Recent Press Releases
Building the Bridge to Kindergarten
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – February 8, 2012 – Head Start for Kent County was pleased to host the first Building the Bridge to Kindergarten on Friday, February 3, 2012. Families of children currently attending Head Start and entering kindergarten this fall were invited to spend the afternoon with representatives from local school districts and charter schools. The purpose of the event was to inform families about their options and to share information about how, where, and when to enroll children in kindergarten. Additionally, the Kent Intermediate School District (KISD) provided a timeline and information about their School of Choice Plan and the Western Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (WMiAEYC) provided information on before and after school childcare.
Over 115 families attended the event, representing nearly 11% of the four-year-olds who will go on to kindergarten in the fall. Each Head Start child who attended received a book and was entered in a drawing to win a new backpack. “Even though my school district wasn’t represented, I’m glad I was able to come and learn about all the options available for my family,” said one parent. Other parents expressed appreciation that the event focused on the needs of Head Start families and that it was quick and easy. “We hope by providing this information early in the year, our parents have time to make an informed decision about the best choice for their child’s continuing education,” said Phil Hamberg, Head Start Program Director. “We can then help them help their child make the transition with confidence.”
Head Start for Kent County thanks Grand Rapids Public Schools, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, Godwin Heights Public Schools, Kentwood Public Schools, Wyoming Public Schools, National Heritage Academies, New Branches School, Byron Center Charter School, KISD, and WMiAEYC for participating and looks forward to expanding the event next year.
For more information or questions about the event or for help transitioning your child from Head Start to Kindergarten, please contact, Deb Conley, Community and Parent Relations Specialist, at (616) 453-4145, ext. 2205.
Head Start for Kent County Needs Preschool Students
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – February 1, 2012 – Head Start for Kent County is now accepting applications for the 2012/2013 school year. Head Start is a federally funded FREE preschool program designed to provide education, health and development resources to 1,631 preschool children and their families in Kent County.
Head Start provides:
- A high quality preschool program,
- Transportation (in most areas),
- Nutritious meal and snacks,
- Family support services,
- Child screenings in health and development, and
- Accommodations for children with special needs.
To qualify for the program, children must meet age requirements and family income must be at or below the federal poverty guideline. Head Start serves children ages 3 and 4.
For more information or questions about enrollment, please contact, Margie MacKenzie, at (616) 453-4145, ext. 2204.
Head Start for Kent County Announces New Board Officers
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – January 25, 2012 – At their annual board meeting on January 24, 2012, the Head Start for Kent County Board of Directors chose Oogie LaMar as President and Rudy Gutierrez as Vice President. LaMar (Community Outreach/Adult Education Coordinator for Wyoming Public Schools and former principal of Newhall Middle School in Wyoming, MI) and Gutierrez (Community Probation Officer for Kent County Family Court) join David Blossey, Treasurer, and other Board members Brian Hofstra, Joann Hoganson, Elizabeth McIntyre, Linda Thompson, Susan Verwys, Sandy Walls, and Charlene Werdon in leading the organization. The management and staff would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the members of their Board for their time and service to the agency.
“Our Board of Directors embodies a wide array of skills and experience and provides a wealth of expertise to our organization,” said Mary Hockwalt, Executive Director. “We greatly appreciate the time and talent they contribute to help making Head Start for Kent County a leading provider of early childhood care in Kent County.”
Early Head Start Featured on Michigan Radio
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – November 17, 2011 – In a radio presentation focusing on “Investing in Early Childhood Education,” reporter Lindsey Smith, from Michigan Radio NPR, featured Krystin Gossett, pregnant mom and participant in HS4KC’s Early Head Start Home Visiting program. (Use the link above to read the entire report.)
Head Start for Kent County Announces New Policy Council Officers
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – November 15, 2011 – Head Start for Kent County (HS4KC) Parent Policy Council elected new officers on Friday, November 11, 2011. Charlene Werdon was chosen as Chairperson, Brittney Toole as Vice-Chairperson, Stacey Coles as Treasurer, Jamie Compton as Secretary, and Vanita Irvin as Membership Coordinator. Officers serve in their position for one year.
The Parent Policy Council is a volunteer group of parents and interested community members who work as a team, along with the Board of Directors, to make decisions about the design and operation of the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. In addition to the parent representatives from each of twelve (12) Head Start sites throughout Kent County, there are representatives from the Literacy Center of West Michigan, Healthy Homes Coalition, Cherry St Health Services, and from the Early Head Start program.
For information about being a community representative, please contact Deb Conley, Community and Parent Relations Specialist, at (616) 453-4145, ext. 2205.
Head Start for Kent County Receives Grants to Enhance Outdoor Play
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – November 2, 2011 – Head Start for Kent County (HS4KC) is pleased to announce three Head Start sites have been chosen by the Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play (HSBS)* as grant recipients: Adams Head Start ($5,000), Rogers Lane Head Start ($3,928), and South Godwin Head Start ($4,542). This year, 830 (436 in June 2011 and 394 in November 2011) Early Head Start and Head Start programs across the country were chosen to receive grants to improve their outdoor play spaces, helping young children and their families grow healthy and strong.
HSBS helps Head Start programs evaluate play spaces and provides a wide-variety of resources for educating children and their families about the value of physical activity and playing outdoors, in particular. According to Rebecca Zaug-Bumstead, HS4KC Early Learning Coach Specialist, there is an abundance of research and evidence linking the importance of spending time outdoors, in nature, to children’s development in every major way—intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually, and physically. For example, new studies suggest that exposure to nature may reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and can improve all children’s cognitive abilities and resistance to negative stresses and depression. Adults can benefit from nature in these same ways. It is important to note that just being active (such as in a gym) does not show the same benefits as being active in nature. While many public schools are cutting out recess time, Head Start is fortunate to have state licensing regulations, federal performance standards from the Office of Head Start, and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation criteria, which all state children should be taken outdoors DAILY, weather permitting.
Grants received by HS4KC will provide additional age-appropriate playground equipment for the Rogers Lane and South Godwin sites, and some much-needed shade for the Adams site. Installations will likely take place in spring 2012.
*Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play (HSBS) is a joint project of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR), which are associations of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). Funding for HSBS is provided by the Office of Head Start (OHS), Administration for Children and Families, US Department of Health and Human Services. The purpose of HSBS is to increase physical activity, outdoor play and healthy eating among Head Start and Early Head Start children, families and staff. HSBS will assist Head Start programs in creating healthy learning environments, both in and outside the classroom, through structured and unstructured physical activity that leads to the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of young children and reduces obesity and its associated costs. HSBS has three main objectives: (1) to inform and assist OHS in setting national priorities and developing policies; (2) to provide resources, training and technical assistance to Head Start and Early Head Start grantees; and (3) to administer and support grants for construction or improvement of outdoor play spaces at Head Start centers.
HS4KC Welcomes New Board Members
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – October 26, 2011 – Head Start for Kent County (HS4KC) recently welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors: Joann Hoganson, current Director of Community Nursing for the Kent County Health Department, joined the Board in August and Brian Hofstra, Commercial Lender for Founders Bank and Trust, joined in October. Current Board members include Beth McIntyre (President), Oogie LaMar (Vice President), David Blossey (Treasurer), Greg Conway, Rudy Gutierrez, Sommar Hurt, Linda Thompson, Susan Verwys, and Sandy Walls. The Board meets monthly and is responsible for oversight of the legal and financial aspects of the agency. Board members are experts in multiple areas including social services, finance, law, health, and early childhood education.
October is Head Start Awareness Month
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – October 12, 2011 – On October 22, 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as Head Start Awareness Month. Twenty-nine years after the proclamation, his words still inspire us to celebrate this great program:
Since its establishment in 1965, the National Head Start Program has helped over [twenty-five] million low-income pre-school children and their families. In so doing, it has earned recognition and support for its success in early childhood education and development.
Equally important, the health and nutrition aspects of the program have improved the prevention, detection, and treatment of children’s medical, dental, and nutritional problems, thereby removing barriers to growth and learning.
Perhaps the most significant factor in the success of Head Start has been the involvement of parents, volunteers, and the community. Their commitment and the services provided by dedicated Head Start staff have been instrumental in creating a quality program that truly provides young children with a “head start” in life.“
Head Start for Kent County is proud to be part of this federally-funded program, making a difference in the lives of children in our community. We would also like to publicly thank the many volunteers (including parents, Board members, and community members) and staff members who contribute their time and resources to this worthwhile cause.
Head Start for Kent County is Now on Facebook!
Head Start 2011 Parent Event Offers Learning and Fun
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – September 8, 2011 – Head Start for Kent County will host its annual Parent Event on Saturday, September 24, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, at South Godwin Head Start, 28 Bellevue SE, Grand Rapids, MI. The event, planned by the parents of Head Start children, continues to grow from year to year. Last year, 236 Head Start children and over 700 family members attended; this year, over 350 children and their families are expected to attend.
The Parent Event provides families the opportunity to experience many of the activities children participate in while attending Head Start. Families can learn about Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) used in the classroom to create a positive, safe, and productive school environment, and about the I Am Moving, I Am Learning (IMIL) initiatives promoting healthy choices about movement and nutrition. Families are also given the opportunity to share a family-style meal (as the children do daily in school with their teachers) where children are encouraged to help set the table, serve themselves, talk with each other, and clean up.
Community partners such as Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan and the Literacy Center of West Michigan will have representatives available to answer questions. Early Head Start staff will be on hand to provide information about the home visiting services they offer and the importance of making the most of the earliest years of life. The importance of and opportunities for parents to be involved in their children’s education will be explained along with other services proved by Head Start for Kent County.
Donations promoting participation in fun, healthy, family-friendly activities have been received from many area businesses, including Binder Park Zoo, John Ball Zoo, Family Fare/Spartan Stores, Kohl’s, Fredrik Meijer Gardens, Gerald R Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Grand Rapids Civic Theater, Grand Rapids Symphony, and Grand Rapids Griffins. These donations, which will be given away as prizes and in take-home bags for the children, include items such as books, gift cards to local stores and restaurants, gift certificates for social activities, museum and educational center passes, and toys. If you are interested in donating items for the event, please contact Deb Conley, Community and Parent Relations Specialist, at (616) 453-4145, extension 2205.
Head Start and Early Head Start services are free. To qualify, family income must be at or below the federal poverty guideline and children must be age eligible. To enroll your child (age 3 or 4) in Head Start, please contact Margie MacKenzie at (616) 453-4145, extension 2204. To enroll your child (under age 3) or yourself (if you are pregnant) in Early Head Start, please contact the EHS Family Service Worker at (616) 453-4145, extension 2288.
First Day of School for Head Start
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – September 6, 2011 – Head Start for Kent County welcomed over 1,700 three- and four-year-old new and returning students today, the first day of school at twelve Head Start locations throughout Kent County. In Rockford, Head Start students arrived at a new location in Meadow Ridge Elementary School. In Grand Rapids, a second classroom was added to the Ken-O-Sha site, expanding inclusion opportunities for children with special needs. All Head Start sites are licensed by the State of Michigan to provide child care and have received NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accreditation.
Since 1991, Head Start for Kent County has provided holistic, family-centered services to low-income families in Kent County through the federally-funded Head Start and Early Head Start programs. In accordance with recently raised federal credential requirements, Head Start for Kent County employs a highly-qualified staff. In addition to providing high quality, comprehensive early childhood education, Head Start for Kent County supports families by facilitating medical and dental services, providing healthy snacks and meals, including children with special needs, offering transportation to many Kent County areas, and encouraging parent involvement.
Head Start and Early Head Start services are free. To qualify, family income must be at or below the federal poverty guideline and children must be age eligible. To enroll your child (age 3 or 4) in Head Start, please contact Margie MacKenzie at (616) 453-4145, extension 2204. To enroll your child (under age 3) or yourself (if you are pregnant) in Early Head Start, please contact the EHS Family Service Worker at (616) 453-4145, extension 2288.
Head Start for Kent County Highlighted on Local TV Program
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – August 31, 2011 – Head Start for Kent County Program Director, Phil Hamberg, was interviewed recently for the GRTV’s NPO Showcase. The interview is available on the Grand Rapids Community Media Center website.
Family Literacy Program Thrives at Head Start
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – August 19, 2011 – For the past four years, the Literacy Center of West Michigan* and Head Start for Kent County (HS4KC) have worked together to provide literacy learning opportunities for Head Start families. The Family Literacy Program, funded by donations to the Literacy Center, is free and available to any parent/caregiver of a child enrolled in participating Head Start for Kent County locations: Adams, Fulton Street, Henry, and Rogers Lane. Early Head Start families are also invited to participate. Weekly two-hour tutoring sessions are provided to parents/caregivers and may take place throughout the day in public locations, such as libraries, churches, and office buildings. Participating families also enjoy Family Activity Nights including complimentary dinner, reading activities, and early literacy education. Families are asked to make a 6-month commitment to the program.
During the past year, 149 family members were impacted by the program: 54 parents and 95 children. 38% participated in the program for 6-11 months, 47% participated in the program for a year or more. 69% of the adult students who completed at least 40 hours of instruction and a post-test achieved a significant (3-point or greater) gain in their literacy skills. 100% of the participating parents increased the frequency of pre-reading activities with their children at home, and all the children made a gain in the areas of literacy and language. In comparison to a control group of children whose parents identified themselves as being low-literate but who did not participate in the program, children who did participate in the Family Literacy Program made greater average gains in 11 of 13 areas of literacy/language development.
Successful adult participants have obtained jobs and library cards, increased contact with their children’s teachers, increased involvement in community activities, and helped their children with their homework. One participant surpassed a ninth-grade read level and graduated from the program. Another participant obtained her U.S. citizenship. One student said, “Every day my kids ask me if I got my homework done for my tutor!” They are excited to be able to use their improved skills in many situations at home, at work, and in other public settings.
During the coming school year, Head Start for Kent County will expand the number of participating locations to include the Springhill site in Walker.
“This work is a true collaboration of two agencies blending their best work into an innovative program for their families,” said Mary Hockwalt, Executive Director of Head Start for Kent County.
*The Literacy Center of West Michigan is a non-profit organization founded in 1986 that provides literacy services to over 1,500 adult learners and their families through the Adult Tutoring Program, Family Literacy Program, and the Customized Workplace English Program. The Adult Tutoring Program provides reading, writing, and English as a second language (ESL) instruction to adult learners at no cost. The Customized Workplace English Program offers West Michigan businesses fee-based classes in workplace English, workplace literacy, and accent modification. The Family Literacy Program offers reading, writing, and ESL instruction, workshops, and family literacy events in partnership with Head Start for Kent County and Grand Rapids Public Schools. The Literacy Center is a United Way partner agency and an accredited member of ProLiteracy America. To learn more about the Literacy Center, please visit www.literacycenterwm.org or call (616)459-5151.
Early Head Start – Who We Are, What We Do
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – July 26, 2011 – All babies are unique, but how do I know if my baby is developing as expected? Is breastfeeding really best? Do the “terrible twos” have to be terrible? Early Head Start can help find the answers to these and many other questions. Early Head Start is a federally-funded community-based program; its mission is three-fold: 1) to promote healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women, 2) to enhance the development of very young children, and 3) to promote healthy family functioning. A child’s experiences during his/her earliest months of growth and development are crucial in determining later success in school and life. Early Head Start is specifically designed for pregnant women and children under age 3, and helps parents provide their child with the nurturing, responsive care proven to promote the best outcomes.
In Kent County, Early Head Start home visiting services are provided to families in and around Grand Rapids, including the Cedar Springs area. Highly-trained home visitors (registered nurses, master level social workers, and education specialists) provide 90-minute home visits each week. Home visitors assist parents in completing routine developmental screenings and work with parents to plan activities specific to their child’s developmental needs. Home visitors offer comprehensive services addressing health, nutrition, development, safety and social service needs, identified with the family’s input.
Socialization experiences (play groups) are hosted twice each month and give families an opportunity to come together, allow their young children to explore freely in a safe and developmentally-appropriate environment, and learn from each other as well as from Early Head Start staff.
Home visiting services are available at no cost to qualifying families (family income must be at or below the federal poverty guideline). Applications are currently being accepted. For more information or to schedule an appointment for application, contact Early Head Start’s Family Service Worker at (616) 453-4145, ext. 2288.
Summer Dental Clinics Serving Community Need
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – June 15, 2011 – Head Start for Kent County is collaborating with the award-winning* Cherry Street Health Services’ School Dental Program to provide dental services for over 600 Head Start enrolled three- and four-year-old children and their younger siblings. Increasingly popular, these free summer dental clinics have been held at local Head Start sites for the past five years. In addition to a thorough exam and cleaning, children receive oral health education and a fluoride varnish. If further treatment is required, appointments can be scheduled at one of Cherry Street’s clinic locations.
Head Start stresses the importance of good oral health and encourages all enrolled children to get dental exams every six months. During the 2010-2011 program year, 1542 children enrolled in Head Start received cleaning and fluoride treatments. Of the 1579 children who had a dental exam, 572 children needed cavities filled. Head Start works with parents to help children receive the follow up care they need. Cherry Street Health Services Dental program, Michigan’s largest dental care provider for uninsured and underinsured individuals, is able to provide a majority of the care at little or no cost to families with Medicaid. However, some children have such extensive tooth decay that they require sedation and surgery.
In the past year, Head Start staff worked with several pedodontists (dentists who specialize in care for children) to obtain the higher level of care needed by over 200 children but fell short of helping all children receive the care they need due to limited availability of professional services. In spite of the effort made by Cherry Street Health Services, additional resources need to be made available and accessible so all children receive the oral health care they deserve.
Dental clinics are scheduled at four separate Head Start locations in the greater Grand Rapids area during the months of June, July, and August. To schedule an appointment for a Head Start-eligible child, contact Susan Weise at (616) 453-4145, ext. 2275. To be eligible for Head Start, a child must be three or four years of age and the child’s family income must be at or below the federal poverty guideline. For information about Cherry Street Health Services and additional services available, visit cherryhealth.org. For more information about Head Start for Kent County, visit http://www.hs4kc.org/.
*Cherry Street Health Services’ School Dental Program was honored by Family Futures (formerly known as Child and Family Resource Council) with the Community Group Professional Award at the 23rd Annual Service to Children Awards on May 10, 2011. The award is presented to an established group or organization that shares Family Futures’ vision to protect children, support families, and strengthen our community.
Michigan Family Resources Announces Name Change
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – June 1, 2011 – Effective immediately Michigan Family Resources will be known as Head Start for Kent County. “Head Start for Kent County” clearly identifies the agency’s primary purpose as the provider of federally-funded Head Start and Early Head Start services in Kent County. As part of the name, “Connecting Families and Community Resources” touches on the impact the agency hopes to have in the community. It was important, especially to the parents surveyed, to maintain a connection to the words family and resources.
More than just preschool, Head Start for Kent County’s goal is to create a strong foundation for each child’s future success. The highly trained staff, use of current technology, innovative programming, and diverse community partnerships help achieve the agency’s mission. Individualized curriculum is developed for each child enrolled in the program and shared with families so parents and teachers work together as partners in determining the child’s needs and providing opportunities to thrive. Nutrition, health, and dental needs are followed closely because healthy children are ready to learn and grow. Whenever possible barriers are removed and assistance is provided to clear the path for success.
The name change was recommended by a committee of parents, board members, and staff, and approved by the Parent Policy Council and the Board of Directors in August 2010. Head Start for Kent County will continue to use the nationally-recognized Head Start blocks symbol as part of their logo. Coinciding with this announcement is the launch of the agency’s new web site: hs4kc.org. Log on now to find more information!
Job Fair at Head Start
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – June 1, 2011 – Looking for a career in early childhood education? Want to make a difference in the lives children every day? On Wednesday, June 15, 2011, Head Start for Kent County will be hosting a job fair from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at its Central Office, located at 2626 Walker Ave NW in Walker, MI. Pre-screening interviews will take place on site. Applicants should bring a completed application (Also available in PDF format or available for pick up at the same address), transcripts, and valid photo identification.
Current open positions include teacher, teacher rover, teacher assistant, supervisor, site aide, bus driver, coordinator, home visitor, and family service worker. Skill levels required range from entry level to registered and licensed professional. Applicants must be able to pass central registry and criminal background check, physical, TB and drug test.
For more information, job descriptions, or to download a copy of the application, visit the Employment Opportunities page on this site.
10,000 Pledges by Father’s Day
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – May 16, 2011 – The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is hoping to collect 10,000 pledges for President Obama’s Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative by Father’s Day, June 19, 2011. Michigan Family Resources, Head Start for Kent County, is joining the effort by encouraging residents of Kent County to take the pledge.
The goal of the initiative is to encourage individuals, especially fathers, to be involved in the lives of their children, and to be positive role models and mentors for other children in their lives and communities. Joining the initiative is just one way to show you will do your part to be a positive and supportive figure in the lives of children to help them reach their full potential.
To show your support of the children in our community, sign the pledge at www.fatherhood.gov/initiative (also available en Español at www.fatherhood.gov/iniciativa). Participation is voluntary. You will be given the option to stay up-to-date on the President’s Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative and receive information from fatherhood and family leaders and tips on mentoring by providing your email address or mobile phone number. For more information and additional resources for responsible fatherhood, visit www.fatherhood.gov.
Henry Head Start Fiesta
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – May 5, 2011 – Henry Head Start celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a Fiesta of fun, food, and dancing. A couple of the students along with some of their friends danced their way into everyone’s hearts. There were smiles and lots of laughter throughout the site. Pride showed on their parents’ faces as the children danced in their brightly colored costumes and shared some of their culture with everyone. It was beautiful!
“This was an opportunity to bring the community together through the sharing of cultural celebrations,” said Phyllis Love, Site Supervisor. “I want to send a big thank you to all the parents who participated in this celebration.”
Plans are underway for a world cultural celebration to bring the whole community together. Until then, Ms. Phyllis says “Keep on dancing!”
Triennial Review Notes Strengths of Local Head Start Agency
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – March 31, 2011 – Head Start for Kent County is pleased to announce the results of the on-site monitoring review conducted in October 2010 for the Office of Head Start (OHS), a division of the Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health & Human Services. The recently released report noted Head Start for Kent County demonstrated strengths in its capacity to establish strong collaborative [community] relationships, an efficacious data-collection system, fiscal competence, and positive classroom environments, which enhanced its ability to provide high-quality services for the children and families it served.
Board of Directors President Elizabeth McIntyre expressed the Board’s satisfaction with the review. “This report substantiates what we’ve known for a long time—our program provides top-notch early childhood education, health and nutrition services, and at the same time we partner with other community resources so our children and their families and our staff can build better lives and stronger futures. For example, we have student volunteers from Calvin College, Grand Valley State University, and the Detroit Mercy Nursing School and are collaborating with U-M and MSU in a study on the prevention of child obesity and with the Literacy Center of West Michigan on a thriving Family Literacy program. Additionally, we have a close partnership with The SOURCE, a local non-profit employee support organization, which has been instrumental in providing leadership training to our staff.”
During the course of the review only one area of non-compliance with federal standards was documented; a potentially hazardous tree stump on the play yard of one of the agency’s Family Child Care provider partners has been removed and the area is now in compliance.
To qualify for either the Head Start or Early Head Start program, families must have income at or below the federal poverty guideline and meet age requirements. Head Start serves children ages 3 and 4 and is currently accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year; Early Head Start serves children from birth to age 3 and pregnant women and accepts application all year long. For more information or questions about enrollment, please contact, Margie MacKenzie, at (616) 453-4145, ext. 2204, for Head Start, or Bethany Hildebrand-Raak, at (616) 453-4145, ext. 2288, for Early Head Start.
Head Start to Participate in U-M Research on Obesity Prevention
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – March 17, 2011 – Head Start for Kent County is honored to be chosen to participate in the recently announced obesity prevention program funded by a $4.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. U-M researchers will be evaluating the impact of a child’s ability to control certain emotions and behaviors on their eating patterns.
“Currently, 52% of the children in our program are overweight and over half of those children are considered obese based on their body-mass index,” according to Phillip D. Hamberg, Program Director at Head Start for Kent County. “Theoretically, one of the major root causes of obesity is the loss of the ability to self-regulate, so it is exciting to have the Incredible Years component included in the program; IYS not only teaches children self-regulation, but it will positively impact their health as well!”
As part of the program, Head Start for Kent County’s participating teaching teams will receive additional training in the Preschool Obesity Prevention Series (POPS) and Incredible Years Series (IYS) curriculum. Additionally, parents will be encouraged to participate in trainings led by mental health specialists and educators. The trainings will help parents facilitate their children’s development at home and be reinforced by the healthy behaviors taught in the classroom.
The study will be conducted over the next four years. Also included in the study will be children from the EightCAP Head Start program, in Greenville, MI, and from the Jackson Community Action Agency’s Head Start program, in Jackson, MI. If successful, the program will be implemented nationwide.