ANNOUNCEMENT! Early Head Start and Head Start have combined. We are now Head Start 0 to 5!
Head Start 0 to 5 is ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
All COVID-19 health and safety measures in accordance with Fresno County Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are in place to ensure the health and well-being of families and children served. Staff will continue to engage families and deliver remote services where possible.
If you are interested in full-day / full-year child care services, start by calling:
For 6 weeks to 3 year olds
- Child Development Center (559) 487-1053 or (559) 263-1550
- Jane Addams Child Development Center (559) 457-2515 or (559) 263-1550
For 3 to 5 year olds
- Dakota Circle Center (559) 228-0331 or (559) 263-1527
- Sequoia Center (559) 244-0195 or (559) 263-1527
For information about all of our services, call (559) 263-1200
Eligibility
Click here to see if you are eligible and to start the application process.
About Head Start 0 to 5
What is Head Start 0 to 5? Find out here.
NUTRITION SERVICES
Meals provided, click here to view menus.
Two Program options
We offer home-based services and center-based visitation services.
LOCATIONS
Click here to find the Head Start 0 to 5 location nearest to you.
About Head Start 0 to 5
What We Do
Head Start 0 to 5 is a federally funded community-based program for income eligible pregnant women and children ages birth to five, inclusive of children with disabilities. We provide comprehensive child development and family support services, including education, social, emotional, health, nutrition, family support, and disability services. Head Start 0 to 5 is committed to building strong children and families.
Our goals are:
- to promote healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women
- to enhance the development of children ages birth to five
- to promote healthy family functioning
Two program options
We offer two program options, Home-Based and Center-Based.
Home-Based
Our home-based services provide a home-based educator who visits the home and provides a weekly 90-minute home visit offering school readiness activities for the family. Children have the opportunity to have a group socialization experience twice a month.
For prenatal we provide pre- and post-natal education inclusive of breastfeeding, fetal development, prenatal and postpartum depression, preparing and caring for baby and so much more.
For children, we provide parent education, child development guidance, parent/child interaction facilitation, ongoing developmental assessment, and much more.
Center-Based
The center-based option provides full-day/full-year childcare for all ages, with part-day options for children ages 3 to 5, Monday-Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. with some longer hours that vary by location.
Families must verify a need due to employment and/or school. All diapers, wipes, bottles, food, and formula for the enrolled child are provided, while at the center. It is not required that toddlers be toilet trained to enroll.
Both program options include
- Individualized Curriculum and Early Literacy activities
- Parent Engagement and Family Support
- Disabilities Support (in collaboration with Part ‘C’ provider, 10% federal mandate)
- Ongoing Developmental Assessment
- Guidance in meeting Family Goals
- Program Governance activities
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition Education
- Community Engagement
Eligibility
To be eligible for Head Start 0 to 5, you must meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines and be a pregnant woman or have a child, age 0 to 5. (Note: selection preference is given to children in foster care, who are homeless, who receive public assistance, or children with a certified disability (IFSP/IEP)).
We accept applications for program services year round.
How Do I Apply and Enroll?
Typically, the application process time is 1-2 weeks to go through Referral, Application, Verification, Notification, and Enrollment.
1. Referral
Referrals are our way of making an introduction. It gives us a chance to talk and welcome you. We can get to know you a little better so we can determine how we can best serve you and your family. It is also a way for other people to refer our services to families who need our services.
Our preferred method is to talk over the phone, however you are welcome to visit one of our Head Start locations and meet in person. Or, you can fill out one of these referral forms:
Pregnant mothers or children ages
0 to 2 years, 11 months old:
Children ages
3 to 5 years old:
2. Application
If you call or visit and are ready to complete an application, we can take your information and complete the application process right then. If you need time to gather the necessary documentation, we will arrange a time to call and complete the application over the phone.
The following documents are required in order to complete the application. You may scan and email the documents or drop them off at your local Head Start 0 to 5 center or our central office (see locations below). If you are unable to do either, our staff can conduct a home visit to pick up the document copies.
- Prenatal Applicants: Proof of Pregnancy
- Verification of Birth (includes but is not limited to the following):
- Birth Certificate
- Hospital Medical Record / Hospital Medical Certificate
- Federal or State Records (Driver’s License, ID Card)
- Passport
- Immunization Record
- Income Verification (includes but is not limited to the following):
- Previous year Income Tax Form 1040 (preferred)
- W-2
- CalWORKs / TANF
- SSI Benefits
- Financial Aid
- Social Security, State Disability, and/or Unemployment Benefits
3. Verification
Once the application is complete, we will verify age and income to determine eligibility.
4. Notification
Upon verification, we will either send a letter, call, or make a home-visit (depending on needs).
5. Enrollment
The enrollment process can begin as soon as the next day, once notified. The process may include the need for additional paperwork, a home visit, or a phase-in at your local center.
Head Start 0 to 5 locations
= Ages 0 to 3 Home Based Offices
= Ages 0 to 3 Center Based Locations
= Ages 3 to 5 Home Based Offices
= Ages 3 to 5 Center Based Offices = Ages 0 to 3 Home Based Offices
= Ages 0 to 3 Center Based Locations
= Ages 3 to 5 Home Based Offices
= Ages 3 to 5 Center Based Offices
Home Based locations for ages 0 to 3
Central Office
Administration Staff & Home-Based Visitation site for Fresno City-Urban, EPU, & Parc Grove
1920 Mariposa Street, Suite 130
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 263-1550
FOWLER, SELMA, Parlier
2056 Second Street
Selma, CA 93662
(559) 896-1990
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Highway City
Temporarily relocated to:
1920 Mariposa Street, Suite 130
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 275-3322
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Kerman & Biola
719 S. Madera
Kerman, CA 93630
(559) 846-3990
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Mt. Carmel at Franklin Head Start
(Serves families in and near the 93706 zip code)
1189 Martin Street
Fresno, CA 93706
(559) 264-5315
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sanger, Reedley, Del Rey
2056 Second Street
Selma, CA 93662
(559) 896-1991
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Reedley Socialization Site
Jefferson Elementary School
1220 E. Washington
Reedley, CA 93654
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
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Center Based locations for ages 0 to 3
Child Development Center
1441 E. Divisadero
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 487-1053
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Monday-Friday
Family Childcare Centers
(Coming Soon)
Jane Addams Child Development Center
2117 W. McKinley
Fresno, CA 93728
(559) 457-2515
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Monday-Friday
Lighthouse for Children
Mendota
(Coming Soon)
Clinton / Blythe
(Coming Soon)
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Home Based locations for ages 3 to 5
NORTH FRESNO SATELLITE
Serving Coalinga, Mendota/Oro Loma, Mountain Area, West County
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Center based locations for ages 3 to 5
AREA II
Ted C. Wills Community Center
770 N. San Pablo
Fresno, CA 93728
P:(559) 486-1463
F:(559) 486-1464
CANTUA
Cantua Elementary School
29288 W. Clarkson Ave.
Cantua Creek, CA 93608
P:(559) 829-9749
F:(559) 829-6793
CARUTHERS
Caruthers Elementary School
2420 W. Clemenceau Ave.
Caruthers, CA 93609
P:(559) 864-0322
F:(559) 262-1636
CITRUS
A.L. Conner Elementary School
112 4th St.
Orange Cove, CA 93646
P:(559) 626-0542
F:(559) 262-1637
COALINGA
(Coming Soon)
COLLEGE COMMUNITY
College Community Church
2529 Willow Ave.
Clovis, CA 93612
P:(559) 347-9854
F:(559) 262-1664
ESTELLE DAILEY
Community United Church of Christ
5550 N. Fresno St.
Fresno, CA 93710
P:(559) 431-0019
F:(559) 262-1657
FIREBAUGH
Hazel Bailey Elementary School
1725 Saipan Ave.
Firebaugh, CA 93622
P:(559) 659-2542
F:(559) 262-1640
FRESNO USD: CALWA
FRESNO USD: KIRK
FRESNO USD: LANE
FRESNO USD: LINCOLN
FRESNO USD: OLMOS
IVY
Mary Ella Brown Community Center
1350 E. Annadale
Fresno, CA 93706
P:(559) 233-0141
F:(559) 233-0142
JEFFERSON
Jefferson Elementary School
1240 E. Washington St.
Reedley, CA 93654
P:(559) 637-0025
or (559) 638-0250
F:(559) 262-1643
LIGHTHOUSE FOR CHILDREN
MAPLE VISTA
Sierra Vista United Methodist
4609 E. Illinois
Fresno, CA 93702
P:(559) 252-9506
F:(559) 262-1646
MOLLY NEVAREZ
(Coming Soon)
PINEDALE
Pinedale Elementary School
7171 N. Sugarpine
Pinedale, CA 93650
P:(559) 327-7748
P:(559) 327-7749
F:(559) 262-1650
RAMACHER
Ramacher Educational Complex
P:(559) 264-7120
F:(559) 264-7237
REEDLEY
144 S. Sunset
Reedley, CA 93654
P:(559) 638-8870
F:(559) 262-1651
ROOSEVELT
Roosevelt Elementary School
1701 Alton St., Ste. A
Selma, CA 93662
P:(559) 891-0186
F:(559) 262-1652
SAN JOAQUIN
San Joaquin Elementary School
8535 S. Ninth
San Joaquin, CA 93660
P:(559) 693-4571
F:(559) 262-1653
SANGER
Iglesia La Roca
3037 S. Orchid
Sanger, CA 93657
P:(559) 875-2581
or (559) 875-2582
F:(559) 262-1654
SEQUOIA
First Congregational Church
2121 N. Van Ness
Fresno, CA 93704
P:(559) 244-0195
F:(559) 262-1655
SHIELDS / FRESNO
(Coming Soon)
WASHINGTON
Washington Elementary School
1420 Second St.
Selma, CA 93662
P:(559) 891-7330
F:(559) 262-1656
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frequently asked questions
EDUCATION
What is school readiness?
What would be my child’s experience in a Head Start 0 to 5 program?
HEALTH SERVICES
Health Services
Physical Examination
In accordance with Community Care Licensing and the Head Start Program Performance Standards, each enrolled child is required to have a Physical Exam. If you do not have a primary Medical Doctor for your child, Head Start 0 to 5 staff will help you find one.
Lead Awareness
Dental Education
Dental health is very important for general health. Children are recommended to see a dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in. If you have not taken your child to the dentist in the past 6 months, Head Start 0 to 5 staff can help you find a dentist for your child.
Immunizations
NUTRITION SERVICES
Meals provided
Menus
If my child has a food allergy, sensitivity or requires a medical accommodation, will I have to bring his meal?
Because Head Start 0 to 5 is a sponsor of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), parents will need to complete paperwork and/or have their pediatrician complete a form. Upon receipt of the necessary documents, our Registered Dietitian and staff will prepare a menu specific to your child’s needs.
Other community food resources
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
Priority for enrollment is given to children who have an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP ages 0 to 3) or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP ages 3 to 5).
What if my child uses a walker or wheelchair, or has serious health problems?
Head Start 0 to 5 accepts children regardless of the type and severity of the disability. Most Head Start 0 to 5 sites are ADA accessible and at certain locations that offer bus transportation, the buses can accommodate wheelchairs. Head Start 0 to 5 staff work together with medical and educational professionals in the community to make sure children’s needs are met.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT / VOLUNTEER SERVICES
Due to COVID -19 concerns, volunteers are not being accepted for in-classroom hours at this time. However, there are other ways to volunteer.
Family Engagement
Family Engagement is strongly encouraged in our program; parents work together to decide what learning experiences they want for their children in our Head Start 0 to 5 Program.
Parents are encouraged to be involved since they are the experts of their child.
Volunteers
Aside from the parent volunteers who participate in our program, we do accept volunteers from the community on a case-by-case basis. For example, we have had students who need lab or community hours volunteer at our child development centers. Those who are interested in volunteering should call (559) 263-1200.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Requirements
All volunteers must have a current TB skin test or medical TB clearance and other required immunizations (measles/pertussis/flu).
Qualifications
The ability to relate well with young children, a general knowledge of child development, child behavior, and the processes involved in learning. Be a creative individual who can share his/her talents in the classroom and assist the teacher in the preparation of classroom materials. Good moral character and health.
A quality Head Start 0 to 5 program calls for many people working together, sharing their talents, knowledge, and energy so that the children can receive the greatest benefit possible.
Head Start 0 to 5 Stories
Head Start History
In January of 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared The War on Poverty in his State of the Union speech. Shortly thereafter, Sargent Shriver took the lead in assembling a panel of experts to develop a comprehensive child development program that would help communities meet the needs of disadvantaged preschool children.
Part of the government’s thinking on poverty was influenced by new research on the effects of poverty, as well as on the impact of education. This research indicated an obligation to help disadvantaged groups, compensating for inequality in social or economic conditions.
Head Start was designed to help break the cycle of poverty, providing preschool children of low-income families with a comprehensive program to meet their emotional, social, health, nutritional and psychological needs.
A key tenet of the program established that it be culturally responsive to the communities served, and that the communities have an investment in its success through the contribution of volunteer hours and other donations as nonfederal share.
For more information on the history of Head Start, please visit: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/hs/about/history
FRESNO EOC HEAD START HISTORY
Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC) Head Start Preschool has successfully provided comprehensive child development services for low-income preschool children and their families since 1965. Services include education, nutrition, health, medical, dental, parental involvement and social services. Expansion of services to children ages 0 to 3 years old was implemented in 1996 through the Early Head Start Program.
Fresno EOC Head Start Preschool currently serves approximately 2,750 Head Start and 308 Early Head Start children throughout Fresno County in over 34 centers and 17 home-based areas.
Annual Reports are available upon request.