A recruitment fair for Early Head Start and Head Start will be held in Stuart on Monday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the STEP, Inc. building at 4559 Wayside Road. Head Start is a comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement program designed to foster the healthy development of three- and four-year old children from low-income families. Early Head Start provides services to infants and toddlers. Benefits of the program include developmental and health screenings, nutritious meals, educational activities, and family support services and engagement opportunities. STEP Head Start/Early Head Start also serves special needs children and provides a home-base service for pregnant mothers and children to age three. Head Start classrooms are open from approximately 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with some variations in hours depending on location. Early Head Start operates year-round with some time off for holidays and staff training. Head Start generally operates from August to May with some time off for holidays and staff training. There are no fees for STEP’s Head Start/Early Head Start programs. To register for the 2016-17 school year, parents need to bring birth certificates for the children to be registered; proof of address and a recent income source; social security number; insurance information; and immunization records. The recruitment fair is for new and returning families. STEP’s Head Start partners with Patrick County Public Schools, Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia, and Piedmont Community Services in both counties to support the growth and development of children and families with the ultimate goal of school readiness.
