Innovative facility will help put more children on a path to a successful future
Hillsborough County celebrated its latest gem in early childhood education with the grand opening of a cutting-edge Head Start & Early Head Start learning center, promising a blend of technology and nature to nurture young minds.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place March 25 at the brand-new Church Park Head Start & Early Head Start Center, 5657 Webb Rd., Tampa, FL 33615. The celebration marked a significant milestone as it's the first center of its kind to open in nearly a decade in Hillsborough County.
Boasting state-of-the-art facilities, the center features the latest educational technology, including computers and smart boards. It houses two Head Start classrooms, two Early Head Start classrooms, and an outdoor classroom enveloped by the serene sounds of nature - a setting designed to foster exploration in math, science, and reading.
With capacity for 40 preschoolers and 16 infants and toddlers, the center aims to provide structured and quality education, preparing children for the journey ahead, starting with kindergarten and beyond.
The center's playground is not just for play; it's an extension of the classroom that offers fun and educational activities to engage young minds while promoting physical activity and learning.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs cater to children up to 5 years old. With a teacher-to-child ratio of one to 10 in Head Start classrooms and one caregiver to four infants or toddlers in Early Head Start, the programs offer personalized attention and care. The programs also provide a range of service beyond education, including medical, dental, and mental health support, nutrition guidance, parent involvement opportunities, and specialized family support services.
The Hillsborough County Head Start & Early Head Start program holds accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the State of Florida Gold Seal of Quality Learning.
To learn more about Hillsborough County's Head Start & Early Head Start programs, visit the Head Start & Early Head Start page.