Program Options
Part Day/Double Session: Classrooms provide at last 128 days of classroom and field trip experience. Children enrolled in this option attend 3 ½ hour sessions, four days a week. Home visits are made at least twice per year and there are two parent/teacher conferences held annually. Transportation is provided.
Full Day: This option is available to a limited number of families who meet DHS Child Care Subsidy guidelines. This program is designed to assist parents who are working or going to school full time. The five-day-a-week, all-day program is an extended version of the regular center-based day program. There is a fee based on Dept. of Human Services Child Care Subsidy sliding scale. Classrooms provide at least 230 days of classroom and field trip experience. Transportation is not provided to these locations.
Day Care Blended: Children who are enrolled in the Head Start designated classrooms at contracted local day care centers receive the same services and advantages of Head Start, but at those sites. Parents must meet requirements established by these day cares in order to enroll their child in these 4 or 5 day-a-week options. Transportation is not provided to these locations.
What to Bring
Children should be dressed for active and sometimes messy activities. Boots for outside, tennis shoes for the classroom. As a part of good health, the children go out-of-doors for active play any day the weather is above 20 degrees and there are no other serious weather concerns. Please take this into consideration when dressing your child. Extra shoes, boots, clothing, gloves, coats, and hats should be marked with your child’s name for identification purposes.
All classrooms are fully equipped with wonderful toys and equipment. Children should leave their own toys at home unless the teachers indicate in the weekly newsletter that they are a part of special activities. Each child will have a small storage area. The only things children should bring from home are communications from parents or changes of clothing and shoes, if needed.
Statement of Conduct
Heartland Head Start is a drug-free, alcohol-free, smoke-free environment for our children and families. The safety of children enrolled in Heartland Head Start, their families, and our employees is of utmost importance. Adult behavior that is disruptive or suggests use of drugs or alcohol during any Heartland Head Start activity or sponsored event will not be tolerated. Individuals displaying such behavior will be asked to leave the premises.
Weapons Policy
A safe environment is of critical importance and will not be taken lightly. Bringing weapons on the bus or to any Heartland Head Start facility will not be tolerated. If this occurs the police will be contacted immediately. Toy weapons or items used as weapons will be confiscated immediately and NOT returned. The parent(s) will be notified that their child has been suspended from school and their child is to be picked up immediately. The child can return only after a parent/teacher conference.
Child Sex Offender Guidelines
In Illinois, law requires that child sex offenders and child sexual predators register with their local law enforcement to report where they live and work. Illinois law prohibits convicted child sex offenders and predators from being within 500 feet of a school or day care and 100 feet of a bus stop. They are also prohibited from public places were children may gather such as a park, library, or playground. At Heartland Head Start, former or registered child sex offenders will be expected to follow the mandates of the law. Please be advised that local law enforcement will be called if a child sex offender or predator is found to be violating the law. This includes parents and family members, as well as juvenile offenders and also anyone who might be picking up or dropping off a child at a Head Start facility.
Health Information
Individual Health Plan: if your child has a health need or condition requiring special care, the teaching staff needs to be informed of all related information. Ask your teacher or FRA for a copy of the Individual Health Plan.
If your child has a food allergy or is on a special diet, contact the Health and Nutrition Manager and alert your child's teaching staff. If food substitutions are to be made for your child, signed documentation from a physician or clergy person must be on file at Head Start.