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Head Start is designed to support the whole child and family, not just classroom learning.
Programs combine early education with health, nutrition, social-emotional support, family engagement, and connections to community services.
The exact services can look different from one community to another, but the comprehensive approach is one of the defining features of Head Start.
Head Start programs provide developmentally appropriate early learning experiences. For preschool-age children, this may include language and literacy, early writing, math, science, art, music and movement, outdoor play, social-emotional learning, problem-solving, and independence.
Early Head Start provides age-appropriate learning for infants and toddlers through responsive caregiving, relationships, play, movement, communication, and exploration.
Head Start does not require every program to use the same national curriculum. Local programs select curricula that meet federal standards and support children's development.
Programs use screening and ongoing assessment to understand children's development and identify concerns. Screening may address language, motor development, cognition, social-emotional development, hearing, and vision.
If concerns arise, staff can talk with the family about next steps and possible referrals.
Head Start programs work with families to help children receive appropriate preventive health care. This may include support around health records, physical examinations, immunizations, hearing and vision, chronic health conditions, and follow-up care.
Head Start is not a medical clinic and does not replace a child's health provider.
Programs support oral health through dental-care status review, help establishing ongoing dental care, oral-health education, preventive routines, referrals, and follow-up when treatment is needed.
Center-based programs commonly provide meals and snacks during program hours. Programs may also support families with nutrition education, feeding concerns, and community food resources.
Programs may use mental health consultants to help teachers understand children's behavior, strengthen classroom environments, support social-emotional development, respond to stress or trauma, and connect families with outside care.
Children with disabilities are welcome in Head Start.
Programs coordinate with early intervention and special education systems and may support Individualized Family Service Plans, Individualized Education Programs, classroom accommodations, specialists, and family partnership.
Programs are required to ensure that at least 10% of funded enrollment opportunities are occupied by children with disabilities, and they may serve more.
Family engagement can include parent-teacher communication, conferences, volunteering, home learning activities, family events, leadership opportunities, and participation in program governance.
Family services staff may help families identify goals and connect with resources related to housing, food assistance, employment, education, health care, mental health, transportation, legal resources, or public benefits.
Head Start does not guarantee these outside services will be available, but programs can help families navigate local systems.
Programs may help families prepare for entering Early Head Start, moving from Early Head Start to preschool, changing classrooms, starting kindergarten, or moving to another program.
Some Early Head Start programs serve pregnant women and expectant families. Services may include prenatal and postpartum health support, infant development, breastfeeding information, parent-child relationships, and family well-being.
Not every Early Head Start program offers pregnancy services.
Some programs offer approved home-based options. A home-based model may include regular visits with trained staff and group socialization experiences. It focuses on child development and strengthening the parent's role in supporting learning.
Some Head Start programs provide transportation and others do not. When transportation is offered, programs must follow applicable safety requirements.
Head Start is federally funded but locally operated. Programs conduct community assessments to understand local strengths, needs, and resources.
That can affect hours, calendar, transportation, program options, partnerships, languages supported, family services, and locations.
This is why two Head Start programs can both meet federal requirements while looking different day to day.
All programs follow federal Head Start standards, but local delivery, schedules, partnerships, and program options vary.
Head Start supports access to health care, screening, and follow-up, but it does not replace a child's doctor or other health professionals.
Nutrition is part of the Head Start model. Center-based services commonly include meals and snacks during program hours.
No.
Yes. Family engagement and family well-being are core parts of the Head Start model.
Early Head Start uses the same comprehensive philosophy, adapted for infants, toddlers, and, in some programs, expectant families.