SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Reimagines Success
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) staff have started their school year with an empowering, creative and vital challenge – “Reimagine.”
“SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start has successfully served families in the Metro East for more than 40 years,” said Program Director Carolyn Jason. “We have pivoted to meet the growing needs of children and families and shifted to address the changing circumstances, both inside and outside of the program. This year, we are asking the staff to rethink what an effective, successful program looks like.”
The HS/EHS staff delved deeper into the subject during the program’s 2023-24 Opening Session on Wednesday, Aug. 30 in the Multipurpose Room on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus.
“The opening session is a time for staff to reconnect, receive program updates and share ideas,” said Jason. “The day also included food and fun!”
A portion of the day was designated for staff to participate in a “reimagine” exercise. Staff were divided up by HS/EHS centers, according to Jason.
“Staff were asked to design and share a visual of their ideal program, center or classroom,” she added. “We are expecting to receive some exciting and reimagined ideas for implementing a quality early childhood education program that will continue to put children and families on a pathway to success.”
The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program serves more than 860 families and children birth through age five, including children with special needs, throughout St. Clair County. The program also provides services to expectant mothers. With the anticipated opening of a new center in the O’Fallon IL area, the program provides services in nine early childhood centers, seven managed directly by SIUE staff and two collaborations. The program includes a rigorous school readiness program and provides comprehensive services, such as health/ dental screenings and family engagement and support activities. The program is hiring more teachers and teaching assistants this year. For more information, call (618) 482-6955.
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SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) staff participate in “reimagine” exercises.