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Head Start

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION     

Tlingit and Haida Head Start is a free federal program for preschool children from low-income families that promotes school readiness by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development.  Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities that support children’s growth in language, literacy, mathematics, science, creative arts, and physical skills.  Program services include two nutricious meals per days, access to medical and dental health services, as well as mental health and disabilities services.  Family development services include parent involvement, goal setting and family visits.  A Parent Policy Council, Parent Committees and the governing board (Executive Committee) help with establishing goals for the children, and those who serve gain leaderships skills they take with them when they leave Head Start.

“In accordance with Federal law and US Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326 – W, Whitten Building , 1400 Independence, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202)720-5964 (voice and TDD).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

COMMUNITIES SERVED:
Craig                 826-3775              Saxman               225-8728             
Hoonah              945-3255              Sitka                   747-8356
Juneau               463-7127              Wrangell              874-2544
Klawock             755-2903              Yakutat                784-3993
Petersburg         772-4751

Head Start Form 10.02(a) Eligibility Application Application

Head Start 2008 Staff Directory

Alaska Native Home Base Video Project

GOALS:

    • Research funding opportunities for acquiring one building in Juneau to house 5-6 classrooms and Central Office and continue working on facilities expansion in Klawock and Sitka.
    • Re-establish a new bus rotation to replace buses as they age. Head Start’s oldest bus is a 1996 model; the newest bus purchased was in 2004 for the Craig center.  In many of our communities it is difficult to find good maintenance. As our fleet ages, old buses break down and are out of commission for long periods of time.
    • Continue to work with the PITTAS Program and the State of Alaska in securing funding so that we can ensure that our staff meets the credentials outlined in the Head State Act 2007.

    Funding Agency and Annual Budget
    There are three funding sources for the Head Start program: the Federal Head Start Bureau; the State of Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Head Start Program; and the USDA Child Care Food Program. In addition to program grant dollars, Head Start relies heavily on in-kind donations of cash, volunteer time, donated supplies, materials, and other resources in order to deliver quality services to Head Start children, families, and communities. Most in-kind contributions originate from Head Start parents, city and tribal governments, school districts, local businesses, local citizen groups (ANS, ANB, Elks Clubs, Lions Clubs, and church groups), and Native corporations.

    CONTACT INFORMATION

    Local:  (907)463-7127
    Toll Free:  800-344-1432, ext. 7127
    Fax:  (907)463-7388

    For more information on Tlingit Haida Head Start, contact one of our staff.