By SUE ELLEN ROSS – Staff Reporter

Garyville – The St. John Parish School Administration knows the importance of beginning a child’s education at a young age.

Their Head Start Program includes a total of 193 youngsters, ages 3-5.

The goal of the child-focused cirriculumn centers on school readiness for young children in low-income families.

There are two Head Start locations in St. John Parish.

On the East Bank, the St. John Child Development Center houses 173 students in nine classes.

On the West Bank, one class with 20 students is in session at West St. John Elementary School.

The basic plan of the Head Start program is to prepare children for entry into kindergarten. “This is a cooperative learning experience for them,” said Audrey Sylvain, principal at West St. John Elementary School. “It also expands socialization skills.”

Jacquline Forest, principal at the East Bank location, agrees. She also feels the benefits of the program go beyond the classroom. The successful teamwork/cooperation aspect is one benefit. “It is wonderful to see their progress during the school year,” she said. “The most rewarding part of being involved in Head Start is seeing the small children so eager to learn.”

Activities at both locations vary for the youngsters, with different themes each month. This month reflects Valentines Day and Mardi Gras.

Students at the East Bank location marched in their holiday parade on Feb. 19, throwing beads to those that came to observe.

Students at the West Bank held their own parade on Feb. 20 on school grounds, complete with tossing the traditional beads.

A unique craft item undertaken by the youngsters at both locations also reflects Carnival season.

Miniature Mardi Gras floats were designed by the students, with help from their parents.

Seventy-nine entries were put on display for judging at the Child Development Center. Themes such as “Barney Goes To Mardi Gras” and “Sponge Bob Squarepants,” were examples of the students’ creativity

Entries will be judged by school board member Elexia Henderson; Grace Cook, Level A Evaluator and Instructional Coordinator Title I; and Ann Means, Nalco Chemical.

West Bank Head Start students also fashioned floats of the Carnival season. Examples of their themes were ‘Cat in the Hat’ and ‘American Heroes,’ among others. Their Judges have not yet been chosen.

A typical day in a Head Start classroom begins with an arrival ritual, breakfast, storytime, etc. A song or discussion of the weather may be next, followed by a transitional activity. Then a prep period, moving toward the special theme of the month.

Cooking activities may also be included.

According to Sylvain, her Head Start students at West St. John Elementary recently learned many lessons from a single carrot.

After the top was cut off, the remaining carrot used to make soup. They didn’t discard the top, it was then used in an experiment that taught them an appreciation of nature.

“They placed the carrot top in a saucer of water and noted the progress,” said Sylvain. “They learned about charting and graphing without even knowing it.”

In addition to what students are taught in their regular classroom, they are taken by their teachers to the Computer Lab twice a week. The students aren’t ready for keyboards yet, so these are placed to the side. Utilizing the computer mouse is the focus of the visit.

This activity helps the child in many areas, according to teacher Sherry Esta. “They love using the computers,” she said. “This is a way to make them comfortable with them, as they develop eye-hand coordination.”

St. John Parish educators believe the Head Start program is very valuable to future education.

“There is a serious need to start early childhood development,” said Josie Clement, Director of Education, Pre K – 3. She cited the importance of readiness for testing that students will face in the future, such as the Leap Tests.

The annual Application Roundup for the Head Start Program for next year will take place at both locations next month.

(West Bank) West St. John Elementary School, 2555 Hwy. 18, Edgard, will receive applications from 9 a.m. to noon on March 11.

(East Bank) St. John Child Development Center , 117 Stebbins St., Garyville, will take applications from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 22 through March 26.

Children who are 3-years-old by Sept. 30, and children who are 4-years-old by September 30, are eligible. Documents needed for application are:

€ Child’s birth certificate;

€ If parents are working, copies of check stubs from last two months;

€ If receiving welfare or food stamps, a current copy of the budget sheet;

€ If receiving social security benefits, a copy of the social security award letter or check;

€ A copy of the child’s up-to-date immunization record;

€ A copy of the child’s health insurance care/Medicaid card/LaChip card, if any;

€ A copy of the social security cards for all family members (and applicant) listed on the application;

€ Documentation of any handicapping condition, if applicable (IEP or Evaluation Report.) Children with disabilities will be considered regardless of income.

€ If parent is in school, verification from the school attending; and

€ Proof of residency.

Staff will be available at both locations to assist parents with applications on the above-mentioned dates. – END –