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CDS
Childhood Development Services, Inc.
Mailing Address:
1601 NE 25th Ave. Suite 900
Ocala, Florida 34470-8823
Phone: 352.629.0055
Fax: 352.629.7766
Email
Us
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Head Start
The Start That Never Stops
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Head Start is a federally funded program, which provides comprehensive development services in Marion, Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy counties for pre-school children ages three to five and social services for their families. Eligibility is based on child's age and family income. If you are interested in more information and/or would like to enroll in the Head Start/Early Head Start Program Call 352-629-0055 ext 293 or 301. Listed below are the major components of the Head Start program:
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Education
Head Start's educational program is designed to meet the needs of each child, the community served, and it's ethnic and cultural characteristics. Every child receives a variety of learning experiences to foster intellectual, social, and emotional growth.
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Health
Head Start emphasizes the importance of the early identification of health problems. Every child is involved in a comprehensive health program, which includes:
immunizations
medical
dental and mental health
nutritional services.
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Parent Involvement
An essential part of Head Start is the involvement of parents in parent education, program planning, and operating activities. Many parents serve as members of policy councils and committees and have a voice in administrative and managerial decisions. Participation in classes and workshops on child development and staff visits to the home allow parents to learn about the needs of their children and about educational activities that can take place at home.
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Parent Training
Gives families the opportunity to obtain their GED or a vocational/educational certificate. Childcare for siblings while the parent/family attends school, tuition and materials for class is provided. Our local United Way agency, has given us limited funding to assist parents/families transitioning from school to work by paying for childcare for a specified time.
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Social Services
Specific services are geared to each family after its needs are determined.
They include:
community outreach
referrals
family need assessments
recruitment and enrollment of children
and emergency assistance and/or crisis intervention.
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Locally
Our local Head Start program has 39 classes throughout Marion and Citrus Counties. We currently serve 639 children.
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Traditional Program
Children attend a classroom setting four days a week for six hours and Fridays from 8:00- 12:00. We follow our local school system's yearly calendar including holidays.
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Full Day Program
Our local Head Start offers a full-day option for parents or legal guardian who work or attend school full-time.
The hours are 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Transportation must be provided by the family. To be eligible, a family must show documentation that they are working or attending school full-time. Enrollment is limited. Children are selected according to need. A full- day/ full-year program is provided at select locations.
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