Head Start

MISSION STATEMENT

“At Ohkay Owingeh Head Start & Pre K” we believe the chief priority is student learning and all students can learn to their fullest potential. By creating a caring, nurturing, and optimum learning environment, students are developing culturally, socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically. Teachers, administrators, families, and community promote high standards, expectations, and share in advancing the schools mission.

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vision Statement

Ohkay Owingeh Head Start empowers children and families an opportunity to grow and participate in life with confidence and awareness of their abilities to be successful citizens in the community and world.Through Head Start’s premier academic program and culturally diverse student experiences, we can make a difference!
Chanik – love for children – is one of the tribe’s most important traditional values.
At the Ohkay Owingeh Head Start, where the youngest members of the community come to learn, we embrace this value every day.
Our experienced and caring staff emphasizes family support and involvement, healthy lifestyle habits and traditional Ohkay Owingeh culture.
Tewa Language Strengthening Classroom for second year children.

The center’s no-fee services are open to Native and non-Native children, regardless of household income:

Comprehensive preschool school program for children ages 3-5.

Pre K

State preschool program for children ages 4 to 5 by September

Early Intervention (C & B)

Providing Disability Services for children and families 0-5 years old

Children enrolled at Ohkay Owingeh have access to dental and health screenings, nutrition services and many daily activities. We also offer programs for children with special needs.
Many of our Head Start students have gone on to graduate high school and pursue secondary education, milestones of which we are very proud.

what is headstart ?

Head Start is a low-income program designed to give children, including those with special needs, an early start on their education and families assistance to become their child’s advocate in the educational and medical systems.
Program standards ensure children have the skill set, are healthy and receive any special services they may require so that they are successful well beyond their Head Start years.
Parents are provided with services to assist them with their own needs. They are also encouraged to take part in every aspect of the program including observing their children in the classroom, volunteering, attending parent meetings, serving on Policy Council and trainings, give input in program planning and the opportunity to develop family and child goals.
Since, Ohkay Owingeh Head Start is Federally funded. The program is required to comply with all the Federal standards, including those concerning income. This means that not every child may be accepted into the program, as priority is given to children from low-income families, to enrolled tribal members of Ohkay Owingeh, and to children with special needs.

Contact our staff at (505) 852-2358

About the Pre-K program

New Mexico PreK is a voluntary program funded by the state of New Mexico. The PreK program began in 2005 to ensure that every child in New Mexico has the opportunity to attend a high quality early childhood education program before going to kindergarten. All children no matter their background or neighborhood should have an equal chance for success in school and in life.
Teachers carefully plan indoor and outdoor activities based on what children need to learn in seven areas:
- Listening, language, reading and writing
- Science
- Counting, shapes, sorting and measuring
- Coordination, hygiene, health and well-being
- Art, music and movement
- Independence, problem-solving, thinking and perseverance
- Appropriate behavior, social skills and being a part of a group.

The Purpose of New Mexico Pre-K

Increase access to voluntary high-quality pre-kindergarten programs
Provide developmentally appropriate activities for New Mexico children
Expand early childhood community capacity
Support linguistically and culturally appropriate curriculum
Focuses on school readiness

Ohkay Owingeh Pre-K program accepts children, age 4. All children must be 4 by September 1st. All slots are on a first come first serve basis. There are no funding guidelines for Pre-K children and families. If you are interested in enrolling your child please submit an application along with a copy of your child’s Birth Certificate.

Ohkay Owingeh Pre-K has one classroom for 17 children to attend and enhance their learning skills. Pre-K helps children learn social skills, science and math concepts, art & movement, indep- endence and problem solving skills. School hours are from 8:30 -1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you have further question please contact the Head Start.

SERVICES TO CHILDREN AND Families

Health Screenings – physicals, dental, vision, hearing, speech/language, behavioral, immunizations,ht./wt.
Nutrition – healthy meals, food experiences
Physical – music, dancing, outdoor play, games, Little Olympics
Education – screening/assessment, individualized educational plan, kindergarten visits, literacy, school readiness
Family & Community Engagement – parent committees, community partnership, goal setting
Ohkay Owingheh Language & Culture – dancing, music, clothing, ideals, traditions, art
Special Needs – assessment, individual education plan, therapy
Governance – policy group, decision making
Extras – field trips, STEM events, Fatherhood activities, free book giveaways, community walks, tshirts, musical events, photos

Classroom Hours

Monday to Friday
8:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Transportation

Ohkay Owingeh Head Start & Pre K
provides daily bus service for eligible children

CONTACT INFORMATION

PO Box 1029
Ohkay Owingeh, NM 87566

Phone (505) 852-2358
Fax (505) 852-4350

HOURS OF OPERATION

Office Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM