About Us
North Central ESD Early Education provides an enriched learning environment that has helped countless students get ahead. Founded in 2000, we serve and provide resources to Sherman, Gilliam, and Wheeler Counties, We’re extremely proud of our counties, students and staff, who are always eager to learn, create and grow together. Give us a call if you need more information.
Program Philosophy
To assist each child in developing to his/her potential and to empower parents in their role as the most important and primary teachers, caregivers, and role models for their children.
What is Head Start & Oregon Pre-kindergarten ?
Head Start is a federal program that promotes school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development. Oregon modeled Oregon Pre-kindergarten (OPK) after Head Start to expand high-quality early learning opportunities for lowest income and highest need preschool children from three to five years.
OPK is free to families whose children are at least three years old, not old enough for kindergarten, and who meet income or other eligibility qualifications. Program services include:
Preschool education and early childhood development
Child health/mental health and nutrition
Parent education and family support
In the classroom, they program provides a learning environment that supports children’s growth and development, which includes:
Language and literacy
Cognition and general knowledge
Physical development and health
Social and emotional development
Approaches to learning
OPK emphasizes the role of parents as their child’s first and most important teacher and builds relationships with families to support:
Family well-being and positive parent-child relationships
Families as learners and lifelong educators
Family engagement in transitions
Family connections to peers and community
Families as advocates and leaders
All services are designed to be responsive to each child and family’s ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage. We are proud to partner with Head Start to have these serviced available in all 36 counties in Oregon.
