Urban Connection Issue 2 Urban League Connection Volume 2 | Page 25

A Step up for ULSTL HeadStart

By Natasha J . Leonard , M . P . A .

A celebration is in order for the Urban League of Metropolitan St . Louis Head Start program . Urban League ’ s Head Start program has added Early Head Start and Early Home-Based to its portfolio of services for children and families . The program will now provide early childhood education services for children aged birth to five and expecting families . Since 2001 , Urban League Head Start has made enormous strides in improving its program to support the St . Louis community ; addressing the need for early childhood education and engaging families in their children ’ s education .

The Urban League became a grantee July 1 , 2015 for two hundred fifty Head Start and Early Head Start slots in St . Louis City and County . Early childhood education program and services include center based classrooms for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age and
As of July 1 , 2016 , the Urban League Head Start / Early Head Start program was again awarded grantee status for an additional 422 children in St . Louis City and County . This grant will provide center-based services only for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age . Program services for income eligible children and families will be provided in its existing four centers and two child care partners .
The Head Start / Early Head Start program utilizes a dynamic research based curriculum with lasting results of improving a child ’ s start into education . Enrolling your child into this program ensures that they will be ready to enter kindergarten . The program provides high quality early childhood education services and opportunities for parent engagement . Families may also take advantage of the many other programs and services offered by the Urban league such as food pantry , job training , housing , utility assistance , continuing adult education and so much more .
“ Early childhood education plays a direct role in the academic , emotional , social and physical development of young children ; which also plays a role in the overall development in the adult they will become .
Ribbon cutting of newly renovated Head Start Magnolia Center 2725 Alhambra Ct . St . Louis , Mo 63116
Early home-based services including expectant moms . The Magnolia Head Start / Early Head Start Center will open for business in January 2017 . Program services for income eligible children and families will be provided through this center along with five child care partners .
The Urban League Head Start / Early Head Start Programs see this , and we have increased our efforts to meet this need . It ’ s simple and cannot be compromised , we are investing in our youth and empowering families now , we are bridging the gap now , and we are ending the cycle now for a brighter future , said Michael P . McMillan , president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St . Louis , Inc . Urban League Head Start / Early Head Start programs are now enrolling . Don ’ t miss the opportunity to enroll your child and family into an enriching educational program and empowering environment .
For more information , please call ( 314 ) 867-9100 or visit online at www . ulstl . com

18 18