2011-2012 Williston/Trenton Head Start website will be updated beginning of September, 2011. Check back then for current year information.

Impact of Head Start

Since 1965, Head Start has played a major role in focusing the attention of the nation on the importance of early childhood development, especially in the first five years of life. Head Start has served as a model for many other child development programs, public and private. Over the years, volunteers have been an important part of all Head Start programs. High school and college students, professionals in the community, relatives of Head Start children, and senior citizens. All kinds of people have offered their much needed talents to local Head Start programs.

Williston Head Start has served over 2,600 families since 1969.

The Major Emphasis of Head Start

Education

Every child receives a variety of learning experiences to foster intellectual, social, and emotional growth to meet their individual needs. Children are provided with numerous experiences to develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Head Start stresses that children develop a strong image of themselves.

Health

Head Start emphasizes the importance of early identification of health problems by providing every child with a comprehensive health care program, including medical, dental, vision, hearing, mental health, and nutritional services.

Parent involvement

Parents are the most important influence on a child's development. An essential part of every Head Start program is the involvement of parents in parent education, program implementation and operating activities. Many parents also serve in the classrooms, playground, etc.

Social Services

Head Start refers families to local agencies to help them obtain the services they need.

Children with disabilities

Head Start works closely with community agencies to provide services to meet the special needs of each child in our program.

Facts about the Williston Head Start and Little Coyotes preschool programs

The Williston Head Start center operates five morning sessions:

two classes that run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

two classes that run from 8:30 to a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

one class that runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Trenton Head Start center operates one morning session:

8: 00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Little Coyotes Preschool (located in the Williston Head Start center) operates two afternoon sessions:

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

all of the above operate four days a week, Monday through Thursday. Head Start operates on the same calendar year as the Williston Public Schools. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Children's individual needs are met through planned experiences within a developmentally appropriate preschool curriculum. Referrals for special services are made on an as-needed basis.

How is Head Start funded?

There is no cost to the family. The program is funded through the Department of Health and Human Services.

Who is eligible?

Head Start

Any child who will be three or four years old by July 31st of this year and meets any one of the following standards:

Any child eligible for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families-TANF (formerly known as AFDC)

Income eligible, based on the Federal Family Income Guidelines for Head Start

Little Coyotes Preschool

Any child who will be four by December 31, 2010 and lives in the school neighborhoods of Hagan, Lewis & Clark, and Wilkinson. There is no cost to the family. The program is funded through Title 1 monies (Department of Public Instruction).

How to apply

Contact the Williston Head Start Office at:

420 University Avenue

Williston Center Telephone # (701)572-2346

Williston Center Fax # (701)572-0494

Hours: 8:00 to 4:00-August through May,

June and July by appointment

Contact the Trenton Head Start Office at:

Trenton Center Telephone # (701)774-0373

Trenton Center Fax # (701)774-0372

Hours: 8:00 to 3:00-August through May

June and July by appointment

What to bring with you when applying

Birth Certificate

Immunization Record

Income Statement (income tax return, w-2, paycheck stubs, TANF verification, etc.) for all adults living in the same house as the applicant