Head Start
    
 

Head Start teams with parents for their child's growth, development, and a variety of learning activities.

What are the Qualifications?
Must reside within one of the following counties: Aitkin, Carlton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, or Pine.

Qualifications are Based On:
  • Childs Age (3-5)
  • Family Income
Additional Qualifiers Include:
  • Special nees of the child/family
  • Supplemental Security Income
  • Foster Care
  • MFIP
   
If you are interested in learning more about Head Start or would like to enroll your child, please call (320)679-1800 or (800)832-6082


Provides preschool development for children ages 3-5 with the following four models:
   
Home-Base
Building on and strengthening parent’s skills in identifying and meeting the needs of their children through weekly home visits and regular socialization experiences with other children from the area. This option is ideal for families where at least one parent is home during the day. Bi-monthly parent meetings are available for support and information sharing.

Informal Care
An expansion of the Home-Base Model which offers individuals other than the legal parents or guardians (ex. Other relatives, significant other, or a caregiver) to participate in home visits and socialization experiences if the legal parents or guardians are not available at any time.

The Home-Base Model and Informal Care Model provide weekly 1½ hour home visits planned by the parent or care giver and Home Visitor. Group experiences provide social interactions with both parents and children approximately twice per month or more.

All options offer comprehensive development services including:
  • Education
  • Inclusion of children with disabilities
  • Visions
  • Hearing
  • Developmental Screening
  • Nutritious Meals / Snacks
  • Health Education Services
  • Parent Involvement Opportunities
  • Parent Education
  • Establishing Family Goals
  • Community Resource Information
  • Decision-making by Parents about the Head Start Program
Child Care Center
Head Start partners with local licensed Child Care Centers to provide free Head Start services to families who are working and/or attending school 20 or more hours per week. Head Start families receive child care at a reduced rate.

Family Child Care
Head Start partners with local licensed Family Child Care providers to provide free Head Start services to families who are working and/or attending school 20 or more hours per week. Head Start does not cover any child care tuition costs.

The Child Care Center and Family Care Center Models provide children with consistent, quality child care with structured age appropriate curriculum and activities. Regular meetings occur between parents and the provider. Regular parent meetings and socialization experiences are also offered. Please call for locations