On Oct. 1, 2023, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation declaring October 2023 as Head Start Awareness Month in Iowa. Head Start is a federal program designed to give children aged three and four a head start in their academic lives. Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) sponsors Head Start programs and provides the support and resources to improve the stability and quality of life for individuals and families with limited resources living in Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties. In the seven-county area served by NEICAC, 259 students were served through Head Start last year and 124 children were supported through Early Head Start.
Head Start is a full-day, five-day-a-week preschool that helps students be ready for the normal school schedule. It also provides wrap around services to those who qualify. As a federally funded program, families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start pay no tuition, no meal/snack costs and all supplies are provided.
Families can apply for Early Head Start and Head Start online at www.neicac.org or by contacting the Family Service Specialist in your county. Head Start serves all seven counties in the NEICAC service area and Early Head Start serves families in Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties. For more information, contact Martin L. Ahrndt, Family and Community Partnership Enrollment Specialist at 563-387-4947 or e-mail mahrndt@neicac.org.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a USDA Child Nutrition Program administered in Iowa by the Iowa Department of Education, Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services. CACFP provides meal reimbursement to child development home providers for serving nutritious meals to children enrolled in their childcare home. In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, meals served in child development homes are available to all enrolled participants for no separate meal charge.
To participate in CACFP contact the Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation Home Sponsor Organization: NEICAC, CACFP Office, PO Box 487, Decorah, or call CACFP Direct Line 563-387-4950. NEICAC is the home sponsor organization for Head Start and Child Development programs in Cresco, Decorah, Guttenberg, Monona, New Hampton, Oelwein, Postville, Waukon, Waverly and West Union.
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