Head Start

Parents, in partnership with staff, create individual goals that prepare the preschool-age child (3-5) to be successful in school and in life. We lay the foundation for learning by providing enriched learning environments supported by qualified teaching staff. The Creative Curriculum, which identifies goals in four areas of development, Social/Emotional, Physical, Cognitive and Language, is the approved curriculum our program uses.

Through the USDA-sponsored Child and Adult Care Food Program, we provide well-balanced meals and snacks to help children meet their daily energy and nutrient needs.

Children are screened twice a year for height, weight, and body mass index to help identify those who may be at risk for overweight and obesity.

Our Head Start classrooms participate in the Culture of Wellness in Preschools Program, which includes an Integrated Nutrition Education Program (INEP) and a movement program known as, "I am Moving, I am Learning (IMIL)".

Family outreach activities include parent meeting presentations, nutrition newsletters, and nutrition education handouts. We also partner with community agencies such as Cooking Matters and CSU Cooperative Extension to provide nutrition and cooking classes for our families. Parent Wellness Workshops are conducted through Culture of Wellness in Preschools.

Lakewood provides assistance and links for participating children and their families to community health resources. Through Health Services the teachers are provided with plans to include children with special health issues into the regular classroom. The program staff collaborates with the local education agency so that children who may need additional classroom support succeed in every way.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. 

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 

1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 
2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.