Head-Start Features Mobile Learning

Head-Start Features Mobile Learning

BOBBY ARDOIN

Editor/Consulting Writer

The St. Landry Parish Head-Start mobile learning bus is equipped and scheduled to begin rolling next week.

Officials with the Save Our Children Head-Start program which also serves St. Landry, announced the implementation for mobile early childhood learning with a ribbon cutting presentation on Tuesday.

Mary Thomas, an instructional and educational director with Save Our Children, said funding for the mobile learning program is originating primarily from several private donation sources which were featured during the media presentation.

The main focus of having a mobile learning program, according to Thomas, is to bring more educational opportunities to children who are in need of services, but who have been unable to enroll at one of the 10 St. Landry Head-Start centers.

Thomas said there is currently a waiting list for potential students.

For those children, the mobile learning concept is designed to facilitate elements of education until there are openings for them to attend Head-Start centers, Thomas added.

Federally-funded Save Our Children-St. Landry serves 569 children. The programs involve Early Head Start and Head Start, which includes education opportunities for students up to five years.

Thomas said the mobile bus in St. Landry will target low income areas that include children living in federal housing and low income areas.

A tour of the bus indicates that it is equipped with restroom facilities in addition to different stations that include student rest areas, and curriculum focused centers for indoor recreationa, reading and science activities.