Classroom-based Education & Locations

Children ages 3-5 attend a half-day  (3.5 hour) or a full day (7 or 8 hour) program at a licensed center, four days per week, from September to May.  Full day program hours vary by location. Some of the Semcac Head Start  locations are partnerships with other organizations or schools.

There are also toddler classrooms for Early Head Start, located in Austin and Winona, which operate year round (8 hour long classes).

Sixteen Head Start classrooms are located in the counties of Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Mower, Steele and Winona.

• Children are provided hands on learning activities that prepare them for kindergarten.
• Teachers and parents work together to evaluate and plan for the children’s learning.
• Parents participate by volunteering in the classroom, being a part of the program governance (called the Policy Council) or working on other activities. Head
• Start encourages parent involvement.
• Families are supported with medical, dental and nutrition services to promote healthy living.
• Parents are given support to strengthen families and achieve goals through community connections.
• A nutritious breakfast or lunch and snack are provided at Head Start locations under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Program. Read the USDA anti-discrimination statement and information about filing a Civil Rights complaint.
• Teachers have a full set of credentials related to child and family development. They are well-qualified and licensed.
• All sites are licensed with the Department of Human Services.