Head Start Preschool (Ages 3-5)

Head Start Preschool

Half-Day program available at: Centerburg | Danville | Northgate
6.5-hour classes available at: Fredericktown | New Hope Early Education
Full-day program available at: Gambier  | New Hope Early Education | Northgate

Head Start offers compressive, federally funded, community-based preschool in half-day
school year programs (four days a week, August/September through May); in 6.5-hour school
year-based classrooms (five days a week, August/September through May); in full-day, full-
year classrooms; and in home-based services. We prepare children for kindergarten while
providing nutritious meals and educational and social-emotional development by focusing on
health, mental health, dental support, and family services.

KCHS classrooms are set up to offer a variety of experiences for children to learn in a safe
space with child-appropriate furniture, materials, and spaces. The classroom environment
allows children to share a sense of belonging while feeling safe and confident. Feeling a
sense of safety and security allows children to be ready to learn the skills necessary to
transition into kindergarten.

We believe that children learn best through engaging play. Through hands-on activities and
opportunities to explore, both indoors and out, children will better understand their bodies,
their environment, and their role in it.

Daily activities are varied and concern the whole child–how he/she feels and gets along with
others and his/her need to move and explore. There is a balance of active and quiet play with
both indoor and outdoor activities. Children have the opportunity to work individually, in
small groups, and/or in large groups throughout their day. Based on the developmental stage,
each child is given the chance to participate in age-appropriate activities such as block
building, science, math, music, story time, language activities, reading and literacy, writing,
dramatic play, art, outdoor play, and motor skills development.

• Preschool services for children ages 3-5 years
• Children must be 3 by August 1 (children turning 3 after August 1 may enroll any time
  after their 3rd birthday) but must not yet be 5.
• Available at all 6 centers in Knox County
• Half-day, Tuesday through Friday (subject to change).
• 6.5-hour day, Monday-Friday.
• Half-day and 6.5-hour classes operate throughout the school year.
   Nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks
• Family advocacy services
• Health and developmental screenings and referrals
• Kindergarten transition planning

Income eligibility guidelines are required for all Head Start programs. Foster children, those experiencing homelessness, and SNAP-eligible families qualify. Children on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are given priority for enrollment whenever possible.

When enrollment is full at one center, the Agency will work with the family to identify any possible program option at one of the other centers that may work for the child.

 Home-Based Option

A home-based option is available also, wherein the teacher will come to the home once a week and spend time with the child and the caregiver. The child and the caregiver are encouraged to attend scheduled Parent and Child (PAC) socializations wherein the child and their parent will have an opportunity to network with other parents and attend training that is offered during the socialization. A nutritious meal and/or snack are provided on socialization days.

The home-based option may work well for young 3-year-olds and will prepare them to transition into the classroom at a center. The children and their families will receive the same family advocacy and health services as provided to the center-based programming.