FARMINGTON – The new Farmington Head Start Center on Town Farm Road has expanded its program to offer 10 more Head Start slots for children in Franklin County. Known as the Farmington Combo Center, it houses both Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

Community Concepts opened this center in the fall focusing on the building and equipment being child friendly. The large room is sectioned off into separate play areas, with quiet space for reading and thinking, as well as plenty of room for make believe. Everything is build kid-size with tiny tables and chairs and toys within reach of little ones. “There’s really a lot of fun built into the learning here,” says Jenny France, head teacher and center manager.

Community Concepts operates 16 Head Start and Early Head Start sites in Franklin and Oxford counties. Head Start is a preschool program for children ages 3 to 5, focusing on each child’s educational, social, medical and nutritional needs. Early Head Start offers the same components for pregnant women and families with children from birth to 3 years of age.

France described some typical activities. “We serve breakfast, followed by circle time and play time. Weather permitting, we spend some time outside on our new playground equipment, we read books, and of course, we have lunch, too.”

A visit to the kitchen finds cook Amy Duvall preparing lunch for the children at this site, and also for the New Sharon center. Parent volunteers transport hot meals from Farmington to New Sharon each day.

The staff makes sure that children practice good health habits, like washing their hands and brushing their teeth. Everyone pours their own milk, and learn to serve themselves at the table. Field trips are a part of the curriculum, and parents are encouraged to participate by volunteering their time.

Steve Brod, mental health consultant, visits each site periodically to check in with each child, contributing to the nurturing of the whole child.

Community Concepts’ Head Start Program has been awarded the designation of Program of Excellence by the Administration for Children and Families, Head Start Bureau in Boston, Mass.

“We just love our new space,” said France. “It’s a great environment to work and to play in!”

Anyone interested in contacting the Head Start Program can call Community Concepts in Wilton at 645-9512 or South Paris at 743-7716.