Updated Fri., 5/4 – The Family and Child Learning Centers of N.E.W., Inc./Head Start has entered into a collaborative partnership with Nicolet College to operate a new Head Start facility at the Child Care Center on the Nicolet campus.

Under the service agreement, the center will offer Head Start programming for eligible families and also serve as a learning lab for students in Nicolet’s Early Childhood Education associate degree program.

“We are very excited to enter into this new arrangement with Family and Child Learning Centers,” said Nicolet College President Elizabeth Burmaster. “By doing so, area children and families will benefit from the Head Start programs that will be offered at the center and Nicolet students in the Early Childhood Education program will have the opportunity to stay on campus to get the practical teaching experience required to earn their associate degree.”

Burmaster added the center will be one of several area facilities Nicolet students utilize to complete their degrees.

The service agreement calls for Family and Child Learning Centers to operate the new Head Start Center Sept. 4 through May 24, 2013.

“This is a great opportunity for us to expand on the high quality Head Start services we provide for area children and their families,” said Carol Jackomino, executive director of Family and Child Learning Centers. “We look forward to enhancing the great partnership we have had with Nicolet over the years.”

Next fall Head Start, which is funded in part by a federal grant, will accept up to 18 3- to 5-year-olds from families that meet eligibility requirements. The center will operate from 8 a.m. to noon four days a week.

Burmaster had special praise for the Nicolet Child Care Center staff for the close working relationship they developed with Head Start over the past 14 years.

“That relationship served as the solid foundation that made this new partnership possible,” Burmaster said.