Welcome to Marathon County Child Development Agency (MCCDA)- Head Start
What is Head Start?
Head Start is a Federal program for preschool children from low-income families. The Head Start program is operated by local non-profit organizations in almost every county in the country. Head Start is a program of the Marathon County Child Development Agency of Wausau, Wisconsin . The agency receives funds from the Administration for Children and Families and the Department of Health and Human Services and the Wisconsin Departments of Public Instruction and Department of Workforce Development to offer educational services to children and families. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe, social setting.
Head Start helps all children succeed. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. Most children in Head Start are between the ages of three and five years of age. The Head Start classroom is informal, with time for free play, art, meals/snacks, and socialization. Children learn how to get along with others, share, play cooperatively, and solve problems. Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. The Head Start staff recognize that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. The staff encourage and welcome each parent's involvement in Head Start activities, and will work as partners to help each child progress. Each child will leave Head Start more prepared for kindergarten, excited about learning, and ready to succeed.
MCCDA Head Start Mission:
To make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.
In striving to achieve our mission, we will:
- Provide a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment
- Create partnerships with families and community resource agencies
- Recruit, develop and maintain a staff that is dedicated to promoting excellence