Lee schools' Head Start program recognized as Program of Excellence

The Lee County School District’s Head Start program is one of the best in the nation, according to a national organization.

The county’s Head Start, a federally funded pre-school program that helps low-income children get ready for kindergarten, was recognized by the National Head Start Association as a Program of Excellence for the third consecutive time. It was one of only two dozen Head Start programs nationally – including nine in Florida — to do so.

The Redlands Christian Migrant Association in Immokalee, and the Charlotte County Schools Head Start also received the designation.

To receive the award, the Head Start programs must prove they are meeting standards set by the NHSA and demonstrate they are positively affecting the students and their families. In addition to education, Head Start provides comprehensive services to meet the children’s cognitive, emotional, social, health, nutritional, psychological and developmental needs. The programs also encourage parent involvement in their children’s education.

Lee County’s Head Start serves three- and four-year-old children whose families are at 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. In 2004-05 it provided preschool to 652 children in 31 full-day classrooms at 26 elementary school sites, according to the district. The program also provides full year, extended-day services at two contracted sites. The RCMA is a non-profit, non-sectarian Head Start organization in Immokalee that serves farmworker and low-income rural families in 20 counties throughout the vast rural areas of Florida.