Head Start and Early Head Start are comprehensive child development programs that serve children from birth to age five, pregnant women and their families. The programs are child-focused and have the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families.

Both programs provide a range of individualized services in the areas of education, medical, dental and mental health, nutrition and social service to children and their families. Parent involvement is encouraged and support is offered for children with disabilities.

Local school contacts in Audubon, Calhoun, Carroll, Dallas, Greene, Guthrie and Sac Counties are listed below:

-- Audubon, Carroll, Coon Rapids: (712) 830-9442

-- Adel, Waukee: (515) 987-7428 or (712) 830-1327

-- Guthrie Center, Jefferson, Panora: (712) 830-6990

-- Rockwell City, Lytton, Sac City, Schaller, Crestland, Southern Cal: (712) 830-1326

-- Perry: (515) 238-2194

Offers an intensive voluntary program for pregnant individuals or have newly delivered children in Hamilton County. Families are enrolled and receive weekly home visits with staff that provide in home activities, assessments and education on growth and development. Children may remain in the program until age 3.

Provides early childhood education and a school-readiness program for low-income families with children ages 3-5. Program staff work with the entire family to meet all the needs that might create barriers for children in learning.

Preschool. All classes are inclusive and offer many learning opportunities for children ages 3-5.

Families that live in the district may apply when their child is three years old prior to July 31st. Students who qualify for special education and/or who are at risk will be accepted first. Others will be taken on a first come first serve basis. Only students living in the Adams Central school district will be accepted.

Offers children to participate in various activities and staged play to explore with a balance of language, sensory, fine and gross motor, art, math, music, cognitive and social-emotional concepts.

Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) is a federally funded comprehensive child development program based on four cornerstones:
-- Child Development
-- Family Development
-- Community Building
-- Staff Development

Western Nebraska Child Development Center offers child care services for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age whose parents are full time students. Program is located on the campus of Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff.

Infant/Toddler Quality Initiative helps providers gain support in the quality of child care provided.

Family resource program to support parents in educating and nurturing their children. The program provides parents with opportunities to move toward self-sufficiency by working with other community organizations. Health and mental health services are also provided to participants.

Program helps parents better understand their child's stages of development with individualized visits in the home. The weekly visits are 90 minutes in length and are designed to meet the needs of each family. Staff will assist families in planning activities that encourage the child's growth. Social activities will be held twice monthly to provide the opportunity to interact with your child and other families.

Child development program for preschool children, 3-5 years, which stresses parent involvement, education, social services, and health.

Locations in Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Saline, Seward, Thayer, and York Counties.

Provide eligible preschool children with a comprehensive program that focuses on early childhood education and development, health, nutrition, and parent involvement. Head Start has preschool options for 3 and 4 year old children. Many locations partner with local schools to provide full day service, transportation, and easier transitions to Kindergarten.

Early Head Start, birth to 3 years old, have similar comprehensive services as Head Start.

Head Start is a federally-funded program that serves children from ages three to five and pregnant women, offering a school readiness program in addition to comprehensive services to children and their families who meet income guidelines.

Family resource program to support parents in educating and nurturing their children. The program provides parents with opportunities to move toward self-sufficiency by working with other community organizations. Health and mental health services are also provided to participants.

Program helps parents better understand their child's stages of development with individualized visits in the home. The weekly visits are 90 minutes in length and are designed to meet the needs of each family. Staff will assist families in planning activities that encourage the child's growth. Social activities will be held twice monthly to provide the opportunity to interact with your child and other families.

Offers a preschool.

Federally-funded early childhood development program to increase school readiness of young children in low-income families.

Head Start is Partnered with the following schools and districts:

- Niobrara Public School (North Hwy 12, Niobrara, NE 68760)

- Norfolk Public Schools (2500 West Norfolk Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701)

- Wisner-Pilger Public School (801 18th Street, Wisner, NE 68791)

- Pender Public School (609 Whitney Street, Pender, NE 68047)