Southern 7 Health Department celebrates Head Start Awareness Month
ULLIN, Ill. (KBSI) – October is Head Start Awareness Month. Parents and teachers can participate in activities celebrating the impact of Head Start on children. Southern 7 Head Start is a federally funded program to provide children with services for children 3-5 to prepare for school.
The program was created to help meet the needs of disadvantaged preschool children in 1965. Head Start has provided child development services that foster children’s growth in social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Additionally, their progress is monitored to ensure they are ready for kindergarten, according to the Southern 7 Health Department.
Children also receive health, dental, and developmental screenings, participate in educational activities and socialization skills, and receive healthy meals and snacks.
Families have access to mental health services, parent engagement and training tools, and services to children of all needs. They also can volunteer in the program.
Southern 7 offers the program for income eligible families that live seven most southern counties of Illinois. The program is available for full day enrollment and a home-based option if requested, according to Southern 7.
For more information about Southern 7 Head Start, contact Sharity Gaddis at 618-634-2297 ex. 9127 or visit online at southern7.org and the Southern 7 App.
