head start

Head Start is funded by the federal government for children ages 3 and 4 and, in some locations, pregnant women and children birth to age 3.
Head Start includes:

• Free early learning child care or preschool to support child's development and learning. In some locations, Head Start may also offer home-based services.
• Family support and parent involvement.
• Child health coordination and nutrition.
• Services responsive and appropriate to each child's and family's heritage and experience.

Children who attend Head Start learn to manage their feelings, get along with others and follow classroom procedures. They build the beginning skills for reading, math and science. The program work closely with parents to support their children’s health and education and to meet family goals. They help families access medical and dental care and social services.
Children in this type of high-quality program nationwide are:

• Healthier when they start kindergarten.
• Less likely to be in special education or repeat a grade in school.
• More likely to graduate from high school and go on to college.
• Less likely to become pregnant as a teen or become involved in a crime.
• More likely to be employed and to earn more as an adult.

More About the Head Start

• Head Start is for 3- to 5-year-olds.
• Early Head Start is for pregnant women and children birth to age three. It promotes healthy prenatal outcomes, enhances the development of infants and toddlers, and promotes healthy family functioning. Children are served in their homes or in centers.
• Migrant and Seasonal Head Start is for pregnant women and children birth to age five give in communities with migrant and seasonal workers.
• Tribal Head Start serves American Indian and Alaska Native children birth to age five and their families. Services are located on or near reservations.
• Head Start children must be 3 to 5 years old for preschool Head Start; pregnant or 0 to 3 years old for Early Head Start, and:
  
• From families at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level, with priority to those at or below 100 percent or
• Homeless, in foster care, or from families with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash grant.
• Some children may be accepted who are over the income limit if they have developmental or environmental factors.

EnrollmentMost children are eligible for Head Start based on their age and family income. Up to 10% of Head Start slots can be filled by children above the income requirement who have multiple support needs, including:

• Environmental factors such as homelessness, family violence, chemical dependency, foster care, or incarcerated parents.
• Developmental factors such as developmental delay or other special needs.

After eligibility is determined, children are prioritized for enrollment as space is available in their communities.
To enroll a child, contact the Head Start Location near you.
Questions? Contact dcyf.hsco@dcyf.wa.gov for Head Start