Head Start is a federally funded preschool program for children ages 3-5. Early Head Start is designed for designed for pregnant women and children birth to 3 years. Both programs use a two-generational, comprehensive approach to ensuring children and their caregivers are school-ready.
CAW/M is the sole grantee for both Head Start and Early Head Start services in Wayne and Medina Counties. We serve 373 HS children and 165 EHS children at any given time in our center-based and home-based programs.
Center-Based Head Start
Head Start services are offered at eight locations, throughout Medina and Wayne counties. Classes operate on a part year program that is Monday-Thursday for 7 hours and 15 minutes/day (start and end times vary based on center). This program runs from mid-August until early June.
In addition to the part-year classes, CAW/M offers full-day, full-year preschool programs in our Wooster center. We offer full-day, full-year toddler programs (18 mos-3 yrs) in our West Salem and Lodi centers. Priority is given to families with an Ohio Job and Family Services Childcare Voucher. Hours of extended enrollment are 7am to 5 pm, Monday-Thursday.
All of CAW/M’s centers are Gold Star Step Up to Quality rated, the highest possible rating. Step Up to Quality is a program through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services that certifies a program that exceeds the minimum standards for childcare.
Home-Based Head Start & Early Head Start
Both Head Start and Early Head Start are available as home-based services. This option includes a once-weekly home visit lasting a minimum of 1.5 hours by a trained Family Visitor in addition to twice-monthly socialization activities designed to give adults and children an opportunity to interact and learn with their peers. EHS Home Base services are year-round, while HS Home Based services operate on a part-year basis.
All of CAW/M’s centers are Gold Star step Up to Quality rated, the highest possible rating. Step Up to Quality is a program through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services that certifies a program exceeds the minimum standards for child care.
