Head Start
For the Parents
Upshur Human Resources, Inc., Head Start program is focused on developmentally appropriate language, social, emotional and physical development, science, literacy, creative arts, social studies,and math and that each child receives nutritional meals, snacks and safe drinking water. Safety of the children is our utmost priority.
Safety First
Upshur Human Resources, Inc. classrooms and facilities are clean and free from pests, pollutants, choking and strangulation hazards, electrical and appliance hazards, drowning and all other safety hazards. Emergency lighting is well lit and equipped with up-to-date first aid kits and fire safety supplies readily accessible to staff. We are a firearms and other weapons free program. Upshur Human Resources, Inc. implements the licensing requirements in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Classrooms & Facilities
Upshur Human Resources, Inc. Head Start program strives to ensure that teachers and relevant staff provide an organized learning environment, effective and responsive care and teaching that promotes Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five, including children with disabilities in developing healthy growth skills.
Nutrition
Upshur Human Resources, Inc. ensures that each child in the program attending six hours or more per day is served a nutritional breakfast, lunch and snack. All center-based children are served a nourishing breakfast upon arrival at the center.
Children are provided appropriate healthy snacks and meals and safe drinking water is available during the program day.
Upshur Human Resources, Inc. serves three-to five-year-olds meals and snacks that meet USDA requirements and are high in nutrients and low in sugar, fat, and salt.
Holidays & Absences
Upshur Human Resources, Inc. follows the same holidays as the Upshur County Board of Education. A monthly calendar provided by the teacher will be sent home with the child indicating holidays.
Upshur Human Resources, Inc. collaborates with the Upshur County Board of Education for Pre-K services and follows the same guidelines for attendance. All excuses are forwarded to the Upshur County Board of Education each month. If your child has more than three unexcused absences, parents may be contacted by the attendance director. If your child has more than five unexcused absences, parents may have to attend a conference to discuss and correct circumstances causing the unexcused absences. After ten unexcused absences, the attendance director may make a complaint against the parent or guardian before the Upshur County Magistrate.
Admissions
The parent or guardian will complete a Head Start application. An application may be picked up at 8 Cleveland Avenue, Buckhannon, WV or they may call 304-472-2016, ext. 122 for additional information. Parents may also access the online application link, upshurschools.com. Completing an application does not guarantee that the child will be enrolled into the program. Due to our partnership with the LEA, we use a universal application.
Upshur Human Resources, Inc. uses a rating scale on every child to determine eligibility into the program. We strive to serve 100% low-income eligible children. However, in the event that it is not possible, 10% over-income may be enrolled in accordance with the UHR Rating Scale. Eligible families are contacted and scheduled to complete an enrollment packet. Parents and/or guardians are required to have up to three contact persons on the emergency forms.
All children are required to have the live birth certificate prior to entrance into the program. School Readiness is implemented as records are forwarded to public school.
Head Start Transportation
Upshur Human Resources, Inc. performs two bus evacuation drills during our program year.
The children are taught how to safely board and leave the bus, recognize danger zones around the bus, safe riding practices, safely crossing the street to and from the bus stop, and emergency bus evacuation procedures. The children will participate in an emergency bus evacuation drill on the bus they will be riding.
Our buses are equipped with a clearly labeled emergency communication system and emergency safety equipment that includes a first aid kit, seat belt cutter, and a fully charged fire extinguisher. We also ensure that our buses are kept in safe operating conditions at all times and an annual safety inspection by the state and ensure each driver implements a daily pre-trip bus inspection. Our program ensures bus transportation or alternative adapted buses/vehicles designed for transportation of children with disabilities to transport enrolled children in the program.