Sure Start accepting applications

Published Aug. 11, 2011
By the 48th Mission Support Group School Liaison Office

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Sure Start, a preschool program that serves military children and families living overseas, is now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year.

The program offers a high-quality educational program that reflects best practices in the field, as well as providing health and nutrition, social and parent involvement services.

Close collaboration between families, schools and the installation community is viewed as essential and a required part of the program. Parents are required to volunteer a minimum of 60 hours per year for dual parents and 40 hours per year for single parents. Sure Start's comprehensive model, although appropriate for all preschool children, targets preschoolers who are "at risk" for later school failure because of economic circumstance or other health or family factors.

First priority is given to families whose sponsor is E-4 and below, but other family dynamic situations are also considered. Sure Start is a program for command-sponsored dependents and is primarily for qualified four year olds. The child must turn four by Sept. 1 of the current school year.

For additional information and to apply to the Sure Start Program, call Lakenheath Elementary School at DSN 226-3721 or visit http://www.dodea.edu/curriculum/eChildhood.cfm?cId=ss.