Head Start

Head Start is a federally-funded, comprehensive, preschool Child Development Program for low-income eligible children, pregnant women and their family members. This includes health, education, social services, and support.

Head Start uses the HighScope curriculum. This program is based on active learning where the children learn through key experiences with people, materials, events, and ideas. The children are encouraged to plan, do, and review during work time. As they pursue their choices and plans, the children solve problems, ask and answer questions and interact with others.

Head Start offers opportunities for parents to work with experts to help with family goals, and building family relationships. The trainings include: financial asset building, healthy relationships and kindergarten readiness. They also offer Fatherhood Training and opportunities to strengthen the role of fathers or the father figure to support the family. All trainings are approved by the Federal Office of Head Start, with the goal to develop relationships with the family and Head Start staff.

Eligibility is determined based on the following criteria:

• Age: Birth to five years old and children must be three years on or before August 1 of the current school year to be age eligible for Head Start
• Income Eligible: Based on federal poverty guideline standards, and percentages of over-income families
• Pregnant Moms: Head Start also serves pregnant moms in the community
• Children with Special Needs accepted

During the intake process, parents must provide the following for Head Start applications:

1. Child’s Birth Certificate
2. Child’s Immunization Records
3. Verification of yearly income
4. Tax form, W-2 form, or public assistance forms

The selection process is ongoing throughout the program year. Through the selection process, children are either accepted or waitlisted. Before the beginning of the school year and during the school year, Head Start will notify parents about enrollment status.