Shasta Head Start is committed to a child development program, which includes parents as partners, respects family culture, and recognizes all children as unique individuals who learn and develop at different rates and styles. Shasta Head Start is constantly striving to be at the forefront of early childhood education, using specific tools and strategies to help children learn. Each class is taught based on their age/developmental level. Education staff are dedicated to providing a safe, friendly environment where learning is fun! Children are encouraged to learn through play, build connections and play nicely with their classmates (social development), and recognize and process how they are feeling (emotional development).
Creative Curriculum is the primary curriculum used by Shasta Head Start. The Creative Curriculum focuses on developmentally appropriate learning in the areas of:
- Literacy
- Language
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Art
- Cognitive Development
Shasta Head Start uses the California Teaching Pyramid Framework which focuses on building strong teacher-child relationships, supports social and emotional development, prevention of challenging behaviors, and promotes a sense of belonging for all ages. It was designed based on the core beliefs:
- Relationships are central.
- Play is a primary context for learning.
- Learning is integrated.
- Intentional teaching enhances children’s learning experiences.
- Family and community partnerships create meaningful connections.
- Individualization of learning includes all children.
- Responsiveness to cultures and language supports children’s learning.
- Time for reflection and planning enhances teaching.
Through the use of The Creative Curriculum, in combination with the CA Teaching Pyramid Framework, Shasta Head Start works to ensure children are taught and cared for through a holistic child development approach.
Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s education. One way to stay involved is through the Learning Genie app, which is a way to communicate about the development of your child.
Parents can see what their children are learning in school and do activities at home that will help support their children’s learning.
Shasta Head Start celebrates the unique skills and culture that each child and family bring to the program. Language Services facilitates communication between non-English speaking children and families through interpretation and translation. The goal is to support children and families as they strive to develop English language skills, while continuing to develop their first language.
