Since Robyn began attending Head Start combined with child care at the Urban League Child Development Center in August, a lot has happened. She’s learning basic skills and interacting and playing with other children. CPCD’s comprehensive child and family services allowed Robyn, age four, to receive a free medical and dental assessment—an activity not typically performed in child care centers.
Meanwhile, her mother, Renee, is able to work full-time to support her family. Fortunately, the medical screening detected a problem with Robyn’s hearing. She has significant hearing loss in one ear. “I had no idea that Robyn wasn’t hearing well!” said Renee, a single mother. “I’m so happy to know this now, rather than later. And, I’m thankful CPCD is helping me get in touch with a doctor.”
CPCD’s preventive and early intervention health care include medical, dental, hearing, and vision screenings. If problems are identified early, the need for further, more costly procedures might be reduced or eliminated. After all, a healthy child is more likely to be ready to learn.
In addition, the daily classroom curriculum is helping Robyn learn basic pre-math and pre-reading skills. “Robyn enjoys playing with the other children, and she’s learning letters, shapes, colors—everything that will help her in kindergarten.”
Throughout this program year, Renee and Robyn will continue to benefit from Head Start’s comprehensive child and family services. CPCD and Urban League staff will work hand-in-hand to ensure Renee and Robyn are receiving the services they need.
Family support is available from a CPCD Family Advocate, and there are many opportunities for Renee to become and remain involved with Robyn’s education. Renee can volunteer in Robyn’s classroom and also attend CPCD’s Parent Center Meetings that focus on topics such as nutrition, parenting techniques, household budgets, and much more.
“It’s still the beginning of the year, but I attended a parent center meeting,” Renee says. “I found it helpful, and I plan to continue going to the meetings.”
CPCD’s unique partnerships with Colorado Springs Child Nursery Centers, The Urban League Child Development Center, and six family child care homes allow parents to work and/or attend school while their children attend a high-quality early education program in combination with Early Head Start and Head Start comprehensive services.
“The Urban League is convenient for me since I have to be at work very early every day,” said Renee. “I drop Robyn off at the child care center knowing she’s in the best hands. I’m also thankful for the additional support from Head Start.”