Illinois Valley South Macoupin 314 East Central Avenue, Benld, IL 62009

Illinois Valley South Macoupin, located at 314 East Central Avenue in Benld, Illinois, is a school offering the Head Start & Early Head Start Programs for economically disadvantaged families with children aged birth through 5. The programs provide educational, health, mental-health, dental, and nutrition services, as well as family engagement opportunities and services for children with special needs. They offer both center-based and home-based enrollment options.

The center-based program provides structured classroom activities five days a week from late August through May, focusing on meeting the child's educational, social, physical, and developmental needs. This option is available for children aged 3-5 in Greene, Jersey, and Macoupin Counties. The home-based option includes weekly 90-minute home visits by a Home Visitor who works with parents to plan educational activities based on the child's needs. Home-based children also participate in Socialization Activities twice a month for interaction with other children and families.

Parent and community involvement are key aspects of the program, with Parent Committees and the Policy Council playing important roles. The goal of the Head Start Program is to ensure children have the experiences and opportunities necessary for their development and success in school and life.

Service areas include Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, and Macoupin Counties. Other services provided by Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation, located at 223 South Macoupin Street in Gillespie, include Senior Services, CSBG, Community Day Services Program, Transportation, Housing, and Energy Assistance. For more information or to apply, call (217) 839-4431.