EARLY CHILDHOOD

Headstart Program History

The Gila River Indian Community Head Start Program has been in operation since 1965. It provides services to children from low-income families who are three to five years old. The Head Start Program provides comprehensive, health, nutritional, educational, social and other services. In addition to Head Start, the Gila River Indian Community also has an Early Head Start Program providing services to families with infants from 6 weeks to age 3.

Parents are encouraged to participate in program development, family and community partnerships and their children’s physical and educational development. The Program provides training and educational opportunities for parents. Participation in the program promotes involvement and understanding of child development to support and educate parents of young children. The Gila River Head Start Program believes that parents are their child’s first teacher.

Children with disabilities are an inclusive part of this Head Start Program and a minimum of 10% of the total funded enrollment will consist of children with disabilities. Head Start and Early Childhood Special Services will collaborate with parents and Center

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