CFF opens early childhood centers for in-person learning

More than a year after COVID-19 began closing and impacting schools, Children & Families First organizers are proud to celebrate the opening of six Head Start early childhood education centers in Kent and Sussex counties for in-person learning.

“After a year of disruptions, quarantines and parents under considerable stress, it is more important than ever to help our children build new relationships with peers and teachers and access the educational, social, and emotional supports they need to prepare for success in kindergarten and beyond,” said Kirsten Olson, CFF CEO.

Beginning in October 2020, CFF Head Start offered tablets/devices and a robust online curriculum, including live taught lessons with qualified Head Start teachers. “Our ability to stay connected to our families and children through these times has been an important part of our successful return to in-person,” said Clara Martinez, CFF’s Head Start director.

“As we begin welcoming more and more children back to center-based learning, it is wonderful to see the bonds they have already made with their teachers and peers online and how that is helping them transition socially and emotionally,” she said.

Head Start and Early Head Start are high-quality early childhood educations programs focused on preparing children ages birth to 5 years old to be emotionally, socially and academically prepared for success in kindergarten and throughout their education. These programs are free to eligible families based on factors such as income, homelessness, foster families and families whose children have special needs.

Parents, caregivers and families are benefitting from the transition back to in-person learning as well. “Returning to in-person learning has been extremely rewarding for our families. We’re providing a safe, nurturing environment for their children to thrive and empowering many of them to return or seek work in ways they could not with so many COVID-related limitations on child-care and school,” said Martinez.

As of May 1 Children & Families First offers in-person learning, using a hybrid schedule at the Stockley and Annex centers in Georgetown, the Seaford center, the Dunbar Center in Laurel, Colonial Gardens in Dover and the Smyrna Center. Plans to open at least seven additional centers in Kent and Sussex remain a top objective for CFF Head Start.

Applications are accepted year-round and children may join classrooms throughout the year. For more information for those interested in enrolling their child or children in Head Star, go to cffde.org/headstart or call 302-934-1642.