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Painting a Picture of Success2010-11 Annual Report

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Table of Contents

Painting a Picture of Success ....................3

What Our Families Say ..............................4

About Orange County Head Start, Inc. .....5

2010 –11 Goals ..........................................6

“I Work for the Best Company Ever!” ........7

“Head Start Helps Me Help Others!”.........9

2010 –11 Financial Report .......................11

Preparing Children for Kindergarten .......13

Board of Directors ...................................14

Health & Dental Services .........................15

Support Services .....................................16

Nutrition Services ....................................17

“I Love Volunteering at Head Start!” .......18

Parent Involvement Activities ..................19

“Head Start Gave Me a Voice!” ...............20

OCHS 4th Annual Family Festival ............21

“Head Start Educates Me, Too!” .............22

Center Directory ......................................23

Our Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles ......

..................................................Back Cover

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A Message from Our Executive Director and The Board Chair

On behalf of Orange County Head Start, Inc. (OCHS), we are

thrilled to be sharing our Head Start and Early Head Start

successes from the 2010-2011 program year. Through the

ongoing efforts and dedication of our Board of Directors, Policy

Council, Delegate Agencies, staff and volunteers, we have been

able to provide outstanding comprehensive services to over 4,929

of the most vulnerable children and families in Orange County and

Hawaiian Gardens. The years prior to kindergarten are among the

most significant in shaping a child’s foundation for learning and

school success. OCHS is widely recognized for its comprehen-

sive approach – programs promoting early literacy and numeracy,

while supporting good nutrition habits, physical activity, and posi-

tive social and emotional development.

In Orange County, one in six children is living in poverty. Due

to the staggering growth of children who qualify for our program

there continues to be a substantial need for child development

services.

We are successful when we work together to educate,

empower, and encourage those we serve. There is no greater joy

than to learn that our services have helped provide better

outcomes and brighter futures for thousands of children and their

families. OCHS remains dedicated to supporting our mission,

increasing our visibility and continuing to raise the bar on quality.

Looking ahead, our focus will be to continue building on a

comprehensive early learning agenda to help provide the support

needed for children to succeed in school and in life by promoting

school readiness for Orange County children. We remain

dedicated to continual growth and look forward to collaborating

with you as we work on “painting a picture of success” for each

child and family we serve!

Paula MathisChairman of the Board

Colleen VersteegExecutive Director

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What Our Families Say“Thanks to Head Start, I have learned to be a better parent.”

“Being a Head Start parent has been an awesome experience.”

“Orange County Head Start has given my life renewed hope.”

“I thank Head Start for getting my children ready for the start of their success in life.”

“I truly believe in the benefits that the Head Start program offers children.”

“Thank you OCHS for being there when I needed you.”

“I’m very grateful for the program.”

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About Orange County Head Start, Inc.

Orange County Head Start, Inc. (OCHS) is a child development program which provides a comprehensive care model, including Family Services, Education, Nutrition, Health and Wellness, Disability, and Mental Health Services for children and families. Locally, OCHS, a nonprofit agency incorporated in 1979, serves preschool-aged children, infants, toddlers, pregnant mothers, and families throughout Orange County and the city of Hawaiian Gardens, including homeless and foster families, and teen parents. Early Head Start and Head Start programs and services are offered through center-based and home-based programs at no cost to qualifying families. OCHS is funded to serve 4,139 children, of which, the grantee serves 2,509. The additional funding is allocated to five local delegate agencies to serve another 1,630. These five delegate agencies are: Anaheim City School District, Irvine Unified School District, City of La Habra, Orange Children and Parents Together, Inc., and Santa Ana Unified School District. Studies show that society receives nearly $9 in benefits for $1 invested in Head Start. These benefits include increased earnings, employment and family stability and decreased welfare dependency, crime costs, grade repetition and the need for special education.

Who Do We Serve? In Orange County there are 14,706 children who are income eligible for Head Start services, and 21,591 children eligible for Early Head Start services. In addition to income status, additional selection criteria include homelessness, receipt of public assistance, and foster care. Our selection criteria for participation in the program ensures that children with the greatest need are served first. For 2010 – 2011, the average monthly enrollment (as a percentage of funded enrollment) was 100%. Although OCHS is funded to serve 4,139, due to attrition, the total number of children and families served was 4,929.

Percentage of Eligible Children Served in Orange County

Head Start Early Head Start

Served4,601

Eligible14,706

Eligible21,591

Served: 328

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2010-11 Goals

GOAL 1: Prevent and reduce the occurrence of childhood obesity.

GOAL 2: Enhance employability and earning power for families and the community.

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My name is Maria Elena Oye and I was a Head Start child. Head Start has been a big part of my life thanks to my parents, especially my mom, who has been involved in the program since my older brother started in Head Start. While mom was volunteering in my brother’s classroom, one of the teachers noticed how good she was with children and suggested she think about a teaching career. She went from being a parent volunteer to Head Start employee, first working in the kitchen, then as a Teaching Assistant and, finally, a teacher at Centralia Head Start. I saw her determination to continue her passion for teaching children.

I attended Head Start after my brother. I still remember all the things about school: the playground, house area, books, and the arts and crafts. I learned many things: eating family style, picking up my own plate, and having to share the dolls. I loved going to school. Being there made me feel important! I have always been very proud to say I’m part of the Head Start Family.

I feel I grew up applying everything I learned in Head Start to my life, like sharing, saying “please and thank you,” and simply helping others. My parents and Head Start molded me into the person I am today.

After graduating from high school, I provided childcare for the parent meetings at Hawaiian Gardens Head Start, the same Head Start center I attended when I was four years old. I enjoyed it so much, and it brought back so many memories, I wanted to be more involved. At twenty one, I applied to be a Program Assistant and was hired at Placentia Head Start. Following in my mother’s footsteps, three years later I was hired at the administration office as the Deputy Executive Director’s assistant. While at the administration office, I had the opportunity to work in different departments. I worked in Governance, Facilities, as an Administrative Assistant, and in my current position in the Accounting Department as an Accounting Specialist.

I now use all the things I learned from Head Start with my four year old son. He enjoys eating together family style and showing proper manners. He also enjoys the “Messy Square” story. How funny that he now reminds me to keep my elbows off the table every once in awhile.

When people ask me what I do, I say “I work for the best company ever!” Anyone would be proud of Orange County Head Start Inc., because we make a difference in the lives of children and their families! I am living proof because I am a Head Start child! Head Start is my passion, a huge part of my life and my family. I AM Head Start!

“I Work for the Best Company Ever!”

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“Head Start Helps Me Help Others!”

My name is Cat Zaimi. I am a member of the

Orange County Head Start, Inc. (OCHS) Policy Council

as a Community Representative. I love OCHS and the

work they do to help children and families!

Although I consider myself Persian-American, all

my siblings and I were born in England. Growing up

with financial struggles, depression, cultural identity

issues and family health problems, encouraged me to

help others who may be struggling, too.

I attended community college then transferred to

UCLA where I received my bachelor’s degree and am

now a few months away from my master’s degree in

Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT).

I applied to be a group facilitator after graduating

at a counseling center where I worked while in high

school. I am now an MFT trainee in practicum. I am

a certified batter interventionist. I also work in high

schools and at two non-profit counseling facilities

conducting individual and group counseling. My passion is to help children and teens grow up

healthy, physically and mentally and to help them learn the life and coping skills needed to make

it through high school. With teens, I focus on helping them with finding their identity. We also work

on diet, exercise, sleep, and emotional support. As part of my group counseling I work with various

departments (such as probation) focusing on anger management, sex education, parenting,

substance abuse, and domestic violence. I love music, art, and anything creative and always try to

incorporate these elements when working with my clients.

I first heard about Head Start at a domestic violence conference where I met the Governance

Manager. She told me about OCHS and asked if I would like to get involved. Soon after, I became

a member of the Policy Council. I enjoy the meetings and learning about the resources available to

families. I’ve given multiple workshops for our Head Start parents. Working with Head Start just fell

into my lap, but it feels right. Head Start hires warm and welcoming people and the positive feeling

is contagious! I look forward to every Policy Council meeting and hope for a long partnership with

Orange County Head Start.

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2010-11 Financial Report

ExpendituresRevenues

Total Revenues .......$40,334,155 Total Expenditures ..$40,035,063

Other**$335,402 Food Program $1,547,511

In-Kind * $2,427,924

Head Start Grants $36,023,318

Training/Support$619,561Contractual

$1,364,444

Supplies/Equipment$4,558,940

Physical Space$5,467,133

Personnel and Related Costs$28,024,985

In-Kind: Additional In-kind contributions of $4,881,259 for volunteer services are not included in the audited financial statements as they do not meet the criteria for recognition under FASB ASC 958.They do, however, meet the requirements for Head Start non-federal share.

*In-kind or non-federal share is the community’s contribution to the local Head Start program. Accordingly, Head Start programs are required to generate 20% of their total budget amount through local contributions. In-kind includes: donated supplies, reduction in lease payments, and professional and parent volunteer services.

** Other revenues come from E-Rate, Reading is Fundamental and Moskowitz Grants

Financial Audit and Federal Oversight: An independent audit (Rossi, Doskocil & Finkelstein) found that OCHS complied, in all material respects, with the terms of its funding, and conditions of OMB Circular A-133 of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations. OCHS underwent a successful Federal Review by the Office of Head Start (OHS) in January 2010. A Certificate of Compliance was awarded to OCHS by OHS that acknowledges full compliance with all applicable Head Start Program Performance Standards, laws, regulations, and policy requirements.

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Preparing Children for Kindergarten

Average Developmental Levels for Preschoolers

Fall 2010

Spring 2011

0-Not Yet 1-Exploring 2-Developing 3-Understanding 4-Integrating

Additionally, the graph below shows the impact of the program on the child progress controlling for age.• This graph compares assessment results from children who were four-years old in the fall to children who

were four-years old in the spring.• The two groups of children are all the same age, and have in common that they participated in the program.• The biggest difference between the two groups is that the group that was four in the spring has had six

months more experience in the program.• The difference between the two groups is an indication of our program’s impact on the child’s development.

Fall 2010Spring 2011

Percent of Students In the Top Two Developmental Levels

OCHS provides high quality early childhood programming for children birth to five years old in several program options: part and full-day center-based or home-based programs. Home-based services include weekly home visits and two group socialization experiences per month. Facilities are licensed and staffed by early childhood professionals. To ensure that children who participate in OCHS are successful in kindergarten and future education, OCHS has adopted an overall School Readiness

Goal: Children transitioning to kindergarten from OCHS will be able to demonstrate abilities and knowledge as stated in the expectations described in the California Department of Education Preschool Foundations at 60 months. These are aligned with the Head Start Child Development Early Learning Frame-work. Under this overall goal, OCHS has established domain goals in social emotional development, cogni-tion and general knowledge, language and literacy, physical development and approaches to learning.

OCHS has also selected the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) to measure child progress as it is aligned with the California Department of Education Foundations and the curriculum. For the 2010- 2011 school year the chart below reflects the developmental progress children have made on average in each of the Head Start learning domains. As shown, child progress (dark blue) reflects that on average children are meeting or exceeding expected progress levels for kindergarten readiness in all developmental domains.

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Board of DirectorsRussell Bell Public in Reach

Susan V.R. Drummy Turner Real Estate Investments

Trisha Gwin Accenture Management Consulting

Rebecca Hernandez, MSEd. Help Me Grow Orange County

Maggie Julian Consultant

Todd E. Lundell Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.

Paula K. MathisCommunity Advocate

Patricia A. McAuley, MSHRD Consultant

Anita McCarthy Community Advocate

Tu-Quyen Pham Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP

Susanne Valdez, M.A. One Great Town, Inc.

Matthew VanEck FMV Opinions, Inc.

Paul Dennis Westberg, AIA Westberg & White Architects and Planners

Miriam White Community Advocate

Cathleen E. Wietstock, Ed.D. Orange County Department of Education

MarieKim Ayala OCHS Policy Council Representative

Edith Corona OCHS Policy Council Representative

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Health Services OCHS Health Services staff works closely with families to ensure that each child is up-to-date on his or her schedule of preventive and primary health care. This process includes helping families in identifying a medical home, ensuring that each child has had a physical exam, and ensuring timely follow up is received on any identified health issues. Each enrolled child also receives a vision and hearing screening performed by certified OCHS staff, and a BMI assessment twice per program year. The results of these screenings assist OCHS staff in identifying if a child needs further medical follow-up or a consultation with our in-house Registered Dietitian. Health Services staff work closely with an extensive network of community health agencies and clinics to provide a seamless system of care for families, linking them to on-going sources of continuous health care. At the completion of the 2010-2011 program year, 99% of enrolled children had a medical home, 98% had health insurance, and 97% were up-to-date on their schedule of primary and preventive health care.

Health & Dental ServicesDental Services OCHS Health Services staff works closely with families to ensure that each child has a dental home, and receives a dental exam and timely dental follow-up if needed. OCHS collaborates with dental care providers throughout the community to continually increase services to families. A significant barrier to getting children to the dentist is the parents’ belief that preschool children do not need dental care. As a strategy to overcome this barrier, parent volunteers participating in the OCHS Health Education Liaison Program provide education to fellow parents on the importance of oral health care for children. In the classroom, the children also brush their teeth daily and participate in lessons on healthy teeth. At the completion of the 2010-2011 program year, 98% of enrolled children had a dental home and 93% had received a dental exam.

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Support ServicesFamily Support Services At the onset of the program year, each family is assigned a Family Service Advocate (FSA) who will work one-on-one with them throughout their participation in the program. The FSAs build strong relationships with the families which enables them to help parents articulate their strengths and needs, identify their interests, and develop and accomplish goals. Through this process, the FSAs assist families in acquiring skills and education, and in using resources and systems of support in the community to empower them to succeed beyond their tenure at OCHS. During the 2010-2011 program year, 3,482 OCHS families requested and received one or more family services. OCHS uses a Family Outcomes Rating Scale to measure each family’s progress in areas pertinent to well-being and success, such as education, employment, nutrition and physical activity, health, mental health, and child development and parenting. This tool is also used to measure the agency’s prog-ress in meeting program goals. Successful outcomes ensure that children are ready to transition to kindergarten and families are empowered to continue to learn, grow, and succeed in life.

Services for Children with Disabilities Through partnering with agencies serv-ing children with disabilities, (e.g., Regional Center of Orange County, Orange County Department of Education), Orange County Head Start is providing inclusion opportuni-ties for children with various diagnosed dis-abilities. Offering inclusive educational prac-tices continues to establish Orange County Head Start as a model for providing quality services in the least restrictive environment for children with diverse, special needs. In addition, 34 children with disabilities were served in the Early Head Start program. During the 2010-11 school year, 13% of the children enrolled had diagnosed disabilities.

Orthopedic Impairment

Health Impairment5

Intellectual Disabilities3

Hearing Impairment ( including deafness)9

Autism38

Speech/Language Impairment444

Children with Disabilities

1

Non-categorical/developmental delay1

Multiple disabilities, including deaf-blind7

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Nutrition Services

In 2010-2011, the agency’s two central kitchens prepared and served over one million nutritious meals and snacks to children at Head Start and Early Head Start centers throughout the county. In accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the children’s meals included a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and foods low in fat, sugar and salt. Meals are served family style, a practice which has been shown to be associated with lower rates of obesity among preschool children. OCHS parents and children receive nutrition education through workshops and activities conducted by both in-house staff and through collaborations with community agencies. A Registered Dietitian provides nutrition counseling for parents of children with identified nutritional needs. In 2010-2011, 32% of children with a BMI equal or greater than the 95th percentile showed a decrease in BMI. In addition, the overall rate of obesity among OCHS children decreased by 2.5% from the prior year. Although the agency has seen positive changes, the current obesity rate of 21% among OCHS children still far exceeds the 14% rate among preschool children living in Orange County. OCHS continues to implement preventive measures to combat childhood obesity, not only with the parents, but with the children in the classrooms as well. Children participate in organized group movement activities daily as well as weekly nutrition lessons which are incorporated into the curriculum.

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“I Love Volunteering at Head Start”

My name is Sandra Centeno and I am a

Head Start parent. Head Start changed my

life in many ways. It helped me find parent-

ing classes that I took with my husband.

They were of great help to us. We were

having trouble with our child’s behavior. Our

son, Leo, had lots of tantrums but now he’s

different. When he first started Head Start

he hid behind my legs and would not talk,

but now in his second year, he has more

confidence and expresses himself with

words instead of tantrums. Head Start has

great people who made me feel at home the

very first day I was there.

Winning the Lucia I. Palacios Parent of

the Year Award made me so happy! I didn’t expect it and didn’t see it like a prize or payback for

volunteering. Head Start already paid me back with all the good things they do every day for my

son. I love Head Start! My son is in good hands!

Last year during orientation, the teacher asked for classroom volunteers. I started volunteering.

I volunteer every day from 8:15 -11:45 a.m. We take the bus from Anaheim to Placentia and never

miss school rain or shine.

While volunteering I get many ideas to use at home. I volunteer in all three classrooms. I read to

the children, prepare activities, and anything else that is needed. I love volunteering at Head Start!

I also work in the office and have learned how to use the copy machine, laminator and computer. I

was Ruby Drive’s Health Education Liaison Program (H.E.L.P.) representative working with the agen-

cy nurse. I taught lessons to the children from the information I learned in my classes. I also learned

how to do internet research to prepare for the lessons. I really enjoy being in the H.E.L.P. program

and having the children call me teacher. I was the school librarian and started the lending library,

and my husband volunteered before he went to work in the morning. My son is doing great in school

and at home and this has a lot to do with his teachers. They love their job and it reflects in the way

they talk to the children, teach them, and love them!

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Parent Involvement Activities

OCHS encourages parents to become involved in their children’s education, both in and out of the classroom. Some of the opportunities include: • AttendingHeadStartstaff/parentmeetings• Attendingtrainingtolearntherightsandresponsibilitiesconcerningchildren’seducation• Gettinginvolvedbycommunicatingwithteachersandotherschoolstaff• ServingonaHeadStartcommittee• DevelopinganIndividualizedEducationPlaniftheirchildhasspecialneedsand...

Parent Nutrition Assistant (PNA) –Parent volunteers participating in this program are trained to provide education on healthy eating and physical activity for both children in the classrooms and parents through workshops and food demonstrations. Parent Nutrition Assistants are enrolled in a college course, Feeding the Young Child, and receive one college unit for completing the course.

Health Education Liaison Program (H.E.L.P.) – The Health Education Liaison Program provides parent volunteers with education and training which enables them to provide health and dental health education for both children in the classrooms and parents during parent meetings. Together parents and their children learn the importance of good physical and dental health.

Human Resources Interview Panels – Parents participate on interview panels to help OCHS hire the most qualified staff. They also acquire skills to help them become great interviewers.

Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) – The HSAC helps OCHS establish ongoing collaborative partnerships with community organizations to make it easier for children and families to access health services.

.Policy Council Representative – The Policy Council meets monthly and is responsible for the direction of OCHS, including program design, operation, and long and short-term planning goals and objectives. Policy Council members serve as a link to

the center Parent Committees and the community.

Dads Matter – The Dads Matter program promotes and supports the importance of fathers in our families and communities. Dads share feelings and experiences, which encourages them to be more involved in the lives of their children. The Dads Matter curriculum includes: workforce development; effective parenting strategies; young fathers; co-parenting; individual asset development; education and many facets of health and human services.

Safety Assistant Monitor (SAM) – Safety Assistant Monitors, in collaboration with staff, monitor safety practices at OCHS centers. Parents review classrooms and outdoor areas to ensure that safety practices are in place.

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“Head Start Gave Me A Voice!”

My name is Jessica Ho and I am a Head Start parent. Head Start has not only helped my family but it literally saved my life! My life changed 7 years ago when my husband and the father of our three children left us and moved back to Viet-nam. I was a housewife who cooked, cleaned and took care of my family. I did have my degree, but had never used it. I had never helped my children in school because my husband did not allow me to answer my children’s questions or make any decisions. Our two older children had attended Head Start when they were younger, but I wasn’t allowed to go to their school or talk to their teacher. When he left I did not know what to do. I wanted to give up and die. A few months after he left I heard my youngest crying and it was like I was in a bad dream, but his cry finally woke me up! “I have to live for my children,” I thought. However, I did not know how to start. I didn’t know the outside world. I had no friends and was totally lost. My family suggested I put my son in Head Start and I did. I was at his school every day learning English, taking all the parenting and nutrition classes offered, learning the rules and regulations, and how to be a parent. I was at every meeting. I learned how to communicate, not only with my children, but the outside world. I now can go to my daughters’ schools when there is a problem and talk to the principal and the teachers. I think, “I’m on it!” Head Start taught me how to answer my children’s questions. My kids learn what I want them to learn now. I’m not afraid to drive either. My kids are very happy that mom’s happy! When my husband was at home I did not speak to anyone, but after he left and I became part of Head Start, I found my voice. Head Start gave me my voice! My husband kept me at home and controlled us just like our culture had taught him, but Head Start opened my eyes. They helped me see that I have freedom. I am my own boss and I can make decisions! I am proud to be a Vietnam-ese American. I have a voice and my voice matters! I now want to help other Vietnamese American women find their voice. Thanks to Head Start my children ages 15, 13, and 4 are very good students. My older daughters are on the honor roll. I am also involved in my community and do volunteer work including being part of a Vietnamese dance group. We had the privilege of performing at this year’s California Head Start Conference in Anaheim and my Head Start experiences gave me the confidence to be able to perform. Besides volunteering at my son’s school every day, I am the Parent Committee Chairperson for his school and I have been the Vice Chairperson on the Policy Council for two years. I am also on the Human Resources Interview panel and I volunteer in the main office each week. Head Start created this Jessica, the new Jessica! I’m ready to get a real job. I’m not scared anymore, and I’m ready! I have confidence to share my story with others. Head Start opened my heart! I’m trans-formed. I was in a cocoon and now I’m a beautiful butterfly, thanks to Head Start! Head Start has changed my life and I am changed forever!

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OCHS was honored, once again, to collaborate with community agencies throughout Orange

County in celebrating our 4th Annual Family Festival. Each year the Family Festival travels to a

new Orange County community to ensure that children and families from north to south have the

opportunity to participate in this fun-filled day. The 2010-2011 event took place at Maxwell Park in

Anaheim. With the park just adjacent to the Haskett branch of the Anaheim Public Library, the library

joined OCHS and its collaborative partners, Orange County Association for the Education of Young

Children and Help Me Grow, in hosting the event. The event delivered an abundance of community

resources to over 2,500 children and families. More than 75 resource booths were available for

families to gather information and participate in fun and educational activities. This year OCHS

welcomed 21 new agencies that participated in the event for the first time. From year to year, OCHS

looks forward to continuing existing partnerships and developing new ones through this exciting

event. Please consider joining us next year!

OCHS 4th Annual Family Festival

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“Head Start Educates Me, Too!”

MynameisLeanderAdanandIamaHeadStartParent.WhenmywifeandIstartedlookingforapreschoolforourdaughterwefoundouthowexpensiveitwas.MywifetoldmeaboutHeadStartandwedecidedtoseeifwewouldqualifyandwedid.DelaneybeganIrvineHeadStartandnowourson,Gavin,isattendingaswell.Ourdaughterlovedbeinginschool,lovedplayingwiththeotherkids,andmakingnewfriends.BeingpartofHeadStartopenedupabroaderhorizonforher.Itwasgreattoseethelookonherfacewhenwetookherandpickedherup.Manytimesshedidnotwanttoleaveschool. Itwasalsowonderfultoseehowdedicatedtheteacherswereandhowtheynurturedourchildren!HavingDelaneyatHeadStartfreeduptimeforbothmywifeandItoworkmorehourswhichhelpedfinancially.BeinginHeadStartdefinitelyhasgreatadvantages!Itnurturesourchildrenacademicallyandsociallyandhelpsshapethemforthepositive!HeadStartisthebesteducationandthebestcareforchildren! IwasalwaysworkingtoprovideformyfamilysoIwasnotveryinvolvedwithmychildren.AfterstartingHeadStartIrealized

Ineededtogetmoreinvolved.IfoundoutaboutDadsMatter,aprogramspecificallygearedtofathers.DadsMatterisagreatprogramandonethatIwouldencourageeveryfathertogothrough!Thereissomuchmoreforfatherstodowiththeirchildren.Wejustdon’tknowhowtostart.Aftercompletingthisprogram,itwaseasierformetogetinvolvedandbemorenurturing.DadsMattergivesyouthetoolstosucceedasahands-onfather!Theinstructortaughtusabouthealthandnutritionandgaveusspecificideasofthingstodo.Itgaveallthefathersalotofstructureandtaughtusthedifferencesbetweenthestrengthsofthefatherandmotherandhowimportantafather’sinfluenceisintheirchildren’slives!DadsMattertaughtushowtolookforjobs,guideourchildren,andnotonlyhowtoreadtoourchildren,buthowtoengageourchildrenandaskquestionsaboutthebook.AnotherwonderfulthingIlearnedishowtoguidemychildrenanddealwithtantrums.Ilearnedhowtosetboundaries,alwaysbeavailable,andneverpullaway. ThisprogramopenedupanewappreciationformeofmychildrenandhowgratefulIamtohavetheminmylife!Ilearnedsomuchinjustsevenweeks.Ilearnedtopracticeonechangeatatime.Sincetheprogram,Iampickingmychildrenupfromschoolmoreoftenandwedon’tlistentotheradiointhecaranymore.WeactuallytalktoeachotherandIfindoutabouttheirdayandwhat’sontheirmind.Ithasopened up better communication. GoingthroughDadsMatterhasbeenoneofthemostpositiveexperiencesIhaveeverhad!Ithashelpedmebeclosertomychildrenandmywife!Ihaveastrongerappreciationformywifeandhowmuchshedoesforourchildrenandfamily.Thisentireexperiencehasbeenablessing!Itchangedmyperspectiveofbeingafather.HeadStarthasnotonlyeducatedourchildrenbuteducatedmeaswell.ThankyouHeadStartandDadsMatter!

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Center Directory

Grantee Agencies Baden Powell HS*Anaheim, CA714-236-4224

Brea HSBrea, CA714-990-4391

Buena Park EHS*/**Buena Park, CA714-367-1111

Buena Park HS*Buena Park, CA714-521-1909

Capo HSSan Juan Capistrano, CA949-661-8029

Centralia HSBuena Park, CA714-228-9004

Delhi HSSanta Ana, CA714-361-8866

DL Wood HSGarden Grove, CA714-741-8130

Evelyne Lobo Villegas HSSan Juan Capistrano, CA949-661-5243

Fullerton HSFullerton, CA714-447-3005

Glenn Martin HS*Santa Ana, CA714-427-1290

Hawaiian Gardens HSHawaiian Gardens, CA562-421-1843

Jeanne Hardy HSHuntington Beach, CA714-842-1221

K-I-D-S HS/EHS*/**Santa Ana, CA714-541-8164

Matt Kline HS*Costa Mesa, CA949-548-4480

Midway HSMidway City, CA714-889-1494

North Home Base HS/EHS**Fullerton, CA714-854-1534

Placentia HS*/***Placentia, CA714-632-8787

Ruby Drive HSPlacentia, CA714-854-8787

Schweitzer HSAnaheim, CA714-229-8790

South Home Base HS/EHS**Santa Ana, CA714-361-8866

Stanton HSStanton, CA714-230-3814

Ted Fisher HS *Huntington Beach, CA714-901-8922

Topaz HS/EHS*/**Fullerton, CA714-854-1534

Tustin Family Campus HS*/** Tustin, CA714-566-2870

Walter HSAnaheim, CA714-761-4967

KEY* Full Day Program ** Early Head Start*** Twilight

Delegate Agencies1. Anaheim City School

District 131 S. Midway Drive Anaheim, CA 714-517-7518

Benjamin Franklin HS714-517-7120

Betsy Ross HS714-517-8989

Madison HS714-517-8993

Palm Lane HS714-517-8991

Patrick Henry HS714-517-8990

Paul Revere HS714-517-7524

Thomas Edison HS714-517-8994

2. City of La Habra EHS 215 N. Euclid Street La Habra, CA 562-905-9630

Claire Brown HS 562-905-9632

Lambert HS 562-694-3455

3. Irvine Unified School District

One Smoketree Lane Irvine, CA 949-936-5883

4. OCPT EHS 1063 N. Glassell Street Orange, CA 714-639-4000

Center HS714-997-4980

Handy HS(Afternoon Sessions Only)

714-289-1175

Hewes HS714-639-4187

Taft HS714-974-6310

West Orange HS714-532-1300

5. Santa Ana Unified School District 1629 Center Street Santa Ana, CA 714-431-7576

Broadway HS 714-558-6596

Kennedy HS 714-972-5785

Mitchell HS714-430-5611

ML King, Jr. HS 714-972-6000

Monte Vista HS 714-564-8585

Roosevelt HS 714-564-1282

2501 S. Pullman St. #100 • Santa Ana, CA 92705

714-241-8920 • ochsinc.org

Our Mission: We provide children and their families with quality childhood development programs and integrated support services.

Our Vision: Orange County Head Start, Inc. (OCHS) is the catalyst that launches children and their families to a brighter future.

Advocacy - We advocate on behalf of the children we serve by providing access to resources and protection of their rights and interests.

Empowerment - We provide the tools and environment to empower children and their families.

Learning - We are an organization dedicated to learning at all levels, especially for the early childhood years.

Partnerships - We deliver services through partnerships and collaboration.

Quality - We ensure the quality of our programs through continuous improvement and outcomes-based practices.

Respect - We respect diversity and acknowledge the value it brings to our community.

Wellness - We are committed to the emotional and physical well-being of our staff, children, and families.

Our Mission & Vision

Guiding Principles