Community Action Agency, Firelands partner in classroom

Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start is going to work at Firelands Elementary School, 10779 Vermilion Road in Henrietta Township, in a new partnership designed to expand quality preschool opportunities throughout Lorain County, according to a news release.

“This is a natural partnership with a very enthusiastic district,” said Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start Director Shauna Matelski. “Head Start complements Firelands’ relationship based approach to their students and families.”

The center will start with one classroom and 20 students this fall, but will have the potential to add more children and more classrooms in the future, according to the release.

Head Start is a comprehensive child development program funded by the federal government and the flagship program of Community Action Agencies throughout the nation, the release said.

The entire family benefits from Head Start which prepares children for kindergarten and academic success while promoting selfsufficiency in the children and their parents, according to the release.

Since 1966, the Lorain County Community Action Agency has provided Head Start for children.

Also, the Community Action Agency is the only Head Start provider Lorain County has ever had.

“Early childhood education is an extremely important step in the development of the whole child,” said Firelands Superintendent Mike Von Gunten. “We look forward to partnering with (the Lorain County Community Action Agency) to bring Head Start to our youngest Falcons.”

Extensive research has demonstrated that Head Start improves educational outcomes, according to the release.

Head Start alumni are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college and receive a post-secondary degree, license or certification, the release said.

Head Start also improves self-control, self-esteem and positive parenting practices, the release said.

Firelands Local School District serves 1,700 students across a 90-squaremile area.

The Lorain County Community Action Agency serves 30,000 individuals annually with Head Start, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), workforce development programs and more.

Families interested in enrolling their child in the new Firelands Head Start classroom should contact Stefanie Drew at the Community Action Agency at 440204-3162.

Online enrollment will be available soon at lccaa.net, according to the release.