Our Services
Head Start
Head Start is a national, federally funded program which provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services to eligible preschool children.
- Head Start helps to prepare children for success in school and in life. Children receive a positive introduction to education, learn how to interact with others, learn self-help skills and healthy habits. Head Start builds confidence in children and their parents.
- Our Head Start program is a preschool program for children 3 to 5 years old. Children come to Head Start Monday through Friday for 6 hour class sessions, September to June. Head Start is free to eligible families. You must live in Woonsocket and must meet the Head Start eligibility guidelines to qualify for Head Start.
- Head Start is not just for children. Head Start is for families as well. Families become involved in their children's education, help support their children's learning, discover their own strengths, and continue to develop to their fullest potential.
State Pre-K
The Rhode Island Department of Education is committed to ensuring that all children begin school ready to learn and are prepared to succeed in school as life-long learners and productive citizens. RI Pre-K is committed to a model comprised of Head Start programs, local schools and community based childcare providers.
From the time children walk into a RI Pre-Kindergarten classroom until the time they leave, children are actively engaged in learning. Intentional teaching means that teachers apply what they know from research and best practice in the field of early childhood and intentionally plan their day to ensure that every child gets the most out of every experience.
Family Engagement is a core component of high-quality, early education classrooms. Children do better in school when they experience a preschool curriculum that is culturally relevant and integrates elements of their own life experiences. In addition, when parents and caregivers partner with teachers and support children’s learning at home, we create the conditions that maximize outcomes for children.
Early Head Start
Early Head Start serves children ages 0-3 and pregnant women.
Our primary focus is to ensure you are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for you and your child’s well-being.
- Family Workers and Teachers conduct home visits to support parents in creating healthy environments and engaging in positive caregiving practices.
- Access to Prenatal Care Resources: Helping pregnant women navigate healthcare options and ensuring they receive comprehensive prenatal care.
- Infant Care Education: Preparing pregnant women for the newborn stage, including topics on safe sleep practices, diapering, feeding, and infant development
Child Care
WHSCDA, Inc. provides early care and education for infants, toddlers, and preschool age children.
- WHSCDA, Inc. accepts payments under the RI Child Care Assistance Program (RICCAP), the State of RI's child care subsidy program (some may call this Pathways).
- Children receive a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack daily. Mealtime is a great time for learning, exploring, and socializing. All meals are home-cooked on site, are nutritionally balanced, and meet USDA guidelines for young children.
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Nutrition
Children receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch daily. Mealtime is a great time for learning, exploring, and socializing. All meals are home-cooked on site, are nutritionally balanced, and meet USDA guidelines for young children.
- We cannot allow food from home because many children suffer from food allergies.
- Our menus take into account all documented food allergies and special diets.
- If a child cannot have a certain food being served, due to allergies or religious or personal beliefs, that child is given a substitute.
WHSCDA, Inc. participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a Federal program that provides financial assistance to help schools offer healthy meals and snacks to children. Meals meet Federal USDA nutritional requirements and are offered at no cost to families.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
mail:U.S. Department of AgricultureOffice of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights1400 Independence Avenue, SWWashington, D.C. 20250-9410; orfax:(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; oremail:Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
mail:U.S. Department of AgricultureOffice of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights1400 Independence Avenue, SWWashington, D.C. 20250-9410; orfax:(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; oremail:Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Positive Behavior Guidance
One of the most important goals we share with families is helping children develop appropriate social behavior. Learning to be respectful (kind), responsible (doing the right thing), and resourceful (problem solving) takes time. It is a process. Children must learn how to share, listen, follow directions and be polite. They can only learn these things if caring adults in their life teach them.
These are specific strategies used at WHSCDA to teach children self-discipline:
- We have identified specific behavioral expectation for all daily routines. These expectations are taught to children.
- Rules are stated positively and staff model appropriate behavior.
- Children are acknowledged for demonstrating acceptable behavior.
- We acknowledge and respect children’s feelings and do not allow them to take their frustrations out on others.
- We encourage children to use their words to solve problems.
- We involve children in establishing basic classroom rules.
- We plan a welcoming, organized, stimulating environment that encourages children to make choices and work independently.
- We plan a well-balanced schedule which offers children active and quiet activities.
- We establish consistent routines and set clear limits.
- We establish strong, nurturing relationships with each child.
- We match our expectations with children’s developing abilities and capabilities.
- We develop strong partnerships with families and work as a team to support children's development.
