NeighborImpact’s Head Start, Early Head Start programs accepting applications, hiring staff for new school year

(Update: adding video and comments from NeighborImpact)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- NeighborImpact’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs are now accepting applications for enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year.

Children who live in Crook and Deschutes counties may be eligible for these programs, which offer free, high-quality preschool education and family support.

"We're looking for families who basically can't afford preschool and have some high barriers to it. We serve low-income families." Health Services Manager Marissa Becker said Friday. "Anybody who is on SNAP, houseless or in the foster program are automatically eligible for the program." 

Head Start is a center-based program that integrates high-quality pre-kindergarten education with other critical services to ensure that children are socially, emotionally and educationally ready to enter Kindergarten. It also ensures that children receive medical, dental and vision screenings, allowing early detection and prevention of health issues that might otherwise become long-term challenges.

The program serves children 3-5 years of age and their families.

Early Head Start is a home-based program that provides families with similar support for children ages 0-3 and pregnant women. The program offers weekly home visits by child development professionals who help families identify and reach developmental milestones through education, engagement and monthly socialization sessions. Family well-being is integral in both programs.

Parents and families are supported in achieving their own goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Programs support and strengthen parent-child relationships and engage families around children's learning and development.

"NeighborImpact's Head Start program supports each student's developmental needs and works with parents to encircle them with support services such as parenting skills, financial management training, and medical and dental services," said Kim Brown, director of Head Start and Early Head Start at NeighborImpact. "Our goal is to increase school readiness and provide children and families with the skills and resources they need be successful."

Becker says the program has received a lot of positive feedback from families. Parents have seen so much growth from when their kids entered the program to when they moved on. They also praised the program for detecting vision or hearing issues that they weren't aware of.

NeighborImpact also said they are looking for staff members. They have many open positions, including teachers, assistant teachers, center aides and substitutes.

Operations Coordinator Lexi O'Neil says working for the organization is very rewarding.

"I just love seeing how we can help all of our families in our programs." O'Neil said. "It's especially cool because we get donations from the community that we're able to then pass on to our families. So it's just a really heartwarming organization to work for."

To register, families must meet income eligibility requirements and submit an application and income documentation. To submit an application, visit neighborimpact.org/headstart.

For more information or for assistance submitting an application, parents can call 541-410-0374, or via email at hs-support@neighborimpact.org.             

If you want to submit a job application, go to neighborimpact.org and go to the "Work for Uus" tab.

 About NeighborImpact: NeighborImpact is a private non-profit governed by a board of directors drawn from across the community. Since 1985, NeighborImpact has led the region in developing solutions and bringing resources to Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. We help meet the basic needs of Central Oregonians, build economic security and create a community where everyone thrives. NeighborImpact receives federal, state and local grants, foundation grants and donations from individuals and businesses in our community. To learn more about NeighborImpact please visit www.neighborimpact.org.