About Region 10 ESC Head Start
Region 10 ESC Head Start was established in 1992. Since then we have grown to include 51 preschool classrooms across 5 counties.
The Head Start program in each participating district is a collaborative relationship between Region 10 Education Service Center and the local school district. Both the district and Region 10 are responsible for providing a high quality program for children and families.
Region 10 ESC Head Start provides a range of individualized services in the areas of education and early childhood development, health, nutrition, mental health, parent involvement and family services as well as disability services. In addition, the entire range of Head Start services is responsive and appropriate to each child's and family's developmental, ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage and experience.
Program Services Areas
Head Start understands that families are the child’s first and most influential teacher. It is our goal to partner with families in order to provide the highest level of education and child development services to each child in our Head Start program. A primary goal for our Head Start children is that they will begin school ready to learn. Region 10 ESC Head Start uses High/Scope as our framework for developmentally appropriate practices as well as curriculum development and daily planning. In addition, each school district has chosen a State Adopted Curriculum Learning System, which follows the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines, to be implemented by the teachers.
Fully including children with disabilities is a required element of the Head Start program. This initiative is beneficial to all involved: children with and without disabilities, parents of children with and without disabilities, and staff members. Head Start ensures that at least 10 percent of all children enrolled include children with disabilities. Classrooms are modified to accommodate the needs of children with disabilities and teachers individualize the curriculum in order to meet the needs of all children.
Family and Community Partnerships:
Head Start recognizes the vital contributions made by parents and community members. Both groups are involved in the operation, governance and evaluation of the program. Region 10 ESC Head Start maintains an open door policy; parents and family members are encouraged to volunteer and participate in program and classroom activities.
Wellness is recognized as a significant contributor to each child's ability to thrive and develop. Accordingly, health screenings evaluate the child's overall health status and regular health check-ups and good practices in oral health, hygiene, nutrition, personal care and safety are incorporated in the program. Through meaningful activities planned throughout the classroom learning centers, children are introduced to all health services they will receive prior to the delivery of those services. Mental health services are available to children and families as a preventative support. Positive mental health activities are interwoven into the child's day and mental health consultants are available for assistance with issuesand concerns regarding children’s development or behavior.
Program Management and Operation:
Region 10 ESC Head Start and local school districts work as partners inproviding Head Start services to children and families. Annual letters of agreement are signed indicating responsibilities of both organizations. Region 10 ESC is the grantee for Head Start with the funding coming from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.