Head Start
The overall goal of Head Start is to bring about a greater degree of social competence in young children of low-income families. Social competence refers to the child's every day effectiveness in dealing with both his or her present environmental and later responsibilities in school and life. It takes into account the inter-relatedness of cognitive and intellectual development, physical health, mental health, and nutritional needs.
Key principles of Head Start include the following:
- Comprehensive services
- Parent involvement and family focus
- Community partnership and community-based services
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for a Head Start Program, children:
- Are eligible on the child's third birthday
- May not turn 5 on or before Sept. 1 of this year
- Must be income eligible
- Children who are eligible to attend kindergarten may not attend Head Start
To learn about registration, please visit our Registration Information page.
Program Schedule
The Head Start program begins on Aug. 21, 2023 for the 2023-24 school year.
The Head Start programs are open Monday through Thursday for 3.5 hour sessions. Depending on the site, there are morning and afternoon options. Billy Mitchell, Cottage, Dyer Kelly, and General Davie also offer 6 hour, Monday-Friday Duration Head Start classes. Programs are closed on holidays determined by the district and legal holidays which are:
-
Martin Luther King Day
- President's Week
- Spring Break
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veteran's Day
- Thanksgiving Break
- Winter Break