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Show T Pre-Scho- ol Programs Involve Parents One hundred and twenty youngsters and their parents have been affected on a daily basis by a Model Cities project. The Early Childhood Education program at Matheson School is a pre-scho- ol project involing model neighborhood families. It is not simply a "day care" center but is patterned after the highly successful Headstart program which is also in operation at Matheson. The two programs work closely together sharing curriculum ideas and basic concepts. Parental involvement is an underlying philosophy for both programs Lake City school district whose families fall within OEO poverty and parents make many decisions on structure as well as actually assisting in the classroom. Edrie Bridenbaugh, a social worker with the Early Childhood Education project, said that some things will change next year as the amount of Model Cities money allocated for 1973-7does not allow for salary increases for Board of Education employees. This means that the program for 3 year olds will not continue. "We're had some concerns about whether families really wanted this much formalized education for 3 year olds," Ms. Bridenbaugh said. guidelines. Active recruitment for children for both programs is underway and information can be obtained by calling the Social Services office at or 4 Those three year olds enrolled in the program this year will be considered first in next year's planning. There is room for 120 model neighborhood youngsters. The Headstart program at Matheson has 240 slots for children from the Salt 355-612- 355-646- 2 1 or stopping by Matheson School, 1240 American Beauty Drive. Both programs offer a full range of supportive services to children and their parents. A registered nurse, a psychologist and a social worker are available either full time or on a half time basis. Highly qualified teachers and aides direct classroom activities with parents assisting as they are able. A speech therapist with Heacjstart works with youngsters in both programs. Parents meet on a regular basis to discuss problems, plan social activities and determine how they can best assist the program. Bill Hubiak, Headstart director, said an immunization clinic is provided free not only for the children but their parents as well. A free nursery handles about 30 children per day to enable parent involvement in classroom work or to allow them to participate in training sessions and discussion groups. Parents interested in enrolling their children in either the Early Childhood Education or Headstart programs are urged to do so by May 1 , 1 973. School will begin the first week of October. Transportation is provided free to youngsters in either program. The primary purpose of education is to prepare youngsters to begin their school careers with a greater degree of success and readiness. It is to this pre-scho- ol end the Early Childhood Education and Headstart programs gear themselves. Call 355-612- 1 or 355-646for more information. 2 |