Wheeling News-Register, Sunday, January 30, 2005 -
Children enroled in the Head Start program engage in science and math learning experiences on a daily basis.
The development of skills related to literacy and numeracy is an ongoing part of a child's cognitive development. Teachers plan according to the develpmental level of each child and design opportunities for children to discover how numerical concepts relate to other concepts, through activities that include food experience, science, games, dramatic play, finger plays, puzzles, blocks and computers. In addition, the teacher shares with the parent ways that the home environment encourages literacy and numeracy development.
Field trips are a meaningful part of the Head Start learning experience. The field trips are planned for both children and their families to increase their awareness of community resources and engage them in active learning.
"Allowing the children to participate in hands-on science and math activities at the West Liberty State College SMART Center brings a wonderful community resources in partnership with each child's early learning experience outside of the classroom environment." reports Cheche Price, education and training manager, Northern Panhandle Head Start, Inc.
The WLSC SMART Center is the headquarters for interdisciplinary student learning, community education, and teacher enhancement in the Ohio Valley. The director, Robert E. Strong, provides a variety hands-on exhibits, learning technologies, resouce materials, and on-going research opportunities. The WLSC SMART Center emphasizes an inquiry-based approach to science, mathematics, research and technology. For information about the SMART Center and programs, call (304) 277-2308.
The Northern Panhandle Head Start Inc . program provides comprehensive services to 601 income eligible families with children to age 5, including services to pregnant women who reside in Hancock, Brook, Ohio, Marshal or Wetzel Counties of West Virginia. There is no fee for the program and transportation is provided in most areas. for information about Head Start in your community, call (304) 233-3290 or (877) 732-3307.