| | NCO HEAD START Child Development Program

NCO Early Head Start uses a comprehensive and integrated approach to education in our program. One of our most important goals is to support parents as the principal influence in their child's life. Each child is recognized for their individual uniqueness and the curriculum is based on the strengths model. Our overall goal is social competence. We create a safe and nurturing environment where children and families can reach their highest potential. Our program is sensitive to the cultures and languages of the community we serve. The child is encouraged to learn through play, exploration, experimentation and inquiry. The staff works in partnership with families to achieve these goals. The Program for Infant Toddler Care givers curriculum and the Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers serve as the foundation for the education services. There is a strong cross-component commitment in providing the following service area plan.

For children birth to three years of age, relationships are central to all areas of development. Healthy attachment to parents and a limited number of responsive Caregivers is promoted through assignment of primary Care givers and small group size and staff to child ratio. In the home based program the P.I.P.E. curriculum supports parent's ability to attach to, respond to, and encourage their child's development through play.