Families and community members interested in learning more about the Head Start Pre-K program can visit their local Head Start center on Community Awareness Day early in the month.
     Head Start's Oswego Center serves the Oswego area. Located at Fort Ontario Building 31, 45 E. Schuyler St., Community Awareness Day will be held from 10-11 a.m. and from 5-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 5. Those attending will have an opportunity to tour the center, meet staff, and ask questions about the program. Families interested in having their children attend Head Start Pre-K in the fall will also be able to complete an application on this day.
     For families unable to attend a Community Awareness Day event and who want their children to attend Head Start Pre-k, the program will be holding Application Days later in March and April at various locations throughout Oswego County. In Oswego, these days will be held at the program's center from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, April 11. Families may also call the center at 342-0629 to schedule a time to complete an application for their child.
     Head Start Pre-K enrolls 3- and 4-year-old children. The program's primary goal is promoting school readiness by enhancing the social, physical, and cognitive development of children. This is accomplished through hands-on learning experiences, active play, and nutritious meals and snacks. In addition, meaningful involvement by parents in all aspects of the program is a core value of Head Start Pre-K. Through volunteering at a center, being involved on parent committees and policy groups and attending education workshops, parents are encouraged to be active members of their children's education. With centers throughout the area, children living in all school districts of Oswego County may apply for Head Start Pre-K.
     Head Start Pre-K is provided at no cost to income eligible families. Head Start is the longest running national school-readiness program in the United States. Since 1999, more than 4,400 children have been students of Head Start Pre-K in Oswego County.

     For more information, or to complete an application, please call 598-4711 or 1-800-359-1171.