Portage Private Industry Council Inc

Programs: Head start is a federally funded comprehensive developmental preschool program for income eligible children ages ages 3-5 and their families. Portage learning centers receives grants from the federal department of health and human services for the operation of this program. There is no fee for income eligible families to participate in this program that was designed in 1965 to primarily serve children from at-risk families. Head start has served as a role model for early childhood development programs. Although targeted for children from income eligible families, the program may accept up to 10 of its enrollment from families who exceed the federal income guidelines. In addition, at least 10 of the children enrolled must be identified as having certifiable disabilities in such areas as speech, hearing, vision or physical disabilities.

early head start is a federally funded community-based program for low income families with infants, toddlers and pregnant women. Its mission is to promote healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women, to enhance the development of very young children, and to promote healthy family functioning.

the child and adult care food program provides support for childrens meals for children attending licensed child care centers, including head start, early head start and child care classrooms. Portage learning centers ensures that children participating in all classrooms have access to nutritous meals, including a variety of foods served that introduce children to new food options and offer balanced meals. Meals are served family style to encourage childrens healthy development. Children in full day classrooms receive breakfast, lunch and snack. Children served in half-day preschool classrooms receive either breakfast and lunch in morning classrooms or lunch and snack in afternoon classrooms. Additionally, portage learning centers, provides information to parents about healthy eating and the importance of exercise and movement as part of both the head start and early head start programs.