Head Start

Starting at age three, children can enroll in Head Start if they meet income qualifications. High-quality early education activities are provided at centers in Altus, Hollis, Mangum, and Elk City. Professional staff that receive ongoing education are engaged in teaching children early math, literacy, social skills, emotional skills, and fine and gross motor skills. An age-appropriate curriculum guides the lesson plans. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided through CACFP funds. Children receive health screenings within 45 days of enrollment including a physical, eye screen, hearing screen, and height and weight measurements. Developmental screens are completed and used to track the child’s progress through the school year. Bus transportation is available based on need.

Early Head Start

Center-Based
Center-based classes are available for 2-year olds at all centers. 1-year old classes are available at our Bailey center.
Home-Based
A 90-minute weekly session conducted in your own home, guided by a mobile educator. The curriculum in this course will help prepare your child for the next step in their early education journey.
Pregnant Mothers
Weekly contact, curriculum, and a visit from a nurse after delivery.

Registration

To begin the process, all families must complete an application. Family income documentation, child’s birth certificate, and child’s immunization records should all be attached to the application. Parents of children with disabilities or experiencing homelessness are encouraged to apply.

Parent Involvement

We firmly believe that parents are the prime educators of their children. At the Birth to Five Program parents are not only welcome, but encouraged to be involved. The ‘whole family’ is a primary focus of our program. Families are encouraged to develop goals, and our friendly staff is here to help them obtain resources. Parents can get involved in program governance through the Center Parent Committees and the Policy Council. Parents are also encouraged to volunteer as often as they can.

Local Support

The Head Start/Early Head Start grants have a match requirement of 20% of the total project funds. For every $1 in federal funds received, the program must match with $0.25. This is accomplished through donations of space and utilities, donated or discounted professional services, donation of supplies that could be purchased with grant funds, and volunteer time. Volunteer time is valued at an average of what we would pay plus applicable fringe. Cash donations are accepted. Since Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 organization, donations are tax deductible.

Cost

There is no out-of-pocket cost to the families. All services and supplies are provided by the program. 

Funding is received from grants:

Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Head Start:

• Head Start

• Early Head Start

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

State Appropriated Funds/Head Start

Child and Adult Care Food Program

Local Support