The Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara was awarded nearly $5.2 million in funding to continue its Head Start program, which currently serves approximately 1,300 families in Santa Barbara County.
The aim of the Head Start program is to provide health, nutrition, and education services to low-income families with children younger than 5. Head Start is a preschool program that helps develop children’s math and reading skills to prepare them for future education.
Children in the program receive dental, health, and mental health screenings as well.
Health, nutrition, and hygiene are integral parts of the curriculum, according to the program website, cacsb.com. Children receive healthy snacks and learn about practicing good hygiene, such as how to properly brush their teeth.
Children participating in the program go through a daily routine of socializing, exercising, and napping.
“We are honored to receive the federal Head Start funding for Santa Barbara County once again. We are committed to serving children who would not otherwise go to pre-school, and preparing them for success in kindergarten and beyond,” said Mattie Gadsby, children’s’ services director for Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara.
This article appears in Mar 22-29, 2012.