Woonsocket Head Start Child Development Association and NRI Community Services are excited to announce a unique collaboration to provide therapeutic childcare classrooms at all Head Start program centers in Woonsocket. Funded through the Department of Human Services this program will ensure that that all KIDS CONNECT children and families will be fully integrated within the Head Start program in which parent participation is a crucial component.
The staff at Woonsocket Head Start and NRI began applying for approval from the Department of Human Services in the fall. Woonsocket Head Start Executive Director, Mary Varr, says she was thrilled when NRI brought the idea to the table. “The purpose of our KIDS CONNECT partnership is to provide all children, regardless of special medical or behavioral needs, with a safe, secure, inclusive environment in which each child’s individualized goals allow them to reach their fullest potential. Head Start’s performance standards of excellence will ensure this goal is achieved.”
By participating in the KIDS CONNECT program, Head Start and NRI are ready to prove that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Varr continues, “We believe that all children, especially those with special needs, deserve the support and guidance from qualified and dedicated staff who understand the challenges that our youngest children are facing every day. We know that when we identify areas that need improvement sooner rather than later, and implement strategies to help, the likelihood of positive outcomes in all areas of development is much higher.”
“This program fulfills a long term need that enhances the learning experience for all children in these classrooms”, says Family Service Coordinator, Dee Henry. “Due to the strong relationship and collaboration between our two agencies, this endeavor is a logical conclusion to better serve children with special needs.”
NRI licensed clinical social worker, Jeanne Rheaume, says that “One of the key components of this program is the children will receive services in all areas of life domains including, medical, educational, and social/emotional. As a member of the Head Start social/emotional team, NRI will provide consultation and clinical support to all children involved in the Woonsocket Head Start program. The KIDS CONNECT program will allow all children to remain and participate fully in an educational setting which can meet their needs.”
More information on this program can be found by contacting Dee Henry at Head Start at 766-0112 or Jeanne Rheaume at NRI at 235-7000.
|
|
|