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Howonquet Head Start  


The Head Start program is based on the premise that all children share certain needs and those from low-income families, in particular, can benefit from a comprehensive developmental program to meet their needs. Head Start is a family oriented, comprehensive and community-based program to address developmental goals for children, support for parents in their work and child-rearing roles and linkage with other service delivery systems.

Official Website

Coming Soon

Office

Howonquet Head Start
12845 Mouth of Smith River Rd
Smith River, Ca 95567

Classroom 1: 707-487-9255 x 3506
Classroom 2: 707-487-0137 x 3507
Early Learning Center: 707-487-0137 x 3520

Staff

Ronda Ritchie– Program Manager
Office 707.487.9255 x 3505
Cell 707.218-6357
Email ronda.ritchie@tolowa.com

Jenni Loftin
Office 707.487.9255 x 3501
Email jenni.loftin@tolowa.com

The Head Start philosophy rests on the following four principals:

  1. A child can benefit most from comprehensive, interdisciplinary program to foster normal development and remedy problems.
  2. The well being of children is inextricably linked to the well-being of the entire family. 
  3. Parents are the primary educators of their children and must be directly involved in the program.
  4. Partnership with other agencies and organizations in the community are essential to meeting with family needs. 

Mission

”To provide a safe, loving, healthy, nurturing, culturally rich environment that
stimulates growth in children, families and community.” ~Ronda Ritchie

Testimonials

“I have been involved with many early childhood education programs over the years and I can truly say that Howonquet Head Start is one of the finest I have had the pleasure to be associated with.”  –Dr. Phil Freneau Professor Early Childhood College of the Redwoods

“In my experience with Howonquet Head Start, the screenings that they provide helped my children with early intervention services that assisted them in achieving their educational goals in elementary school. Both of my children will have completed speech therapy by the 3rd grade.” -Jerri Throop Past Parent 02-06; Smith River Rancheria Tribal Member

“My daughter was actually a head of her kindergarten class and her teacher stated that it was because of her going to Howonquet Head Start that gave her that extra help that was needed to prepare for kindergarten. I am really thankful for Howonquet Head Start.”  -Marjorie Scott Past Parent 05-07; Smith River Rancheria Tribal Member

Additional Information & Resources

2007-08 Annual Report
2010 Annual Report
Parent Calendar 2010 -2011
HHS Flyer