Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) provides affordable childcare and preschool services through Head Start at multiple locations in the greater Toledo area. Starting at age three, kids can be enrolled for preschool and childcare services. They also offer Early Head Start for ages infant to three years old. Their mission is to “create partnerships and opportunities to help individuals, families and communities thrive.”
With locations in Bowling Green, Perrysburg, Sylvania and Toledo, GLCAP partners with childcare centers in each of these cities and the Partnership also provides services in Seneca, Ottawa, and Sandusky Counties.
Engaging education
GLCAP Head Start offers a play-based curriculum that is taught by well-qualified teachers with bachelor’s degrees in education or related fields, or by teachers with an associate’s degree working toward their bachelor’s. Head Start places an emphasis on having fun while learning.
Play-based learning helps children develop in many areas, including problem solving, executive function, language and reading skills. Children are being taught how to collaborate with one another and how to express their emotions. This also helps lay the foundation for counting, sorting and recognizing patterns. All of these skills and more assist them as they prepare for kindergarten and new social interactions.
Standing apart
Several aspects of GLCAP make the partnership unique. One of them being the opportunities for parents to play an active role in the program and school. Alex Boroff, PR Director of GLCAP, explains, “Head Start programs provide multiple opportunities for parent engagement and leadership, such as site policy councils on which parents may serve to represent Head Start families, help to set program goals and perform other leadership duties.”
Further contributing to their mission to help communities thrive, Head Start also offers medical, dental, nutrition and mental health services for the students in their programs. Childcare is provided as an extension after the school day ends for parents who are going to school or working. Children are offered hands-on learning activities throughout the day, even when school has ended. In addition, they receive a daily meal and snack.
Home visits and conferences are also a regular part of the program. Families receive at least two home visits per school year and two parent-teacher conferences. This helps keep parents involved in their children’s education and provide support to the whole family.
How to apply for services
Families at or below the 100 percent federal poverty line qualify for the Head Start and free childcare services. Families may qualify if they are above the poverty line and this is determined on a case by case basis. Head Start also serves children in foster care, those experiencing homelessness and those who receive SNAP benefits. Programs are federally funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Offices of Head Start.
Applications can be completed online at glcap.org/headstart or glcap.org/earlyheadstart. Families are encouraged to apply even if they are over the Federal Poverty Line, as they may still be able to receive services. Referrals are also provided.
GLCAP can be contacted at 800-775-9767.
