Program Descriptions

Head Start

Head Start programs promote school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families and families whose children have disabilities or other special needs by supporting their development in a comprehensive way. Assistance is provided through five service components: education, health, nutrition, social services and parental involvement.

Head Start and Early Head Start programs offer a variety of service models, depending on the needs of the local community. Many Head Start and Early Head Start programs are based in centers and schools. Other programs are located in child care centers and family child care homes. Some programs offer home-based services that assigned dedicated staff who conduct weekly visits to children in their own home and work with the parent as the child's primary teacher.