Manatee Community Action Agency enrolling for Head Start program for 2014-15 school year

Contact: Kathy Patreka, Director, Head Start/Early Head Start (941)750-6667 ext. 7001

Manatee Community Action Agency accepting applications for free Head Start pre-school program 

(Bradenton, FL--) Manatee Community Action Agency (MCAA) is accepting applications for its Head Start early learning program for the 2014-2015 school year, which begins August 25.

Head Start is a free pre-school program that prepares children ages three to five years old for kindergarten. Enrollment is open to children in Manatee County who live at or below the poverty level, who are homeless, whose families receive public assistance, and children with disabilities.

Research has proven that children who participate in early learning programs perform better academically in school than peers who did not participate in early learning programs.

The Head Start early learning program partners with parents and families to ensure continuity of positive growth and academic achievement at home, and school. Children learn responsibility, independent-thinking and good decision making skills. MCAA’s Head Start program utilizes a curriculum that encourages children to be active participants in planning daily activities, and that places special emphasis on math and science.

MCAA is committed to ensuring access to high-quality early learning programs for all children. Children with special needs receive necessary and appropriate services, therapy and treatment at MCAA’s eight early learning sites in Manatee, in conjunction with the Manatee County school district.

The Head Start morning program runs from 8:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.; the afternoon program runs from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Limited full day programs are available. Programs are free, and include nutritious meals and snacks.

For additional information or to apply for the program, please call (941) 750-6667 ext. 7013.

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MCAA’s mission is to help people in our community, and change lives through education, partnerships, and the delivery of quality services. The organization offers 10 programs designed to strengthen families, and help them achieve self-sufficiency. The programs are:  Speech screening, evaluation and therapy; Low income home energy assistance; Family Self-Sufficiency; Head Start/Early Head Start; Head Start Voluntary Prekindergarten; Healthy Families Manatee; Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY); Housing Counseling; Weatherization Assistance, and Parents as Teachers.

            MANATEE COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY

302 Manatee Ave. E., Suite 322 Bradenton, FL 34208

941-827-2887

www.manateecaa.org