Head Start students receive educational and social development advantages that not only last a lifetime, but also can impact future generations.
2024 Head Start Awards
Federal: $1,763,719.00
State: $432,344.00
CACFP: $273,388.50
Through Head Start, children are prepared for grade school by providing nurturing learning environment that meets the emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs of its students. Head Start also emphasizes the role of parents as their child’s first and most important teacher.
According to the National Head Start Fact Sheet, studies show that participation in Head Start results in a:
38% reduction in vocabulary deficits during their program year.
31% less likelihood for the student to be held back a grade.
AVCP’s Head Start program is unique as it incorporates several elements that support the region’s needs. These include:
Emphasis of the cultural values and language of the people of the region;
Family advocates for each community who work closely with families and teachers to meet students’ goals, connect families to other resources, conduct wellness checks, and provide additional support as needed;
Home-based teachers who serve communities that do not have Head Start facilities by going to the child’s home for about 1.5 hours per session (please note that the frequency of the home visit depends on the number of children in the community that need to be served);
Distance education training through the University of Alaska Fairbanks-Kuskokwim Learning campus for Head Start teachers working towards a bachelor’s degree in early education.
Parents as Teachers
According to the National Head Start Fact Sheet, studies show that participation in Head Start results in a:
38% reduction in vocabulary deficits during their program year
31% less likelihood for the student to be held back a grade.
Placement in one of AVCP’s Head Start schools is determined by need, using a point system. Eligibility points are based on the following requirements:
- Each community has its own parent committee. Parent committees makes decision about the school calendar and activities. They also encourage family activity nights.
- One representative form each parent committee is selected to be on the region-wide policy committee. They meet a few times a year at our headquarters in Bethel. The Policy Committee approves the regional Head Start budget and any new policy changes.
- Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the classroom on a daily basis, pending a background check.
To Apply:
Applications are accepted in an ongoing basis. Completed applications must include:
- Birth certificate
- Immunization records
- Income documentation(W-2 forms, most recent paystub, monthly bills)
- Individual Education Plan (IEP)or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)(If applicable)
- Custody Paperwork (if applicable)
“Through our Tribal Workforce Development Program, all Head Start teachers are enrolled at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The program’s first graduate Gaina Okitkun has graduated and been promoted to the Child Development Coordinator.”
Useful Resources
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
A: No, please go ahead and apply. Your child will be added to the waiting list and placed after their birthday when there is space available. Children are able to enter in the middle of the school year.
A: Yes, you can. By federal guidelines, the majority of all students must meet low income standards as determined by the federal government. However, higher income students can be placed on a space available basis.
A: AVCP is always looking for substitute teachers, cooks, and family advocates. Please apply for employment through the AVCP Careers Page Click here.
