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What is Head Start/Early Head Start?

Head Start/Early Head Start is a Federal program designed to support preschool children from low-income families, helping them build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Managed by local non-profit organizations across nearly every county, this program provides a dynamic and engaging educational experience.

Beyond academics, children enrolled in Head Start/Early Head Start benefit from free medical and dental care, nutritious meals and snacks, and ample opportunities for play in a safe and nurturing environment.

Head Start/Early Head Start embraces the potential of every child, including those with disabilities, ensuring personalized services to foster success. While most participants are between the ages of two and five, selected sites also cater to infants and toddlers, providing them with an early start on their journey of growth and discovery.

What can the Head Start/Early Head Start program offer your child?

Head Start/Early Head Start is dedicated to the overall development of children, providing engaging activities for mental, social, emotional, and physical growth. Emphasizing the crucial role of parents as primary educators, we invite active involvement to collaborate on fostering each child's progress. Our committed staff offers love, acceptance, and opportunities for learning, promoting social skills, problem-solving, and self-confidence. Children thrive in stimulating settings, building good habits, enhancing listening and speaking skills, and leaving well-prepared for kindergarten. Ensuring holistic well-being, our program includes health examinations, vision and hearing tests, immunizations, nutrition assessments, and dental exams. Specialized services are available for children and families with unique needs, creating a comprehensive and supportive environment for all.

 

What would be your child’s routine in a Head Start/Early Head Start program?

Head Start/Early Head Start offers flexible programs tailored to diverse community needs, providing half-day center-based options, full-day programs, and home-based services led by Home Visitors who guide parents in facilitating learning experiences for their children. Upon arrival at the center, children are warmly greeted by dedicated teachers, and their personal belongings find a designated spot for daily use. Classroom activities encompass a variety of engaging experiences, from circle discussions where children share ideas to self-directed activities such as art, block play, science exploration, dance, and more. Children can choose activities and switch for a different challenge as they prefer. Daily routines also include small group work, outdoor play on safe playgrounds, nutritious meals, and oral hygiene practices. Emphasizing personal and health habits, the program ensures a holistic approach to early childhood development.

What can Head Start/Early Head Start offer your family?

Head Start/Early Head Start offers a supportive community where you and your family can find a sense of belonging and engage in a range of activities. Participate in training classes covering topics such as child rearing, job training, health and nutrition, and access free community resources. Whether it's learning English, acquiring literacy skills, or pursuing a high school General Equivalency Diploma (GED), Head Start provides assistance. In times of family crisis, such as substance abuse, job loss, or other challenges, Head Start offers help and referrals to medical, social welfare, or employment specialists in the community. Consider becoming a volunteer to deepen your understanding of child development, potentially leading to employment opportunities in childcare. Additionally, you can actively shape the program by serving on committees, fostering self-confidence, and honing decision-making skills through your experience with Head Start/Early Head Start.

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This website is supported by Grant Number GR0008194 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of New Mexico State University and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.

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