Lincoln Public Schools
ExCITE - EARLY CHILDHOOD INFANT TODDLER EDUCARE
The ExCITE program is inclusive of these preschool services:
- Head Start for children ages three and four
- Title I Preschool for children ages three and four
- LB759 State Funding for children birth to age five
- Even Start for adults with literacy needs and children below age eight
- Student Child Learning Centers for infants and toddlers in selected secondary buildings where parent[s] are enrolled.
ExCITE classes are located in First Presbyterian Church, Southeast Community College, Arnold, Belmont, Brownell, Campbell, Clinton, Eastridge, Everett, Hartley, McPhee, Norwood Park, Pershing, Prescott, Riley, Roper, Saratoga, and West Lincoln Elementary Schools. The central administrative office for the program is housed at LPSDO [436-1995 or 436-1996]. Director [436-1988].
EXPECTATIONS FOR TEACHERS
ExCITE staff are expected to provide comprehensive services through guidance and support to encourage families to grow in family literacy in their own way to achieve their goals and dreams towards self sufficiency and social competence. Children develop birth to five-years-old, cognitively, socio-emotionally and physically with quality instruction by early childhood educators in partnership with the child's parents in classrooms and on home visits.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
ExCITE provides to children and families comprehensive services that focus on the following cornerstones: Child Development, Family Involvement, Community Partners, and Staff Development through Home Base, Center Base, and full day/full year program options. The overdriving philosophy of the Program is Family Literacy.
Questions and Answers
1. How can I apply for my child to be enrolled in the ExCITE program?
Applications are taken at the Central Administrative Office between the hours of 8:00 and 4:30. If you are interested in applying for the program, applications can be obtained by calling the ExCITE/Head Start Office (436-1995) or go to Early Childhood Programs app 1-08. This application can be submitted to the Lincoln Public Schools District Office at 5901 O Street, along with the items as stated in application cover sheet 1-08 . Before your child can be enrolled in an ExCITE class, we will also need you to complete a RELEASE OF INFORMATION form with information about you. For assisting Spanish speaking parents, please use the following Application Cover Sheet - Spanish 5-05. March 1 of each year is the beginning date for applications to be taken. There is no specific deadline--applications are taken throughout the year. However, the first letters of acceptance are sent approximately July 31st.
2. What is the process for accepting my child into the program?
Once an application is completed, (including the child's birth certificate, shot record, and income verification) the application is placed on the waiting list in a priority order. All families are notified BY MAIL to let them know when their child is accepted and the date the child will start attending. A student calendar will be included along with information on the teacher's name, class time and center location.
3. What criteria are used to decide if my child can be accepted?
Applications are prioritized by several categories, including the child's age, the family's income and all information provided in the application. Those with the highest priority are accepted into the program first. If two applications have the same priority rating, the one that was received first will be considered first.
4. How does a person become a Head Start volunteer?
Volunteers are welcome in the ExCITE/Head Start Program. Anyone wishing to become a volunteer should contact the volunteer coordinator by e-mail at skirkla2@lps.org or by phone (436-1995) to set up an appointment for orientation. Volunteers will be required to complete some paperwork and work with the volunteer coordinator to set up a specific location for volunteering. If you prefer to complete the paperwork before coming to the appointment, you can access it here volunteer agreement, RELEASE OF INFORMATION, and confidentiality policy. These forms need to be completed and turned in to the ExCITE Office during the orientation.
Head Start
This is what the Head Start Program includes. It is one of the funding sources for the ExCITE Program. All information that applies to ExCITE also applies to Head Start.
- The Leadership Team for Head Start/ExCITE includes the following people:
- Deila Steiner, Director of Federal Programs
- Pat Schmidt, Coordinator of Head Start/ExCITE
- Susie Kirkland , Secretary for Head Start/ExCITE
- Dawn Wright, Disabilities Specialist
- Phyllis Boshae, RN, Health Specialist
- Angie Upah, Parent Involvement and Enrollment Specialist
- TBA, Education Specialist
- Brenda Carlow, Education Specialist
- Carrie Erks, Mental Health specialist
- Kim Nebel, School Social Worker
- Tracy Went, LAP Liaison
Even Start
Personnel
- Zaynab Al-Hamzawi, Coordinator
- Deila Steiner & Josh Cramer, Administrators
Partners:
- Lincoln City Libraries
- Southeast Community College
- Family Service of Lincoln
- Lincoln Public Schools ExCITE
Program and services
- Adult education/ ESL classes are provided 4 mornings each week.
- Family Wellness class is held 1 morning each week.
- Children participate in an early childhood program 5 days each week.
- Family visits are scheduled weekly.
- Family literacy events are planned 2 times each month.
The mission of Even Start is to empower families to transfer the value of education to their children and demonstrate self-sufficiency in their complex lives.
Participants can expect:
- Interactive literacy activities between parent and child.
- Training on how to be the primary teacher for their children
- Parent literacy training that leads to economic self-sufficiency
- Age-appropriate education to prepare their children for success