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Head Start
Head Start is a full-service program for preschool children and their families. Head Start primarily serves three and four year olds from low-income families. Some agencies also provide a program for infants, toddlers and pregnant mothers. All local Head Start programs must reserve space (at least 10%) for children with disabilities.
The overall goal of Head Start is to help young children be ready for school. Research has shown the lasting benefits of Head Start. Head Start works to strengthen all the influences on the child’s development. Children learn through planned activities. Head Start services include education, health, nutrition, mental health and social services.
Another goal of Head Start is to help families become self-sufficient through programs such as Adult Basic Education, family literacy and job training. Parents also learn how to use available resources to meet family needs. Parents are involved in all aspects of Head Start. This includes the opportunity to make decisions about program plans and policies.
Head Start Program Aligned Indicators
 113Kb (6/30/2009)
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| A chart aligning the Head Start Program with indicators for the pilot quality rating system. (6/2009) | |
Minnesota Head Start State Collaboration Project
The purpose of the Head Start State Collaboration initiative, as outlined in federal legislation, is to integrate the lessons learned from Head Start, the nation's 35 year old early childhood laboratory, and the services of local Head Start programs with state efforts in early childhood education and child care.
State collaboration offices have eight priority areas that guide their work with states. These include health, homelessness and children with special needs. Efforts are made to establish collaborative initiatives at the state and local levels in all of the priority areas.
For additional information about the Minnesota Head Start State collaboration Project contact:
Mary Vanderwert
Phone: 651.582.8463
mary.vanderwert@state.mn.us