Association To Benefit Children Head Start

The Cutie Patootie Early Childhood Center and The Stephen & Cathy Graham School are located at Echo Park, ABC’s multi-service center for children and families. Here, four classrooms have been expanded to eight, increasing substantially the number of children to 129. Both early childhood education programs gain greatly from the comprehensive array of services that are available on-site and can “wrap around” to strengthen each child’s family. They include a children’s mental health clinic, an after school and weekend educational, recreational and mentoring program, preventive services, therapeutic groups for children in crisis, parent support groups and employment assistance.

Head Start generally serves children ages 3 to 5 who meet local eligibility requirements. Pregnant women and children from birth to 3 years of age are eligible for Early Head Start services. Children and families who are homeless, in foster care, or receive TANF or SSI are also eligible for services. Eligibility is determined by Head Start program staff and some families may be eligible for services if they are determined to be at or below the federal poverty level. Some grantees enroll a percentage of children from families with incomes above the Poverty Guidelines as well.

Families are encouraged to apply.

Contact this program directly to ask about eligibility, openings, required documents, and the local application process.