MIGRANT SERVICES AND HEAD START PROGRAM (MSHS): An Integrated Approach

UMOS provides a variety of comprehensive services under the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Program. These services include, health, dental, early childhood, family services, transportation, nutrition, mental wellness, disabilities and transportation. UMOS served a total of 535 MSHS children in 2006. The MSHS program reflects an integrated approach in the implementation of Head Start Performance Standards and federal and state regulations governing childcare, while staying on the cutting edge of implementing new initiatives as the childcare industry continues to evolve. The implementation of Head Start Performance Standards, through the “Child Care Service Model,” displays a true holistic approach in how UMOS carries out its services. This approach not only enhances program operations, but also delineates how Head Start services are delivered while integrating content area competencies from the Early Learning Standards developed by Early Childhood professionals.

The UMOS program utilizes a Management Systems approach to services, which ensures program effectiveness and accountability. The program design involves an interdisciplinary approach where stakeholders include parents, policy groups, community representatives, UMOS Board of Directors, as well as UMOS administrative staff in all levels of program operations. Moreover, the program design is geared toward a comprehensive approach that encompasses all development areas: social, physical, cognitive, and language. These strategies set the stage for individualization, age appropriate-programming, and instilling best practices in programming. UMOS continues to use the Strategic Teacher Education Program (S.T.E.P.), also known as The Center for Improving the Readiness of Children for Learning and Education (C.I.R.C.L.E.) in the Department of Pediatrics. These resources are designed for teachers to foster quality emergent literacy strategies in young children. UMOS has also implemented the Child Outcome Framework which tracks and measures language development, literacy, mathematics, and physical and health development.

UMOS is committed in aiding each child and their family towards preparing them to enter the public school system and best support the child for “School Readiness”. The “COLCHA” uses the Creative Curriculum as its foundation and interweaves other resources such as health, nutrition and mental health as part of the curriculum. The Creative Curriculum continuum tool has been implemented with children ages 3, 4 and 5 as part of the “School Readiness” strategy. The program also provides transportation and nutritional meals to the children.