Head Start

Building a Strong Foundation

About Head Start

Fill out an Interest Form Today!

Head Start is a federally funded preschool program. Without a doubt, it provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family involvement services to qualifying children and their families. Firstly, this program recognizes the critical role parents and guardians play in their child’s education and aims to enhance their involvement in every aspect. Additionally, it fosters a strong partnership between parents or guardians, with educators. Head Start actively supports the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children from birth to age five. Secondly, Head Start focuses on the child through early childhood education. This includes individualized learning plans, supportive family services, as well as community partnerships. Lastly, by providing a strong foundation for learning, we set children up for success in both school and beyond.

Why it Matters

The Importance of Head Start

In fact, research shows that children who participate in Head Start experience significant gains in school readiness, including improving their language and cognitive skills. Additionally, they develop better social-emotional skills and increase their readiness for kindergarten. By age five, children have developed 90% of their brain, which highlights the importance of early learning experiences. Without a doubt, children who attend Head Start are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education. In summary Head Start is not just a preschool program; it is a catalyst for lifelong success.

NMCAA Childhood Education Programs Annual Notice (HSPPS 1302.22)

Listen to our Podcast

Learn More About Head Start and Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)

The podcast episode first features hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck interviewing Alicia Temple and Jason Paca from the Child and Family Development Department at NMCAA (Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency). The discussion initially focuses on the Head Start and GSRP (Great Start Readiness Program) programs, highlighting preschool recruitment and enrollment processes.

Additionally, the hosts and guests explore the history of Head Start. They dive into its comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of low-income families. Along with its role in addressing the War on Poverty, which was first initiated by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965.

Next, the conversation covers the preschool enrollment process. It begins with families completing an interest form on the NMCAA website. Alicia Temple, the ERSEA and Health Manager, and Jason Paca, the Head Start and GSRP Recruitment and Health Coordinator, explain the steps involved in recruitment and eligibility. They also highlight the importance of in-person appointments.

Furthermore, the hosts share testimonials from parents who found the enrollment process easy and appreciated the support received from NMCAA staff. They then discuss the collaborative efforts with various Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) and the importance of addressing families’ holistic needs.

The podcast also touches on the eligibility criteria for Head Start and GSRP, emphasizing the priority given to families facing financial challenges, homelessness, or those receiving public assistance. The hosts highlight the dynamic nature of waiting lists, with continuous updates based on new applications and changing circumstances.

Moreover, Alicia Temple, the manager overseeing the waitlist, enrollment, and attendance, clarifies the selection process, which involves a committee discussion considering factors like eligibility criteria, priorities, and geographical considerations. Finally, the hosts acknowledge the ongoing efforts to serve as many children and families as possible, stressing the collaborative approach with other community programs.