Head Start and Early Head Start is a comprehensive early childhood program serving income eligible pregnant women and families with children up to 5 years old (children must turn 5 after September 1st of the current school year applying for).  Families living with certain other situations are also eligible such as families receiving TANF (MFIP), SSI, or children who are in foster care.  Head Start services are designed to be responsive to each child and family’s individual needs.  This program is inclusive, celebrating all types of children and families.

Head Start is a center based preschool program for children 3-5 years old (Head Start and Early Head Start is a comprehensive early childhood program serving income eligible pregnant women and families with children that are age eligible (must be 3 years old at any time during the program year and cannot turn 6-years-old throughout the program year)). Most classrooms operate four full school days Monday-Thursday during the school year. There are a few exceptions to this model with our agency.

Head Start comprehensive services include:

• Education: school readiness goals in the areas of language, literacy, math, science, health, and social emotional skills.
• Screenings and follow-up for health, development, and behavior
• Health and safety
• Social and emotional health
• Nutrition
• Family goal-setting
• Social services
• Transition services
• Services for children with disabilities

Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the classroom and to participate in home visits and parent/teacher conferences throughout the year. Each family has a Family Advocate who assists parents in finding community resources and other connections when needs arise. Other important parent opportunities include Parent Committee and Policy Council membership where parents work with Head Start staff and have an important part in governing the program.

The Early Head Start program recognizes the demands of caring for very young children. Our staff values the involvement of families in their child’s early learning, social, and cultural experiences. The program includes weekly home visits with parents and their child(ren), teaching and partnering with them in the areas of child development, health, mental health, family health, and development and family resources. Weekly home visits include:

• Parenting information and screenings to ensure that children are developmentally on track.
• Playgroup sessions are provided throughout the year where parents and children can build friendships and discuss interesting parenting topics.
• Assisting pregnant women with accessing comprehensive prenatal care to promote healthy development and a safe delivery.
• Working with parents to ensure that children have access to quality health care, including dental, vision, speech, hearing, nutritional, mental health screenings, and physical exams and immunizations.
• Information and referrals to other community agencies as needed.
• Supporting parent’s efforts to meet the challenges of parenting.

Pregnant women and children up to 3 years old may apply for this year long opportunity.