Semcac Head Start serves 374 children in 26 classes in 12 cities and towns at 16 different sites. Our class size is 15–17 children with a teacher and two paraprofessionals. Of our 19 teachers, 12 have a Bachelors degree. The others have or are working towards an Associates degree.
Center Based Head Start
Children attend a half-day program at a licensed center four days per week. Transportation may be provided for families, depending on where the family lives and how the bus route is set up.
Semcac Head Start operates licensed Centers in the following cities/towns:
- Austin, Mower County
- Caledonia, Houston County
- Hayfield, Dodge County
- Hokah, Houston County
- Houston, Houston County
- Kasson, Dodge County
- Ostrander, Fillmore County
- Owatonna, Steele County
- Preston, Fillmore County
- Rushford, Fillmore County
- St. Charles, Winona County
- Winona, Winona County
A nutritious breakfast or lunch and a snack are provided under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Program. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, Semcac Head Start is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 202050-9410, or call 1-800-795-3272 or 1-202-720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Partnership Centers
A few of our centers are operated with partners.
The Austin School District partnership operates two integrated Head Start/ECSE classes at the district’s Community Learning Center (CLC). We share staffing in the class (Head Start provides one teacher and one paraprofessional) and operate a double session in a conventional center-based option based on Head Start performance standards. Returning Head Start students are given this option with the view that they would be more settled in the classroom routine which would be more conducive to the needs of ECSE children. Families in this option must make their own transportation arrangements.
The Houston School District and Rushford-Peterson School District partnership each offer one class at each school. Head Start supports eligible families and children in the schools’ pre-school programs four days per week for 3.5 hours each which are integrated with ECSE two days per week. There is a Head Start teacher in the class to work in tandem with each school’s staff.
The Winona State University Maxwell Children’s Center partnership allows families access to full day services. The parent is responsible for services beyond Head Start’s four days per week at 3.5 hours each. Head Start eligibility includes whether the parent is employed or in job training with no caregiver present in the home. Families in this option must make their own transportation arrangements.
Together We Build Bright Futures!
For more information or for an application for Head Start call or visit your nearest Semcac County Contact Center or call 1-866-808-0260.
Semcac is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
