Whitefield Head Start

The Whitefield Head Start program is a center-based program in Whitefield, NH. It is for income-eligible children ages 3-5 prior to entering kindergarden.

The Head Start program is different from pre-school programs in that, not only does it teach your child the basics for kindergarden but it also teaches them many social skills. In Head Start your child will learn to serve his own food, manage his feelings, proper hygeine, sharing, etc. Head Start is unique in that it allows you to be completely involved in every aspect of your child's development and learning. Head Start staff will come to your house once per month to discuss your child's progress and assist you in getting help for things like food, wic, doctors appointments, dentist appointments, financial assistance, electrical assistance, etc.

Parents are encouraged to come up with ideas for projects in the classroom, recipes that the chef can make. Parents are also encouraged to come into the classroom and participate during the day.

The Head Start program also screens your child for early developmental problems. The sooner developmental problems are discovered the sooner they can be properly taken care of.

Head Start is a federally funded program. 80% of funding comes from the government and the other 20% comes from parental volunteer and/or donations. Donations can be anything from used children's books to construction paper. As a Head Start parent myself, the first two years my daughter attended I was frequently a bus monitor in the morning and afternoon. This year, as my son is attending, I volunteered to build a website for the Whitefield Head Start, which is located at http://www.geocities.com/whitefieldheadstart .

The Head Start is currently located at 24 Jefferson Road, with plans to seek a larger classroom, perhaps in Dalton within the next few years. The current teachers are Miss Jamie and Miss Kerry. They are very good with the children. I know that both of my children adore them.

Whitefield Head Start is currently accepting applications for the 2008/2009 school year. You can call Jamie or Kerry at 603 - 837 - 3026.

Class days for Whitefield Head Start are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30am - 12:30pm. Your children will eat both breakfast and lunch at school on these days. Children will also brush their teeth after meals!!