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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
Fax:(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
Email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
