Parish’s Head Start, as something essential in healthy childhood development. “Something very dear to us is to help fathers understand that there is a role for them in their children’s lives.”

According to Ferrier, dads are strongly encouraged to be there even if it means taking off from work. The fathers have responded well to the suggestion. Many are on hand to participate in special events and activities. As a result, both parents come to realize the impact that their involvement has on their child’s academic future and ultimately on his or her success.

To find out more information on requirements for Head Start and to find the Head Start Center nearest you, go to www.jeffparish.net, click on Parish Departments, and scroll down to JEFFCAP.