Early Childhood Education Programs

Prairie Band Potawatomi Early Childhood Education Center

15380 K Rd.
Mayetta, Kansas66509
Phone: (785) 966-2707 or (785) 966-2527
Fax: (785) 966-2514
Website

Mission Statement

The PrairieBandPotawatomiEarlyChildhoodEducationCenter is committed to providing quality services, which assure a seamless system of care and education for children, families, staff and the community.

Ben-no-tteh Wigwam Philosophy:

A child can best benefit from a comprehensive inter-disciplinary program. We must consider the whold child in which his entire family and community partners are valued and involved. The child’s language and culture will be respected and reflected in the learning environment and interactions. Parents are recognized as the child’s most important teachers and contributors to growth and development.

Head Start

Head Start is funded by the Department of Health & Human Services Head Start Grant, and PBPN Tribal Supplement. The purpose is to provide comprehensive services to thirty-two (32) income-eligible children, ages 3-5, and their families in five classrooms and operates nine months a year. Full day-full year is provided for families that need child care in the summer months. This service is free. Applications are available at the center or on our website.

Early Head Start

Early Head Start is funded by the Department of Health & Human Services Early Head Start Grant and PBPN Tribal Supplement. The purpose is to provide comprehensive services to twelve (12) income-eligible families of expectant mothers or infants and toddlers, birth to age three. This service is also free and applications are available at the center or on our website.

Child Care

Child Care is funded by the PBPN Tribal Supplement and the Child Care Development Fund. The purpose is to increase availability, affordability and quality of child care on the Potawatomi Reservation and community. Space is limited to 6 infants, 16 toddlers, 17 preschoolers and 5 after-school children. Families must be working, attending training or an educational program on a full-time basis. Payment rates are based on a sliding fee scale for income-eligible families, and affordable rates are available for ineligible participants. Child Care serves children six weeks to eight years old. Hours are from 7:00am to 5:30pm.

Early Intervention

Part C is funded by the Part C Infant Toddler Services Grant, PBPN Tribal Supplement, and RoyalValleySchool District #337. The purpose is to provide early intervention services to all children, birth to age five with diagnosed disabilities and developmental delays. These services are free.

Parent Involvement

Parents and community members have been involved in Policy council and Interagency Coordinating Council Meetings held at the center monthly and every other month to share ideas, give input in planning events and service delivery, and develop, review and approve program policies and procedures. Revised child care health policies and procedures were developed and approved with parent input. Parent representative participate in conducting team interviews for Child Care and Head Start positions.