MAPS Head Start is a federally funded preschool program for qualifying three and four year old children and their families who live in the Merrill Area Public School district. The program is located at Pine River School for Young Learners. To qualify families must meet the federal income guidelines and complete the application requirements. The income guidelines are updated each year by the federal government and are available by calling the Pine River School for Young Learners office at 715-536-2392.
MAPS Head Start is one of only five Head Starts in the State of Wisconsin that is run by a public school system and has been in operation in Merrill since the summer of 1968. We provide a center-based program where the students attend four days a week, Tuesday through Friday. There are three program options: morning half day sessions (7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.), afternoon half day sessions (11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.), or full day sessions (7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) Mondays are parent contact days which include home visits and family activities. Each family receives at least three home visits each year. Transportation is arranged and paid for by the program and there is no cost to participate.
The educational program is designed to meet each child’s individual needs. Every child receives a variety of learning experiences to foster school readiness through intellectual, social and emotional growth. Children learn through indoor and outdoor play and are introduced to the concepts of literacy and math. They are encouraged to express their feelings and to develop self-confidence and the ability to get along with others. Our classrooms have a low teacher-child ratio. Each classroom has one DPI certified teacher and one teacher aide. We encourage parent volunteers to help in the classroom.
MAPS Head Start emphasizes the importance of early identification of health problems by working with the family to provide every child with a comprehensive health care program, including medical, dental, mental health and nutritional services. Children are served one hot meal and a breakfast/snack each day in order to meet at least one-third of their daily nutritional needs. A mental health professional is available to the school to provide mental health resources to staff, students and parents.
MAPS Head Start believes that parents are the most important influences on a child’s development. An essential part of our program is the involvement of parents in program planning, operating activities, and parent education. Many parents serve as members of our Policy Council and Parent Committee and have a voice in program decisions. We offer parent and family activities and there are many opportunities for parents to be part of our program and volunteer. The program is a success because our parents are involved.
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