Drake University Head Start is a comprehensive child development program, which serves children from ages three to five years old and their families. The program is child-focused and has the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families. The program provides a range of individualized services in the areas of education, medical, dental and mental health, nutrition and social service to children and their families.
There is a program located within the Goldthwaite-Garvey Family Resource Center at 1111 S. Linn Avenue in Boone. The program utilizes the Creative Curriculum and operates a morning and an afternoon session. Classes operate four days each week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:15 - 11:45 and 12:15 - 3:45. Anyone wanting to enroll a child should contact the Drake University Head Start Central Office at 515-271-1854 or 1-800-44-DRAKE, ext. 1854.
Building Blocks Preschool is a comprehensive state licensed preschool where children from low income families have a hands-on approach to learning. The literacy- rich program is run in cooperation with the Boone Public School, however, enrollment is open to all 3-4 yr. olds from income eligible families in Boone County. Priority is given to those children who are 4 years of age by September 15th and have had no previous preschool experience.
Class size is limited to 18 and staffed with a highly qualified staff. The Director/Lead Teacher has a BS in Child Development and over 30 years experience. The Assistant Teacher has A Child Development Associate Credential with over 20 years experience.
Children attend Monday through Friday for 6 hours per day following the Boone Public School schedule. The preschool participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, providing a nutritious breakfast and lunch daily.
Weekly themes include small and large group activities as well as individual activities to foster development of social skills, independence, literacy, academic skills and healthy living habits.
Parent Orientation and Pre-attendance Home Visits provide the families with an opportunity to get to know the staff and the program before sending their child to preschool. Weekly Newsletters keep parents updated on the classroom happenings and other information regarding safety, health, or child development issues as well as community resources. Parent Teacher Conferences provide the families with information on their child’s development and progress in the classroom. A final Home Visit by the teaching staff at the end of the year provides summer activities and recommendations for the families.
Wrap-around child care is also provided by Empowerment at area Child Care Centers.
JoAnn Hanson, Director
Building Blocks Preschool
1111 S. Linn St.
Boone, Iowa 50036
515-433-1444
jhanson@boone.k12.ia.us
Child Care Junction is a not for profit child care center offering care for children of all abilities ages 6 weeks - 12 years.
Here at Child Care Junction we believe that children are unique and special in their own way. Each child develops and matures at his/her own rate. It is important that each child be allowed to express themselves and recognize their own individual differences. We believe that children learn best through active exploration and interaction with their peers, adults and the environment.
It is essential that the children have a safe environment to explore and have a positive learning experience. The center has designed programs that will provide children with a stimulating environment that addresses their physical/motor, social/emotional, and cognitive/language needs to assure the in-depth mastery of early development stages. The children need to be given many opportunities through appropriate materials and a nurturing environment to develop fully.
We firmly believe that our staff of dedicated professionals care about the children and will provide a positive daycare experience. It is important to us that we make the children feel safe and confident about themselves, so they can build self-esteem and independence. We will provide gentle direction and encourage the children in their learning and discovery process.
We also believe that families are the best role models for the children; we encourage being actively involved in their child’s learning. Caregivers and families should be partners in the child’s education. To promote and accomplish parent involvement, open communication and working hand-in-hand with families is a major part of our curriculum at Child Care Junction.
We are very happy that you chose our day care center to care for your child while you are away. We take pride in our business and the children, so while they are at Child Care Junction they will get positive time, interaction and nurturing. We will continually strive to earn the trust you place in us.
The Pre-kindergarten Program promotes the individual child’s emotional, social, physical, and intellectual growth. Each child learns to know Jesus and be aware of His presence in his/her life. Children learn to develop independence and security; to release feelings in acceptable ways; to respect others’ feelings and possessions; and to develop ways of approaching and responding to others in a social group. Growth in both large and small motor skills are addressed.
The program is directed by Mary Zinnel. She has a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education (Pre-kindergarten/kindergarten). She has an assistant in the classroom.
Twice a week the students meet with the Physical Education teacher for Gym class. They learn coordination and rule following. Also twice a week they meet with the music teacher. They learn songs and play musical instruments. The pre-kindergarten also performs at the school concerts. As part of their classroom learning, the students learn some Spanish and sign language along with basics like numbers and letters.
We currently run a 5 day program. It has been very successful and the students as well as the teachers are learning a lot!
The classes meet from 8-11 or 12-3 Monday thru Friday. Registration is open to the public starting in February. Class size is limited to 16 for each program. If you are interested or would like additional information, please contact the school at 515-432-4124 or email at secretary@sacred.pvt.k12.ia.us.