Head Start

About

Lake Ridge Head Start provides high-quality early learning services to children ages 3–5. We have a long-standing status with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This is a professional organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. We are a delegate agency of Geminus Head Start. We are funded for 122 children, providing a full-day model and part-day options as well. Our goal is to prepare children and families to successfully transition to kindergarten.

Our Approach

The Head Start Approach to School Readiness means that children are ready for school, families are ready to support their children's learning, and schools are ready for children. Learn more about the approach:

• Physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development are all essential ingredients of school readiness.
• Head Start programs view school readiness as children possessing the skills, behavior, and knowledge necessary for success in school and for later learning.
• Programs must establish school readiness goals that are appropriate for the ages and development of enrolled children according to the following Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) domains:
  • Approaches to Learning
  • Social and Emotional Development
  • Language and Literacy
  • Cognition
  • Perceptual, Motor, and Physical Development
• Implementing and measuring progress toward school readiness goals helps programs individualize for each child and ensure that children know and can do what is needed to be ready for kindergarten.
• Head Start programs are required to consult with parents in establishing school readiness goals and to respect parents as their child's primary nurturers, teachers, and advocates, as described in the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework.

Our Curriculum

The most important goal of our early childhood curriculum is to help children become enthusiastic learners. This means encouraging children to be active and creative explorers who are not afraid to try out their ideas and to think their own thoughts. Our goal is to help children become independent, self-confident, inquisitive learners. We're teaching them how to learn, not just in preschool, but all through their lives. We're allowing them to learn at their own pace and in the ways that are best for them. We're giving them good habits and attitudes, particularly a positive sense of themselves, which will make a difference throughout their lives.

Enroll Your Child

Eligibility Guidelines

• Children from birth to age five who are from families with incomes below the poverty guidelines are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services.
• Eligibility is based on income. Preference is given to children from homeless families; families receiving SNAP, TANF, or SSI; and foster children.
• We welcome children with special needs.

Schedule an Intake Appointment

To schedule an intake appointment, please contact one of the staff members listed below:

• Gloria Solis, Family Support Specialist
  • Email: gsolis@lakeridgeschools.net
  • Phone: 219-989-7823
• Ofelia Gabino, Family Support Staff
  • Email: ogabino@lakeridgeschools.net
  • Phone: 219-989-7823

Pre-registration application

Franciscan Health Fresh Start Markets

Franciscan Health operates two Fresh Start Markets in Northwest Idiana. According to Danielle Crowder, director of Community Health Improvement, "Fresh Start Markets are all about creating a dignified space where families shop for and select free, quality perishable and non-perishable goods, similar to if they were shopping at a grocery store or a farmers market."

The Hammond market is located at 5454 Hohman Avenue at the Women's Specialty and Dialysis Center. It is open the second Wednesday of the month from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. and the fourth Wednesday of the month from noon to 4:00 P.M. A valid photo ID is required for entry.

The Crown Point market is located at 1121 South Indiana Avenue at the St. Clare Health Center. It is open the first Tuesday of the month from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. and the third Tuesday of the month from noon to 4:00 P.M. A valid photo ID is required for entry.

For more information on the Fresh Start Markets, please call 219-407-6948.

Diaper Pantry

The Diaper Pantry allows eligible Lake County families to obtain free diapers and wipes. To register for the program and schedule an appointment, please call 1-877-PRE-NATAL.

For more information on the Diaper Pantry, please call 219-407-6948.

Links

• The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool, 6th Edition | ECLKC (hhs.gov)
• Family Handbook
• Family Support and Well-being | ECLKC (hhs.gov)
• FSSA: DFR: Home (in.gov)
• Geminus - Partnering For The Future
• Healthy & Safe Care | Brighter Futures Indiana
• Parenting | ECLKC (hhs.gov)
• Play & Learning | Brighter Futures Indiana
• Resources about COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children | WECANDOTHIS.HHS.GOV
• Short-Term Exclusion Policy 2022–2023

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