Funding is provided through a combination of resources. Federal and local dollars and in-kind services are leveraged to the greatest extent possible, using State dollars as a last resort. Children and family members are referred to any necessary community services. All children receive at least one complete meal a day while in the classroom. The program also provides opportunities and training for the development of parenting, leadership, and self-sufficiency skills.
Participants show significant cognitive gains following their preschool experience.
Preliminary findings suggest that some of the behavioral and social gains of the preschool experience may be more long-lasting and more directly related to successful school participation than are some of the early gains in language and cognitive areas. Success in education, beginning with the earliest years, is key to success in the work force and breaking the cycle of poverty over the long-term. Family support services enhance family self-sufficiency, thereby reducing social service expenditures, supporting healthy families and enhancing parent roles as educators of their children.