WESTLAKE : Head Start Program Still Has Openings

A Head Start center for 240 children opened recently in the Westlake area and is free to eligible families.

The center accepts children ages 3 years, 9 months, to 4 years, 9 months. As of last week, there were still openings at the center, which is operated by the Kedren Community Health Center, said Kaitzer Puglia, Kedren’s educational coordinator. The Westlake site is one of 17 Head Start centers from Burbank to South Gate run by Kedren.

The federally funded Head Start program was created in 1965 for preschool children from low-income families. Kedren established the same year, provides more than 1,300 children and their families with education, nutrition assistance, counseling and other social services. Kedren operates under a contract with the Los Angeles County Office of Education, Puglia said.

The Westlake site at 3031 Beverly Blvd. offers two half-day sessions with two meals during each session. Emphasis is placed on cognitive and language development and the staff works closely with parents on health and education issues, Puglia said.

Families must meet federal in come guidelines--ranging from less than $9,190 for a family of two to less than $23,470 for a family of eight--to be eligible for the free program. Parents are also expected to volunteer four hours a week to support the program, Puglia said.

Parents must provide immunization and other health records to enroll their children.

Information: (213) 299-9742.