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Orange County Head Start Program operates 19 centers

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Orange County Head Start Program

By County Commissioner Bryan Nelson

The Orange County Head Start (OCHS) Division aims to provide high quality, comprehensive services for low income children and families by providing developmentally appropriate, supportive learning environments for children. OCHS is a division of the Family Services Department of the Orange County Government that has been in continuous operation since 1965. According to the most recent annual report from OCHS for the 2013-2014 program year, over 1,791 children and their families in 84 classrooms located at 19 Head Start centers across the county received assistance over the course of the year.

Orange County CommissionerBryan Nelson

The mission of OCHS is to provide high quality comprehensive services to low-income children and their diverse family through collaborative partnerships. This mission is in part made possible because of the division’s values which include, among others, high quality and excellent comprehensive services, school ready children and self-reliant families, collaborative partnerships and community support.

To accomplish this mission, OCHS’s organizational structure has three main service units: Early Childhood Development and Education, Family and Community Engagement, and Childhood Health and Developmental Services.

The Early Childhood and Development Services is responsible for developing and setting the educational curriculum for all children enrolled in the program. Curriculum is specifically designed to meet the five essential domains of: Language & Literacy, Approaches to Learning, Social & Emotional Development, Cognitive and General Knowledge, and Physical Development & Health.

The second unit, Family and Community Engagement, is dedicated to empowering families through the foraging of relationships in the community. The Unit works with head start parents to foster program management and success, and meet the agencies outcomes.

The third and final unit, Childhood Health and Developmental Services, is responsible for providing children in the program with a well-balanced diet by proving healthy breakfast, lunch and snack to all children. The Nutrition Services Area within the department also works to promote healthy eating and physical habits through the integration of a gardening program at four of the Head Start centers. Additionally, Medical/Dental Services Area works closely with children’s parents to promote early intervention and preventative health care.

For a child to be eligible for Head Start, the child must be a resident within Orange County, FL, must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1st deadline, and whose family has an income at or below 100% of the 2016 Federal Poverty guidelines. Use this link to learn more about federal poverty thresholds.

In order to register a child for Head Start, you will need three pieces of information: the child’s birth certificate or passport, 12-months proof of income (prior to the date of completing the application), and proof of residency in Orange County.

According to the 2013-2014 annual report for OCHS, received funds totaled $15,067,262. The vast majority of these funds were provided through federal funds through the Head Start Program ($12,511,346) and the United States Department of Agriculture ($1,416,995). Florida states funds total $1,113,921. Private donations amount to just $25,000. It should be noted that the above totals do not include In-Kind Donations and Contributions. In-kind donations include provided material and volunteer support for various programs. Total In-Kind Donations and Contributions for OCHS totaled $2,880,649.43.

Use this link to get additional information and application assistance regarding the Head Start Program. There you will find additional information regarding eligibility and registration requirements, early education benefits, and contact. Orange County Head Start administrative headquarters is within the Mable Butler Family Center located at 2100 East Michigan Street, Orlando, FL 32806. If you have any additional questions, Orange County Head Start can be contacted at (407) 836-6590.

Bryan Nelson sits on the Orange County Board of Commissioners and Represents District 7 which includes Apopka and Northwest Orange County.

Head Start, Orange County Commissioner Bryan Nelson

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