Head Start, Early Head Start, & State Preschool

This page provides an overview of early childhood education and care options available through Head Start, Early Head Start, and State Preschool programs. These programs are designed to support the healthy development and school readiness of young children, with a focus on families with limited income and other qualifying needs.

Head Start / State Preschool

This program helps children aged 3 to 4, and sometimes 5 depending on their birthday. It focuses on getting them ready for school and helping them grow in many ways so they can do well in kindergarten and later.

Learning Plan / Curriculum

Creative Curriculum for Preschool

The Creative Curriculum is a program that helps children grow in many ways to get ready for school. It has different “studies” where kids learn about new topics and solve problems using their thinking skills.

Second Step

The Second Step is a program that helps children with their social and emotional skills. Kids learn how to solve problems, handle fights, share their feelings, and manage their behavior.

Day Plan / Schedule

Video - How Head Start Changes Families’ Lives

Early Head Start/ Center-Based

Our program helps children from pregnancy until they turn 3 years old. We provide fun activities and caring support in groups to help children learn and make friends early.

Learning Plan / Curriculum

Creative Curriculum for Infant, Toddler and Two’s

Our program is made to help babies from pregnancy until they turn 3 years old. We offer fun activities and caring support in groups to help children learn and make friends.

The 5 Components in Creative Curriculum

The program fits into children’s daily routines and meets what each child needs most. We use fun games and special materials to help each child grow. This way, every child gets learning that works for them. Parents and caregivers are part of the program too.

Areas of Focus:

Creating a safe and caring place
Helping children learn new things
Taking care of and teaching children
Working together with families

Day Plan / Schedule

Full-Day Schedule

Classes are Monday through Friday and last 6 to 6.5 hours.
Infants and toddlers need a regular schedule that is easy to follow but also flexible to meet their own needs. This helps them learn from many chances they get every day. The daily schedule is a guide to help plan their routine and playtime. The schedule may change a little depending on your child’s age.

Infant Schedule

We follow infants’ natural needs; they are fed, changed, and put down for naps as needed.

Toddler Schedule

Toddlers are changed or taken to the toilet before routine transitions during the day and as needed.

Early Head Start/ Home-Based

Teachers visit families at home to help parents and teach them how to support their children. This includes help for pregnant women too. The program also has group time where parents and babies or toddlers can spend time together and build strong bonds.

Home Visits

Home Visits

Our goal is to help parents take good care of their child and support their growth. We encourage and help parents practice the activities shown during home visits.

Schedules

Group Connections and Socializations happen regularly. Home visitors come to your home once a week for 90 minutes. There are 46 visits each year. These visits are planned together with the parents or the child’s legal guardian.

Socializations / Group Connections

About Socializations / Group Connections

Socializations and group meetings give parents a chance to hear about their child’s interests from Early Head Start staff, other parents, and community helpers. Parents also learn about their child’s strengths and needs and find out about helpful resources. These meetings let parents watch their child play with others and share experiences, learning, and support with other parents about the joys and challenges of parenting.

Schedule

Group Connections and Socializations happen two times a month (unless there’s a change).
Each one lasts 2 hours.
There are 22 socializations during the year.