Catholic Charities Westside Head Start is recruiting children ages 3 to 5 for its 2012-2013 program year. Participation is free and provides developmental programs, health screenings and healthy meals and snacks to prepare disadvantaged children for school.

The program emphasizes pre-reading, language, math, cognitive skills, health, and social and emotional competence. Services are provided by qualified, well-trained teachers in classroom and home settings. Parents are strongly engaged in learning activities to fully support their child's development.

“Westside Head Start educated me how I can interact with my kids,” said Darrin Jackson, whose has two sons in the program and one who is graduated WSHS and is now doing very well in second grade. “You can see the difference between them and other kids their age who don’t go to Head Start.”

Interested families must meet federal income guidelines and children must be 3 or 4 years of age before Aug. 31. Parents of children with special needs are encouraged to apply. Children newborn to age 3 may qualify for the Catholic Charities Early Head Start program.

Westside Head Start and Early Head Start are programs of Catholic Charities Community Services, helping people of all faiths, backgrounds and abilities. To register and for more information, call 623.486.9868.