Grand Forks Foundation for Education

Head Start to Open Playground, Two Classrooms At 4000 Valley Square

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Grand Forks Head Start has joined with Valley Memorial Homes to locate two classrooms and a playground at 4000 Valley Square, located at 4000 24^th Ave. S in Grand Forks.

The project is a collaboration between the two organizations and respective foundations – the Grand Forks Foundation for Education and Valley Memorial Foundation.

Since 1965, the Head Start program has provided comprehensive early education and support services to low-income children age 3 and 4 and their families by supporting their development in a comprehensive way. Focused on the "whole child," these services include early education addressing cognitive, developmental, and social-emotional needs; medical and dental screenings and referrals; nutritional services, parental involvement activities; referrals to social service providers for the entire family; and mental health services.

These classrooms, which will open in the Fall of 2018, will align with the concept of intergenerational learning, or the informal process of passing down culture and knowledge. This unique program setting will enable easy interaction between our community’s valued elders and young children.

“Research shows intergenerational programming benefits children by providing social awareness for communicating with older people, positive attitudes toward the aging and elderly, mentoring, positive role models. and an experience of community belonging,” said Tracey Johnson, director of Head Start at Grand Forks Public Schools. “We are excited to enter this journey with two Head Start classrooms located inside the 4000 Valley Square campus!”

To donate online, please visit donate.gffoundation.org/headstart. Fundraising will also take place on Giving Hearts Day, held February 8, 2018.

"We need the community's help to make the playground a reality," said Emilia Hodgson, executive director of the Grand Forks Foundation for Education. "We have an opportunity to create an outside space that is fun and safe for both the children and the elders. The playground will also be accessible to residents and their families outside of classroom time. What a fantastic space for them to create memories as well."

For more information about the project, please contact Hodgson at 701.787.4867.

To learn more about Grand Forks Head Start, please visit https://www.gfschools.org/headstart.

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