Community Action of Southern Kentucky’s Head Start program is now enrolling 3 and 4 year olds in fall class.

Head Start is a child development program serving children primarily from income-eligible families in each of the Barren River Area Development District’s 10 counties. The program is federally funded through an annual grant from the Department of Health and Human Services/Administration for Children and Families.

CASOKY Associate Director Tracy Haddix said the Head Start program has been around for 50 years in this region and was a part of the original war on poverty.

“I think the main thing that makes us different is that it’s not just important to impact the child’s development, you have to work with the family as a whole and that’s something Head Start has been successful with,” Haddix said. 

The program offers education in a learning environment, comprehensive health services, disability services for individuals with special needs, nutrition education, social services, development and hearing screenings, nutritious meals and parent involvement and training opportunities.

Children’s Services Director Carla Brown said Head Start works on school readiness goals, language skills and provides nutritious meals all served family style. Also, it works with families on setting goals, so it’s a complete family effort, Haddix said. 

“We’re funded to serve 683 children across the BRADD area, but there’s no cutoff for applying,” Brown said. “We serve families at 100 precent poverty and children with special needs. We have a point system that we go by.”

Eligibility for the program includes the child being 3 or 4 years old before Oct. 1 (or on the child’s third birthday) and the family’s income falling within established poverty guidelines. Also, the child must have an up-to-date immunization record.

Families can apply at any Head Start Center or online at www.casoky.org.

— For more information, call Community Action at 270-782-3162.

— Follow faith/general assignments reporter Simone C. Payne on Twitter @SimonePayne or visit bgdailynews.com.