Yeled V' Yalda Head Start

Head Start both center-based and home-based applications and Early Head Start form the core of YVYs Early Learning Center. They serve more than 1300 children. Both the Head Start and Early Head Start programs offer the core services associated with the program including special needs screening and follow-ups medical needs screening and tracking and other social service supports.

The federally funded center based Head Start program is full day (6-plus hours) and part day (3.5 hours). It services children three to five years old and is designed to give income-eligible children a quality preschool educational experience.
The curriculum is designed to nurture the development of the whole child in the social emotional linguistic cognitive and physical domains in an environment which supports social and emotional development. Learning is child centered within the framework of teacher planning. Teachers work on language and literacy development encouraging the ability to read and write fluently. Number concepts are taught at an age-appropriate level. Science physical activity social and emotional development friendship and sharing are all incorporated into the Head Start curriculum. Nutrition health and safety are topics that are also integrated into the lesson plans as well as addressed directly.
To promote interaction and language use YVY employs teachers who speak the childrens native language and offers literacy classes for the parents as well.
In accordance with the NYCDOH requirement YVY hires teachers in the classrooms with a minimum of a bachelors degree in early childhood education. In addition each site must have at least one teacher with a NYS certificate in early childhood education. For the special needs children as per NYSDOE requirements YVY hires only professional educated and clinical staff to provide those services.