CAPK’s Head Start programs accepting applications

October 16, 2021 /

Although there have previously been long waiting lists for Head Start programs in Kern, space is now available as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community Action Partnership of Kern has a wide range of opening in the organization’s 41 Head Start Centers across Kern County and San Joaquin counties. This program comes at no cost to the families.

“Head Start is one of the most powerful tools for overcoming poverty in the CAPK toolkit,” the organization said in a newsletter. “It provides children from birth to five-years-old unmatched access to high-quality pre-kindergarten education that, put simply, gives them a head start on their lives in school.”

CAPK says learning in Head Start programs can help overcome inter-generational poverty and disadvantage.

“It can remake lives and families,” CAPK said. “It can give children a path to become a teacher, doctor, law-enforcement officer or county supervisor.”

CAPK has implemented a strict portfolio of safety precautions to reduce the risk of COVID-19 virus transmission while children are learning with Head Start. Precautions include staggered arrival and pick up times, daily no-contact health screenings for staff, parents and children, reduced class sizes, physical distancing procedures, regular handwashing and use of personal protective equipment. CAPK Head Start has also deployed the use of Electrostatic Sprayers using CDC-approved Bioesque disinfectant to treat classroom surfaces.

Families interested in the program can find more information here and can apply here. Applicants will need to provide the following documents: birth certificate, or legal document with proof of age; current proof of residency; and proof of previous 12 months of income.