Head Start Program

Program Options

Center Based

Center Based Photo Album Head Start Locations Head Start children attend classes in the centers, four days a week, three-and-a-half hours per day.

Family Based Combination

Family Based Photo Album
A teacher goes to each family's home three times a month to help parents design individualized learning activities for their child. In addition to the home visits, the children attend a center based class once a week.

Enhanced Childcare Head Start Option

ECHO Photo Album Head Start Locations Children enrolled in ECHO receive Head Start services within the child care setting year round.

4 Year Old Kindergarten

ADVOCAP is a community partner with Berlin, Fond du Lac, North Fond du Lac and Ripon public schools in providing programming for 4 Year Old Kindergarten.

Head Start Believes

• Children are important people
• Learning is fun
• Parents are their child's first and best teachers
• Early intervention in health problems is highly beneficial
• Children need nutritious food
• A child whose parent is involved in her/his learning will get the most benefit from their Head Start experience
• Head Start families and staff, working together as a team, can effectively promote respectful, sensitive, and proactive approaches to diversity issues
• Families can benefit from resources available in the counties in which they live

Position Statement

We believe in supporting families as they become successful, self-sufficient contributors to the community

The families, Policy Council, and staff of ADVOCAP Head Start are committed to:

• Providing comprehensive family and child development services that support school readiness and self sufficiency to eligible families in Fond du Lac and Green Lake Counties.
• Maintaining qualified and nurturing staff, community partnerships, the involvement of parents, and shared governance.
• Building on strengths and positive relationships with families, children, and staff.

Program Eligibility

• Families must reside in Fond du Lac or Green Lake Counties
• Children must be three or four years old on or before September 1st of that school year
• The family income must meet federal income guidelines
• We believe in supporting families as they become successful, self-sufficient contributors to the community

Head Start Services

Early Childhood Development

ADVOCAP Head Start uses the Creative Curriculum to provide developmentally appropriate activities designed to promote learning in the following areas:

• Language and Literacy
• Social Competence
• Science & Nature
• Numeracy
• Creative Arts
• Music
• Health & Nutrition
• Physical Fitness

Socialization

ADVOCAP Head Start offers opportunities for children to socialize with others, solve problems, and participate in a variety of activities that help them become capable, self-confident learners

Health Services

Good health is an important part of each child's development. ADVOCAP Head Start has a comprehensive health services program that includes emphasis on preventive health and safety, well child care, and assistance with health follow up. A screening program is also in place to detect problems with vision and hearing.

Mental Health Services

A nurturing and supportive environment is designed to help each child be successful and promote good self esteem. Parents have the opportunity to learn more about parenting and child growth and development. Families are also welcome to meet individually with their Head Start mental health counselor to discuss any personal concerns.

Nutrition Services

ADVOCAP Head Start participates in the Child &app; Adult Care Food Program, a federal program that provides healthy meals and snacks. A nutritionist implements the Child & Adult Care Food Program, coordinates nutrition and cooking activities in the classroom, and provides nutrition assessment, counseling and information to staff and families.

Family & Community Partnership

ADVOCAP Head Start is a family centered program. It is designed to foster the parent's role as the primary influence in their child's development and as the primary educator, nurturer, and advocate.

The program works in close partnership with parents, assisting them in developing and using individual strengths to accomplish personal and family goals. In addition, parents are encouraged to become involved in all aspects of Head Start, which include volunteering, special activities for both families and parents, and the opportunity to participate in policy and program decisions that govern program operation.

Summer Camp Program

This program was developed in 1984 to provide a summer respite and nature experience for 20 Head Start children who had no opportunity to learn hands on about their natural environment and enjoy many other summer activities. Today, the mission remains the same, only the needs and numbers have increased. This year, one hundred ten (5 year old) children had the opportunity to learn more about their natural environment in a one week, fun filled, camp experience.

The program uses a specially designed curriculum which focuses on creating an awareness and appreciation of the child s natural environment. It is reviewed and adapted annually at the inservice field training which is contributed by the Fallen Timber Nature Center (Seymour, WI). Support services are also contributed by the WI Henry Reuss Ice Age Center. Children from our Fond du Lac Center participate in camp at Camp Vista, located on Cedar Lake in the heart of the beautiful WI Kettle Moraine Forest.

Those from the Prairie View Center attend camp at Camp Grow, a 60 acre nature preserve on Green and Spring Lakes in Green Lake County. The children are bussed from their homes to camp, which operates from 9:30 AM - 2:30 Pm Monday - Friday.

From it's inception, this program has been sponsored by services agencies, businesses, foundations, and industries in area communities.

There are also many inkind donations which include food, gas, supplies, and site fees. Head Start Happy Camp provides Head Start children with a wonderful opportunity for respite, learning about nature, and a chance to participate in memorable summer activities!

ADVOCAP Head Start Contact Information

Head Start Links

Office of Head Start National Head Start Association Wisconsin Head Start Association

Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center