Newspapers / The Kings Mountain Herald … / July 25, 1996, edition 1 / Page 8
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Head Start, Kenan have openings [fT { The Head Start program marks its 31st year serving preschool children in Cleveland County in 1996. - The county-wide program is administered by the Kings Mountain School District and serves 263 children ages 3-5 in 16 classes throughout the three local school systems. Four of the 16 classes are funded through Smart Start (Cleveland County Partnership for Children). One class is funded by Smart Start and is housed at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Shelby. This class lis based on the Kenan Family Literacy Model that allows par- ents and children to go to school together with parents working toward their high school diplomas. The class be- gan operation in February 1994 and had its first two graduates with the May 1996 class of Cleveland Community College. i Patti Norman, director, said {'parents are making a major ‘commitment to themselves and their children coming to school ievery day with their children to icontinue their own education." . Norman said the Kenan fami- ly literacy model departs from traditional programs in two ways: i *It treats the family as a whole instead of addressing parents and children separately. : *It addresses the broad spec- trum of a parent's needs - as a iconfident individual, as a future employee, and as a nurturing parent. : A day in the program begins with the arrival of children and parents. Most children and par- ents are transported by the Transportation Authority of Cleveland County (TACC). One mother rides the school bus with her child, serving as a vol- unteer bus monitor. After breakfast together in the school cafeteria, parents and children go their separate ways. Parents go into a classroom with an in- structor from Cleveland Community College where they are enrolled in an adult educa- tion program based on their in- dividual needs. During the same time children participate in a regular Head Start program based on the state Circle of Childhood curriculum for preschoolers. Parents again meet the children for a shared lunch., In the afternoon, parents and children come back together for a period of joint activities. During this time children are the leaders, initiating projects in which their parents can play along. The classroom teacher al- so uses a portion of this time to demonstrate activities that par- ents and children can do togeth- er at home. While children nap, the par- ents meet with teachers or par- ticipate in other programs. The moms have enjoyed training on parenting skills by Diane Davis of United Family Services, a member of the Smart Start Neighborhood Team. Teresa Clary, Head Start Education Coordinator, has taught Motheread classes. Motheread, Inc is a nationally acclaimed or- ganization combining the teach- ing of literacy skills with child development and family em- powerment. Parents and chil- dren learn to use the power of language to discover more about themselves, their fami- lies, and their communities. The mothers are learning to be story readers, writers, and tellers in a group structure that supports their own sense of worth and ability and encourages them to be reading role models for their children. Lois Owens. of the county Agricultural Extension office provided classes for the group on nutrition, cooking, safe handling of food, and bud- geting. Course work for the parents at the college is based on their individual high school tran- scripts. Most of the mothers need 10 to 20 units to complete high school. Elective courses in- clude Family Living and other classes designed to offer help with household management. The first grade report for the year yielded all A's. Susan Beam, instructor, says the stu- dents are "very cooperative, - very understanding of the ma- terials, and persistent, highly motivated and determined. Most of the parents are single mothers with home and family responsibilities in spite of diffi- cult circumstances. "They're here trying to accomplish some- thing wonderful," said Beam. "It's a wonderful program. The students show such support for each other. I've learned from Kids Etc. registration set : Kids Etc., Kings Mountain District Schools' before and af- ter school care program, will hold registration for the 1996-97 school year August 5 from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. at West Elementary School. | All parents who plan to en- boll their child in the program are urged to attend the orienta- tion. For more information, call # Walker said Kids Etc. serves #nore than 200 students each Wear, offering an affordable, safe @ind caring environment for ele- gnentary school children. # Kids Etc. programs are held it the child's own school and portation for children, Walker aid. Participants spend their ffternoon time in a familiar en- ¢ironment with their friends. Walker said the programs’ gliminates the need for trans-- goal is to make after school time meaningful, rewarding and fun for each child. In addition to snack, homework time and ac- tivity centers, specialty instruc- tors and city resources will visit the program regularly. These activities taught by specialists are designed to expose children to a variety of different experi- ences. Examples of specialty safety, self-esteem program, bal- loon sculpture, science pro- grams, drama, and more. Specialty classes are rotated throughout the year and are based on teacher availability. Children make individual choices to participate based on their interest and are guided by the program's professional staff. "Children participating in Kids Etc. are approached in a positive: manner and treated with respect,” Walker said. "Consistent, age appropriate limits help children be success- ful in the program. Children will learn self discipline, respect for others and how to make good choices. Appropriate be- havior is acknowledged and re-_ warded, misbehavior is redi- rected. At Kids Etc. we view ents to provide the best care for their child." Walker said Kids Etc. exceeds child care program standards set forth by the North Carolina. Department of Public Instruction. The program is reg- | istered with the Child Care Resources Center of North Carolina. Each staff member is certified in CPR and first aid training. 1992 Ford F150 XLT 4x4 Was $15,995 NOW $12,988 V8 Loaded 5 Spd, 1994 Mazda B2300 P/U A/C, AM/FM Cass Was $10,995 NOW $8,995 - suseventsiinclude: cookingifiress;iouiselves as parmers with par-. |}. them as much as they've learned from me." Students are so motivated that they have requested extra ~ work. In the winter quarter stu- dents attended class 11 extra days beyond the scheduled school days. Although the Head Start program ends in May the students requested to continue their classes in the summer. The college scheduled two night classes for them during the summer months last year. There are still openings for ‘the Kenan Medel Head Start class as well as other Head Start .classes throughout the county. Call the Head STart office at 734-5660 for an application or “more information. Lordy, Lordy Bobby Rucker is 40! Happy Birthday, The Gang cal Coverage : OK nn, ‘he SUMMER CLEARANCE OO” oss New Fall Merchandise Arriving Daily Carolina Kids . 1102 Union Rd. - Gastonia, NC 861-1991/Mon.-Fri. 10-5/Sat 10-4 After 1 pm > Weekends & ? f Holidays MONDAY & THURSDAY - SPECIAL SENIOR DAYS WOODBRIDGE GOLF LINKS ERT weekday round Ble When you make your tee time, ask about our Senior Association Memberships OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 1007 New Camp Creek Church Rd. 7 Kings Mountain, NC 28086 3 miles off 74 West on Moss Lake. 704-482-0353 In Charlotte 338-9024 NO PAYM AN IN NOW AVAILABLE
The Kings Mountain Herald (Kings Mountain, N.C.)
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July 25, 1996, edition 1
8
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