Southern Illinois News

The Southern Seven Head Start (S7HS) program is working to keep families connected to services and opportunities despite the COVID-19 economic lockdown that has affected schools, businesses and life in general.

The organization has implemented strategies to stay connected with families using social media, prepared activity packets with book readings, science experiments, and other activities. They have suggestions for a variety of activities and experiments for families to do at home.

“Many activities are being done via social media.” Jennifer Parks, an administrator for S7HS, said. “Some teachers are visiting the children via FaceTime for special wishes for birthdays, or if the child has questions about why they are not attending school."

Children in the Head Start program have meals and snacks provided at the centers, but now that those centers are closed, there are three centers offering “Grab and Go” meals for affected families.  

Center staff have also asked families to complete a questionnaire to identify further needs and how they are affected by the pandemic. Then, the centers will help those families to get the resources they need.

The Head Start program is a federally funded program that provides families access to mental health services, parenting training, and services for children of all needs and abilities. Parents can also volunteer in the program.  

There are several options for families in Head Start, which serves children from 0-5 years of age; the typical head start program is for children between the ages of three and five, and the Early Head Start Program helps students from birth to the age of three. It is not offered at all centers, but if you have questions, visit southern7.org/head-start.

Enrollment for the 2020-21 academic year is still happening. To get the application process started with an interview, call a local Head Start center or Southern Seven Head Start’s central office at 618-634-2297.