Services

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Children  and families with the greatest need are served in Early Head Start.  This Program serves infants and toddlers from six weeks to 36 months of  age and pregnant women from their third month through delivery.  Comprehensive child development services in a classroom setting are  provided to the children. Support services are provided to all families  to assist them with achieving their own self-improvement goals. 

The  Child Development service area provides a comprehensive education  program for 3-and 4 year old children. Activities that allow each child  to develop intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally are  carried out in a culturally-sensitive environment. Emphasis is placed  on:

• Language  development and literacy skills in listening and communication,  phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, print and book knowledge,  and written expression.
• Mathematical skills
• Science skills
• Creative arts skills
• Scientific skills
• Social/emotional development
• Approaches to learning
• Physical health and development

Classrooms  and playgrounds are designed to facilitate learning. Parents and  communities are partners in helping children to develop to their full  potential. All Head Start classroom teachers have a bachelors or masters  degree in early childhood education /child development or related  fields.  Some teachers in partnering sites may have an associate degree  or Child Development Associate certificate.

The ERSEA/Family Services component provides  leadership and oversight for the Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection,  Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) process while promoting effective  enrollment practices, family  engagement, and comprehensive support services to serve children and  families with the greatest need. By supervising staff, monitoring  program data, and fostering strong partnerships with families and  community agencies, the ERSEA/Family Services component  helps ensure that eligible children and families receive high-quality  services that support school readiness, family well-being, and positive  outcomes. Through continuous quality improvement and a commitment to  excellence, the ERSEA/Family Services component  ensures compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards  while advancing the program's mission of empowering children and  strengthening families. 

Infants  and toddlers with special needs or disabilities receive services in an  inclusive environment in our center and partner sites through Early  Intervention: First Steps. These services are individualized based on a  child’s needs. The child’s needed services are included in the  Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP). These services may include  special class instructions, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. 

Preschool  children with special needs or disabilities receive special education  or related services in an inclusive setting in our centers and  partnering sites through the local education agencies (public schools)  and contracted private resources. These services are included in the  Individual Education Plan (IEP). These services include: audiology,  speech and language therapy, medical services, psychological services,  etc. Children with severe health impairments have their needs addressed  in an Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP).

All services provided and the development of the IFSP/IEP/IHCP include the child’s parent or guardian.

The Health Services  component promotes the overall health, safety, and well-being of  children by ensuring they receive comprehensive preventive health,  dental, nutrition, and mental health services. Staff work  collaboratively with families, health care providers, and community  partners to ensure children are up to date on required health  screenings, immunizations, and ongoing medical and dental care. Children  who do not have an established medical or dental home  will be assisted in locating and connecting with appropriate health  care providers to ensure they have access to ongoing care and support.

The Health Services  component monitors health requirements, follows up on identified health  and dental needs, and assists families in obtaining recommended  treatments and services. Staff partner with families to  support completion of referrals, follow-up appointments, and any  necessary medical or dental treatment to promote positive health  outcomes and reduce barriers to learning.

The Health Services  component also promotes healthy habits through daily handwashing and  toothbrushing practices, helping children develop lifelong routines that  support disease prevention and overall wellness.  Through education, coordination, follow-up, and early intervention, the  Health Services component supports healthy development and ensures  children receive the care needed to thrive. By ensuring compliance with  the Head Start Program Performance Standards  and fostering strong partnerships with families and community  providers, the Health Services component helps ensure every child enters  the classroom healthy, ready to learn, and prepared to succeed.. 

Licensed  clinical psychologists and/or mental health consultants are available  to our children, families, and staff on a contractual basis. They  observe classrooms, at least, on a monthly basis to ensure that our  children are healthy both socially and emotionally. Activities to  promote mental health are carried out in all classrooms throughout the  day. 

Positive  behavioral support plans are developed for children who need  intervention, and referrals may be made to community resources with  parental permission. Parent training is provided on various topics to  aid parents in behavior management and mental health services are  addressed through local community mental health agencies.

Children  enrolled in Head Start receive breakfast, lunch, and snack meals at no  cost to parents. All meals are planned based on USDA requirements. ICS  provides nutritional information for all parents. 

In  collaboration with literacy councils, ABE and GED classes are taught at  locations throughout the areas served by ICS to help improve literacy  of parents and ICS staff. 

The  involvement of parents in our program is critical to the child’s growth  and development. Training is provided to parents through each service  area, and parents are encouraged to volunteer at their child’s center.  Parents serve as members of the policy council and board of directors  and have a voice in all policy decisions. 

Transportation  to and from the Head Start centers is made available to eligible  children. Every bus is driven by a commercially licensed driver. 

We  enter partnerships and work closely with child care providers and  school districts to develop strategies supporting children and families  as they make the transition from Early Head start to Head Start, to  kindergarten. 

CONTACT

Institute of Community Services, Inc.

210 West Valley
P.O. Box 160

Holly Springs, Mississippi 38635

Phone: 662.252.1582 ext. 100 

Fax: 662.252.7253