Head Start | Video

Kristin Clouston | 7/26/2012

People moving into North Dakota often assume the state has public pre-school programs. We don`t, but kids who meet certain criteria can get a early childhood education for free. Head Start Pre-school programs can fill up quickly, but if your child is three to five years old and meets qualifications, you may still be able to get him or her into a class.

Head Start assess each child`s emotional and intellectual development and tailors the program to their individual needs.

"Kids learn through play. We have different learning centers in the classroom. They probably don`t realize they`re learning. We learn through small group, we learn through individualized instruction, we learn through just playing and exploring the environment indoors or outdoors," said coordinator Laurel Nybo.

The program helps pre-schoolers develop school readiness and social skills, which helps them become independent, inquisitive, self-confident learners.

"Children that have a preschool experience tend to be more ready for kindergarten. Our learning guidelines are standard with the school district`s so we are preparing them for what they need to know when they get to kindergarten," Nybo said.

The Head Start program in Bismarck is funded to serve 231 children whose parents meet federal income guidelines.

"It`s based on the number of people in the family and so we look at how many people in the family and it`s 100 % of the federal poverty guideline," Nybo said.

Head Start considers parents to be children`s primary educators. The program works with moms and dads so they can take an active part in their child`s education. Bismarck Head Start still has morning and afternoon openings, Mandan holds its classes in the morning. Both are Monday through Thursday, you can call or stop by the centers to pick up an application.

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