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Osage Nation Head Start began March 1979 in Pawhuska, OK on the Osage Agency Campus with 23 children ready to learn.  The wooden school house, a former Indian Health Service Dental Clinic, has  been torn down some time ago.  The sounds of the children, though, can still be heard today, as a new group is active on the campus with trick or treating, campus walks looking for squirrels, and Easter egg hunts.  The children of the original first class now have children in the program and are ready for their chance to learn.
 
The picture is of the children that were first enrolled in Osage Nation Head Start in March 1979.  They are between the ages of 3-5 years old. Posing on the Osage Agency Campus are back row:  Carmen Whitlatch, Taryn Rogers, Brandi Evans, Jennifer Oberly, Jacque Wahwassuck, Vicki Gawhega, Jennifer Shook, Walkeen Wahwassuck, Fawn Easley, Shawna Rogers, Joanie Easley, D.J. Richardson, Destiny Smith, and Laura Whitlatch.  Front row:  Joseph Burnett, Joseph Dawson, Andy Hanna, Louis Gray, Charlie McHenry, K.C. Bills, Chad KillsCrow, Nikia Parker, and Mary Margaret Woosypiti.
 
 
 
 
What services and experiences does Osage Nation Head Start offer enrolled children and families?
Education Services
  • Individualized learning programs
  • Evidence and research based curriculum
  • Inclusion of children with special needs
  • Family literacy activities

Health Services

  • Medical, dental, vision, and hearing screenings & referrals
  • Nutrition services
  • Health education
  • Mental health screening and referrals
  • Assistance in establishing a medical and dental home

Family Services

  • Links to community resources
  • Family goal setting
  • Leadership opportunities through parent counil involvement
  • Parent education programs
  • Support during transition from Head Start to public schools
 
 
 
Head Start Philosophy
 The Head Start Philosophy begins on a principle of comprehensive services; including high quality early childhood education, nutrition, health and social services along with a strong parent involvement focus, to low-income children nationwide.  The overall goal of the program is to bring about a greater degree of social competence in pre-school children.  To meet these needs Head Start has program systems in Early Childhood Development\Health Services, Family and Community Partnerships, Disabilities, and Program Design and Management.  Through an interdisciplinary approach of all systems and policy groups this philosophy reflects on every aspect of the Head Start experience.
 
The child's entire family, as well as the community, must be involved.  Osage Nation Head Start is a family focused program.  The family is viewed as the most important influence in a child's life.
 
The Head Start environment will provide the children the opportunity to develop to their maximum potential.
 
All children possess special gifts, they just unwrap them at different times.
 
 
Program Goals
To  meet the needs of the total child by providing experiences to develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development.
 
To promote active learning by the child in his daily environment, in the classroom, the world around him, and his culture.
 
To encourage the parents involvement in their child's Head Start experience.
 
To strengthen the health of the child and family with good preventive practices and special services to children with disabilities.  A strong healthy family will make a strong healthy child.
 
Curriculum Approach
The Head Start classrooms are arranged by learning centers to enhance, promote, and meet the child's developmental levels.  These learning centers provide the children the opportunity to develop skills in fine and gross motor, self-help, social, cognitive, and language.
 
Teaching staff follow the guidelines of "Developmentally Appropriate Practices" in Early Childhood settings as set forth by the NAEYC council.
 
Creative Curriculum with weekly resource units support the child's learning.
 
The classrooms promote Native American culture through activities, and enable the child to develop pride in their cultural heritage.