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Last week’s open house at MPP draws many children and their siblings. By Marla Dalrymple
Staff Writer Four-year-old Kyler is ready to play. Macon Program for Progress launched a new school year for 350 county children enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start. Tuesday was the first day back to school for the children following a week and a half of staff development training.In Franklin, Macon Program for Progress (MPP) serves 180 Head Start children ages 3-5 and 135 Early Head Start children ages 0- 3. Currently, 97 children are enrolled in More at Four, a North Carolina pre-kindergarten program. Eight Early Head Start and 16 Head Start children are additionally served in Highlands. Presently, no center is available in the Nantahala area, but Head Start Director Susie McCoy said that MPP will continue to take applications for care in the hopes of opening a facility in Nantahala next year. Head Start and Early Head Start are free, federally backed programs for eligible families. Head Start operates five days a week for ten months from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Early Head Start runs four days a week, 12 months a year. However, MPP operates from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. to allow extended care hours for parents who pay for care based upon income. McCoy said that the center must stay completely enrolled in order to receive funding, so applications for care are always accepted. Three-year-old Madison makes herself a cup of tea. An open house for families was held last Friday. McCoy said a lot of families came to visit and meet their child’s teacher. According to McCoy, everybody adjusted and settled right in on Tuesday morning.During staff development, teachers learned about fire safety, blood borne pathogens, autism, creative curriculum, parent activities and community classrooms. One new Head Start program implemented this year is called “I am moving, I am learning.” McCoy said the program calls for 60 minutes of physical activity a day for both staff and students in addition to time spent outdoors. In the first weeks of class, students are weighed, measured and eyes and teeth are checked and charted. “We always focus on low salt, low sugar eating,” said McCoy, who said plans are made to help children stay at healthy weights. “We contract with a nutritionist who can consult with parents.” Parents may choose to participate in a variety of committees at MPP, including a nutrition advisory committee, parent activity committee, policy council, classroom activities, and newsletter. “Head Start really stresses parent volunteers,” said McCoy. “We’re always asking for help. It’s a very important part of being your child’s first advocate.” Early Head Start Lead Teacher Sheila Frazier said that oftentimes parents who volunteer end up on staff at the center. McCoy said that MPP really pushes for staff to go to school as well, preferring teachers have their Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. The Head Start program even helps foot the bill of teacher education, she said. The community stays pretty involved with the level of care, added McCoy. “We have volunteers who come and read to the children and quilters who put lots of time and thought into making the children quilts. We are very fortunate to have the volunteers we have.” MPP has an application process for volunteers who would like to come and rock infants. “Our doors are always open,” said McCoy. “I love to give tours. We are very fortunate to have this facility and love showing the quality of care we offer our children.” To volunteer at MPP, contact JoAnn Hurst at 524-4471. |
