Head Start is one of the most successful federal programs operated by Fresno County EOC. Head Start is a no-cost comprehensive preschool program. Head Start centers are usually housed in local community centers, churches and schools. They employ over 500 people in a variety of professional fields.

Studies have shown the Head Start-Preschool children score higher than comparable non-Head Start children in preschool achievement tests that measure the cognitive abilities of young children. As a result, Head Start children perform equal to or better than their peers when they enter regular school, and they experience fewer grade retention and special class placements.

Head Start programs have influenced local educational and health institutions to become more responsive to the needs of low-income families.

Head Start-Preschool endeavors to strengthen the ability of disadvantaged children to cope with school by providing a program to meet their emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs in nurturing and stimulating environments.

Learning
Children are provided with a variety of age appropriate early childhood education learning experiences to foster intellectual, social, and emotional growth.

•They participate in indoor and outdoor play and are introduced to the concepts of words, numbers, and other pre-kindergarten skills.
•They are encouraged to express their feelings and to develop self-confidence and the ability to get along with others.
•Children with disabilities are included with non-disabled children.

Health Services
Children are provided with comprehensive medical, dental, mental health, and nutritional services, including meals/snacks each day.

•Many low-income preschool children have never seen a doctor or dentist before. Head Start makes referrals to needed community resources and pays for the services when the families are unable to pay.
•Parents are made aware of the need for early attention to any special problems their children may have. Head Start then makes needed referrals to community resources.

Parent Involvement
Parents are the primary educators of their children.

•Parent involvement is the key ingredient to the success of Head Start children and their families in meeting many of their goals.
•Participation includes volunteering in the classroom, actively participating in home visits, making decisions regarding budgets, curriculum planning, staff hiring, training and all aspects of Head Start.

Family Assistance
Families are provided with social service assistance to assess and better meet their various needs.

•Typical services are referrals to needed resources, family partnership agreements, information about available community resources, school enrollment, and emergency assistance and/or crisis intervention.
•Parents are provided with information regarding the emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs of their children and educational/literacy activities that can be carried out at home.

Service Areas
Head Start currently serves approximately 2800 children throughout Fresno County in over 35 centers and 19 Home Base areas.

Home Base
Service Areas

Caruthers
Clovis
Coalinga
Fresno
Five Points
Kerman
Kingsburg
Malaga
Mendota
Mountain Area
Raisin City
Reedley
Riverdale
Sanger
Selma
Tranquility

Center
Areas

Cantua Creek
Caruthers
Clovis
Firebaugh
Fresno
Huron
Mendota
Orange Cove
Parlier
Pinedale
Reedley
Selma
Sanger
San Joaquin

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet federal low income guidelines, live in Fresno County, have child/children ages 3 - 4.9 years of age. Applicant child/children must be up-to-date on all immunizations. Children with disabilities are welcome.