HEAD START

 Two years ago Episcopal Children's Services bid and received the grant to operate this Head Start in Clermont. The Early Head Start program takes children 1 and 2 years old and is all year long. The Head Start is for children 3 to 5 but only operates during the school year. 

 This building has 6 classrooms. There is also a kitchen, so breakfast and lunch is made on site. Families who income is 200% below the poverty income qualify for their children to come to Head Start. There is a family advocate to support the parents to get help with needs such as job training, schooling, housing, and education. 

 A parents resource room was just dedicated.

 One of the classrooms for the 3 - 5 year old. The children were out on the playground. There are two teachers in the room and up to 15 children. The early head start class has 2 adults for 8 children.

On the left is Jeanne, who is the chief officer of center operations from Jacksonville, FL. She came down to give us a tour of the facilities. Next to her are Cathy and Noelene from Clermont United Methodist Women. Maritza is manager of center operations and on the right is Regina who is the center manager. United Methodist Women presented them with a check to help with needs of the children.

They expressed their thanks for all the help they have received from the women at our church. The children helped to make this card. Head Start can always use volunteers, so if you are looking for a way to serve this is another opportunity.