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Welcome to Paladin's Early Childhood Programs
Through our unique blended program model, Paladin’s Early Childhood Programs are able to provide the highest quality services in the most inclusive and accessible model of Early Childhood Education.
By leveraging the high-quality of Imagination Station’s NAEYC accredited program and the comprehensive services of the Head Start Program, we provide a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children and give them the strongest start on the path to college or a career.
Young children are still learning how to learn, and our preschool centers help them develop learning competencies like focus, self-regulation, memory, flexibility and motivation.
Imagination Station Child Development Center
Imagination Station is the only NAEYC accredited facility in La Porte County. We offer the highest quality care to children aged 6-weeks to 5-years, in our state-of-the-art setting where positive relationships are the foundation for experience-based learning.
- Accredited with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- Level 4 on Indiana Paths of Quality (highest level)
- Accept CCDF and On My Way Pre-K Vouchers
- Affiliated with the United Way
- Tuition assistance
- Year-Round preschool for infants, toddlers, and 3-5 year old children
- Summer Camp for K-4th grade children
Head Start of LaPorte County
Head Start of LaPorte County offers comprehensive programs that promote school readiness of children between the ages of three and five from income-eligible families through education, health, social, and other services. Our headquarters can be found at the Niemann Elementary School in Michigan City.
- Enrollment is based on eligibility through:
- Provided at no cost for eligible families
- Accepts 3-5 year old children
- Center-based learning options
- Family advocacy and needs assessment
- Training, workshops, goal setting
In response to national concerns, Head Start of La Porte County has conducted water-sample testing on sixty-six fixtures that are potential sources of drinking water. Click on the icon (to the left) read the Lead Results Stakeholder Letter.
What Others Are Saying...
Our Mission
In Paladin’s Early Childhood Programs, our mission, is to provide the highest quality Early childhood experiences for all children and to advocate for the importance of quality early childhood experiences.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is to regard the personal qualities of each child as gifts to be nurtured, shared, and appreciated. Each child is unique in his or her combination of strengths, weaknesses, interests, talents, needs, and styles. Each child’s individuality is appreciated and considered in the context of the children around him or her. The diversity inherent among families is recognized and respected.
We aim to provide the highest quality early childhood education while supporting families’ growth and ensuring the safety of all children in our care.
The HighScope Curriculum
Paladin, Inc.’s early childhood education programs both utilize the HighScope curriculum which features active learning at its core. It is play-based, child-centered, and grounded in research. In a HighScope classroom children are guided to explore, interact, and exercise their creative imagination through purposeful play.
A unique feature of our programming is the emphasis on building self- awareness, self-esteem, creativity, and social problem-solving skills— tools all children need to grow and thrive.
Ready to Help?
We need your support! As a non-profit agency, Paladin relies on volunteers and donor gifts to continue the work. For LaPorte County's children, Paladin will continue to provide the highest quality care with experiential learning experiences that get kids school ready. May we count on you today?
This website is supported by Grant Number 05CH012494 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Paladin, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.