Head Start

Disabilities: 
Fully including children with disabilities is a required element of the Head Start program. This initiative is beneficial to all involved: Children with and without disabilities, parents of children with and without disabilities and staff members.
Our staff works with the child’s local education agency to insure that individual needs are being met.

Education: 
Ensuring that children enrolled in Head Start begin school ready to learn is our goal. Activities are directed toward the areas of skill and knowledge. A tool called Galileo is used as an indicator of each child’s progress in the program.

Family and Community Partnerships: 
We recognize the vital contributions made by parents and community members. Both groups are involved in the operation, governance and evaluation of our program.

Health: 
We recognize wellness as a significant contributor to each child’s ability to thrive and develop. Accordingly, health screenings evaluate the child’s overall health status, and annual physicals and good practice in oral and personal hygiene, nutrition, personal care and safety are incorporated into the program. We recognize that every child and family is unique in their social and emotional needs. Therefore, as part of the Head Start curriculum, each child and family can receive individualized services through screenings, evaluations and referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Head Start? 
LEADS Head Start serves income eligible families with children ages three and four, including children with special needs. We are a family centered program promoting growth and development of preschool children and their families, and we believe that parents are the first and most important educators of their children. 

Who Is Eligible? 
Children ages three or four on or before September of the current school year.

How Do I Get An Application? 
In Licking County, parents can call the main number (740) 349-8606 and they will be referred to the appropriate person.
In Delaware County, parents can call (740) 363-8810
In Union County, parents can call (740) 937-642-1230

What Happens After I Submit My Application? 
Each family is required to participate in an intake procedure. A Family Service Worker will help you complete the process. 

What Head Start Options Are Available?
Center Base Program 
Half Day Sessions (Four days per week for 3 1/2 hours per day)
Full Day Sessions (Four days per week for 7 hours per day)
Home Base Program (Weekly 1 1/2 hour home visits and regularly scheduled classroom experiences, usually twice per month. 
Head Start Collaboration

We work in partnership with private day care in order to meet the needs
of parents who may need full-day, full-year Head Start services.

Where Are The Head Start Sites? 
LEADS HEAD START
Center Locations

How Can A Parent Get Involved? 
Head Start believes in family involvement, and parents can volunteer in lots of ways. Field trips, in the classroom, parent meetings and Policy Council meetings.

What Will My Child Learn? 
Children and parents will participate in lots of ways. Health, Safety, Nutrition, Parent Involvement, specials needs and education are top priority in Head Start. Children develop self confidence and socialization by being encouraged to express their feelings and emotions. 

What is Family Support? 
Head Start helps families assess their strengths and concerns through a tool called Family Development Assessment. With this, staff provide referrals and information about community resources to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, job training and recreation.