We believe that discovery and individual encouragement support each child’s success in the learning process. Our program is designed to provide an atmosphere that enhances the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth and development of the whole child as they get ready for elementary school and beyond.
Our classroom-based programming implements Creative Curriculum, an evidence-based, learning curriculum for children ages birth through 5. This curriculum emphasizes creating relationships, routines, and experiences that best support each child’s individual needs. Our main focus is learning through exploration and discovery. We believe children develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills through purposeful play, as well as learning activities that require active thinking and experimenting.
Our home-based programming implements Parents as Teachers and Partners for a Healthy Baby, an evidence-based home visiting model for children ages prenatal through 3. This model recognizes parents as the child’s first and most important teacher. Using the home environment, our home visitors partner weekly with families to create opportunities that support secure relationships and growth in all areas of development.
Home visitors are also a resource for the family to assist with referrals to services as well as family goal setting. Monthly socialization and family engagement opportunities will be offered.
The Head Start Approach to School Readiness is a program of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent engagement services for children aged 0-5 years and their families while utilizing a whole family approach.
CAPSC’s goals are aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, the NH Early Learning Standards, and the Kindergarten expectations of the local school districts. We assess your child’s progress toward achieving these goals three times during the program year, and plan developmentally appropriate experiences and activities that will move your child toward achievement. Your child’s teacher will review your child’s progress with you, and together you and the teacher can plan additional activities to do both in the classroom and at home to help your child be ready for school.
National Program Standards
The CAPSC Head Start Program adheres to federal program performance standards that give an outline to programs on how to provide services for eligible children and families in Strafford County, New Hampshire. There are additional oversight teams that monitor each Head Start program over a five-year period.
Our Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) programs meet and exceed federal program standards by:
Dover Bradley Education Center
577 Central Ave, Suite 50, Dover NH 03820
Programs Offered
EHS Center Based
HS Center Based
Before and After Care
Full Day Care
Home-based Programming
Ages Served
11 months – 5 years
Rochester Education Center (located in the James Foley Memorial Center)
150 Wakefield St, Rochester, NH 03867
Programs Offered
EHS Center Based
HS Center Based
Home-based Programming
Ages Served
6 weeks – 5 years
Farmington Children’s Center
120 Main St Farmington, NH 03835
Programs Offered
EHS Center Based
HS Center Based
Before and After Care
Full Day Care
Home-based Programming
Ages Served
6 weeks – 5 years
Somersworth Children’s Center (located inside Idlehurst Elementary School)
46 Stackpole Rd, Somersworth, NH 03878
Programs Offered
HS Preschool Classroom Center Based
Ages Served
3 years – 5 years
Enrollment Coordinator: [email protected]
All emails will be returned within 2 business days. Early Education Staff are in office Monday – Friday, year round.
Community Action Partnership of Strafford County is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization established under the provisions of the Equal Opportunity Act of 1964 and established in Strafford County in May of 1965.
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Social Services
Our social services team is made up of Family Advocates, supported by a Disabilities Coordinator, Mental Health Consultant, and Behavioral Coach. This team has training and expertise in supporting children, teachers and families in the area of family and community health. Support is offered by observing children in the classroom, accompanying visitors on home visits, assisting in accessing resources, attending parent meetings and conducting trainings as needed.
Preventive mental and physical health care are essential to a child’s success in school. Our educational approach emphasizes wellness and supports families in the role of promoting good physical and mental health for their children and for themselves. Our centers are comfortable, safe places for children that foster growth in all areas of development. The goal of our program is to help children grow up feeling good about themselves, leading them to be healthy and happy members of society.