Parent and Child Together - PACT for West Central Illinois

300 S. Capitol, P.O. Box 231, Mt. Sterling, IL 62353
(217) 773-3903; Fax: (217) 773-3906
1-800-443-PACT

Executive Director: Denise Conkright; Contact: Shanna Edison; Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Supported by: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and contributions

Overview: Headstart is a nationwide program funded by the Administration for Children and Families. The program is designed to provide learning experiences for families and children age birth to 5 years of age. PACT receives 2 grants (Head Start and Early Head Start).

Early Head Start
Early Head Start services are offered to pregnant women and children ages birth to 36 months.

Home Based
Early Head Start Home Based services are offered to pregnant women and children ages birth to 36 months in Hancock and Pike counties.

Center Based
Early Head Start Center Based services are offered to children ages 6 weeks to 36 months. Age eligibility may differ from county to county.

Head Start
Head Start services are offered to children ages 3-5 in Cass, McDonough, Hancock, Schuyler, Brown, Scott, Pike and rural Adams counties.

Home Based
The Home Based option is offered in Hancock, McDonough, rural Adams, Brown, Schuyler, Cass, Pike and Scott counties.

Center Based
The Center Based option is offered in Carthage, Macomb, Beardstown, Camp Point and Pittsfield. Children attend class four to five days, mornings and/or afternoons per week. A full-day classroom with wrap-around child care is offered in Macomb, Beardstown, and Pittsfield.

What does PACT Head Start Involve?
Education:
Learning activities that lead to development in the areas of language, literacy, math, science, creative arts, social/emotional, and health and physical development, using The Creative Curriculum and Parents As Teachers (PAT) curriculums.

Social Services:
Family Advocates and Home Based Teachers connect families with community services and assist families to achieve personal educational goals as well as individual family goals.

Parent Involvement:
Parents receive education through parent meetings, parent initiated activities, and workshops. Parents are involved in the decision making process of the PACT agency and classroom curriculum.

Special Services:
At least 10% of all enrollments will be reserved for children with special needs, regardless of income level. A variety of services can be provided based on the needs of the child and the wishes of the family.

Health:
PACT assists with physical examinations and other age appropriate health screenings as well as nutritional assessments.

Eligibility: Pregnant mothers and children age birth to 5 years old who meet limited income guidelines and children with special needs, regardless of income level.

Fees: None