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Head Start

A head start in school and life
Head Start is a free, comprehensive child development program for families with children ages three to five (who are not enrolled in kindergarten) and who live in Northumberland County.

Designed to give children a "head start" in school and life, the program promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children.

Children with disabilities are welcome and included in all aspects of the program. In collaboration with CSIU Preschool Early Intervention, identification and specialized services are available.

Services
Center-based preschool services are provided in locations throughout the county. Children attend the center for five days a week, for five hours a day during the school year. Each family also receives two home visits annually.

  • Nutritious meals and snacks are provided during days at the center. Limited transportation is available for children enrolled in Head Start.
  • Children participate in indoor and outdoor play. They are encouraged to express their feelings and develop self-confidence, as well as the ability to get along with others.
  • Preschoolers in the Head Start program receive preventative health services including vision, hearing and developmental screenings.
  • Assistance is provided for families to acquire health insurance, obtain physical exams, immunizations and dental health care for their children.
  • Nutrition and health education are stressed in the classroom and during home visits.

Parent involvement
Head Start’s philosophy is “the parent is the child’s first and most important teacher.” Family engagement is an important part of the Head Start program, as parents work in partnership with staff to promote the education of their children. 

Parents help make decisions about the program at monthly Policy Council meetings. Head Start assists families by linking them to available community resources and services.

Locations
Programs are located in the following locations:
Watsontown Children's Center (Watsontown, PA)
Grace S. Beck Elementary (Sunbury, PA)
Shamokin Annex (Shamokin, PA)

Any person or agency can refer a child who might benefit from this program.

Apply OnlineCSIU Aplicación para la pre-escuela

For More Information

Kathy Sprenkle
(570) 523-1155 ext. 2240
ksprenkle@csiu.org

This website is supported by Grant Number 03CH011898 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of CSIU and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.