The District of Columbia Head Start State Collaboration Office, within the Division of Early Learning, promotes improved linkages between Head Start and local agencies that provide services in the areas of health care, welfare, education, community, family literacy services, disabilities, homelessness, professional development and child welfare. The Collaboration Office works to coordinate activities with the Mayor’s office, key District agencies, and early childhood agencies, associations and advocacy groups.
Head Start was established in 1965 and promotes school readiness for children, ages three to five, in low-income families by offering educational, nutritional, health, social and other services. Head Start programs promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families. Programs actively engage parents in their children's learning and help them in making progress toward their educational, literacy and employment goals. Significant emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start programs.
Early Head Start, launched in 1995, provides support to low-income infants, toddlers, pregnant women and their families. EHS programs enhance children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development; assist pregnant women to access comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care; support parents' efforts to fulfill their parental roles; and help parents move toward self-sufficiency.
The federal Office of Head Start provides grants to approximately 1600 local public and private non-profit and for-profit agencies to provide Head Start and Early Head Start services throughout the United States and territories. These programs operate in the way that’s best for their communities. Some programs are half day, some are full day, and others home based. Many programs offer a variety of service options, including partnerships with schools, centers and family child care.
Early Learning Services For Parents
ESSA Early Learning Coordination Working Group
Where are the Head Start Programs in DC?
Overview of Head Start
District Of Columbia Head Start Association
As a professional organization, the District of Columbia Head Start Association is dedicated to advocacy, training and providing support which enhances and fosters growth of our individual members, member agencies, partners and others who impact the lives of children and families in the District of Columbia.
To find out more, contact:
Gail Govoni
Director, Office of Early Learning
UPO: United Planning Organization
301 Rhode Island Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20001
Office: (202)-238-4686
Cell: (240) 925-6949
[email protected]
