HEAD START

Head Start

To open doors of opportunity for children by providing comprehensive, quality family-centered services to eligible Head Start families.

Open Enrollment

This one application is used for the Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start Child Care programs.

For questions, assistance or more information, contact badams@kawerak.org online or call 443-9057.

Download the application or pick one up from the Kawerak Child Development Center, 880 East 6th Avenue.

Head Start

Kawerak’s Head Start is a pre-school program that promotes social competence and structure among three and four year old children in the Bering Strait region. Strong parental involvement, health and social services are primary components of Head Start’s well-rounded program.

Kawerak Head Start currently serves the following communities: Brevig Mission, Elim, Gambell, Golovin, Koyuk, Nome, Saint Michael, Shaktoolik, Shishmaref, Teller and White Mountain.

All Head Start children are guided in developing social skills, physical fitness and educational tools that give them a head start towards kindergarten. All children receive appropriate developmental screenings and referrals as need. The program is inclusive and 10% of our enrollment is reserved for children with disabilities.

Why Head Start?

  • Head Start is a national program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.
  • Provides comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged children and families, with a special focus on helping preschoolers develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school.
  • Promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.
  • Engages parents in their children’s learning and help them in making progress toward their goals. Significant emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start programs.
  • Develops trusting, collaborative relationships between parents and staff to support parents as they identify and meet their own goals, nurture the development of their children in the context of their family and culture.

Eligibility

  • Children who are 3 or 4 years of age as of September 1st of the school year are eligible to apply for Head Start programming
  • Preference and priority placement will be given to children in low income families, or children in foster care/state custody or homeless. However children in higher income brackets are still encouraged to apply for slots available.

School Year/Calendar

Nome Head Start Calendar

Village Head Start Calendar

Application

Download and fill out the Head Start application. All documents must be completed and returned by June 15th in order to be considered for the start of the school year. Applications will be accepted year round and children may be accepted during the year if there are open slots.

Nutrition

While at Head Start meals and snacks are provided. All enrolled Head Start children are eligible and participate in the CACF (Child & Adult Care Food Program). “In accordance with Federal law and U. S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

For more information, please contact us at 800.443.5294.

Child Care

Summer Child Care (3-6 year olds)

Summer Child Care is available from Kawerak’s Uiviilat Play and Learn Center (UPLC)! The summer child care session is available June 3 2024 to August 14,2024 for children 3-6 years of age. For questions, assistance or more information on the child care service, contact badams@kawerak.org online or call 443-9057.

To apply – Download the application or pick one up from the Kawerak Child Development Center, 880 East 6th Avenue. Our UPLC Child Care Program is open to the public and can be private pay or subsidy (no income restrictions apply). Kawerak’s Child Care program may also be able to help tribally enrolled children with child care costs! If you have more questions about financial assistance for child care, please call 907-443-4358.

Cost:
Full time: $1,225 per child/or your authorized co-pay. No part-time slots are available at this time.

Afterschool Child Care

Are you interested in after-school child care for your child ages 3-6? Kawerak UPLC child care program in Nome has an excellent child care option! The after school care program is open to the public and can be private pay or subsidy (no income restrictions apply). The after school program runs from 1:15pm -5:00pm. Kawerak’s Child Care program may also be able to help income-eligible parents financially!

For questions, assistance or more information on the child care service, contact badams@kawerak.org online or call 443-9057.

*Children must have turned 3 by September 1, 2022. Any child under 3 can apply for Early Head Start/Child Care Partnership program (this option is only for families eligible for child care assistance).

For questions or more information on financial assistance for child care (it could be to help pay for this opportunity, relative care or other child care options) you can visit our child care website at kawerak.org/childcare or call us at 907-443-4358.

Child Care Partnership

Mobile Text Updates!

To stay up-to-date you can get notifications regarding closures right to your phone! On your iPhone or Android phone, open your web browser and go to the following link: rmd.at/ac9ag6b  Follow the instructions to sign up for Remind. You’ll be prompted to download the mobile app. OR if you don’t have a smartphone, to get text notifications text the message @ac9ag6b to the number 81010 or to (941) 900-3936 if 81010 isn’t working.

Facebook Group

For those of you online, please join our Facebook group to see resources posted!  Our FaceBook group title and link is:

Kawerak Headstart, Early Head Start, Childcare partnership Programs

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1239811296090551/?ref=group_header

Early Head Start

Kawerak’s Early Head Start is a prenatalbirth to three program that promotes social competence and structure for children. Children enrolled must be two or younger on September 1. Our program supports education, health, nutrition and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families.

Kawerak Early Head Start currently serves the following communities: Brevig Mission, Elim, Shishmaref and Nome. In Brevig Mission and Elim we provide center based services and in Nome we provide center based and home based services. In Shishmaref the EHS program is a year-round immersion center based program.

All children enrolled in center-based Early Head Start must qualify as low income, homeless or in state custody/foster care.

Impacts of Early Head Start

Early Head Start is important in recognition of the fact that the earliest years matter a great deal to children’s growth and development. Early Head Start includes a set of principles to nurture healthy attachments between parent and child (and child and caregiver), emphasize a strengths-based, relationship-centered approach to services, and encompass the full range of a family’s needs from pregnancy through a child’s third birthday. They include:

  • Positive Relationships and Continuity which honor the critical importance of early attachments on healthy development . Parents are a child’s first, and most important, relationship.
  • Parent Involvement activities that offer parents a meaningful and strategic role in our program.
  • Prevention and Promotion Activities that both promote healthy development and recognize and address atypical development at the earliest stage possible. Inclusion strategies that respect the unique developmental trajectories of young children in the context of a typical setting, including children with disabilities.
  • Cultural competence which acknowledges the profound role that culture plays in early development. We also recognize the influence of cultural values and beliefs on both staff and families’ approaches to child development.
  • Comprehensiveness, Flexibility and Responsiveness of services which allow children and families to move across various program options over time, as their life situation demands.
  • Collaboration is central to our ability to meet the comprehensive needs of families. Strong partnerships allow us to expand services to families with infants and toddlers beyond our program and into the larger community.

Early Head Start Home-Based Program (Saint Michael)

Enrolled infants, toddlers and expectant mothers receive weekly 90 minute home visits. Home Visitors, together with families, support the child’s learning by using the families’ interactions, daily routines, and household materials. Twice a month enrolled children, families, and home visitors come together for play groups.

The Early Head Start Home-Based program enrolls expectant mothers, infants and toddlers under 3 years old, and provides early learning opportunities and family support.  The Early Head Start program year begins in August with a new application period occurring in the summer months. Applications will continue to be accepted year-round to fill openings on an as-available basis. Program locations include: St Michael

Early Head Start Home-Based offers:

  • A No Cost Program
  • Experienced, Educated Staff
  • Weekly Home Visits
  • Bi-Monthly Play Groups
  • Developmental Screenings
  • Family Support Services
  • Services for Children with Disabilities

Enrollment is open to all, but preference is given to families who:

  • Meet income guidelines; or
  • Receive TANF or SSI; or
  • Are homeless; or
  • Have a child with a diagnosed disability; or 
  • Foster a child in state custody; and
  • Are Alaskan Native or American Indian Students

Useful Links and Resources for Parents and Families

Literacy

Online books (E-books)

Imagination Library (books delivered to your family free!)

Activities and Parenting Resources

Educational Sites for Children: 

 

State Resources Links:

Head Start Links:

Head Start

To open doors of opportunity for children by providing comprehensive, quality family-centered services to eligible Head Start families.

Open Enrollment

This one application is used for the Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start Child Care programs.

For questions, assistance or more information, contact badams@kawerak.org online or call 443-9057.

Download the application or pick one up from the Kawerak Child Development Center, 880 East 6th Avenue.

Head Start

Kawerak’s Head Start is a pre-school program that promotes social competence and structure among three and four year old children in the Bering Strait region. Strong parental involvement, health and social services are primary components of Head Start’s well-rounded program.

Kawerak Head Start currently serves the following communities: Brevig Mission, Elim, Gambell, Golovin, Koyuk, Nome, Saint Michael, Shaktoolik, Shishmaref, Teller and White Mountain.

All Head Start children are guided in developing social skills, physical fitness and educational tools that give them a head start towards kindergarten. All children receive appropriate developmental screenings and referrals as need. The program is inclusive and 10% of our enrollment is reserved for children with disabilities.

Why Head Start?

  • Head Start is a national program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.
  • Provides comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged children and families, with a special focus on helping preschoolers develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school.
  • Promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.
  • Engages parents in their children’s learning and help them in making progress toward their goals. Significant emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start programs.
  • Develops trusting, collaborative relationships between parents and staff to support parents as they identify and meet their own goals, nurture the development of their children in the context of their family and culture.

Eligibility

  • Children who are 3 or 4 years of age as of September 1st of the school year are eligible to apply for Head Start programming
  • Preference and priority placement will be given to children in low income families, or children in foster care/state custody or homeless. However children in higher income brackets are still encouraged to apply for slots available.

School Year/Calendar

Nome Head Start Calendar

Village Head Start Calendar

Application

Download and fill out the Head Start application. All documents must be completed and returned by June 15th in order to be considered for the start of the school year. Applications will be accepted year round and children may be accepted during the year if there are open slots.

Nutrition

While at Head Start meals and snacks are provided. All enrolled Head Start children are eligible and participate in the CACF (Child & Adult Care Food Program). “In accordance with Federal law and U. S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

For more information, please contact us at 800.443.5294.

Child Care

Summer Child Care (3-6 year olds)

Summer Child Care is available from Kawerak’s Uiviilat Play and Learn Center (UPLC)! The summer child care session is available June 3 2024 to August 14,2024 for children 3-6 years of age. For questions, assistance or more information on the child care service, contact badams@kawerak.org online or call 443-9057.

To apply – Download the application or pick one up from the Kawerak Child Development Center, 880 East 6th Avenue. Our UPLC Child Care Program is open to the public and can be private pay or subsidy (no income restrictions apply). Kawerak’s Child Care program may also be able to help income-eligible parents financially! If you have more questions about financial assistance for child care, please call 907-443-4358.

Cost:
Full time: $1,225 per child/or your authorized co-pay. No part-time slots are available at this time.

Afterschool Child Care

Are you interested in after-school child care for your child ages 3-6? Kawerak UPLC child care program in Nome has an excellent child care option! The after school care program is open to the public and can be private pay or subsidy (no income restrictions apply). The after school program runs from 1:15pm -5:00pm. Kawerak’s Child Care program may also be able to help income-eligible parents financially!

For questions, assistance or more information on the child care service, contact badams@kawerak.org online or call 443-9057.

*Children must have turned 3 by September 1, 2022. Any child under 3 can apply for Early Head Start/Child Care Partnership program (this option is only for families eligible for child care assistance).

For questions or more information on financial assistance for child care (it could be to help pay for this opportunity, relative care or other child care options) you can visit our child care website at kawerak.org/childcare or call us at 907-443-4358.

Child Care Partnership

Mobile Text Updates!

To stay up-to-date you can get notifications regarding closures right to your phone! On your iPhone or Android phone, open your web browser and go to the following link: rmd.at/ac9ag6b  Follow the instructions to sign up for Remind. You’ll be prompted to download the mobile app. OR if you don’t have a smartphone, to get text notifications text the message @ac9ag6b to the number 81010 or to (941) 900-3936 if 81010 isn’t working.

Facebook Group

For those of you online, please join our Facebook group to see resources posted!  Our FaceBook group title and link is:

Kawerak Headstart, Early Head Start, Childcare partnership Programs

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1239811296090551/?ref=group_header

Early Head Start

Kawerak’s Early Head Start is a prenatalbirth to three program that promotes social competence and structure for children. Children enrolled must be two or younger on September 1. Our program supports education, health, nutrition and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families.

Kawerak Early Head Start currently serves the following communities: Brevig Mission, Elim, Shishmaref and Nome. In Brevig Mission and Elim we provide center based services and in Nome we provide center based and home based services. In Shishmaref the EHS program is a year-round immersion center based program.

All children enrolled in center-based Early Head Start must qualify as low income, homeless or in state custody/foster care.

Impacts of Early Head Start

Early Head Start is important in recognition of the fact that the earliest years matter a great deal to children’s growth and development. Early Head Start includes a set of principles to nurture healthy attachments between parent and child (and child and caregiver), emphasize a strengths-based, relationship-centered approach to services, and encompass the full range of a family’s needs from pregnancy through a child’s third birthday. They include:

  • Positive Relationships and Continuity which honor the critical importance of early attachments on healthy development . Parents are a child’s first, and most important, relationship.
  • Parent Involvement activities that offer parents a meaningful and strategic role in our program.
  • Prevention and Promotion Activities that both promote healthy development and recognize and address atypical development at the earliest stage possible. Inclusion strategies that respect the unique developmental trajectories of young children in the context of a typical setting, including children with disabilities.
  • Cultural competence which acknowledges the profound role that culture plays in early development. We also recognize the influence of cultural values and beliefs on both staff and families’ approaches to child development.
  • Comprehensiveness, Flexibility and Responsiveness of services which allow children and families to move across various program options over time, as their life situation demands.
  • Collaboration is central to our ability to meet the comprehensive needs of families. Strong partnerships allow us to expand services to families with infants and toddlers beyond our program and into the larger community.

Early Head Start Home-Based Program (Saint Michael)

Enrolled infants, toddlers and expectant mothers receive weekly 90 minute home visits. Home Visitors, together with families, support the child’s learning by using the families’ interactions, daily routines, and household materials. Twice a month enrolled children, families, and home visitors come together for play groups.

The Early Head Start Home-Based program enrolls expectant mothers, infants and toddlers under 3 years old, and provides early learning opportunities and family support.  The Early Head Start program year begins in August with a new application period occurring in the summer months. Applications will continue to be accepted year-round to fill openings on an as-available basis. Program locations include: St Michael

Early Head Start Home-Based offers:

  • A No Cost Program
  • Experienced, Educated Staff
  • Weekly Home Visits
  • Bi-Monthly Play Groups
  • Developmental Screenings
  • Family Support Services
  • Services for Children with Disabilities

Enrollment is open to all, but preference is given to families who:

  • Meet income guidelines; or
  • Receive TANF or SSI; or
  • Are homeless; or
  • Have a child with a diagnosed disability; or 
  • Foster a child in state custody; and
  • Are Alaskan Native or American Indian Students

Useful Links and Resources for Parents and Families

Literacy

Online books (E-books)

Imagination Library (books delivered to your family free!)

Activities and Parenting Resources

Educational Sites for Children: 

 

State Resources Links:

Head Start Links: