Head Start, Child and Family Programs

Head Start is a program that helps young children between the ages of three and five grow up ready to succeed in school and in life. Programs work to meet high standards for delivering quality services to children and their families. Children who attend Head Start programs participate in fun activities while developing social skills. Head Start children also receive nutritious meals and the necessary health care in a safe environment.

Early Head Start is a program for families with infants and toddlers ages birth to three. Families who are expecting a new baby may enroll in Early Head Start. Families do not pay a fee for Head Start or Early Head Start.

Parents with children in Head Start participate in all aspects of the program. They help to govern, plan what children learn, and provide advice about needed services. Parents and other community members also volunteer in classrooms and other parts of the programs.

Head Start and Early Head Start welcome children with disabilities. Parents of children with disabilities are strongly encouraged to participate in their children’s daily routines and activities.

Migrant & Seasonal Head Start program provides comprehensive Head Start services, including child development, and social and health services, to low-income families working in agriculture, or families who migrate for the purpose of working in agriculture.

Migrant farm worker families are those who have changed residence from one geographic location to another in search of agricultural work that involves the production and harvesting of tree and field crops within the last 24-month period. Seasonal farm worker families are engaged primarily in seasonal agricultural labor and have not changed their residence from another geographic location in the preceding two-year period.