Services for Small Children,
Babies, and their Families

Head Start

Director: Mary Guertin
Uncas-on-Thames
401 West Thames Street, Unit 201
Norwich, CT 06360-7155
Phone: 860/425-6515
Fax: 860/885-2738

Head Start is a Federal and State funded program for parents and preschool children. The program says the whole family is important and the parents are the primary educator of their child. Head Start provides a comprehensive child development program that addresses the needs of children and families in the area of education, social services, health, nutrition, disabilities and mental health, and parent involvement.

Each Head Start classroom provides an environment in which children learn to interact as a group and to cope with the changing world. The daily activities provide an opportunity for each child to develop at his or her own rate according to his or her own needs. Head Start teaching teams plan activities to help children develop a strong self-concept: dramatic play, music and stories, work with paint, clay and blocks, large muscle activities, math and language readiness, field trips and other activities.

Head Start offers two program choices for families:

Centerbase Programs

The centerbase program provides an early school experience for children in New London County. Children come to Head Start centers 4 or 5 days weekly, participating in developmental activities which prepare them for success in kindergarten.

• Extended Day (full day, full year)
• Half Day Preschool (school year calendar)

Homebase Programs

The homebase program delivers the comprehensive services of Head Start to the home, with the support of a Head Start.Home Visitor who works directly with the parent and the child in play experiences in their home. Home visits are done weekly and group socialization are done regularly depending on location.

• Infant/Toddler (Norwich area)
• 3 & 4 year old program
• Collaborative Programs (specified locations)

What You Can Expect From Head Start?

Adults
• Leadership Development
• Training Workshops
• Parent Enrichment
• Personal Growth Information
• Career Development / Job Opportunities
• Social Services

Children
• Socialization Experience
• Fun Learning Activities
• Field Trips
• Individualized Education Plan
• Developmental Screenings
• Referral