FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2005

CONTACT: Georgia Sheriff, Ph.D., (515) 271-1854, georgia.sheriff@drake.edu

HEAD START OPENS NEW CENTER IN WEST DES MOINES

Drake University Head Start has announced the opening of its second center in West Des Moines.

“There is space for 34 3- and 4-year-olds at the new Ashworth Head Start – 17 each in the morning and afternoon classrooms – and we are actively recruiting children and families to attend beginning Aug. 29,” said Georgia Sheriff, director of Drake University Head Start.

The new center is located in the former Montessori classrooms at the Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1025 28th St. at the corner of 28th Street and Ashworth Avenue in West Des Moines. Classes will be held 8:20 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. and noon to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The new center joins one already available at Phenix Elementary, 415 Seventh St.

“We identified an additional critical need for early childhood education and family services in the western suburbs of Des Moines,” said Sheriff, “and have spent the last few months remodeling the space to make sure it fully meets Head Start requirements.”
Sheriff remarked the center is opening in time for the 2005-2006 school year because of the dedication of all the partners involved: the Covenant Presbyterian Church and Bergstrom Construction.

“We are thrilled to be able to work with Drake University Head Start to help area families,” said the Rev. John Gallentine, pastor at the Covenant Presbyterian Church.

As the largest Head Start organization in the state, Drake University Head Start programming serves more than 950 3- and 4-year-olds and their families with low incomes in six central Iowa counties. Additionally, Drake University Early Head Start serves 100 pregnant women and children ages birth to 3 years old in Polk County.

Head Start and Early Head Start are comprehensive child-focused development programs that serve children from birth to age 5, pregnant women and their families with the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in families with low incomes.

Both programs provide a range of individualized services in the areas of education, medical, dental and mental health, nutrition and social service to children and their families. Parent involvement is encouraged and support is offered for children with disabilities. Ten percent of the programs' total enrollment opportunities are made available to children with disabilities.

Families interested in enrolling their children in the Ashworth Head Start program may call the Drake University Head Start offices at (515) 271-1854 or toll free at (800) 44-DRAKE, extension 1854. Children who are 3 or 4 years old before Sept. 15, 2005, are eligible to attend. All families are welcome to apply.

- 30 -