Head Start is an early childhood education and development program that fosters healthy development for eligible children and families.
Head Start and Early Head Start provide early childhood and family development services for:
Head Start services cover a range of areas:
Every morning and afternoon, up to 20 children between the ages of 3 and 5 benefit from the stimulating, encouraging environment that Head Start provides. Activities include a daily meal, group learning time, science experiments, and of course, fun on the playground! At Head Start, we focus on the whole child, preparing them for success in kindergarten and beyond!
A child’s early years are very important to their learning and development, and kids learn best when they are active.
Head Start prepares children for success in school and in life by teaching them how to learn, not just in preschool, but throughout their lives.
Four areas of development:
Curriculum approach:
Curriculum Goals:
Early Head Start provides continuous, intensive child development and family support on a year-round basis for low-income pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers ages birth to 3 years.
The purpose of Early Head Start is to:
OACAC respects the parents’ role as their child’s first and most influential teacher:
EHS cares for each child as an individual:
OACAC ensures that all EHS teachers are qualified to provide excellent care by requiring that all teachers have, at minimum, and Infant/Toddler CDA or its equivalent at the time of hire or within one year.
Head Start serves (1) Families with incomes below designated poverty guidelines; (2) Children from homeless families; (3) Children in Foster Care; (4) Families receiving public assistance such as SNAP or TANF.
# OF PERSONS IN FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD | ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME |
---|---|
1 | $13,590 |
2 | $18,310 |
3 | $23,030 |
4 | $27,750 |
5 | $32,470 |
6 | $37,190 |
7 | $41,910 |
8 | $46,630 |
Children are eligible for Head Start once they turn three years old. Four year old children still have priority.
Date Range | Age |
---|---|
8/1/2017 - 7/31/2018 | 4 year-olds |
8/1/2018 - 7/31/2019 | 3 year-olds |
Children who are birth to three years-old and pregnant women.
Date Range | Age |
---|---|
8/1/2019 - 7/31/2020 | 2 year-olds |
8/1/2020 - 7/31/2021 | 1 year-olds |
8/1/2021 - 7/31/2022 | Babies |
For information about enrolling your child in Head Start, call 417-864-3430 or toll free at 1-866-282-3430. You can also fill out our Parent Information Request form and turn it in at one of our offices.
You can support early childhood development by volunteering at your local Head Start!
Your support gives kids a healthy start and prepares them for a lifetime of learning success!