Program Structure
EDUCATION
The curriculum model used at CECD is High/Scope, which is based
on the philosophy that children learn by active involvement with
peers and adults through the use of developmentally appropriate
materials in the learning environment. The classrooms at CECD are
rich in opportunities for children to be independent and make choices,
thereby resulting in their developing into independent thinkers
and decision-makers. A consistent daily routine allows for the
smooth transition from one activity to another. It also allows
for children to predict and plan for the things that are about
to happen. The classroom team observes and acts on the differing
needs of each child, their abilities, interests, and pacing levels.
Classrooms are set up to accommodate easy access to materials that
are all age appropriate. Classroom staff supports the ongoing process
of emerging literacy.
Children are provided with the time, space and materials to make
their own literacy discoveries. Staff respects and builds on children’s
home language skills while providing opportunities for them to
learn English language skills. Multi-cultural books and materials
are implemented into the Daily Lesson Plan to reflect the diversity
of the children.
Two computers in each classroom allow the children the opportunities
to explore 21st century technology. Two playgrounds, one in the
front yard and one in the back yard, are the children’s “outdoor
classroom.” The play yards meet all of the safety standards,
including padding on the ground.
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HEALTH
If a child does not have an ongoing source of continuous accessible
health care, the Family Worker assists in referrals. Children are
required to have up-to-date medicals and dentals on file. A health
check is part of the Daily Routine of the classroom.
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MENTAL HEALTH
A professional mental health consultant is available to provide
training and assist staff and parents with any mental health concerns
or questions.
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NUTRITION
Our nutrition program operates within the guidelines of the Department
of Health’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (C.A.C.F.P.).
All meals are prepared on-site in a safe, sanitary manner, and
are nutritionally sound. The children, assigned classroom staff,
and volunteers eat together “family style” and share
the same menu. Special dietary requirements/restrictions are respected.
The program also has a Nutritional Consultant who offers assistance
with menu planning and is available to confer with parents, if
requested..
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FAMILY SERVICES/PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Our services are also family-centered, following the tenets that
children develop in the context of their family and culture and
that parents are respected as the primary educators and nurturers
of their children. The program offers family members with opportunities
and support for growth and change, believing that people can identify
their own strengths, needs, and interests and are capable of finding
solutions. Parents are encouraged to become involved in the policy-making
and program decisions, and are provided with opportunities for
a significant experience in the program.
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CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
All children entering the program are screened within 45 days. If
there is a concern regarding an area of development (or areas)
parents are notified and a conference is scheduled. If the
parent
wishes to have their child evaluated, referrals are sent. Evaluations by service
providers are conducted on-site, during the child’s school hours. We have
found that it is much more conducive to the child and the parent when evaluations
are conducted in a safe, secure, and familiar setting. At the completion of the
evaluation process, if services are warranted, an IEP (Individualized Education
Plan) is created and services implemented. A strong connection between
the providers ensures that all evaluations and services are completed in a timely
and efficient manner. The strongest and most important bond that is established
is with the parents. Their involvement throughout the process is of the utmost
importance. The Educational Staff works closely with the Educational Director,
Special Education Coordinator and outside support staff to help meet goals and
objectives written for children with specific needs. All classroom and outdoor
activities are designed to support the inclusion of all children. All children
receiving special education services participate fully in all of the program’s
activities.
The Fiscal Department is charged with the following responsibilities
- Ensure accurate and timely accounting, recording and reporting
of all program financial obligations to its stakeholders, including
state and federal agencies, vendors and other parties.
- Ensure compliance with applicable grant laws and regulations,
including OMB A133 federal external audits as well as ACS internal
audits.
- Plan program financial reporting to ensure that programs have
sufficient funds to meet program needs.
- Ensure that program expenditures comply with grant requirements.
Adhere to authorized internal control processes and ensure they
are in place.
- Internally, ensure that the Director of Program is provided
with up-to-date financial information to facilitate program financial
decisions. Maintain and monitor controls relating to Accounting
Information Systems to ensure accuracy of reporting.
- Ensure confidentiality of financial records in the Fiscal Department.
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DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Committee for Early Childhood Development Head Start is a federally funded program, serving children between the ages of 3-5 years, mostly from economically disadvantaged families. CECD Head Start is a non-profit organization. We are a family oriented program that provides opportunities for children and parents to excel. Children are serviced in a safe, secure, clean and nurturing environment, and parent involvement is an integral part of our program. Per Federal Mandate, 10% of the children serviced in our program have special needs. We have a strong Male Involvement Program and a Women’s Empowerment Group, and they meet once a month. The program also participates in the NYC Department for the Aging “Foster Grandparent Program.” These “grandparents” work one-on-one in the classroom with children with special needs. The strength of our program is based on strong parent participation, qualified and caring staff, and a very active and highly supportive Governing Board. CECD received the New York State Department of Education Outstanding Pre- Kindergarten Award in January 2005. Our Jamaica Avenue site is a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accredited site.
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REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
To Register: Please bring in the following Original
documents listed below:
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Child’s Birth Certificate
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Child’s Health Record
Immunization Card and all Medical Benefit Cards
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Proof of Income
3 Pay Stubs or Last Years Tax Forms or Public Assistance Voucher
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Proof of Residence
Anything with your name and address on it
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Social Security Cards
For Child and family members that are in your Household
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