EARLY HEAD START

Early Head Start provides health, nutrition, mental health and family services and education activities for pregnant women, infants and toddlers, including children with special needs. These services are provided through home visits and socialization experiences. Socialization experiences provide opportunities for infants, toddlers and parents to build relationships and have classroom-style experiences to enhance their development. Weekly home visits are designed to meet the specific needs to each child and family in the comfort of their own home.

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Child needs are addressed through:

  • Age-appropriate activities
  • Referrals and support for children with special needs
  • Opportunities to socialize with other infants and toddlers
  • Nurturing the relationship between the parent and child
  • Healthy meals and meal activities

Family needs are addressed through:

  • Information about community resources
  • Assistance with achieving family goals
  • Guidance on child development and strategies for working with your child

HEAD START – EDUCATION

The Head Start classroom is a nurturing space that supports the development of all children ages 3 – 5.  In addition to the excitement and wonder that each child brings, the three most notable contributors to the child’s experience are the learning environment, curriculum, and the teaching team.

Learning Environments

Each classroom includes spaces for children to work in large groups, small groups or independently throughout the day – both indoors and outdoors.  Materials and equipment are designed to meet their developmental needs and to help them to grow and develop.  They also integrate home cultures and are flexible to support the changing ages, interests, and characteristics of a group of children over time.

Curriculum

TRF uses Creative Curriculum to facilitate children’s development. The content of each lesson is in alignment with current child development research, the interests and ideas of the children, family input and teacher observations. Lessons are planned on an ongoing basis to meet the needs of each class, but also incorporate the specific development of each child.

Teaching Teams

TRF requires all teachers to have a minimum of a BA degree and Assistant Teachers must have an Associate Teacher permit while working on an AA degree or higher.  They are also required to hold specific child development permits issued by the State of California and First Aid/CPR certificates.  In addition to these requirements, TRF provides ongoing training both on-site and through various conference, workshops and seminars.