Child Development:  Background

Anne Prince
Child Development,
Division Manager

aprince@gecac.org

Head Start is a comprehensive early childhood education program which serves children from age 3 to age 5.  This is a child-focused program with the overall goal of increasing the social competence of young children in low-income families.  

Through the provision of early childhood education, low-income children are given a "head start" in preparation for entry into elementary school, while parents are provided with the knowledge of the school systems and other community systems.

An application for the Head Start program can be downloaded below.  

  Head Start Application.doc 

Child Development:  List Of Services

Case Management (Social Services)

Head Start Case Management staff ensures enrollment of eligible children regardless of race, sex, creed, color, national origin or disability.  Head Start offers family members with opportunities and support for growth and change, believing that people can identify their own strengths, needs and interests and are capable of finding solutions.

Case Management staff assist parents in setting attainable goals and using community resources to reach those goals with the aim of improving the quality of life for the entire family. Teams of case managers make regular home visits to assist with family needs and referrals.

 Children With Disabilities

The Head Start special needs department provides comprehensive screening, assessment, intervention, and accommodation for children demonstrating developmental delays in skill achievement across components of the curriculum.  All special needs services are provided to children and families in an inclusive setting.  Head Start certified special educators, speech pathologists, intervention specialists, and psychologists provide accommodation in collaboration with the Erie School District and the Intermediate Unit.

Education Development

Head Start centers provide a supportive environment and a developmental, research-based curriculum facilitated by professional, degreed educators.  Delivery is individualized to address the comprehensive cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical needs of each child.  The Home Based Program supports the provision of curricular activities within the home environment utilizing technical assistance and training to support the parent as the primary educator. 

Family and Community Partnership

Opportunities are provided for participation in all areas of Head Start from volunteering in the classroom, to being a part of the decision-making process through membership on advisory committees and Policy Council.  No one is more important in helping achieve Head Start success than parents, and participation is encouraged throughout all levels of the program.

Head Start offers several classes and workshops especially for parents including:  parenting, nutrition, male involvement, and developmental activities parents can do with their children at home. 

Head Start Locations

Churches, schools, community centers, and the Housing Authority of the City of Erie provide space for 42 center-based classrooms at 15 centers throughout Erie City and County. 

View Head Start Locations »

Preventative Health Services

Head Start promotes Preventative Health Services, early intervention and health education to ensure that family members are aware of; and use the community's health resources.  The Head Start Health component works to ensure that the physical, dental, nutritional, and mental health of the entire family is addressed in the present and in the future.

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