Head Start

Head Start is a national program which provides comprehensive development services for America’s low-income, preschool children ages three to five and social services for their families.  Approximately, 1,400 community-based nonprofit organizations and school systems develop unique and innovative programs to meet specific needs.

Grants to conduct Head Start programs are awarded to local public or private, nonprofit agencies.  At least 10 percent of the  enrollment opportunities in each program must be made available to children with disabilities.

In FY 2007, the Head Start budget passed Congress and was signed into law by President George W. Bush. It appropriated $6,888,571,000 for programs under the Head Start Act, an increase of approximately $103 million over FY 2006.

Region IV – Office of Head Start is comprised of the eight Southeastern States:

President Clinton’s signing of the Head Start Act Amendments of 1994 also established the new Early Head Start program, which expands the benefits of early childhood development to low income families with children under three and to pregnant women.  Services include quality early education in and out of the home; home visits; parent education, including parent-child activities; comprehensive health services, including services to women before, during, and after pregnancy; nutrition; and case management and peer support groups for parents. Projects must coordinate with local Head Start programs to ensure continuity of services for children and families.

In 2007, Region IV Early Head Start funding totaled $108,407,879 to serve approximately 10,000 children ages zero to three years of age across all eight States. Currently, there are 111 Early Head Start grants in Region IV.