Early Head Start and Pre-K are the “Start of Something Big”
Maria W. Daniels
Early Head Start and Pre-K Director
Early Head Start (EHS), the federally-funded program for infants and toddlers from birth to age three and their families, and pregnant women, continues to provide services to income-eligible families in Emanuel County to help them become self-sufficient. Center-based services are provided to 48 infants and toddlers from six weeks of age to age three by caregivers trained in infant and toddler caregiving, and seven pregnant teens at the local high schools and middle school. Teen mothers graduate from high school, and parents work and attend school and job training programs while their infants and toddlers receive quality center-based care from qualified caregivers.
At EHS, many parent engagement activities are provided throughout the year including the opportunity for parents to check out children’s books from classroom lending libraries and attend parenting workshops with a family literacy focus.
The program’s school readiness initiative provides training sessions and opportunities for parents to identify school readiness goals for their children. Children with disabilities are identified and provided on-site services by Babies Can’t Wait, Georgia’s early intervention program which serves children from birth to age three.
The Emanuel County Pre-K Program is designed to prepare children for kindergarten and the curriculum is focused on having children school ready by the time they leave Pre-K. Students are taught to verbally communicate needs, wants, and thoughts, and to be enthusiastic and curious about approaching new activities.
The Pre-K Program reflects an understanding of how children learn by emphasizing active learning, consistent daily routines, and the use of positive behavioral management and assessment strategies. The school readiness goals provide emphasis in language and literacy, math concepts, science, social studies, arts, physical development and social and emotional competence.
Activities include visits to the Franklin Memorial Library, where, four times a year, they receive a book that is theirs to keep through the Reading is Fundamental Program. Our Pre-K students also participate in other fun and learning activities throughout the year such as Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Celebration, the Planetarium at the Sudie Fulford Center on East Georgia State College Campus, Fun Day, and the Splash Pad at Emanuel County Recreation Department.
Currently there are eight classes in Swainsboro, and two classes in Twin City. County wide, we have 220 slots, and registration is taken on a first come, first serve basis. We follow district guidelines for entry into each location.
Early Head Start and Swainsboro Pre-K are located at 308 Tiger Trail adjacent to the Swainsboro Primary School with its own entrance. Twin City Pre-K is located in Twin City Elementary School at 162 Parrish Pond Road, Twin City, GA. If you have a child that will be four years old by September 1, 2022 and would like to register them for Pre-K for the 2022-2023 school year, please call 478-237-9593, or email me at mdaniels@emanuel.k12.ga.us for more information. If you need more information on Early Head Start, please call 478-237-3434 or email me at mdaniels@emanuel.k12.ga.us.