Head Start openings available

CALAIS — Action Opportunities Inc. of Ellsworth is looking for children age 3 to 5 for next year’s Head Start programs in Washington and Hancock counties.

Head Start is a preschool program for children that is funded through the Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine State Division of Community Services.

In Hancock County, the Head Start centers are located in Bucksport, Ellsworth, Stonington, Bar Harbor and Sullivan. In Washington County, the centers are located in Calais, East Machias, Eastport, Jonesport, Lubec, Princeton and Harrington.

The children attend the centers four mornings a week from September through May. Staffing at each center includes a director and teacher who plan and supervise classroom activities, a family-services coordinator who is responsible for the health and social service aspects of the program and a food coordinator who is responsible for the nutrition component of the program. Parent involvement in both center activities and in policy making for the program is emphasized.

Head Start is free to those who meet income-eligibility guidelines. Eligibility is based on the guidelines established by the Office of Management and Budget. Ninety percent of the children must meet these guidelines, and at least 10 percent of those accepted must be handicapped. Special services are provided to those children who have special needs.

For more information about income guidelines or the program call 1-800-834-4378 or 667-2995.