(Download a Head Start application in Acrobat)
A Head Start for School Success
Children who attend a high-quality early childhood program like Community Action Head Start do better in the early grades. As teenagers, Head Start alumni are less likely to drop out, become pregnant or commit crimes. A good early education makes a big difference.
The Head Start & Early Head Start Program Curriculum
Throughout the Head Start program, children eat meals together, play together and learn together. Teachers establish a close relationship with every child and parent. Teachers and parents monitor each child’s progress and develop individual goals and plans. The curriculum goes far beyond these basics. Children (and their parents) go on wonderful field trips, create a portfolio of art and journal entries, begin to develop literacy, math and computer skills, and make friends and co-operate with each other.
Health and Nutrition
Each child has a physical and dental exam when starting school. Staff assist families with locating affordable services. Vision, hearing and other screenings are conducted on-site. Staff work with parents to arrange follow-up services if needed. Children learn strong health habits including hand-washing and tooth-brushing, and eat nutritious meals and snacks every day.
Family Support
Through home visits and parent-teacher conferences, strong links between home, school and child care providers are established. Head Start staff assist families as they face the challenge of raising young children on a limited income. Family advocates and teachers help parents locate health care, dental services, housing and utilities assistance, and mental health services.
Parent Involvement
Parents are involved in all aspects of the Head Start program. One-third of our staff are former or current Head Start parents. Many Head Start classrooms are located in elementary schools, where parents and children can participate in early literacy, science and English as a second language programs offered by the schools. Parents work alongside teachers in the classroom, volunteer on field trips, attend parent education sessions and parent meetings at the centers and serve as decision-makers on the Head Start Policy Council.
Special Needs
Children with disabilities, special health needs, children in foster care, and children who do not yet speak English are all welcome in Head Start. Staff work with parents to make sure the program meets each child’s individual needs.
Programs for Children - Infants to 5 Years
To be eligible for any Community Action Head Start program, the following requirements must be met:
1. Washington County resident;
2. Family income at or below federal poverty level guidelines
Part-day Head Start Pre-Kindergarten (3-5 years): Part day program based in schools throughout Washington County. Program provides transportation to and from school. Program is 9 months per year, 4 days per week for 3½ hours per day, 2 home visits per year.
Full-day Full Year Center-Based Head Start (3-5 years): Full day program from 7am to 6pm, Monday through Friday, at a Hillsboro or Beaverton child development center. Parent(s) provide transportation to and from child care center. Two home visits per year.
Full Day Full Year Community-Based Head Start Program (3-5 years): Full day program based at contracted sites around Washington County. Parent(s) provide transportation to and from child care site. Two home visits per year.
Full Day Full Year Center-Based Child Care Early Head Start (0-3 years): Full day program for children from 6 weeks to 3 years, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at a Hillsboro or Beaverton child development center. Parent(s) provide transportation to and from child care center. Two home visits per year.
Early Head Start Part Day (0-3 years): Part-day class 2 days per week, 2 home visits per month, year round at Community Action centers.
