Early Learning

High-quality early learning experiences provided by skilled professionals, in partnership with parents and communities, prepare children for success in school and in life. The Early Learning Pathway leads to success in school and life.

Customer Impacts (fiscal year 2010-11)

• 487 children increased their skill levels in all areas of learning by one full developmental level.
• 325 children increased their skills in all areas of learning by two full developmental levels.
• 235 kindergarten-eligible children demonstrated kindergarten readiness skills in all areas of learning.
• 798 children received 33% of their daily nutritional requirements through nutritious snacks and lunches.
• 798 children were linked, many for the first time, with an accessible source for ongoing and follow-up medical and dental care.
• 936 parents were supported in their roles as primary educators of their children and participated in decision-making and personal growth opportunities.
• 159 children with disabilities benefited from specialized inclusive education.
• 81 children in the Parent-Child Home Program demonstrated improvement on key school readiness indicators, and 68 children improved their early literacy and positive social skills. 77 parents demonstrated improvement on key positive parenting skills.

Community Impacts (fiscal year 2010-2011)

• Head Start saved the community $46,131,603. Studies indicate that for every $1 invested in Head Start the community saves $7 dollars in social costs. Head Start graduates are more likely to graduate high school and college, less likely to need special education or depend on public assistance, and less likely to commit a criminal offense.
• CRK awarded $2,814,426 to child care providers in 20 central Pennsylvania counties for quality improvement. Children who participate in quality early education programs are more likely to do well in school and on academic achievement tests, graduate high school and attend college.
• CRK awarded $322,247 to institutions of higher education and other professional instructors for the professional development of Early Learning practitioners.
• CRK awarded $1,078,121 to county community engagement teams for technical assistance and health consultation for Keystone STARS programs.

Success Story

Head Start and Early Head Start have been a window of opportunity for me and my family for the past 18 months.  My son, Aidan, attends St. John's # 2 Head Start.  Miss Amanda, Miss Carly, and Miss Stephanie are all so loving and wonderful!  My younger son, Bryson, is also involved with Early Head Start.  His teacher, Miss Heather, is enthusiastic and loves visiting and watching him meet growth and milestone achievements. I give each of them loads of credit for what they do every day in our children's lives.  When each of my sons was accepted into the wonderful Head Start program, I was recruited to serve on Policy Council for Lycoming County.  This committee has changed my life forever!  I was extremely apprehensive about joining the committee due to my fear of inadequacy and hesitation with speaking in public.  After serving on Policy Council for a year, I was elected to serve on the STEP Board of Directors representing the low-income sector of Lycoming County.  I am still slightly nervous attending board meetings but definitely more comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone.  My children love the HS and EHS programs but this testimony regards me as a parent.  Policy Council gave me the opportunity to attend an Early Childhood Education Summit at Penn State University in November 2011 where I learned lots of exciting and valuable information.  I am very grateful that I was able to participate.  Attending that conference opened doors for me to my future.  It contributed to my desire to continue my education.  Last month, I applied at Penn State World Campus in hopes of pursuing my Bachelor’s degree.  I am proud to say that I have been accepted and am eager to start this incredible journey of the next chapter of my life!  The Head Start Program has been a positive influence on me and my family!  Thank you so much for everything you do!

-Lori