Welcome to Lafourche Parish Head Start! Our program earned a Certificate of Excellence in March, 2007, for being in full compliance with all applicable Head Start Program Performance Standards, laws, regulations, and policy requirements.

Early childhood teachers "show the ropes" of school to young children. It is here that children learn the most critical values related to school success - respect and responsibility. These first teachers accept the children in their care unconditionally and set up a safe learning environment that supports choice. They model curiosity and otherwise structure group and individual activities so children will grow to feel proud and competent. Thus, the young children gain the courage to dare - to tackle the difficult - to learn and to succeed with the tools demanded by our society.

As these young children enter Lafourche Parish Head Start they will experience developmentally appropriate activities that will help them learn to balance independence and cooperation. They will learn the value of work and approaches to conflict resolution. These young children will learn to establish friendships with peers. Our teachers will model dignity and respect as they establish and maintain a secure climate for learning. Children respond in such settings by developing habits through their exchanges with teachers and classmates. These habits are dispositions, skills and attitudes that result in the formation of character.

Through active intervention, young children and their families will move toward privilege and accomplishment. Children who receive quality early childhood education arrive at school ready to learn, do better in school, need fewer special education classes, and are more likely to graduate from high school and to hold jobs.

I wish success for all of our families.

Sincerely,

Director of Lafourche Parish Head Start