• Head Start (Federally Funded)

    Learning First (funded through First Things First)

    Office Location
    Manzanita Elementary School
    8430 N. 39th Avenue RM 311
    Phoenix, AZ 85051
    602-347-2206
     
    Head Start is a federally funded preschool program and Learning First is a preschool program funded through First Things First. Both options respect the parent as their child's most important educator. Through parent participation, both child and parent will enrich their understanding and value of education. Head Start and Learning First offer a multicultural program designed to meet each child's individual needs. In order to qualify for these free educational programs, the child must meet the following guidelines:

    Head Start

    • Be 4 years old on or before August 31 of the current school year.
    • Live within the Washington Elementary School District boundaries.
    • Have a family income that meets Head Start federal income guidelines.
    Learning First
    • Be 4 years old on or before August 31 of the current school year.
    • Live within the Washington Elementary School District boundaries.
    • Have a family income that meets First Things First income guidelines.

    The WESD Head Start and Learning First programs are licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Child Care Licensing. WESD Head Start is funded under contract with the City of Phoenix. Learning First is funded through First Things First, a state education agency funded by Proposition 203 through the Arizona Department of Education and Valley of the Sun United Way.

    Head Start and Learning First Philosophy

    Arizona's children reflect the broad differences in racial and cultural heritage, language, health and family situations that constitute the diversity of our great state. Each child's level of preparation and readiness for school also varies greatly depending upon many different factors. Educators and parents recognize that education is a process that begins at birth. The potential for learning encompasses the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of children.

    To ensure that Washington Elementary School District's children are ready for success in school, Head Start and Learning First will implement developmentally appropriate teaching and assessment practices, strengthen efforts in parent involvement and professional development for staff and work with community agencies to provide appropriate and effective services to children and families.

    Head Start and Learning First Goals

    The most important goal of the Head Start and Learning First curriculum is to help children develop a positive disposition towards learning. This means encouraging children to be active and creative explorers who are not afraid to become independent, self-confident, inquisitive learners. Our staff believes in the competence of young learners and design learning activities and experiences which build on the competence of children.

    Head Start and Learning First Mission

    The Washington Elementary School District is committed to achieving excellence for every child; every day; every opportunity.

    The Head Start and Learning First mission supports the District's mission by helping each child develop:

    • Positive self-esteem (a celebration of his/her own uniqueness);
    • Intellectual, physical and social growth;
    • Respect for others and the natural environment;
    • Ability to relate to other individuals peacefully;
    • A joyful appreciation of the rich diversity of people each child encounters.
    This is accomplished in a comfortable, challenging, well-supervised environment.