Headstart and Headstart II, free programs for preschool boys and girls turning ages three and four, are now accepting applications for enrollment for next year. Enrollment closes March 1, 2015. Call 732-534-9710 to make an appointment with a family worker to fill out an application.
Lakewood’s Headstart programs, run by LEAP (Lakewood Economic Action Program, Inc.), are fully funded by the federal government, not by the state or local township.
Headstart II, also referred to as Headstart 2, is the kosher program of Lakewood Headstart located at Bais Rivkah Rochel, Route 9, 285 River Avenue. The Headstart II program follows a typical school year, beginning in September and ending mid to late June. The hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; and Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Morning transportation is available. Because the entire Headstart II program is kosher, no outside food can be brought in. Locker caterers provide breakfast and hot lunches.
Admission to Headstart II is based on an estimated point system. Families are given points according to income eligibility; being bi-lingual – Yiddish and Hebrew ARE considered another language; any medical conditions; therapies, including speech; and such household dynamics as being a one-parent household. If a child needs services, a family worker will guide the family through the process so the child can receive services in Headstart.
Although Headstart II is a two-year program, parents have to apply each year. Year one is a nursery program with a short Aleph Bais (Aleph through Yud) curriculum. Year two is a standard kindergarten program—the entire Aleph Bais). The children learn about Yomim Tovim, shapes, colors, foods, ABCs.
Another program called Early Head Start is designed for pregnant women and infants up to age three who can move on to Headstart II afterwards, but they must fill out an application. In Early Head Start, a home visitor visits the home on a weekly basis and covers basic nutrition and activities for the child.
The Interim Executive Director and Early Head Start Manager Angie Gaeta is running the Headstart program in Lakewood; however, a new director is expected in the future. Remember to request an application for Headstart II, the kosher program, to apply for that program. Call 732-534-9710 to make an appointment.
[TLS]
I like the way the article starts off by saying ”free programs”. To us it seems free, but in the long run, we the citizens are going to end up paying for all these so called ‘freebies’. Our taxes are already thru the roof. All these programs by the government is just to get our vote. Don’t be fooled by thinking this is free. The federal government is trillions of dollars in debt & this is just gonna get worse with all these programs & our taxes are gonna sky rocket even more.
Apparently, you would also like to see the entire free public school system terminated as well. Good luck on your futile efforts.
To moish do you not want these kids to have an education and be main streamed?
Moish- these free programs are going on for years. They have been just been giving out most of the spots to non jews, with your tax dollars. Now, with askanims help, they are trying to give more of the spots to the frum population. Please vent your frustration on other matters.
Enrollment does not end March 1st. I spoke to the admin today and they always take applications. Always. They will even take applications now for the current 14-15 school year. And they are first starting next week to take 15-16 applications and will continue to take. And they won’t be doing acceptance till April time. It does not end March 1st.
Head Start is a federally funded program that has been open to the public for many years including Jews, not just non jews. There are Head Starts in most states. Head Start ll in lakewood has two classrooms so space is limited just as in Manchester and Toms River. Jews and non Jews can apply to send their children to Head Start l located on 8th street. The issue is that many Jews do not want their children attending Head Start l because the teachers are not Jewish and the children are non Jewish. Non jewish families can also apply for Head Start ll location as its a federally funded program not private. Also, as needed non Jewish teachers do work in the classrooms.