A non-profit agency that’s been serving Ventura County for decades is stepping up in a major new way to help deal with a big issue in the region, the lack of affordable quality preschool care. Easterseals Southern California has spent more than a million dollars to renovate its Ventura campus to expand its preschool program. And, it’s offering something most preschools can’t: The ability to provide special services needed for children with disabilities.
The expanded Easterseals program serves Western Ventura County from its renovated, 12 classroom facility off of Henderson Road in Ventura. The Early Head Start Center Based Program provides conventional services, as well as specialized ones for kids with disabilities. It's added staff to help special needs kids. And, it also takes kids from a few months to six years old.
Parents, and grandparents like Diana Nelson say having comprehensive resources available at one place is an incredible addition to the programs. And, she says the teachers are great, with kids enjoying coming here.
There’s also a home based program. Head Start teachers develop lesson plans with parents, and then do weekly 90 minute visits.
The non-profit receives federal funding to help pay for the services its offering. The relaunched program got underway in September, with a capacity of around 80 kids. The program is focused on families with limited incomes.
There are still slots available in the unique preschool program.
