Community Assessment April 2014
KIRPC Head Start is serves three rural counties in northwest Indiana. The Grantee Office of Kankakee
Iroquois Regional Planning Commission is located exactly one hundred miles south of Chicago and one
hundred miles north of Indianapolis. The county-side is dotted with wind turbines generating electricity, large
farms growing mainly soybeans and corn, and small communities/towns where the amenities are few. Mega
diaries and mega egg farms have moved into the area over the last decade and continue to attract Spanish
speaking families.
KIRPC Head Start serves Newton, Jasper, and Pulaski counties. The Community Assessment for 2014
asked for county of residence so that the information could be discerned by the three counties. When
received, the information did not differ much from county to county. Over one thousand surveys were
distributed to families of first graders in the local school districts, current KIRPC Head Start families, and
kindergarten “round up” events held at the elementary schools. There are total of nine elementary schools in
the three counties.
The categories measured by the community assessment are mandated in the Head Start Performance
Standards and include: Family Information, Child Care information, Housing, Education, Literacy, Employment,
Income, Transportation, Health and Nutrition, Disabilities, Family/Social, Services received, Language, and
Community Resource strengths and needs. A total of 248 community assessment surveys were returned from
area residents. The community strengths and the community resources needed serve as a good summary of
the 2014 Community Assessment. Some of the specific needs of families have been summarized.
Community Strengths
The strengths of the community included comments that people are friendly, close and know and look
out for one another. Residents indicated that there are lots of children and that the community is a great place
to raise children. “KIRPC Head Start is a great program and serves as a bridge to other programs, resources,
and the community.” The libraries, the parks and extra activities for children, community centers, the good
schools, pre-schools/child care, youth programs, family-oriented events, the churches, community centers,
sports, the walking trails, YMCA, 4-H, State parks, the transportation, food pantries were all listed as benefits
to the communities. The two hundred and forty eight who returned the survey were in agreement that the
small tight knit communities have good family values being projected through events sponsored.
Community Resources Needed
The survey respondents listed many of the needs of the community to be similar to the list that had
been seen as strengths. Additionally respondents saw needs as: more shopping, more doctors/dentists, more
businesses, cheaper groceries, more availability of women, farmer markets, more people involved, better
support centers, more summer activities for children, affordable access to transportation, abuse/victim
center, more places for teens, affordable housing, cheaper/reliable child care, community pool/ exercise
classes outdoors, full day kindergarten, restaurants, drug counseling centers, financial hardship help, too many
free handouts, clothing donations, weekend food for children, more things done at schools, insurance
assistance, legal assistance, food and utility assistance, more employment. (The complete list of strengths and
needs from the three counties can be seen in the Community Assessment 2014 Binder in the Grantee Office)
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Head Start Knowledge
In Newton County a total of 63 surveys were returned and 44 respondents indicated that Head Start
was available in their community. In Jasper County a total of 107 assessments were returned with 81 residents
indicating they knew Head Start was available in their community. Pulaski County showed a return of 78
assessment and 58 indicated knowledge of Head Start in their community.
A. Family Information - Households
The total number of people living in households surveyed:
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


White, non-Hispanic household: 979
Hispanic origin: 75
Bi-Racial households: 51
Black, non-Hispanic: 6
Family Composition
Two Parent Households: 161
Single Parent Female: 53
Single Parent Male: 6
Multiple Family Household: 8
Foster Family: 2
Grandparents: 15
The majority of respondents to the Community Assessment 2014 were white, two parent families.
B: Child care
A total of 107 children were reported to be in child care.
C. Housing
Over 50%, or 129 of the Community Assessment surveys indicated that the person owned their home; 73
renters; 23 were living with family/friend; and 3 lived in subsidized housing. There were no homeless
responses. The majority answered that there were sufficient funds to meet mortgage payments and utilities.
D. Education
High School or GED: 49 Males 88 Females
Vocational Training: 48 Males 51 Females
Associates Degree: 29 Males 30 Females
Bachelor Degree:
23 Males
29 Females
Non HS Graduation: 19 Males
20 Females
2
0 -8 grades:
9 Males 3 Females
A total of 13 males and females were working toward a college degree
E. Literacy
213 indicated they read to children and own books for children.
208 people indicated they read on a regular basis.
182 indicated they have a library card
173 indicated they go to the library once a month
F. Employment
Full time employment: 140 Males 60 Females
Part time employment: 42 Males
Disability:
Unemployed:
2 Females
6 Males
11 Females
10 Males
39 Females
G. Income
$5,000 (or below ) per year: 22
Between $10,000 - $20,000 per year: 47
Over $20,000 per year: 108
H. Transportation
219 of the 248 respondents to the survey indicated they owned a vehicle and the majority indicated
they have enough funds for gas/insurance/repairs
96 indicated that they had access to public transportation
I. Health and Nutrition
Households with a family dentist:
Households with a family doctor:
Households with smokers:
Medicaid:
Private Insurance:
HIP
Dental
Obamacare
201
218
89
114
107
12
39
8
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J. Disability
33 households listed a disability of a child under the age of 13
22 listed an IEP or an IFPS for the child
15 received SSI
13 were enrolled with Cooperative School Services
K. Family/Social Services
174 access to community activities including sports, church, fitness groups
160 belong to a club or organization
107 indicated that there were programs for preschoolers in the community
100 indicated programs for elementary children in the community
64 indicated programs for high school students in the community
34 use the local food pantry
1 incident of domestic violence was listed
L. Services/Assistance Received
90 Food Stamps
64 Free Lunches
37 WIC
6 Childcare Vouchers
5 receive TANF (temporary assistance)
4 EAP (energy assistance)
2 receive Unemployment
2 receive Public Housing
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