Families find resources at GLCAP

FREMONT — Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) is helping meet the needs of Ohio's agricultural families. The Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) program, which serves migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, provides "educational development opportunities" for infants six weeks and older through the age a child is ready to start kindergarten, according to glcap.org. Through the MSHS program, "most families working in agriculture qualify for our program with no income cap," said Estrella Alvarez, MSHS Community Outreach Specialist for GLCAP. While the program previously had more regulations for families to qualify, rule changes enacted last year expanded the definition of agriculture, allowing a greater number of families and children access to MSHS programming. "If one parent can show proof that they earn 51% of their income from agricultural work," she said, children in the family can participate. "We offer two meals and one snack per day, bussing, and other programs at no cost to our families." "All meals, diapers and wipes" are provided, Alvarez explained, and sending a change of clothes with children is recommended in case of accidents or spills. Similar to Regional Head Start, which takes place during the months of the school year, MSHS runs through the crop cycle, including spring, summer and fall, Alvarez said, and the program focuses on preparing students to enter the K-12 learning environment. MSHS teachers are required to have a degree in early childhood education, and lesson plans are prepared for all students, including infants. Baby plans include such activities as tummy time and learning basic concepts. Currently, Alvarez said, MSHS is seeking to hire preschool teachers. MSHS hours are similar to those of a regular school day, she said, and bussing services accommodate students of all ages. Each bus is staffed with four to five adult bus aids to assist families, and infant/booster seating and seat belts for all riders are provided, she said. Alvarez said about 290 children per day participated in Fremont's MSHS program the week of June 16, and that number is expected to rise. "There's been a steady increase in requests for the program," she said. Not only has she been doing "a lot of outreach," but word of mouth from happy families has helped spread knowledge of MSHS services. Alex Boroff, Public Relations Director at GLCAP, said MSHS was founded in 1969, four years after the more well-known Regional Head Start began. MSHS is one of many GLCAP programs. GLCAP also offers Head Start programs, housing assistance, veteran-specific housing assistance, utility assistance, home repair, weatherization and other services. Families interested in registering for MSHS can call GLCAP at 800-775-9767 or visit glcap.org/mshs.