New Head Start Options Available in Lutz

Lutz residents now have a new option for childcare.

Hillsborough County recently opened a new Head Start program at the Nye Park Recreation Center, 630 Sunset Lane.

Head Start, a federally funded program, provides early childhood education, medical services and case management for infants through 4-year-olds in Hillsborough County who qualify. That includes disabled children.

Hillsborough County officials held a meeting on Tuesday evening at the recreation center to let parents know about the new child education option.

"Each year we look to see where families in need are," said Louis Finney, director of Hillsborough County's Head Start. "We decided to move into a county-owned facility here."

Another Head Start program about four miles from the Nye Recreation Center had operated up until April 2012, when county officials decided to house the program at the center, Finney said.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

There are 112 Head Start locations in the county serving about 4,000 students.

The Nye Park Recreation Center location serves children ages 3 to 5 years. Currently 50 children are enrolled at the location; 19 open slots are available.

"We want to make the community aware that we are here," said Sharon Haynes, education manager for Nye Park Head Start. "Head Start is a holistic approach. We help the families, we can't do it without them, we're here to help them."

Tuesday's meeting was a chance for potential parents to ask questions about the new program. Longtime Head Start parents also attended.

"There's a lot of needy people and families here who can't afford to go to private schools or daycare," said Teresita Martinez, a former Head Start parent.

Head Start classes are taught by teachers with degrees, Finney said. The program uses DLM Express curriculum, which is developmentally age appropriate and theme based. Themes include recycling, animals and the ocean, Haynes said. 

Working parents who meet income requirements can enroll students free of charge.

Even though Head Start is housed at the recreation center, the public will still be able to utilize the center in the evenings and weekends, said Mark Thornton, director of Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department.

Four new bathrooms and a playground with a fenced area are planned for installation at the center due to the new Head Start program, Thornton said.

"We believe the dual use will work just fine," Thornton said. "They'll be a lot of activity here."

To be considered for the program parents must apply in person by coming to the Nye Park Recreation Center and filling out an application. For more information call: 813-264-3805.