As school buildings empty for the summer, Umatilla Morrow Head Start is already working to fill its classrooms for the 2016-17 school year. The agency is taking applications from pregnant mothers and families with children ranging from newborns to 5 year olds.
UMCHS provides services to children and their families in Morrow, Umatilla, Wallowa, Gilliam, Grant, Sherman and Wheeler Counties.
UMCHS is also partnering with the Morrow County School District to offer the “Ready for Kindergarten” preschool program to 3 and 4 year olds from families that don’t meet Head Start eligibility criteria. Two day per week classrooms will be located in Irrigon and Boardman.
In Hermiston, the “Little Pups” preschool will operate again this year, and spaces are available for 4 year old children.
“Our agency believes that every child deserves a head start in life”, said Suellen Whitlock, Family Engagement Director for UMCHS. “Head Start is one of the earliest and most effective interventions for preparing our young children for brighter futures academically, socially and emotionally.”
Interested parents can apply online for any of these preschool programs on the Head Start website, and then selecting “Head Start Application.”
Applications are also available at the Head Start Administration Office located at 110 N.E. Fourth St., in Hermiston. The Oregon Department of Human Services and most other social service agencies also have applications. For more information, call Suellen Whitlock at 541-564-6878 or 800-559-5878.
