Starting December 1, 2019, Marillac St. Vincent will begin offering the Head Start and Early Head Start programs at our west side location, Marillac Social Center. The ramp up will begin with 5 classrooms, serving 72 children ages 6 weeks to age 5. Looking ahead, MSV plans to open 5 more Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms at our north side facility, St. Vincent de Paul Center, by September of 2020.
Head Start is a historic education program that promotes “school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by supporting the development of the whole child.” The program places emphasis on early learning, health, and family well-being. “Head Start supports kids and the families. A big part of the program focuses on getting parents involved,” said MSV's Senior Director of Early Learning Programs, Tracey Young. What makes Head Start so unique is the emphasis on family involvement. Head Start programs work to strengthen the parent-child bond, improve a child’s relationship with adults, and get parents involved in their little one’s education every step of the way.
Since 1965, Head Start programs “have served more than 36 million children,” and MSV is proud to become a part of the Head Start early learning tradition. “Head Start represents a comprehensive approach to not only supporting the child, but the whole family. It aligns well with Marillac St. Vincent’s existing programs and focus on education as well as family support,” MSV’s Chief Operating Officer Maureen Hallagan commented.
Head Start’s extensive approach focuses on preparing children to succeed in every level of education. “It’s not just kindergarten readiness, it’s school readiness. It goes beyond a lot of other programs,” said Dr. Catherine Eason, Director of Early Childhood Education. She continued, “I am so excited to bring Head Start to MSV because I am a child of Head Start myself. I know it works.”
Learn about MSV’s Early Childhood Education programs.
Read more on the Head Start program.