Additional Information

• Head Start is a Federally funded program for preschool children from low-income families. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities to help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally and physically. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.
• Head Start children also receive health and nutrition services including medical and dental services and healthy meals and snacks.
• Head Start recognizes parents as their child's first and most important teachers. Parent involvement is an important component and parents are encouraged to be fully involved in every aspect of the program, from volunteering in the classroom to serving on decision making committees.
• Families also receive any necessary social services, from assistance in obtaining high school GED's to counseling during a family crisis, job loss, or for special problems such as drug or alcohol abuse.
• The typical four-year-old completing Head Start has knowledge and skills in early literacy and numeracy, as well as social skills, to prepare him/her for success in Kindergarten. Head Start children perform above the levels expected for children from low-income families who have not attended Head Start.