July 8, 2010
Fertile soil, fertile minds
MUSCATINE, Iowa – As crops begin to ripen, migrant workers are arriving in Muscatine to help with the harvest. For many of them, finding a safe place to leave their children while they work is a struggle.
A Texas organization is offering Migrant Seasonal Head Start in Muscatine to help meet that need.
Each year the non-profit organization, Teaching and Mentoring Communities, sends teams of educators to provide federally funded Head Start programs throughout the country. This is the third year the organization has offered the June-to-October program in Muscatine.
“Most of us in this program, we have at one point in time been migrants,” director Irma Jasso said. “We know the importance of having children in Head Start rather than out in the fields. We’re giving them a head start so when they go into school they’re not as behind.”
The Migrant Seasonal Head Start meets from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Iglesia Pentecostes Puerta al Cielo at 1324 Houser St. The program rents space from the church, but is not affiliated with it. Transportation is provided for participating children.
In addition to age-appropriate learning activities, the children receive wellness checks and dental examinations.
“It’s an overall [service] for everything the child needs,” Jasso said.
Martha Castillo cooks for the program. The children eat breakfast, lunch and a snack at the center. The food is a mix of traditional Mexican dishes and items more commonly found in the United States.
“We serve nutritious food,” she said. “They have to learn to try everything.”
Diana Ramirez, child development advocate for the organization, said the program is bilingual. All signs are written in both English and Spanish. The program is also equipped for children with disabilities or learning delays.
Last year, 15 children participated in the program, but Ramirez and Jasso hope to attract more this year. Changes to the federal program have delayed this year’s opening, but Jasso hopes the first children will start next week.
“We have a waiting list and we’ve heard of more migrants coming,” Ramirez said.
The program is open only to the children of seasonal agriculture workers. Parents must provide proof of mobility and that they work in agriculture.
