Head Start buys former Christian School

Head Start finally has a place to call its own in Columbia Falls.

The new North Valley Head Start is expected to open in the former Glacier Christian School this fall.

"This gives us a home," said Renee Funk, director of Northwest Montana Head Start.

Northwest Montana Head Start oversees programs throughout Flathead and Lincoln counties. Head Start is a child development program for children ages 3 to 5 that serves low-income families. The program focuses not only on education, but also on health, nutrition and parent involvement.

The new program will serve about 50 children from Columbia Falls and Whitefish.

Previously, two separate programs were held at various locations in both towns. Most recently, the Columbia Falls program was in the Crossroads Church and the Whitefish program in the Whitefish Christian Church.

"The churches have been wonderful, but the time has come for our own facility," said Funk.

After spending the last several years changing locations, Head Start began looking for a permanent facility. Then last week Head Start closed on the purchase of the school building.

Funk said when the search began Columbia Falls was chosen as the better option because the number of Columbia Falls children enrolled in Head Start has been growing. Whitefish students will still be bused to the new location.

Glacier Christian School, non-profit group, reduced its price to make the purchase more affordable for Head Start.

Eileen McDowell of RE/MAX Mountain View said Glacier Christian School reduced the price as "a way of giving to the community."

THE PROGRAM will have the chance to improve and expand while under one roof. Plans for a remodel are drawn up and the hope is that work will be completed by September.

The 5,200 square-foot building will be remodeled to include three classrooms, a commercial kitchen, a parent room and offices. The playground, which now has been overtaken by weeds, is also expected to be revamped.

The commercial kitchen will allow staff to more easily prepare meals. Children are served breakfast, lunch and a snack every day.

"We have a nutritionist that makes certain that the children get a well-balanced meal," said Funk.

The kitchen will also allow for cooking classes for parents in the evenings.

Funk said that it can often be a challenge for low-income families to prepare healthy meals, so classes will aim to teach that.

The parent room will include a computer and phone for parents who might not have access to that at home. The computer often aids with job searches for those who need it.

Head Start helps to connect families to various social services.

"We hope this can become a community center," said Funk. "Head Start is about families and working together."

Right now the playground has a few pieces of equipment surrounded by asphalt. Weeds have begun to grow up around the playground.

The vision is to have a natural environment where kids can play in grassy areas or dig in the dirt.

"We're hoping to have a really nice playground," said Funk.

Grant applications have been submitted for funding playground improvements. Head Start is also looking for volunteers willing to work on the playground or with students.

The new building will allow for eventual expansion of up to 100 kids enrolled there.

Funk said expansion is determined by need assessment and funding availability. Last year there were 90 children on the waiting list in Northwest Montana, she noted.

For more information on Head Start, call 752-7011.