Early Head Start and Head Start

Trevor was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Volusia County Schools, which recommended his immediate transition to the Full Day Mild Varying Exceptionalities class.  But Trevor had made so much progress while enrolled in Head Start - he was speaking in 2-3 word sentences.  Head Start teachers and staff refuse to give up on a child's potential to be their best!

I’m so happy that my son is attending Head Start in Bushnell.  The experience has been so positive.  They showed me that being a part of my son's schooling was so important and so meaningful.  When my son started, he was smart, but during the school year, he has developed so much more. The staff made me feel so loved and welcome, but it was also good to know someone loved my son as much as I did.

D. Platt

Juvenal began the 2015-16 school year with severe dental decay, 13 teeth out of 20 had severe issues and needed to be restored. He was also facing the possibility of losing his 4 front teeth.  Since he did not have insurance, the Family Advocates helped Juvenal's family complete all of the paperwork for Medicaid. Once the child was approved for Medicaid, they and the Oral Health Services Coordinator, scheduled Juvenal's pre-operative exam for oral surgery. The surgeon, Dr. Elmore, completed the pre-oerative exam, identified his needs and felt confident that she could address them all. She was able to restore all 13 teeth! Working together with the family as a team, our Family Advocates and Health Team were able to provide a successful outcome for Juvenal who is happy and thriving in the classroom with a great smile!

Meet Jaiella who attends MFCS' Head Start at the Coleman Center in Volusia County. After recently failing Head Start's vision screening, our Medical Services' Coordinator assisted the family in scheduling an appointment with the local optometrist. The result? Jaiella received her first pair of eyeglasses at no cost!

In 2012, I moved to Florida seeking employment and found an opening at Mid Florida Community Services Head Start as a center aide. I worked for a year and a half as a center aid and an opening for a teaching assistant opened up. I was so excited when I applied for the position and was accepted! From there, Mid Florida Community Services Head Start helped me go back to school and obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and in 2014 I became a lead teacher in a Head Start classroom. I love Head Start and all it stands for and want to serve families and children as much as I can. In the summer of 2017, I accepted the position of a Child Development Specialist. This position allows me to impact the lives of multiple families as I supervise seven classrooms in both Head Start and Early Head Start. I am forever thankful to Head Start for giving me my start and to Mid Florida Community Services Head Start for their continued support and contributions to my success that I may share it with others!