370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington,
DC 20201
800-303-0705 (Voice - Toll-free, Referral and Information Service)
202-205-8572 (Voice)
Head Start is a national program which provides comprehensive developmental services for America's low-income, pre-school children from birth to five and social services for their families. Specific services for children focus on education, socio-emotional development, physical and mental health, and nutrition. Since 1965, Head Start has served over 20 million children and their families. Head Start plays a major role in focusing attention on the importance of early childhood development. The program also has an impact on: child development and day care services; the expansion of state and local activities for children; the range and quality of services offered to young children and their families; and the design of training programs for those who staff such programs. Outreach and training activities also assist parents in increasing their parenting skills and knowledge of child development.