LCCAA Partners with Firelands SD in Head Start Classroom

posted 2/16/18 -- LCCAA Head Start is going to work at Firelands Elementary School in a new partnership designed to expand quality preschool opportunities throughout Lorain County.

“This is a natural partnership with a very enthusiastic district,” said Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start Director Shauna Matelski. “Head Start complements Firelands’ relationship based approach to their students and families.”

The center will start with one classroom and 20 students this fall, but will have the potential to add more children and more classrooms in the future.

Head Start is a comprehensive child development program funded by the federal government and the flagship program of Community Action Agencies throughout the nation. The entire family benefits from Head Start which prepares children for Kindergarten and academic success while promoting self-sufficiency in the children and their parents.

LCCAA has provided Head Start in Lorain County since 1966 and is the only Head Start provider the county has ever had.

“Early Childhood Education is an extremely important step in the development of the whole child,” said Superintendent Mike Von Gunten. “We look forward to partnering with LCCAA to bring Head Start to our youngest Falcons.”

Extensive research has demonstrated that Head Start improves educational outcomes. Alumni of the program are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and receive a post-secondary degree, license, or certification. Head Start also improves self-control, self-esteem, and positive parenting practices.

Firelands Local School District serves 1,700 students across a 90-square-mile area. LCCAA serves approximately 30,000 individuals annually with Head Start, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), workforce development programs and more.

Families interested in enrolling their child in the new Firelands Head Start classroom should contact LCCAA’s Stefanie Drew at 440-204-3162. Online enrollment will be available soon at lccaa.net.