The Reach-Up Head Start Paynesville program is a combination program offering both home visits and center based classes.Children between the ages of three and five come to the center located at 115 East Mill Street in Paynesville twice a week (Wednesdays and Fridays) from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Their day’s activities include: welcome circle, music, work time (playtime), story time and outdoor play. Head Start provides transportation to and from the center. The children also eat breakfast at the center.
During Fire Prevention Week, the Head Start children headed to the Paynesville Fire Station. Pictured with fireman Shawn Evans are Rachel, Danielle, Gabe, Austin, Jasmine, and Konky.
Parents and teachers work together to plan appropriate activities that focus on the basic developmental needs of the children. Head Start believes parents are the primary teachers of their children. The program encourages parents to volunteer in as many ways as possible. Parents are welcome in the classroom, to go on field trips, sit on committees and to help in any way possible.
The Paynesville Head Start program, along with the center based days, also includes home visits. Each child receives two home visits per month from the teachers. The home visits consist of the teachers and the parents working together on fun learning activities with the child. The staff working in the Paynesville combination Head Start program are Jill Eickhoff and Mary Mackedanz.
Reach-Up Inc. provides education, inclusion of children with disabilities, transportation, vision, hearing and developmental screening, nutritious meals, health services, parent involve-ment opportunities, parent education, linkages with adult education programs and decision making for parents about the Head Start program.
Families need to meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for the Head Start program: income guidelines, have an age eligible foster child, or have a child with documented disability.
For more information, call 320-243-7686 or 320-253-8110 or toll free 1-800- 848-4912, extension 2752.