The Head Start Program
Head Start programs support children’s growth and development through early learning, health services, and family well-being support
- Agency
- Office of Head Start
- Type
- Federal Resource
- Phone
- Application Period
- Income Limit
Head Start programs support children’s growth and development through early learning, health services, and family well-being support. Programs provide individualized learning experiences, health and development screenings, and support parent-child relationships.
Head Start programs support children’s growth and development through early learning, health services, and family well-being support. Programs provide individualized learning experiences, health and development screenings, and support parent-child relationships.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility is primarily focused on children from low-income families, according to the poverty guidelines published by the federal government.
Application Process
Interested families should contact their local Head Start or Early Head Start center to apply.
Required Documents
Proof of income, child’s birth certificate, medical records.
Images & PDFs
Kansas Early Learning Standards 2023 Update
Visual representation of the Early Childhood Continuum of Learning in Kansas, outlining developmental stages from birth through third grade.
View Full ImageKansas Prevention Plan - Service Track Diagram
A flowchart detailing the process from report intake to family service assignment aimed at child protection and family support.
View Full ImageMulticultural Principles for Head Start Programs
A guide focusing on multicultural principles for Head Start programs serving children from birth to five, emphasizing culture and home language.
View Full ImageSurvey of Early Head Start Programs Pyramid
A pyramid diagram illustrating the foundational elements and goals of Early Head Start programs, focusing on children's competence, relationships, and community support.
View Full ImageImpact Reports
Addressing Stigma: How Head Start Supports Families and Communities
8/1/2020 | Coverage: national
This report focuses on the stigma surrounding aid programs and how Head Start effectively combats these perceptions by empowering families.
Source: National Institute for Early Education Research
Coverage Area: national
Head Start: Supporting Economic Stability and Opportunity for Low-Income Families
7/1/2020 | Coverage: national
This brief highlights how Head Start programs alleviate economic hardships faced by low-income families and support their path to self-sufficiency.
Source: Children's Defense Fund
Coverage Area: national
The Impact of Head Start on Child Development and Family Well-Being
1/1/2010 | Coverage: national
This report examines the effects of Head Start on children's development and family outcomes, revealing significant positive impacts on educational attainment and social-emotional skills.
Source: Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Coverage Area: national
The Rising Costs of Living and the Necessity of Early Childhood Programs
5/1/2021 | Coverage: national
This research paper discusses how rising costs of goods and stagnant wages create a pressing need for early childhood programs like Head Start to support economic stability for families.
Source: Brookings Institution
Coverage Area: national
Program Timeline
Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 Amendments
11/19/2015The amendments aimed to improve early learning by promoting the development of high-quality education programs.
Head Start Reauthorization Act of 2007
12/12/2007This reauthorization included provisions for increased oversight and accountability, focusing on outcomes for children.
Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act
8/11/1994This act aimed to enhance the quality of Head Start programs and ensure children are ready for school.
Head Start Reauthorization
1/1/1981The program was reauthorized with a focus on quality and effectiveness, requiring performance standards and emphasizing family engagement.
Establishment of Head Start Program
1/8/1965The Head Start Program was established to provide early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families.
FAQ
The Head Start Program is a federally funded initiative designed to promote school readiness for children from low-income families. In Kansas, it provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and social services to preschool children and their families. The program focuses on developing cognitive and social-emotional skills to prepare children for kindergarten.
Reference: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ohs
The Head Start Program provides a range of services including early childhood education, health screenings, nutritional programs, and parental involvement activities. These services are designed to support children's development in a holistic manner and to engage families in the educational process.
To effectively engage with the Head Start Program, consider these action items:
- Contact your local Head Start center for information.
- Prepare necessary documentation for enrollment.
- Attend orientation sessions to understand program offerings.
- Participate in family engagement activities.
Taking these steps can enhance your family's experience with the program.
Reference: https://www.headstart.gov
Eligibility for the Head Start Program is primarily based on family income and the age of the child. Generally, children must be ages 3 to 5 and come from families whose income falls below the federal poverty line. Special consideration is given to children with disabilities and those who are homeless or in foster care.
If you're considering applying for the Head Start Program, use this checklist to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements:
- Child must be between 3 and 5 years old.
- Family income should be at or below the federal poverty level.
- Priority given to children with disabilities.
- Family situation (homeless or foster care) may affect eligibility.
Ensure you gather the necessary documents to facilitate your application process.
Reference: https://www.ks.gov/hs/HeadStartEligibility
