The Right Start

Action Pathways believes that education is the key to a sustainable future for individuals and communities. Building a foundation for lifelong learning begins at an early age. That’s why Action Pathways Head Start is focused on providing the right start in a safe, age-appropriate learning environment for children from birth to age five, including children with special needs and pregnant women.

Head Start is a federally funded child development program that provides free social and educational opportunities to prepare income-eligible children with essential skills needed to enter the public school system. Head Start is FREE to eligible participants.

All children that are enrolled in Action Pathways Head Start centers receive breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. Meal service is included at Head Start and Early Head Start (which serves our youngest children) because of our comprehensive approach. We recognize that good nutrition is an important part of helping children to be successful learners.

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Snack table

An Inclusive Promise

Early/Head Start is required to reserve at least 10% of enrollment for eligible children with special needs. The Early/Head Start programs have specially trained staff to provide additional support for children with special needs. If your child has a disability or you are concerned that your child may have a special need, please inform the program when you first call. You may also ask to speak to the program coordinator who works with children with special needs. At the time of application, staff will encourage you to sign a release of information to speak with any specialists or agencies that have worked with your child in the past. While this is not required, it does help develop a comprehensive plan for your child’s transition into Early/Head Start.

A Family-focused Program

Because parents are full partners with staff in their children’s education, we have found that home visits (which are scheduled twice a year) are a terrific way to foster a home-school connection to discuss your child’s development, goals and progress. Children are usually very excited to show their teachers where they live, and to see their parents and teachers talking together about what they are doing at Head Start! Building on strengths, Family Advocates work with families to support them in meeting goals that they have identified. Frequent contact by phone and home visits will be made to check on goal progress during the year.

 

 

Father’s and Friends Initiative

The Father’s and Friends Initiative of Action Pathways Head Start began eight years ago, and its vision is to support and encourage men to become more active in the lives of their children, educate staff and parents to promote change in the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward father figures, and acknowledge parents as partners in raising their children, even when they do not live in the same household. The Fathers present at the first official meeting decides meeting dates, times, and activities. Different activities can include: skating, kite flying, bowling, game days, picnics, and a host of many more events. Activities are held monthly, where fathers and their children can interact and create bonds with other fathers in the program. 
 
For more information about the Father’s and Friends Initiative, please contact a Family Advocate at one of our centers or the Family Engagement and Community Partnerships Manager at the main office at 910-485-6131

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