Head Start / Early Head Start
Head Start is a national program designed to help prepare children for school. Early Education and Care’s Head Start program provides professional services in the following areas:
- Education and early childhood development
- Medical and dental
- Disability and mental health
- Nutrition and parent involvement
Apply in person a from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 459 Grace Ave. Panama City, FL 32401. Remember to bring proof of income for the past 12 month’s and the child’s verification of age for eligibility purposes. Questions? Call us at (850) 818-9003 ex 1023
What Head Start Can Offer Your Child
Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. Head Start recognizes that you, as parents, are the first and most important teachers of your children. They welcome your involvement in Head Start activities, and will work with you as partners to help your child progress.
Head Start staff offer your child love, acceptance, understanding, and the opportunity to learn and experience success. Head Start children socialize with others, solve problems, and have other experiences, which help them become self-confident.
The children spend time in stimulating settings where they form good habits and enjoy playing with toys and working on tasks with classmates. Your child will leave Head Start more prepared for kindergarten, excited about learning, and ready to succeed.
Professionals will arrange vision and hearing tests and any needed immunizations. Head Start offers a nutrition assessment and dental exams as well. Children with health needs receive follow-up care. Mental health and other services are available for children and families with special needs.
What Head Start Can Offer Your Family
Head Start offers you a sense of belonging, other support services, and a chance to be involved in activities to help your entire family. You can take part in training classes on many subjects, such as child rearing, job training, learning about health and nutrition, and using free resources in your own community. Some parents learn the English language. Head Start also offers assistance to parents interested in obtaining a high school General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or other adult education opportunities.
If you have a family member with a special problem, such as drug or alcohol abuse, job loss, or other family crisis, your family can receive help through Head Start. Head Start staff refer families needing help to medical, social service, or employment specialists in the community, and will follow up to be sure you receive assistance.
You can become a Head Start volunteer and learn more about child development. This experience may later qualify you for training, which can help you find employment in the child care field.
You can also have a voice in the Head Start program by serving on various committees. Parents’ experiences in Head Start have raised their own self-confidence and improved their ability to make decisions.
Locations
Chapman Early Learning Center
2928 E 11th St.
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 818-9003 ex. 1114
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Early Education Head Start Center
1215 N. East Ave.
Panama City , FL 32405
(850) 818-9003 ex. 1061
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Forest Park Early Learning Center
700 W. 23rd Street bld H
Panama City, FL 32405
(850) 818-9003 ex. 1003
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Panavilla Early Head Start
1802 ½ Flowers Ave.
Panama City, FL 32405
(850) 481-1367
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Arnold Early Learning Center
550 Alf Coleman Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
(850) 767-3748
Franklin Early Head Start Center
162 Avenue E
Apalachicola, FL 32320
(850) 653-3366
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Grace Head Start Administration Office
459 Grace Ave.
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 818-9003 ex.1023