Education plays a vital role in shaping a child’s future, and one Siouxland nonprofit is helping children learn even before they enter kindergarten.
For nearly 50 years, the Community Action Agency of Siouxland has been offering programs that assist families, including the Head Start Program, which serves children from six weeks to four years old.
Preparing Young Children for Kindergarten
The Head Start Program offers a structured routine where children enjoy a variety of educational activities. “Children come to school and are served breakfast in a family-style setting, focusing on self-help skills,” said Rachel Ostermyer, the program’s early childhood director. “They participate in large group sessions, small group activities, and have work time, which is really their play, but it’s also their learning.”
With 29 classrooms and more than 500 children enrolled, the program prepares students for kindergarten through hands-on learning experiences.
For example, during lessons on science, children engage in activities like planting flowers. “This week, we’re planting flowers for the Week of the Young Child. The kids enjoy science experiments in a fun classroom setting, often not realizing they’re actually learning scientific concepts,” Ostermyer explained.
Celebrating Children During the Week of the Young Child
This week, the Community Action Agency is participating in the Week of the Young Child, a celebration of children, their families, and the professionals who help teach them. The organization has set a theme for each day of the week, offering special activities in all classrooms. The themes include Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Family Friday.
Growing Demand for Early Education
Though there are other early childhood education programs in Siouxland, securing a spot in these programs can be challenging.
“We are currently at full capacity, and there is a waitlist,” Ostermyer said. “But it’s always worth it for families to apply.”
Despite this, the Community Action Agency is committed to giving every child the best educational start possible.
“We support families by providing suggestions on things they can do at home with their children,” Ostermyer said. “Our goal is to work with families to ensure that children are ready for kindergarten and continue to succeed afterward.”
A Simple Approach to Education
The nonprofit also encourages parents to remember that even simple interactions, like having conversations with their children, can help with their development.
“We believe that education doesn’t always have to be formal. Just talking with your child can be a powerful way to support their learning,” Ostermyer added.
