Special to El Rrun-Rrun
After going through the summer getting crossed signals, parents of children attending the county's 57 head start centers now know that – like regular schools – there will be no face-to-face instruction.
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Instead, like the big kids, the centers' staffs will implement virtual instruction through distance learning methods. Head Start centers across Cameron County – and across the country – take children 0-4 who are taught learning through play, creative expression and guided activity.
Staff and paraprofessionals will get the news today during a 1 p.m. meeting. Unlike students, most Head Start centers have required the teachers and supportive staff to attend to the work site in person. A spokesperson said that the centers would follow the state orders on social distancing and the opening of schools.
Some staff members have expressed fear that they might be exposed to COVID-19 because of previously reported positive cases there.
The national office of Head Start and Early Head Start recommends that the centers stay in continuous communications with the parents to encourage their participation in their cognitive and social development. Distancing, they advise, should not mean isolation.
In Cameron County, the programs are operated by Neighbors In Need Of Services (Niños).
The program is funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services local regional office in Dallas, and it operates four grants: Head Start, Early Head Start, TDA, and T/TA. The service area covers born through four (4) years of age.
Head Start children receive services that include educational, nutritional, dental health, transitional, and special services. One of the criteria for receiving Head Start services is that the families must meet federal income poverty guidelines.
The COVID-19 crisis has forced some of the centers to stop distributing meals, diapers and formula while observing social distancing guidelines against the virus. Until the individual centers announce what measures they will follow, parents are encouraged to contact the workers there to see what support and other activities they will provide for parents and young children.
After going through the summer getting crossed signals, parents of children attending the county's 57 head start centers now know that – like regular schools – there will be no face-to-face instruction.
Instead, like the big kids, the centers' staffs will implement virtual instruction through distance learning methods. Head Start centers across Cameron County – and across the country – take children 0-4 who are taught learning through play, creative expression and guided activity.Staff and paraprofessionals will get the news today during a 1 p.m. meeting. Unlike students, most Head Start centers have required the teachers and supportive staff to attend to the work site in person. A spokesperson said that the centers would follow the state orders on social distancing and the opening of schools.
Some staff members have expressed fear that they might be exposed to COVID-19 because of previously reported positive cases there.
The national office of Head Start and Early Head Start recommends that the centers stay in continuous communications with the parents to encourage their participation in their cognitive and social development. Distancing, they advise, should not mean isolation.
In Cameron County, the programs are operated by Neighbors In Need Of Services (Niños).
The program is funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services local regional office in Dallas, and it operates four grants: Head Start, Early Head Start, TDA, and T/TA. The service area covers born through four (4) years of age.
Head Start children receive services that include educational, nutritional, dental health, transitional, and special services. One of the criteria for receiving Head Start services is that the families must meet federal income poverty guidelines.
The COVID-19 crisis has forced some of the centers to stop distributing meals, diapers and formula while observing social distancing guidelines against the virus. Until the individual centers announce what measures they will follow, parents are encouraged to contact the workers there to see what support and other activities they will provide for parents and young children.