Start is a federally funded program designed to serve eligible
preschoolers through a comprehensive array of services in health, family
services and education. York County serves 117 preschoolers at 3
The Head Start Program is designed to assist families in a number of areas, including:
To assist parents in accessing health services for children
To foster self-sufficiency by offering training and support services to parents
To increase and reinforce family literacy
To provide a developmentally appropriate classroom experience for eligible preschoolers
To provide opportunities and to support families in their self-sufficiency efforts through child care, education, job training, referrals, financial counseling and family counseling
To provide services that allow Head Start children to begin Kindergarten at the same level as their peers
The program conducts home visits for the purpose of providing support to families through the dissemination of home learning packets and information regarding parenting and their child's developmental progress.
The Head Start program also provides services to children with disabilities. Referrals are made to the program from various agencies serving young children. Children with disabilities receive the same educational experiences as other children with the addition of the assistance or therapy required.
Most of the parents in the program qualify for the Head Start Block Grant program with the Department of Social Services. This program assists parents in paying for child care for their children while they work or attend training.