AIR DATE NOVEMBER 11, 2021
Title: Universal Children’s Day
The UN has declared every 20th of November Universal Children’s Day. In this episode, Emily shares about the programs that Orange County has for children. We visit an Orange County Head Start.
Guests and Locations
Orange County Head Start, Director – Sonya Hill
Bithlo Head Start Center, Supervisor – Terri Watts
Universal Children’s Day: Head Start Programs in Orange County
The United Nations named November 20th Universal Children’s Day. To celebrate the occasion, we’re visiting a local Head Start in Orange County to learn about the many services the program provides.
I’m sitting down with Sonya Hill- Florida Head Start Vice President and Director of the Orange County Head Start program. Teri Watts joins me later at Bithlo Head Start to provide an in-depth look at the center.
All About Orange County’s Head Start Program
Head Start is a multi-faceted program dedicated to serving children ages three to five in partnership with their parents to ensure positive long-term development.
The Orange County Head Start has been under the Orange County government since 1969. The program itself has been in existence since 1965. What once was an eight-week summer program has now evolved into a billion-dollar early childhood education program.
Parents come along for the ride as well. Sonya explains, “So when a parent signs their child up for the Head Start program, they are committing to working with us to create a partnership to become self-sufficient.”
Orange County Head Start teachers have a Bachelor’s in early childhood education and receive 300+ hours of annual training. The curriculum itself is the High Scope Curriculum, which is one of the oldest early childhood and proven curriculums in the United States.
Opportunities for Head Start Involvement
Many parents may be wondering how their child can get involved in a Head Start program in Orange County. Sonya tells the details,
“You can qualify based on aging income or become categorically eligible. So, we use the 125% poverty guidelines. Depending on their household size and income, they could qualify for the program. Or you can be categorically eligible, meaning if your family receives Social Security Disability, foster, or homeless, then you’re categorically eligible, and we don’t consider your income at that point.”
To learn more about the program or apply, you can visit their website or call the program’s main number, 407-836-6590. You can also call their number to get involved with any volunteer opportunities.
The Orange County Bithlo Head Start
Teri Watts is the center supervisor at Bithlo Head Start in Orange County. This program is federally funded and provides comprehensive services to children and their families in the community. They also work with community partners, such as Parks and Recreation and the Neighborhood Center for Families.
Teachers and instructors at Bithlo work with students on social, emotional, and physical development. Their education topic list covers the basics as well:
- Language
- Literacy
- Nature
- Science
- Technology
- Logic and Reasoning
- Creative Arts
- Approaches to Learning
Right now, Bithlo Head Start has spots for 34 children. Teri elaborates, “I just want the community to know that we’re here and we still have space for the children in the community, and we’re keeping them safe.”
Get your child ready for kindergarten and beyond by enrolling in one of Orange County’s incredible Head Start programs.
