Families get a Head Start on success

Oct. 28--When you hear the name "Franklin County Head Start," you probably think of preschool childcare.

But Franklin County Head Start Program Inc. doesn't focus solely on children. The program also works to empower economically-challenged families.

"When we work with families based on their needs. We're not raising kids, we're helping families achieve their full potential," explained Paul Sick, president of the FCHS board of directors.

Sick addressed community members during the organization's annual meeting Friday in Chambersburg.

The mission of FCHS is three-fold: to ready children for kindergarten by providing high-quality education and strong foundations for social, emotional and physical development; to create stronger, healthier families by ensuring access to community resources, increasing positive parenting practices and providing opportunities for personal growth; and to build more vibrant communities through education, advocacy and collaboration and commitment to building stronger families.

"For every dollar we spend, we save an average of $11 down the road," Sick said.

The savings comes comes from educating not just the children, but parents as well, by connecting them with community services to meet their needs.

But they can't do it alone.

"Franklin County Head Start is strong because of our community partnerships," said Annette Searfoss, FCHS executive director. "Our school districts have joined forces with us, with state Pre-K Counts funding, to expand services beyond federal Head Start and Early Head Start dollars. Local churches provide space and support services and community agencies ensure that all children have the medical and dental care they need."

Meeting local needs

In Waynesboro, FCHS began a unique partnership earlier this year with both the Waynesboro Area School District and Waynesboro Day Care Center, thanks to a new Pre-K Counts grant and the cooperation of the district's new superintendent.

The innovative partnership focuses on ensuring that families can access high quality preschool even when working full time. Grant funding supports certified preschool teachers and teacher assistants, as well as learning materials and meals.

Searfoss, along with WASD Principal Barbara Martin and Waynesboro Day Care Center Director Denise Feeser, ensure that the children benefit from the partnership by aligning children's learning expectations with those in elementary school. Shared staff development, curriculum, and assessments will provide teachers with shared expectations for children as well.

"This is the first of its kind in Franklin County," Searfoss said. "We are able to have this initiative because of Barb and the new superintendent. Dr. Kline understands how important early education is to future success. I think that's going to be a model for all of us to look at."

Another area program, an early Head Start is housed at Faith United Methodist Church. "That early Head Start Center allows us to establish that early Head Start hub," Searfoss said. "It's important to get them at 3 or 4, but it's even better to get them earlier. It's a great opportunity for us to be able to make a difference."

Growing and serving

Families are eligible for Head Start services if they earn 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, receive public assistance, are experiencing homelessness and/or are in foster care.

In the past year, FCHS provided services to 544 children.

Sick said the FCHS has a five-year goal. "We want to be the best Head Start in the nation in five years," Sick said. "I strongly believe we have the personnel and commitment to do it."

Families interested in enrolling in the Waynesboro Day Care Center/Pre-K Counts option can call 717-762-9711. To enroll in Franklin County Head Start/Pre-K Counts option call 717-263-8019 or visit www.fchsweb.org.

Contact Andrea Rose at arose@therecordherald.com or 717-762-2151 or on Twitter @AndreaCiccociop.

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