Child Development and Education
Head Start/Early Head Start's child development and educational service delivery is designed to meet each child's individual needs, foster social competence, and support school readiness. The program is design around a variety of learning experiences and styles to support and cultivate multiple intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Children participate in indoor and outdoor play and are introduced to the concepts of literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and interpersonal relationship building. They are encouraged to express their feelings, to develop selfconfidence and the ability to get along with others.
Teaching and the Learning Environment
Our state-of-the-art classrooms are equipped with developmentally, age and culturally appropriate equipment and materials where learning is made visible. ASCA Head Start promotes school readiness and early literacy in a 21st century learning environment. The program incorporates technology into preschool classrooms with iPads, Inspire Mega Tables, Desktop Computers, Light Tables, e-book, Internet access, Classroom Monitoring Cameras, Digital camera, etc. This technology engages children of varying abilities to develop language/literacy and excel in other areas in the learning framework. The teaching and learning environment continues to evolve to meet and support the changing needs of children development
Curricula
The curricula for children birth through five is research-based and help children become enthusiastic learners. The instruction encourages children to be active and creative explorers and freely try their ideas and think of their own thoughts. The goal is to help children become independent, self-confident, inquisitive learners.
Developmental Assessments and Screenings
- Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) – This is a strength-based screening tool designed to screen children’s socio-emotional development and growth.
- Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) – This tool can identify developmental concerns for which children should receive appropriate services.
- Teaching Strategies GOLD - A web-based authentic, ongoing observational system for assessing children from birth through third grade. It helps teachers to observe children in the context of every day experiences.
Dual-Language Learners
To ensure children who are dual language learners progress towards all school readiness goals, including the acquisition of English, partnership with community service providers for translation and interpretation services are available to children and families where English is a second language. Support for the home language is also encouraged.
