Lower Elwha Head Start

A preschool and infant/toddler program affiliated with Peninsula College's Family Life Education Program.

Program Philosophy

The Lower Elwha people recognize children as their nation's most valuable resource. The Lower Elwha Head Start staff provides comprehensive services from pregnancy through kindergarten transition and emphasizes kindergarten readiness, through the program. We strive to create and nurture a beautiful and caring experience of success for children, families, and staff exceeding the national goal of Head Start through community partnerships. We are committed to treat all children and parents with the same degree of sensitivity, respect, compassion, common sense, and intellectual honesty that we would provide for loved ones in our own family and that we expect ourselves.

Services and Mission

Coordinate a range of individualized services for children and their families
Provide and utilize health and nutrition education, social services, mental health, disability, and parent involvement services
Engage the family as well as the entire community
Establish standards that demand excellence and build a solid foundation for life-long learning, workplace skills, and citizenship
Evaluate program and policy effectiveness
Assist persons with disabilities by providing individualized support and services
Create a caring workplace that fosters teamwork and personal and professional growth
Listen to those we serve in order to improve our operations and adapt to changing needs
Forge partnerships to improve our services
Value each employee's contribution to achieving this mission

Class Times

Tuesday through Friday
Head Start: 9:00AM to 1:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Early Head Start: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

What You Need to Enroll

Income Verification (required)
Tribal Enrollment Number (not required but helpful)

For enrollment information, please call (360) 452-2587.

Staff

Director - Debbie Hales
Education Disabilities Manager - Sarah Lovejoy
Health Manager - Deanna Murray
Enrollment Specialist & Family Partnership Manager - Michelle Charles
Kweyensens Class Teacher - Mary Laungayan
Ravens Class Teacher - Sarah Lawrence
Bears Class Teacher - Joni Francis
Otters Class Teacher - Darla Owens
Chipmunks Class Teacher - Clarissa James
Parenting Education Instructor- Sarah Lovejoy
Prenatal Educator - Summer Cooper

Code of Conduct

To respect and promote the unique identity of each child's family and refrain from stereotyping on basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability
To follow program confidentiality policies regarding information about children, families, and other staff members
To ensure no child will be left alone or unsupervised while under our care
To use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation

Every staff, consultant, and volunteer agrees to adhere to the following:
The Head Start / Early Head Start staff recognize that, as parents, you are the first and most important teachers of your children. Parent participation in the classroom is encouraged. We welcome your involvement in Head Start activities and will work as partners with you to help your child progress. Parenting education and support are available to enrolled families. Peninsula College credit is available for some parenting education classes and continuing education is encouraged.

Location:
Lower Elwha Head Start
Lower Elwha Klallam Reservation
463 Stratton Road
Port Angeles, WA 98363

For More Information:
Debbie Hales, Director
Phone: (360) 452-2587 ext. 9

Michelle Charles
Enrollment Specialist/FCPM
Phone: (360) 452-2587 ext. 4

Sarah Lovejoy
Parenting Education Instructor
Phone: (360) 452-2587 ext. 6

Apply Now