Core Elements

Early Childhood Education

• High quality programs are designed to meet each child’s individual needs
• Intellectual, social and emotional growth are fostered

Health and Dental Services

• Complete physicals are administered including vision, hearing and dental exams
• Childhood immunizations are provided
• Families are assisted in securing primary health care

Nutrition

• A healthy meal, plus a snack are served each day
• Healthy eating habits are taught and encouraged

Social Services and Parent Involvement

• In partnership with each family, needs are assessed and assistance in connecting with community services is provided
• Positive parent-child interactions are promoted
• Volunteer and governance opportunities help parents build new skills

More Services 

Special Needs

• Appropriate education and full classroom integration are provided
• Speech/language therapy is available

Mental Health

• Behavior problems, substance abuse, child abuse, developmental delays and more can be addressed

Arts-In-Education

• Many classes benefit from the nationally known Wolf Trap, Early Learning Through the Arts program

Literacy

• Adult literacy education is combined with parent-child interaction activities
• Children receive new books for their home libraries
• Part of a national “Center for Excellence” effort, the Phoenix Early Reading First program promotes preschoolers’ language and early literacy skills, helping them prepare for kindergarten

Eligibility

• Family income must be at or below the federal poverty guidelines
• Children enrolling in the preschool program must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1 of the school year
• Children must live in the Balsz, Creighton, Madison, Osborn, or Paradise Valley school districts

For more information or to enroll your child, call Southwest Head Start at (602) 468-3431

Back to Top