Head Start Operations Information
The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming is the grantee agency for Head Start of Livingston County. The Head Start Program is one of the early childhood programs available at KidStart, the Children’s Services Division of The Arc.

Livingston County Head Start has a Federal grant of $629,041 to serve 71 preschool children who meet the federal eligibility criteria based on family income. Head Start services are provided at all three of the KidStart locations in Geneseo, Dansville, and Mt Morris.

Head Start is a comprehensive program that includes a curriculum based on scientifically valid research, health screenings, parent involvement and community partnerships. Being a comprehensive program, monitoring systems serve an important function to ensure quality of program and compliance with performance standards. Primary program components that are reviewed monthly or quarterly include: attendance, children’s educational outcomes, meal service, health and safety events, and fiscal reports. There is a Federal review of the Head Start Program every three years.

Livingston County Head Start follows the High/Scope Curriculum for preschoolers which is age and developmentally appropriate for three and four year olds. Health screenings for enrolled children include hearing screens provided in collaboration the SUNY Geneseo Speech and Hearing Department and vision screens provided in collaboration with the Dansville Lions Club. Staff work closely with local medical experts and assist families in obtaining medical and dental exams for their children.

Parents have many opportunities to participate in program activities. Each of the Head Start Centers (Geneseo, Dansville, Mt Morris) has Parent Committee that functions much like school PTAs. Parents participate in Parent Committee meetings and activities. Parents also serve on Policy Council which is similar to a school district Board of Education. Parents often volunteer in classrooms and at special events. Parents are an integral part of the Head Start Program.

Community partners enhance our program services. In past years our community partners have facilitated referrals for services families need, provided special programs for children and training for parents and staff. Partners, to name of few, have included: SUNY Dance Department, B.O.C.E.S., Cornell Cooperative Extension, County Department of Social Services, and County Department of Health.

For more information about the Head Start Program in Livingston County, please contact our main office at (585) 658-4023.

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