Western Egyptian now accepting preschool applications

PERRY COUNTY - Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council Head Start is now offering both part-and full-day classes and transportation for low-income families with preschool children.

Children can be enrolled for either a morning, midday, or afternoon session Monday through Thursday at no charge.

In Perry County, the morning session runs from 8 a.m. to noon. Midday runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the afternoon runs from 12-4 p.m. Morning and afternoon sessions are being offered in Sparta, Percy and Chester. Evansville, located near Chester, is offering a morning session only.

Full-day or full-year centers are available to those parents who are full-time students or have full-time employment outside the home. Transportation is not provided and parents are charged an income-based fee. Children are permitted to attend from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Attendance centers are located in Pinckneyville, Coulterville and Sparta.

Eligible children must be 3 years old prior to Sept. 1 and meet federal income guidelines. Children do not need to have toilet skills mastered to attend Head Start.

What are some benefits of Head Start?

• Hearing, visual, dental and developmental screenings for the students

• Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the classroom

• Developmentally-appropriate curriculum

• Nutritious meals and snacks

• Immunization clinics

• Family activities

• Parent support

• Field trips

For more information, call 618-965-3313.