Head Start Preschool

Building Strength for a Life of Learning

Building Strength for a Life of Learning

Paducah Head Start Preschool provides a quality child development program, including individualized education, health and family services, in each of Paducah's four elementary schools for about 240 preschoolers.

The learning environment helps children develop socially, intellectually and physically in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development.

The Paducah preschool has operated since 1965. In 2002, a review team from the regional office in Atlanta conducted a full review and found that it met or exceeded all federal standards. The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Three- and four-year-old children must meet income guidelines to qualify for preschool services. Children with disabilities may be served regardless of family-income levels. Income verification, immunization record and birth certificate must be presented at enrollment. Physical and dental examinations are required. Teachers make home visits before school begins.

Free health screenings are offered in the spring for all preschoolers. Children going to kindergarten in the fall must be screened.

To receive an enrollment application for Head Start, contact the center at your nearest elementary school.

Head Start Preschool

"Roadie" Ribbon Cutting Takes Literacy On the Road

A cooperative effort between Head Start and the Paducah Area Technical Center has given an old bus a new purpose.

Head Start staff, carpentry and body shop classes from the Paducah Area Vocational School, and community supporters gathered at the Head Start Offices on December 2 to commission a new literacy bus nicknamed "Roadie".

Head Start Director Frances Smith said the vision fo the literacy bus began when she received word that a 1984 "short bus" would be removed from the fleet and retired. Smith asked if she could have the bus in order to create a reading bus.

Smith asked Donald Wann, the director of the PATC, if he could help in refurbishing the bus. Wann agreed to have auto body and carpentry students work on the bus. Over the past year, the bus interior of the bus has been gutted and shelves, tables, and seating have been installed, and the exterior has been re-painted.

Smith's vision is to have the bus stocked with books and travel to area neighborhoods and community events, offering children books and a place to read. She hopes to find community groups that will donate books so children can take them home after reading.

Volunteers are needed to drive the bus and read with children when Roadie goes out to neighborhoods. Smith hopes to take the bus out at least once a week. If you would like to help, you can volunteer by calling the Head Start office at

You can see pictures from ribbon cutting here.

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