SIDNEY — The Kids Learning Place Head Start program in Shelby County has opened enrollment to 3- and 4- year-old preschool children for the upcoming 2015-16 school year.

The school-readiness program is open at no cost for income-eligible families. Head Start also accepts children with special needs, who are in foster care or who are homeless.

Head Start’s main objective is to organize and provide educational activities for children, so that they will develop the skills needed to make the transition to kindergarten. The program uses a curriculum and assessments for all aspects of a child’s development: socio-emotional, cognitive/language and physical. Openings are available in the classroom or home-based settings.

Head Start services include education, health, dental and nutrition services. Also included are services that support positive parent-child relationships, family well-being and connections to peers and the community.

The experienced staff works to help children develop language skills, learn to classify objects, develop abstract thinking skills, develop the large muscles of their bodies, experience a sense of positive self-esteem, demonstrate cooperative social behavior, learn to solve problems, participate in make-believe play, develop beginning reading skills and acquire beginning writing skills.

Parents and guardians can get applications by calling 866-627-4557. For information, visit www.kidslearningplace.org.

This article was submitted by Council on Rural Services.