LEWISTON – Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care, which has been serving Androscoggin County for 41 years, is celebrating Head Start Awareness Month.

Initiated by the National Head Start Association with the hope of raising awareness of Head Start programs and the services they provide, the month-long celebration honors teachers, staff and families.

“Celebrating Head Start Awareness Month is a way to raise visibility within Androscoggin County communities,” said Estelle Rubinstein, executive director and employee of more than 35 years.

“It amazes me when a new family will be referred to our program, and say that they never heard of us. Head Start has helped thousands of children in Androscoggin County, and we hope to continue our mission of promoting positive growth for children and families for years to come. By raising awareness of Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care, we hope to reach additional families who can benefit from our services,” she said.

Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care provides child development services to pregnant women, families and children, newborn to age 5. Options include full-day, half-day, home-based, family child care and infant and toddler early Head Start.

Services are provided annually to more than 400 children and families throughout Androscoggin County. Centers are located in Lewiston, Auburn, Lisbon Falls, Livermore Falls, Mechanic Falls and Turner.

Applications for all Head Start programs are accepted at any time. Most are free to eligible children. Full-day childcare services are available on a sliding fee scale for parents who are working, continuing their education or participating in job training.

Call 795-4040 for more information or visit www.androkids.com. Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care is a United Way funded and Lewiston and Auburn CDBG supported agency.