Head Start Program

Head Start is a federal program for preschool children from low-income families. Children who attend Head Start receive a variety of educational activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally and physically. They also receive free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snack and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting. The Head Start Program also provides services to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. Most children in Head Start are between the ages of three and five years old. Head Start grant includes funding for quality improvement, cost of living increases, and training and technical assistance.

Head Start (HS) came into existence in 1964, under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration.

Many children of low-income families face more challenging situations than their more fortunate classmates when they enter school. Therefore, Head Start offers a comprehensive early childhood development program which assures children a “head Start” in life.

The Atlantic Human Resources, Inc. Head Start Program operates twenty centers throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties. AHR, Inc. also operates an Early Head Start program.

Children, ages of 3 to 41/2 years, from low income families, are eligible for inclusion in Head Start. Priority is given to four year olds. Children ages 0-3 and pregnant women are eligible for Early Head Start.

Hear Start places special emphasis on training for parents of enrolled children in the following areas: Parenting skills, Utilization of Community Resources, Early Childhood Development, Adult Education, Preventative Health Care, Safety, and Principals of Nutrition.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: Children are introduced to a developmentally appropriate educational experience. Emphasis is placed on cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. Head Start’s educational program is designated to meet each child’s individual needs.

NUTRITION: Nutritionally balanced menus are posted in the centers and sent home to parents monthly. The nutrition program includes breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack each day for the children.

HEALTH: Children receive complete medical and dental examinations including visual and hearing screenings. Follow-up of immunizations and medical problems identified through screenings is also provided.

MENTAL HEALTH: Head Start recognizes the importance of providing mental health services to children when needed. To encourage positive emotional and social development, a mental health professional is available for all children enrolled in Head Start.

DISABILITY SERVICES: 10% of the enrollement are children with disabilities. Sometimes, children are shared with local school districts. If additional services are needed, Head Start arranges or provides them.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT: Head Start encourages parents to participate in their children’s educational experiences. Parents participate in all aspects of the Head Start Program. They serve as paid employees, volunteers, observers, and policy makers.

FAMILY PARTNERSHIP SERVICES: The Family Services Health staff recruits children who are eligible for the program. They serve as advocates for Head Start families as families strive to achieve self-sufficiency.

TRANSPORTATION: Transportation to and from Head Start Centers is provided for children who live at least seven (7) blocks from the center. All vehicles utilized to transport children meet the state and federal school bus requirements.

Early Head Start Program

What is Early Head Start?

• Early Head Start (EHS) is a prenatal, infant, toddler, and family development program for eligible children and their families.

What does Early Head Start offer?

• Intensive, comprehensive, child development and family support services.
• Support that builds on family strengths and responds to individual family needs.

Who is eligible for Early Head Start?

• Families of pregnant women, infants, and toddlers up to 36 months.
• Families must be living on a limited income of less than 100% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• Families of infants and toddlers may be over the income guideline if the enrolled child has a diagnosed disability.

The Early Head Start is based upon the prism that all children from birth to age three need early child development experiences that honor their unique characteristics and provide love, warmth and positive learning experiences. Likewise, all families need encouragement and support from their community so they can achieve their own goals and provide a safe and nurturing environment for their very young children. Early Head Start is a child development program that seeks to enhance the development of infants and toddlers by establishing strong partnerships with parents.