Heartland Head Start
Welcome to Heartland Head Start. We serve families in McLean and Livingston Counties. Head Start is a national child and family development program designed to help break the cycle of poverty by providing preschool children of low-income families with a comprehensive program to meet their emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs.
The Head Start program is different and unique from other Early Intervention programs, as we encourage active participation of the parents and families in nearly every aspect of the program. The federal government and the United Way fund the program in both counties. Currently, Head Start serves over 750,000 children nationwide in over 36,000 classrooms and more than 500 home based programs. According to the Presidents Advisory Committee, only half of the eligible families are served through the Head Start program.
Each Head Start program is expected to meet specific requirements called Performance Standards set by the federal government These standards identify the requirements for each of the Head Start Service Areas, but leaves room for programs to provide services that are individualized according to their state and community needs and requirements.
The program serves families who meet 100% of the poverty level income guideline by providing educational, nutritional, medical, dental, psychological, and social services, and parent involvement opportunities. It stresses positive mental health and develops attitudes of independence and increased self-esteem. Heartland Head Start is well established and has been providing services since 1965. During this time is has grown from a small program serving 60 families to a large program serving over 300 children and their families in the regular classroom full day program, and home based options.
Heartland Head Start's Part-Year classroom consists of a 3 1/2 hour, 4 days a week schedule. The Full-Year setting consists of an opportunity of a 10-hour day; 5 days a week. The Home-Based program involves a Home Visitor making weekly visits to families in the rural areas and bi-monthly group socialization activities. Families who are at 100% of the poverty level are eligible for all Head Start programs, but families in the Full-Year program must also be working or attending school full time.