District News

WACO, TX (September 30, 2024)--Waco ISD is collaborating with the Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation to open an Early Head Start Center to serve the children of Waco ISD students. The facility is housed on the former Brazos High School campus and is a unique program that Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Kincannon envisions serving teen parents and helping them stay enrolled in school.

 

“Waco ISD has seen its graduation rate go up and its dropout rate go down by providing support to students through programs such as night school and Saturday classes,” Kincannon said. “The Brazos EOAC Early Head Start Center is another way that we are supporting students so that they are able to obtain a high school diploma and create a better future for their families.”

 

The Brazos EOAC Early Head Start Center will serve up to twenty-four children from ages six weeks to 36 months and an additional six expectant families. Six infant/toddler teachers with no less than an infant-toddler Child Development Associate credential and one Child and Family Advocate/Site Manager will be employed. The child-to-staff ratio is 4:1, with a maximum group size of eight children per classroom.

 

Services will be provided at no cost to Waco ISD students. The program includes vision, hearing, and development screenings to identify any need for early intervention services. Teachers individualize curriculum planning that enables children to advance at their own pace. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, infant formula, and diapers are included while the child is in attendance.

 

Head Start services will be provided to students throughout the calendar year including summer break when students are not in school, allowing them to work and earn money for their families. The summer program may convert to home-based services if deemed necessary by the EOAC. EOAC will assist enrolled families with accessing funds needed for extended care. Once students graduate from Waco ISD, the children may remain enrolled in the center until 36 months of age at which time the children are age-eligible to enroll in pre-kindergarten.

 

EOAC Executive Director James R. Jesse said this partnership between EOAC and Waco ISD is “truly transformative” for the community.

 

“Not only will the Brazos EOAC Early Head Start Center provide crucial care and education for the children of Waco ISD students, but it will also serve as a critical support system for young parents, helping them to stay enrolled in school and complete their education,” Jesse said. “By providing these services, we are not only ensuring better outcomes for children but also empowering families to achieve long-term stability and success. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to uplifting the entire community through education and comprehensive support services.”

 

 

Waco ISD rents the former Brazos High School to EOAC at no cost. Waco ISD will continue to maintain the exterior of the building along with electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and pay for utility services. Costs to establish the Center which were funded by EOAC through federal funds were about $60,000 and will be used mainly for ongoing expenses for supplies and staffing.

 

The center passed the Child Care Licensing inspection in mid-August and currently awaits receipt of the Child Care License. An opening date of October 1 is anticipated.

 

The Brazos Early Head Start program builds on the district’s current partnership with EOAC, where the two entities already collaborate on Jumpstart classrooms at specific campuses to ensure that students are meeting grade level academic requirements prior to the start of the school year.