Plaquemines Parish Head Start

Plaquemines Parish Head Start is a Federal program that promotes the school readiness of children from ages three to five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Our program offers a learning environment that supports children's growth in many areas such as language, literacy, and social and emotional development. Head Start emphasizes the role of parents as their child's first and most important teacher and builds relationships with families that support family well-being and many other important areas.

We provide services to 108 low-income children age three to five from families who are Plaquemines Parish residents.  All services are at no-cost to enrolled families.   Our Head Start operates five days a week in four state licensed centers located within local schools.  We follow the Plaquemines Parish School Board school calendar.

PPSB Head Start Program at a Glance:

• State Licensed, Type III Centers
• Louisiana Quality Start Program
• Degreed Classroom Teachers
• State-issued Ancillary Certificate
• First-Aid/CPR Certified Staff
• Policy Council
• Parent Committees at All Centers
• Research-based Curriculum
• Full Inclusion for Children with Special Need
• Interactive Smart Boards Computers and iPads in Classrooms
• Nutritious Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks Provided
• Transportation provided to enrolled 4-5 year old children

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must reside in Plaquemines Parish
• Plaquemines Parish children from age three to four from families with low income, according to the Poverty Guidelines published by the Federal government, are eligible for our Head Start services.
• Our Head Start program may enroll 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130 percent of the poverty line if certain conditions have been met.
• Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Supplemental Security Income) are categorically eligible for Head Start services regardless of income.
• 3 or 4 years of age by September 30th of current school year.

PLAQUEMINES PARISH HEAD START LOCATIONS:

Boothville-Venice Elementary
#1 Oiler Drive
Boothville, LA  70038
(504) 595-6455 School
(504) 595-6430 Head Start

South Plaquemines Elementary
218 School Road
Port Sulphur, LA  70083
(504) 595-6415 School
(504) 595-6430 Head Start

Phoenix High School
12700 Hwy. 39
Braithwaite, LA  70040
(504) 595-6480 School
(504) 595-6430 Head Start

Belle Chasse Primary
601 F. Edward Hebert Blvd.
Belle Chasse, LA  70037
(504) 595-6120 School
(504) 595-6430 Head Start

 

SCHOOL READINESS & EDUCATION 

PPSB Head Start endeavors to prepare children to be ready to enter kindergarten.  We promote school readiness by using teaching practices that are developmentally appropriate, the Head Start Framework, Louisiana’s Birth to Five Early Learning and Development Standards, and the Teaching Strategies Gold objectives.  

We support children’s growth and development in a positive learning environment through a variety of services, which include:

• • Early learning: Children’s readiness for school and beyond is furthered through individualized learning experiences. Through relationships with adults, play, and planned and spontaneous instruction, children grow in many aspects of development. Children progress in social skills and emotional well-being, along with language and literacy learning, and concept development
  • Health: Each child’s perceptual, motor, and physical development is supported to permit them to fully explore and function in their environment. All children receive health and development screenings, nutritious meals, oral health and mental health support. Programs connect families with medical, dental, and mental health services to ensure that children are receiving the services they need.
  • Family well-being: Parents and families are supported in achieving their own goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Programs support and strengthen parent-child relationships and engage families around children’s learning and development.

 

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

Family engagement also plays a critical role in children’s development and school readiness. Our program believes that families are children’s first and most important caregivers, teachers, and advocates and that family engagement is an interactive process through which program staff and families, family members, and their children build positive and goal-oriented relationships. Education and school readiness is a shared responsibility of families and Head Start staff requiring mutual respect for the roles and strengths each has to offer.  Family engagement means doing with families—not doing to or for families.