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The Head Start Vision
Who We Are
Head Start is a Federal program designed to help the children and families of low-income
households. The program began providing quality services to families in 1965, and has
touched the lives of more than 22 million children nationwide! In 2005, 905,851 children
were able to receive direct services through the Head Start program.
Mercer County Head Start has been open and in operation since 1966, in conjunction with
the Community Action Partnership of Mercer County
(our grantee), and Farrell Area School District
(our delegate agency). Located throughout Mercer County, Pennsylvania, we provide
services to 433 children who reside in the county. Twenty-two (22) classrooms are
open at 13 different sites where children grow, learn, and share. Go to our
centers page to find a classroom near you.
What We Do
Free services are provided to children ages birth through 5 years, pregnant women, and
their families who are income eligible as defined by the Federal poverty guidelines.
Mercer County Head Start's goal is to nurture our children to help them to achieve the
most that they possibly can in life by touching their lives early.
We provide the following services:
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The Educational focus of Mercer County Head Start promotes the cognitive,
social, physical and emotional development of young
children through developmentally appropriate curriculums that are individualized to meet
the specific needs of each child enrolled. Parent participation in the classroom, on
education committees, and in curriculum design and review is encouraged.
For the 3-5 year old population, classrooms operate in the elementary
schools of the county’s twelve school districts. Emerging literacy, science and
math skills are incorporated into each day’s schedule, as well as computer time, journals
and writing centers. These children are continually assessed and child outcomes reports
generated three times per year.
For the birth-3 year old population, one classroom operates year-round
in the Sharon area, enrolling 8 infants or toddlers. An additional 58 children are provided
services through the EHS home-based model. Both programs utilize developmentally appropriate
curriculums that emphasize individualization and the development of secure relationships.
These children are also continually assessed and plans are designed to meet the
specific needs of each child and family.
Curriculums and assessments utilized follow:
Head Start incorporates the Preschool Creative Curriculum and the
Creative Curriculum Developmental Continuum assessment
tool. EHS center-based incorporates the Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers, the
Creative Curriculum Developmental Curriculum or the Ages and Stages Questionnaire assessment tools,
depending on the child's age. EHS home-based incorporates the
Parents as Teachers curriculum and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire assessment tool.
View the latest Child Outcomes report here.
Classroom teachers and home visitors are required to hold a 4 year
degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
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Health and Nutrition are important aspects of a child's development, and our program is committed to make sure that your child receives the best health care available in Mercer County. We help parents to find reputable primary care Physicians and Dentists, and we monitor completion of physical exams, immunizations as well as ongoing medical care to ensure that all health care needs are being addressed. Help is also available in finding medical insurance for the family, if necessary.
Nutritious meals and snacks are provided throughout the day in all program options. These meals are served family-style and are in accordance with the USDA CACFP guidelines. Parents are encouraged to share their own heritage through multicultural cooking experiences. Please notify your child's teacher or home visitor to take part in this activity. Children take an active part in dental hygiene on a daily basis, learning to brush their teeth after every meal.
 All meals served to participants under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) are served at no separate charge regardless of race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. There is no discrimination in admissions policy, meal service or use of facilities. Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA related activity should write to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington D.C. 20250.
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- Mental Health
and Disabilities
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The Mental Health services program is designed to help children strengthen their emotional and social development. Children receive screenings within 45 days of enrollment in all developmental areas including: motor, speech/language, behavior, vision, hearing, problem solving and reasoning. Assistance is provided to families in accessing appropriate mental health services if necessary. A mental health professional is available to train staff and parents about the importance of early attention to developmental delays that children may experience.
The disabilities program is designed to coordinate services for children in need of specialized services and to make appropriate accommodations if and when needed. Mercer County Head Start is a program inclusive of children with special needs.
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Mercer County Head Start staff visit families at home on a regular basis. On these visits, we work with the family to assist them in becoming more aware of their own strengths, to feel more in control of their lives, and to increase their capacity to utilize resources available throughout the county. The staff also encourages families to set goals and to work toward their achievement.
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Children learn by example. Mercer County Head Start's goal is to help our
parents to understand just how important that is, and to help our parents become
the primary educators of their children. There are numerous ways that parents can become more involved.
Come volunteer in the classroom! Are you an artist? The children would love to
learn how to paint from you. Perhaps you enjoy reading. Come read your child's
class a story for the day.
You can also become more involved by volunteering on our Policy Committee.
Your input will help to shape the services that are provided to all of the children.
There are monthly socializations and parent meetings where parents can interact
with other parents in the program. At the meetings, there are often guest speakers. Parents can ask
questions about their child's development, and share valuable resources and ideas to help
nurture their families. Check the school calendar or ask your classroom teacher to find out
the date and time of the next meeting!
Become a part of the Head Start family and get involved today!
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