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Careers   |   (406) 535-7751

Our Services

Central Montana Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education, family support, and community resources to help children and families thrive. Our programs focus on school readiness, social-emotional development, and overall well-being, ensuring a strong foundation for future success. With center-based classrooms in Lewistown, Roundup, and Harlowton, we are committed to making quality early education accessible to families across Central Montana.

HEALTH AND NUTRITION SERVICES

Health and Nutrition Services is essential components of its comprehensive child development program. These services ensure children are healthy, well-nourished, and ready to learn.

Health Services 

  • Medical & Dental Screenings – Early identification of health concerns like vision, hearing, and dental issues.
  • Immunizations & Preventive Care – Ensuring children receive required vaccinations and regular check-ups.
  • Chronic Condition Management – Support for asthma, allergies, anemia, and other ongoing health concerns.
  • Mental Health Support – Access to behavioral and emotional wellness resources for children and families.

Nutrition Services

  • Healthy Meals & Snacks – USDA-approved, balanced meals provided daily.
  • Nutrition Education – Teaching children and families about healthy eating habits.
  • Special Dietary Needs – Accommodations for allergies, religious preferences, and medical conditions.
  • Family Support – Resources on meal planning, breastfeeding, and food security.

FAMILY SERVICES

Family Services is a core component of its program, focusing on strengthening families and promoting self-sufficiency. These services are designed to support parents as primary caregivers and educators while connecting them to essential resources.

Family Engagement & Support

  • Encouraging parents to be active in their child’s education and development.
  • Home visits and goal-setting to support family needs.

Parent Education & Leadership

  • Workshops on child development, positive parenting, and financial literacy.
  • Opportunities to join Policy Councils and advisory boards for program decision-making.

Employment & Education Assistance

  • Helping parents access GED programs, job training, and higher education.
  • Referrals to workforce development programs and career support.

Community Resources & Social Services

  • Connecting families with housing assistance, food support, healthcare, and counseling.
  • Support for families experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or crisis situations.

EDUCATION SERVICES

Education Services as a critical part of its mission to promote school readiness for children from birth to age five. These services focus on comprehensive, research-based learning experiences that support cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

Early Learning & School Readiness

  • Curriculum aligned with state early learning standards.
  • Developmentally appropriate activities for literacy, math, science, and problem-solving.
  • Emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and self-regulation.

Individualized Learning

  • Lessons tailored to each child’s strengths, needs, and interests.
  • Support for children with disabilities or special needs through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Language & Literacy Development

  • Encouraging early literacy through storytelling, phonics, and hands-on activities.
  • Support for dual-language learners (DLLs) to strengthen both English and home language skills.

Social-Emotional Development

  • Teaching self-regulation, problem-solving, and positive social interactions.
  • Building relationships with peers and adults to foster confidence and independence.

Family Engagement in Education

  • Parents as partners in their child’s learning through workshops, home activities, and progress updates.
  • Classroom volunteer opportunities and participation in school readiness planning.

Head Start classifies ERSEA as the process that ensures eligible children and families are identified, enrolled, and receive continuous services. ERSEA stands for:

  1. Eligibility
  • Families qualify based on income level, homelessness, foster care, or public assistance (TANF, SSI).
  • Children with disabilities are prioritized (at least 10% of enrollment must be for children with disabilities).
  1. Recruitment
  • Active outreach in communities to find eligible families.
  • Flyers, social media, community events, and partnerships with local agencies.
  1. Selection
  • Enrollment is not first-come, first-served—families with the highest need are prioritized.
  • Selection criteria consider income, family situation, and special needs.
  1. Enrollment
  • Ensuring all Head Start slots are filled and maintaining full enrollment.
  • Families provide required documentation (income verification, birth certificate, immunization records).
  1. Attendance
  • Encouraging regular attendance to maximize learning benefits.
  • Staff follow up on frequent absences to support families in overcoming barriers.