Head Start begins recruitment

St. Mary/Vermilion Community Action Agency Head Start is beginning grecruitment for the 2013-14 school year, stated a news release.

Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally and physically, the news release from Almetra J. Franklin, St. Mary/Vermilion Community Action Agency chief executive officer, Melanda Butaud, administrative assistant/education supervisor, and Amanda Caffery, assistant Head Start director, stated.

Head Start services include an array of training on many subjects, such as parenting classes, job training, learning about health and nutrition, and using resources in your own community, the news release stated. Marriage Enrichment Counseling, Youth Development, Housing Counseling and substance abuse treatment and prevention are also available as a part of the program’s holistic approach to the delivery of comprehensive quality services, it stated.

The Fatherhood/Male Literacy Content Area of the program is open to males of all ages interested in earning their GED, learning basic computer skills, learning to be a mentor to young fathers, or just brushing up on your parenting skills, it stated. For more information, call David Teno at 337-828-5753.

At least 10 percent of the enrollment is made available for children with disabilities and their families, it stated. They receive the full range of Head Start developmental services in an inclusive environment, the news release stated.

The Head Start Program in St. Mary/Vermilion Parish is funded to serve 357 pre-school children and their families in St. Mary Parish and 307 children and their families in Vermilion Parish, according to the administration. 

Transportation is provided for Head Start children.

The Policy Council approves the selection criteria, which includes the following:

Eligible children, who must be 3 and 4 years old born on or before Sept. 30, will be enrolled on a first-come, first-serve basis according to the following selection criteria.

1. Returning children are accepted first.

2. Children with Disabilities. (at least 10 percent of the slots will be made available to children with disabilities)

3. Eligible children from the 2012-13 waiting list.

4. Aid for Families with Dependent Children.

5. Other public benefits (SSI, Disability, VA, etc.)

6. Income: Below poverty guidelines.

7. Income: Above poverty guidelines.

The program will serve all eligible children in a family and transportation is provided. 

At the time of application, parents must bring a: birth certificate; Social Security card; up-to-date immunization record; proof of income such as food stamp change/closure sheets, TANF printout, W-2 form, 1040/1040A; Medicaid card, if applicable, should be provided and a copy of child’s physical, preferably Kid Med, if one was taken within the last year or health insurance card, if applicable; documentation of disability and an IEP, if applicable; and proof of guardianship, if applicable. 

Call the center in your area for an appointment, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Leave the child’s name, birthday, and parent’s name and phone number. A family service worker will call you to set up an appointment.

Peter Pan Head Start Center, 1407 Barrow St., Franklin, call 337-828-3893, Paula Robinson, site manager.

Mickey Mouse Head Start Center, 801 MLK, Baldwin, call 337-923-7010, Louise Pierre, site manager.

Bambi Head Start Center, 20292 Hwy 90 Frontage Road, Four Corners, call 337-276-5571, Arlene Lockett, site manager.

Snow White Head Start Center, 8391 Hwy 182, Verdunville, call 337-836-5417, and Cinderella Head Start Center, 1609 Main St., Patterson, call 985-395-3409, Cathy Eave, site manager.

Baby Bear Head Start Center, 710 Greenwood, Morgan City, call 985-385-6950, and Winnie-the-Pooh Head Start Center, 120 Francis Street, Amelia, call 985-631-2931, Bonnie Brown, site manager.

Yogi Bear Head Start Center, Brownell Homes, 318 Wren St., Morgan City, call 985-384-8439, Tweety Bird Head Start Center, Berwick Civic Complex, Berwick, call 985-385-7863, and Goldilocks Head Start Center, 1106 Grace St., Siracusa, call 985-385-3289, Francis Span, site manager.

Applications will also be taken at the Head Start Central Office, 1407 Barrow St., in Franklin and the Centers by appointment.