Head Start program recruiting new participants at kickoff

SNODGRASS

The local Head Start program is looking to give children exactly that ‘ a head start on their mental, social and emotional development.

Brookside Head Start, which currently serves 74 students, is trying to jump start enrollment for the 2008-09 school year with a recruitment kickoff this Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. at its Viola Road location. The recruitment kickoff will feature a visit from Bonnie Bear at 1:30 p.m., and include free food throughout the event.

‘Head Start is a great thing for these children,’ said family service representative Tammy Snodgrass. ‘In addition to our everyday activities, we offer speech and health screenings and two meals and a snack each day, and all of it is free.’

Brookside’s free and comprehensive full-day child program is available to children in low-income families. The child must be at least 3 years old by Sept. 30, 2008, but can’t be over 5 by that date.

The program, which operates through LBJ&C Head Start, recognizes that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. Head Start works as a partner with parents to help child progress.

According to Snodgrass, the application process takes about 15 minutes. Parents need to bring their child’s birth certificate and proof of last year’s income.

For more information, call Brookside Head Start at 668-7043.