HEADSTART/CHILD CARE SERVICES

Provides childcare for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Children are cared for in a warm, safe and nurturing environment. Teachers work with the children to improve their cognitive, social and physical abilities. In order to be eligible for services, parents must be working or in school. The program is designed to serve children who are at-risk of abuse or neglect. Serves more than 160 children, 6 weeks to 6 years of age. 

Funded by Department of Human Services, Department of Children & Family Services, the United Methodist Church. Located at the East St. Louis Family Development Center.

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER 

Provides administration and coordination of services located in housing projects of the St. Clair County Housing Authority’s buildings for year-round programming including tutoring, arts and crafts, and Boy Scouts. 

Funded by the St. Clair County Housing Authority and the United Methodist Church. Located at the Ernest Smith Family Resource Center and Private Mathison Manner. 

PRE-KINDERGARTEN

Provides early childhood education for children age 3-4. The Pre-K classrooms provide a foundation for children in learning to help them be better prepared for kindergarten. Serves more than 40 children each year. 

Funded by the Illinois State Board of Education and the United Methodist Church. Located at the East St. Louis Family Development Center. 

PROVIDING A SURE START (PASS)

Provides Early Childhood Prevention Services for parents with children birth to five years. PASS is an early intervention/prevention program designed to significantly better prepare children and parents to assist their children in assuring “A Sure Start” and a successful school experience. The program provides Parent Training, Child Development and Life Skills Classes in conjunction with comprehensive Case Coordination to children birth to 3 years of age and their parents. Activities and services are provided in the homes of the parents and at the Center. PASS is a certified Parents as Teachers Program. Serves more than 200 families with children. 

  • Funded by the Illinois State Board of Education and the United Methodist Church. Located at the East St. Louis Family Development Center. 

MIGRANT HEAD START PROGRAM

This program is a certified Head Start education program that serves families who work in agriculture i.e.: nurseries, farms, produce, and factories. The eight week summer program provides education, field trips, and family social assistance to families that migrate from state to state or work seasonal jobs.