Welcome!
The premise of Head Start is simple: every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, can reach their full potential.
Our program includes Head Start preschool programs that provide services for children ages 3-5 and Early Head Start programs that provide services for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. Head Start programs operate in every state, many tribal nations, and several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico. Head Start services are delivered nationwide through 1,600 agencies that tailor the federal program to the local needs of families in their service area.
Head Start programs support children's growth from birth to age 5 through services that support early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Head Start staff actively engage parents, recognizing family participation throughout the program as key to strong child outcomes.
- Early Learning and Development: Providing a variety of learning experiences to help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Health: Supporting health services such as immunizations, dental, medical, and mental health, nutritional services, and early identification of vision, hearing, and developmental delays.
- Family Well-Being:
- Parent Engagement: Involving parents in the planning and implementation of services. Parents can participate in a parent policy council and committees that make administrative decisions, participate in classes and workshops on child development, and volunteer in the program.
- Social Services: Providing parenting support and assisting families in identifying and reaching their goals and dreams, including those related to finances, housing, employment, and education.
LEADS Head Start and Early Head Start offer a variety of program options in Delaware, Licking, and Union Counties:
- Center-Based preschool services provide a classroom setting for children ages 3 – 5. Children receive nutritious meals during class times. Days and times vary per site.
- Home-Based services are available for pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. A Home Educator comes to the home once a week and works with the parent, as the child's primary teacher. Children and families who receive home-based services also can meet twice a month with other enrolled families for a group learning experience that is facilitated by Head Start and Early Head Start staff.
Contact us to determine which program option and location will best meet your family's needs.
"I don't believe my kids would be where they are developmentally and socially without the LEADS program. I am so thankful for all the home visitors and family service workers. They feel like family!" – S.N.- Parent of Early Head Start Child
In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
