Agency - Omaha Public Schools Head Start

Mission
To ensure the delivery of high quality, comprehensive services to a diverse population of children and families throughout Douglas County.

Description:
Purpose
The purpose of the Omaha Public Schools Head Start and Early Head Start program is to provide a safe, caring, and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The District stands by established values to commit resources toward educating and advocating for children and families. The District will continue to collaborate with families and the community to develop opportunities for healthy living, self sufficiency, and empowerment.

Objectives for Head Start Students:
• To learn about themselves
• To learn about feelings
• To learn about others
• To learn communication
• To learn about moving and doing
• To acquire thinking skills

Omaha Public Schools Head Start Goals for Families:
• To build a partnership with families
• To support parents in their role as family leader
• To support parents in the role as primary educator of their children
• To support parents in meeting the health and nutrition needs of the family
• To ensure that the home culture of the child’s family is reflected in the program

History:
Head Start began in 1965 as a federally funded program to prepare children from low income families for Kindergarten. Omaha Public Schools has been the Grantee for Douglas County for five years. Educare is a partner in providing Head Start services to pregnant women, and children birth through age 5 years.

Contact people:

Tony Countee, Operations Manager, (phone), (email) Vanessa Marisett, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email) Lyris Peak, Program Specialist, (phone), (email)

Address:

Howard Kennedy Elementary School 2906 N 30 Street Omaha, NE 68111 (See a map)

Web Site: http://ops.org

Directions:

Head Start administrative offices are located in the ground floor of Howard Kennedy School. This building is located 4 blocks north of Lake Street, on North 30th Street. Classrooms are located in 21 buildings throughout the Omaha Public School District.

Last updated on January 17, 2013