Head Start and Early Head Start are free federally funded comprehensive child development programs which serve children from birth to five years old, pregnant women and their families. Head Start and Early Head Start help all children to succeed. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.

Head Start and Early Head Start provide children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. The Head Start and Early Head Start staff recognize that, as parents, you are the first and most important teachers of your children. We will welcome your involvement in Head Start activities, and will work as partners with you to help your child progress.

Head Start and Early Head Start are child-focused programs and have the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families. The programs provide a range of individualized services in the areas of education and early childhood development; health and mental health; nutrition and parent involvement.

• Activities designed to build social, language, thinking and motor development. Children can learn through what they like best -- play.
• Literacy activities to promote school readiness.
• Head Start and Early Head Start staff refer families needing help to medical, social welfare or employment specialists they know in the community, and will follow up to be sure you receive assistance.
• You can have a voice in the Head Start programs by serving on various committees. Parents' experiences in Head Start have raised their own self-confidence and improved their ability to make decisions.
• A sense of belonging, other support services, and a chance to be involved in activities to help your whole family.
• Parent workshops on many subjects, such as child rearing, job training, learning about health and nutrition, and using free resources in your community.
• You can become a Head Start volunteer and learn more about child development. This experience may later qualify you for training which can help you find employment in the child care field.
• Center-based and combined option classrooms offer children bus rides to and from home.
• Services through a home-based setting, where staff teach parents how to provide learning experiences for their own children.

The programs are designed primarily for children whose families fall within the federal low-income guidelines.

Residents of Cattaraugus or Wyoming County.

Families who are expecting a baby or have children between the ages of birth and five years old.

Enrollment is open to all children regardless of race, sex, creed, color, national origin or disabling conditions.

We are dedicated to improving the quality of life, particularly the lives of the families in our communities. In providing a broad range of services to young children and their families, we constantly strive to excel.

There is a total commitment to treat everyone as an individual, with dignity and respect, and to nurture families to promote their growth.

This informational pamphlet has been developed in an effort to acquaint you with the Head Start and Early Head Start programs which are funded by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children, Youth and Families.