Programs offer ‘head start’ on education

    MARS HILL — School Administrative District 42 (SAD 42) and the Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP) are pleased to announce that they have joined together in a preschool partnership to benefit the 3-  and 4-year-old children in the Mars Hill and Blaine community. Both SAD 42 and ACAP have had successful programs operating in the community for many years.     SAD 42 has had an established 4-year-old program for the past 20 years. The pre-K program is a vital component of the district’s early childhood continuum. It is a foundational program where essential readiness skills are taught in language and reasoning, science, math, art, physical education, music and play. Children are introduced to specific skills that enable them to become proficient and successful in literacy and numeracy throughout their educational career. In addition, students become acclimated to the school environment, learn to share and get along with others, and work and play in a collaborative setting. The 4-year-old program encourages play as an important opportunity for children to learn through their own experimentation and exploration.
    Head Start was established in 1965 as a war on poverty program. It is fondly known nationally as America’s First Preschool Program. The program was a summer program for one or two years then became a school-year program. Blaine was one of the first communities in Aroostook County to have Head Start. The program is governed by federal legislation that is delivered through Head Start Performance Standards, a set of regulations that set best practice for preschoolers. Learning experiences encourage intellectual and social growth and development. The program also provides resources to meet each child’s physical, dental and mental health, nutrition and family needs including parent educational opportunities to enrich family growth and development.
    ACAP has been involved in different preschool partnerships, all of which have had their own unique look depending on the partner. The Central Aroostook partnership offers children a comprehensive and cohesive Preschool experience. Both programs are aligned to the State of Maine Early Childhood Learning Guidelines and offer activities and experiences that are research-based, age-specific and developmentally appropriate. Both the 3-year-old program and the 4-year-old program assess development in language, literacy, math, science and creative arts, as well as assessing social/emotional development, and physical health and development. In addition, a family service worker is available to all families to offer support, resources and assistance when needed. The partnership offers parents the best programming for preschoolers.
    ACAP Senior Manager Sue Powers said, “Through partnership we are able to deliver a comprehensive preschool experience to all 3- and 4-year-old children enrolled by bringing the full array of Head Start services to the program. With the current economic climate, it is important to blend funding in order to maximize available services.”  Powers added that, “the 3-year-old program is funded by Head Start, while the 4-year-old program is supported through a blend of Federal Head Start and public school funds.”
    With the ever-increasing costs associated with providing quality education, it is imperative to cooperate as much as possible in meeting the collective goals of both the Head Start and SAD 42 Pre-Kindergarten Program in our communities. According to SAD 42 Superintendent of Schools Roger Shaw, “While there have been some minor adjustments for both programs, the transition has been mostly smooth. The goals of streamlining the processes of screening, registration and transition have been met and the combined staff has been instrumental to the success of both programs. I am appreciative to both the ACAP staff and the SAD 42 pre-K staff for working diligently to make the program a successful reality.”
    He went on to say, “The programs now offer a seamless transition from 3-year-olds through grade 12. This is good for children, for parents and for taxpayers. I’d call that a win-win-win.”
    Registration for the preschool 3-year-old program and 4-year-old program as well as kindergarten will be held on April 9. Parents are encouraged to call the school to make an appointment at 429-8514, or the Head Start family service worker at 429-8466.