Alexandra Blockton
ablockton@lc.edu
Do you know anyone that is currently pregnant, has just given birth and/or has a child of a very young age who is not old enough to be in Kindergarten that lives in the Madison county area? Then this information may be of high value to them. The Riverbend Head Start and Family Services has a Head Start program for children ages 3 to 5, and an Early Head Start program ages 0 to 3.
Since 1916 Riverbend Head Start and Family Services has been focused on improving the lives of mothers and children in our community. Now the agency serves the entire family through it’s Head Start programs. Services are provided at no cost to the family. The family must be income eligible, have a child with a diagnosed disability or be involved with the Department of Children and Family Services. To apply you will need, proof of income for the last 12 months and the child’s date of birth.
The Head Start preschool program is for children from 3-5 years old, Servicing in Head Start centers or in your home. Home visitors visit pregnant women and children under 3 years old in their homes each week in a 12-month program.
Home visit benefits includes learning experience for parents and children, participation in individualized activities and advocates planned activities that build on strengths. Family advocates share health, nutrition, safety and parenting information. Parents and family advocates partner together to address goals and needs of the family. Make an impact, “I’m glad that Riverbend Head Start has been there through everything. They help the whole family, not just your child enrolled in the program. Thanks to them we bounced back.“ Parent of Head Start and Early Head Start children.
Furthermore, transportation is provided for most centered-based activities, all home-based learn and play groups and field trips. The program services offer health which is physical/dental exams, follow-up treatment, nutritious meals and snacks, prenatal care and nutrition education. Education helps with individual assessments, creative play, social skills, learn and play groups, field trips, age appropriate child activities and introduction to words and numbers.
Parent engagement helps in supporting the child’s education at home, build confidence, parent meetings, and workshops. Between parents volunteering and what Social Services offers they support families in problem solving and empower families to set and achieve goals.
The program has multiple locations all over Madison County. Riverbend Head Start and Family Services mission is “We center our services to empower children and families in Madison County to develop positive skills to meet life’s challenges and that’s what we do everyday.”
Jaquisha Brumfield is the Community Services Coordinator and can be contacted by her office phone: 618-463-5976, cell: 618-381-5567 or fax: 618-463-5959. As well as by email: jbrumfield@riverbendfamilies.org or though www.riverbendfamilies.org
