Every child deserves an education. In today's economy more families are struggling to make ends meet and are worried about how they will send their children to school. Jefferson County Head Start is here to help. With educational programming available for children ages three to five, this no-cost program is open for enrollment for the 2012-2013 school year. Come to an open house on Wednesday, July 11, from 10am to 3pm or Thursday, August 2, from 10am - 3pm at 5150 Allison Street in Arvada to learn more and to enroll in the program.

Services available at the open houses will include:

• Visit a Head Start classroom
• Applications will be available for new families
• Teachers and the Head Start staff will be on hand to answer questions or assist with applications
• Dental screenings
• Information on food assistance and Medicaid
• Aspen Family Services and Child Care Innovations will have information on child care assistance options
• Arvada fire department and the Sheriff’s department will be there with emergency vehicles
• Jefferson County Public Libraries will have story time
• St. Anthony Hospital will be doing car seat safety checks
• Carin’ Clinic will be open for well child checks (uninsured and Medicaid only)
• CSU extension will be running a nutrition activity
• Jefferson Center for Mental Health will be available to provide information and answer questions

Jefferson County Head Start is a no-cost, comprehensive, child-focused and family-centered preschool program for children ages three to five. Head Start offers a range of individualized services in the areas of education, early childhood development, medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, family support, and parent education and training is provided to eligible families who are at the 100% poverty level. Head Start has locations in Arvada and Wheat Ridge.
 
Call today to see if you qualify! Applications are also available online at www.jeffco.us/head.  For more information, please contact Michelle Kalkwarf, 720-497-7908.