Early Head Start

AWARE Inc. Early Head Start, based in Butte, is the only nationally accredited infant/toddler training site in Montana. We also provide services in Dillon.

Since 1965, Head Start has provided a quality child development program to serve eligible pre-school children and their families, including children with disabilities. Participants achieve greater confidence, self-respect, independence, and dignity through community resources, parent involvement, devoted volunteers, and a dedicated staff.

We achieve these goals by providing education, social skills, health and mental health services, parent involvement, disabilities services and nutrition.

Eligibility

• Head Start is free to families who meet income guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (10 percent over income guidelines is acceptable).
• Participating children are infants and toddlers up through 3 years. We also offer prenatal services.

Enrollment Procedure

Children may be enrolled either by contacting program staff directly, or as the result of a referral from a social service agency.

The National Head Start program
http:/www.nhsa.org/

Head start is a federal program for children from birth through pre-school from low-income families. Our program also offers prenatal services. The Head Start program is operated by local non-profit organizations in almost every county in the country. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive free medical and dental care, enjoy healthy meals and snacks, and play indoors and outdoors in a safe setting.
Head start helps all children succeed. Services meet the special needs of children with disabilities. Most children in Head Start are between 3 and 5. Our specific services also are available to infants and toddlers.
Head Start children participate in activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. Head Start staff recognize that parents are the first and the most important teachers. They welcome parent involvement in Head Start activities and work as partners with parents to help their children grow and succeed.