Jamestown Head Start program gets $1.13 million federal funding boost

Community Action Region VI in Jamestown, which serves low-income households in Stutsman and eight other counties, picked up $1,134,973 in federal Head Start money in the June 30 Health and Human Services package that sent more than $11 million to North Dakota. The Jamestown grant was one of six awards in the state and was directed to Head Start projects for eligible children and families.

The local program runs Head Start in Jamestown and Valley City for children from birth to age 5 and expectant mothers, with services at no cost to families who qualify. Its most recent annual report listed 103 children and pregnant women, including 79 preschool Head Start children and 24 Early Head Start children, across the Jamestown and Valley City centers.

Community Action Region VI's Head Start program includes center-based infant, toddler and preschool classrooms, prenatal one-on-one services, low child-staff ratios, a research-based curriculum, child assessments, screenings, parent-teacher conferences, and healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks. The agency sets aside 10 percent of enrollment slots for children with disabilities and accepts applications year-round to fill enrollment vacancies.

Community Action Region VI’s careers page currently lists an infant-toddler teacher opening in Jamestown, and the agency offers paid health, dental and vision insurance, paid life and disability insurance, a retirement match, and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave to recruit workers.