Our Mission and Programs

Mission Statement: 

Mid Florida Community Services, Inc. is a partner in which low-income people are supported in their efforts to become self-sufficient.

The Program:

School readiness and cognitive development services. School readiness is measured by the skills set out of  five domains and their corresponding goals:

• Language and Literacy
  
  
  • Increase English Language communication skills.
• Cognitive and General Knowledge
• Demonstrate an increased knowledge of pre-academic skills.
• Develop life skills and independence through everyday routines and interactions.
• Approaches to Learning
• Show curiosity, creativity and an eagerness to learn and experience new things.
• Physical Development and Health
  
  
  • Demonstrate control of their large and small muscles.
  • Develop and practice healthy and safe habits.
• Social and Emotional Development
  
  
  • Express and manage their feelings appropriately
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships

Frequent medical screening, immunizations, and dental services

Health screenings include:

• Blood pressure
• Dental Exam
• Hearing& Vision
• Height and Weight
• Lead and Hemoglobin
• Social and Emotional

Oral Health Services:

• Hygiene:
  
  
  • Children are provided with their own toothbrushes and toothpaste for classroom use.
  • Children brush their teeth after eating.
• Dental Exams and Treatment:
  
  
  • A dental exam is required for every child within 90 days of entering the program.
  • Head Start provides transportation as well as the medical professional to complete the exam.

Healthy nutritional assistance:

• Head Start provides breakfast and lunch for each child.
• All meals are served family- style, children are encouraged to serve themselves. Teachers sit with the children during mealtime. Family- style dining helps create an enjoyable mealtime, while still being a part of the instructional day.

Referral services for a range of individual child and family needs:

• Families make goals with Head Start staff and are given referrals to help them meet them.
• Children are referred for health and development related issues (Speech, OT, PT, etc.)

An Opportunity for parents to participate in school decision making:

Parent/Family Engagement:

• Male Involvement
• Field Trips
• Parent meetings
• Home activities
• Parent Committees

Policy Council:

A formal way for parents to be involved in program planning and decision-making process.
It is made up of parents and community members who want to support the Head Start Program.