Collaborations

Community Partnerships

Waldo County Head Start has partnerships with several organizations. The goal is to meet the needs of parents by providing full-day services, and additional options for children who need a more inclusive setting. We have three types of partnerships:

  • Home Start
  • Child Care Centers
  • School Collaborations

Through the Home Start and Child Care Centers we can offer full-day services. In the family child care and child care center collaborations, Head Start funding covers a portion of each day with the child care portion being paid by parents or other funding. Through the school collaborations we can offer an extended day program for four-year old children attending a Head Start Center.  Families that are eligible can choose which facility their child will attend. They may choose to attend a Head Start Center or one of the community partnership sites. Children are placed based on openings.

Children and families enrolled with one of our community partners receive the same Head Start services offered through the Head Start Centers. These services meet all state and federal regulations for Head Start programs.  For more information contact Debra Palmer, Family Service Coordinator at 338-3827.

 

What do Collaboration sites offer?

For Children

  • Head Start program and services
  • A nurturing and trained provider
  • A safe and healthy environment
  • Small group settings
  • Nutritious meals and snacks
  • Health screenings and developmental services
  • Socialization and creative learning opportunities
  • Individual education plans according to the child's needs

For Families

  • Options for full time quality child care program with part day funding by Head Start
  • One caregiver throughout the day in the same location
  • Parent participation in the program
  • Family involvement in your child's development
  • Participation in program policy making
  • Community resources


What the Head Start Agency Provides

  • A qualified and trained family childcare provider certified by the State of Maine Department of Human Services
  • A Family Advocate to work with the family in setting goals
  • Information on community resources and services
  • Parenting, nutrition and child development workshops
  • Head Start services (health, nutrition, mental health services, special services, child development and parent involvements)

Collaboration options are available in the Waldo County area for income eligible families who are working, in school or in job training. If your child is 3 - 5 years old and you would like more information about our many options, contact Waldo County Head Start at 338-3827. 

Collaboration Sites

 

Home Start Sites

Enriched Beginnings Early Childhood Program
Liberty
Jackie Boulay
589-3450

First Steps
Belfast
Roxanne Cummings
338-6056

Child Care Center Collaborations

Belfast Area Children's Center
Waldo
Barbara Kennedy, Director
342-5535

Starrett Center
Belfast
Linda Stec, Director
338-1751

Broadreach Family & Community Services
Belfast -- Mill Lane
Unity -- Masonic Hall
Searsport-- ECIP Classroom
338-2200 ext. 0