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 services throughout Fresno County.  Head Start 0 to 5 follows all Community Care Licensing requirements.

Click here for information on eligibility or the application process for all services

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.

Volunteer Opportunities

Click here to join our team of volunteers.

Join Our Team!

Build your career with Head Start 0 to 5, see the various positions available now.

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.

Center-Base

The Center Base option provides Part-day options which include 3.0, 6.0, 7.5 hour classes between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. with some longer hours that vary by location.

For ages 0 to 3 all diapers, wipes, bottles, food, and formula for the enrolled child are provided, while at the center. To enroll, families must verify a need due to employment and/or school,and it is not required that toddlers be toilet trained.

Head Start 0 to 5 Home-Base

Our home-based services provide a Family Development Specialist (serves pregnant women to children ages 0 to 3) and a Home Base Educator (serves families and children ages 3 to 5) 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.

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

HEAD START 0 TO 5 APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED YEAR-ROUND!

To be eligible for Head Start 0 to 5, you must meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines, be a pregnant woman or have a child, age 0 to 5. (Note: selection preference is given to children who are homeless, in foster care, Public Assistance, SNAP recepients, or children with a certified disability (IFSP/IEP)).

How Do I Apply and Enroll?

Typically, the application process time is 1-2 weeks to go through Referral, Application, Verification, Notification, and Enrollment.

Head Start 0 to 5 Enrollment Step 1

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 families who need our services.

Applications can be initiated online or by phone, however you are welcome to visit one of our Head Start 0 to 5 locations and meet in person. Below is how to begin the application online:

Head Start 0 to 5 Enrollment Step 1

Pregnant mothers or children ages
0 to 2 years, 11 months old:

Children ages
3 to 5 years old:

Head Start 0 to 5 Enrollment Step 2
Head Start 0 to 5 Enrollment Step 2

2. Application

The documents listed below are required in order to complete the application and may be provided to our Head Start 0 to 5 staff in one of the following manners;

    1. Scanned and uploaded via a link provided
    2. Email the documents directly
    3. 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 any of the following listed above, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our registration office at 559-263-1527, and our staff can conduct a home visit to pick up a copy of the document(s).

If you are ready to begin the application for Head Start 0 to 5, our staff will be happy to assist with the process.

  • 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
    • SNAP
    • SSI Benefits
    • Financial Aid
    • Social Security, State Disability, and/or Unemployment Benefits
Head Start 0 to 5 Enrollment Step 3

3. Verification

Once the application is complete, we will verify age and income to determine eligibility.

Head Start 0 to 5 Enrollment Step 3
Head Start 0 to 5 Enrollment Step 4
Head Start 0 to 5 Enrollment Step 4

4. Notification

Upon verification, we will either send a letter, call, or make a home-visit (depending on needs).

Head Start 0 to 5 Enrollment Step 3

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 Enrollment Step 3

Head Start 0 to 5 locations

Head Start Ages 0 to 3 Home Based Map Marker = Head Start 0 to 5 Home Base Offices

Show/Hide List

Head Start Ages 0 to 3 Center Based Map Marker = Ages 0 to 3 Center Based Locations

Show/Hide List

Head Start Ages 3 to 5 Center Based Map Marker = Ages 3 to 5 Center Based Offices

Show/Hide List

Head Start Ages 0 to 3 Home Based Map Marker = Ages 0 to 3 Home Based Offices

Head Start Ages 0 to 3 Center Based Map Marker = Ages 0 to 3 Center Based Locations

Head Start Ages 3 to 5 Home Based Map Marker = Ages 3 to 5 Home Based Offices

Head Start Ages 3 to 5 Center Based Map Marker = Ages 3 to 5 Center Based Offices

Home Based locations for ages 0 to 5

Central Office

Administration Staff & Home-Based Visitation

1920 Mariposa Street, Suite 130
Fresno, CA 93721

(559) 263-1550

North Fresno

North Fresno Satellite

4273 W. Richert Ave, #107
Fresno, CA 93722

(559)274-1016
(559)274-1020
(559)274-1023

 

3 to 5 years old:
  • West County
0 to 2 years, 11 months old:
  • Fresno City Urban
  • Exceptional Parent Unlimited
  • PARC Grove
  • Highway City

Kerman

Kerman Satellite

719 S. Madera Avenue
Kerman, CA 93630

(559)846-3990
(559)846-3992
(559)846-3994

 

3 to 5 years old:
  • Coalinga
  • Oro Loma
0 to 2 years, 11 months old:
  • Kerman

Mt. Carmel

Mt. Carmel Satellite

1189 Martin Avenue
Fresno, CA 93706

(559)264-5315

 

0 to 2 years, 11 months old:
  • Mt. Carmel

Sanger

Sanger Satellite

1101 E. Annandale, #101
Sanger, CA 93657

(559)875-9032

 

3 to 5 years old:
  • Reedley/Sanger
  • Mountain Area
0 to 2 years, 11 months old:
  • Reedley/Sanger

Selma

Selma Satellite

2056 2nd Street
Selma, CA 93662

(559)896-1991

 

3 to 5 yeas old:
  • West County
0 to 2 years, 11 months old:
  • Fowler/Selma

Center Based locations for ages 0 to 3

Child Development Center

1441 E. Divisadero St.
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 487-1053
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Monday-Friday

Clinton / Blythe

(Coming Soon)

Jane Addams Child Development Center

2117 W. McKinley
Fresno, CA 93728
(559) 457-2515
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Monday-Friday

Mendota

(Coming Soon)

Eric White

(Coming Soon)

Hide List

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

CEDARWOOD
New Life Baptist Church

2063 S. Cedar
Fresno, CA 93702

P:(559) 237-5254
F:(559) 237-5260

CITRUS
A.L. Conner Elementary School

112 4th St.
Orange Cove, CA 93646

P:(559) 626-0542
F:(559) 262-1637

CLOVIS
Sierra Vista Elementary School

510 Barstow
Clovis, CA 93612

P:(559) 323-9678
F:(559) 262-1638

COALINGA
(Coming Soon)

 

COLLEGE COMMUNITY
Willow Avenue Mennonite Church

2529 Willow Ave.
Clovis, CA 93612 

P:(559) 347-9854
F:(559) 262-1664

DAKOTA CIRCLE

4156 E. Dakota
Fresno, CA 93726 

P:(559) 228-0331
F:(559) 262-1639

 

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

4303 E. Jensen Ave.
Fresno, CA 93725

P:(559) 457-2610
F:(559) 266-2021

FRESNO USD: KIRK

2000 E. Belgravia Ave.
Fresno, CA 93706

P:(559) 457-2980
F:(559) 497-8511

FRESNO USD: LANE

4730 E. Lowe Ave.
Fresno, CA 93702

P:(559) 253-6480
F:TBD

FRESNO USD: LINCOLN

1100 Mono St.
Fresno, CA 93706

P:(559) 457-3010
F:(559) 495-1134

FRESNO USD: OLMOS

550 S. Garden Ave.
Fresno, CA 93727

P:(559) 253-6620
F:(559) 253-6622

HURON
Huron Elementary School

16641 Palmer St.
Huron, CA 93234

P:(559) 945-2697
F:(559) 262-1642

IVY
IVY 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

KINGS CANYON

4995 E. Balch
Fresno, CA 93727

P:(559) 252-7594
F:(559) 262-1644

LIGHTHOUSE FOR CHILDREN

2405 Tulare St.
Fresno, CA 93721

P:(559)558-4949
F:TBD

MADISON
Madison Elementary School

388 S. Brawley
Fresno, CA 93706

P:(559) 497-8018
F:(559) 497-5865

MAPLE VISTA
Sierra Vista United Methodist

4609 E. Illinois
Fresno, CA 93702

P:(559) 252-9506
F:(559) 262-1646

MENDOTA
Mendota Farm Labor Bldg.

295 W. Tuft
Mendota, CA 93640

P:(559) 655-3314
F:(559) 262-1647

MOLLY NEVAREZ
Temporarily @ RICHARD KEYES

1620 W. Fairmont Ave. Fresno, CA 93705

P:(559) 224-1018
F:(559) 262-1648

MOSQUEDA
Mosqueda Community Center

4676 E. Butler
Fresno, CA 93702

P:(559) 255-8099
F:(559) 262-1649

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

710 N. Hughes
Fresno, CA 93728

P:(559) 264-7120
F:(559) 264-7237

RICHARD KEYES

1620 W. Fairmont Ave.
Fresno, CA 93705

P:(559) 224-1018
P:(559) 224-1019
P:(559) 224-1020
P:(559) 224-1021
F:(559) 262-1675

ROMAIN
Romain Playground

745 N. First St.
Fresno, CA 93702

P:(559) 442-4131
F:(559) 442-4132

ROOSEVELT
Selma U.S.D. Roosevelt 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
Selma U.S.D. Washington School

1420 Second St.
Selma, CA 93662

P:(559) 891-7330
F:(559) 262-1656

WILSON
Selma U.S.D. Wilson School

1325 Stillman
Selma, CA 93662

P:(559) 896-0142
F:(559) 262-1658

Hide List

frequently asked questions

Head Starts 0 to 5 program is designed to meet each child’s individual needs and the educational priorities of the community.
Regardless of cultural background or special needs, every child is offered a variety of learning experiences designed to foster physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth and to develop an appreciation for ethnic and cultural diversity.

EDUCATION

What is school readiness?

Head Start 0 to 5 defines school readiness as children possessing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in school and for learning and later in life. The Approach to School Readiness means that children are ready for school, families are ready to support their children’s learning, and schools are ready for children. Head Start 0 to 5 is a leader in the early childhood field with a strong, clear, and comprehensive focus on healthy development, including physical, cognitive, language, literacy, social and emotional development, all of which are essential to children getting ready for school. We promote belonging for all infants, toddlers, and pre-school age children, and their families. Head Start 0 to 5 parents and staff create and build meaningful partnerships over time through daily interactions. Relationships are central to the Head Start School Readiness approach designed to be responsive and inclusive to the cultural diversity and language of families and children within our community. With a shared commitment and focus on each families’ strengths, we build positive goal-oriented relationships for the child’s well-being. Early relationships have long-term implications for all infant, toddlers, and preschool aged children’s development and their ability to learn and succeed in school.

What would be my child’s experience in a Head Start 0 to 5 program?

Routines in our Head Start 0 to 5 program are planned according to each child’s needs and occur in a timely and predictable manner. When environments are engaging, they support children’s participation in activities that promote development and learning. In our classrooms, we maintain a consistent and flexible Visual Daily Schedule. As time is blocked out in an orderly and consistent fashion, children tend to feel secure and become increasingly independent. Within the Daily Schedule, there is a balance of active and quiet times as well as a range of child initiated experiences, and teacher planned activities that provide opportunities for play, exploration, and problem solving. Activities offered occur in well-designed physical spaces or Interest Areas such as Blocks, Dramatic Play, Toys, Games, Art, Library, Discovery, Sand and Water, Music and Movement, Nutrition, and Outdoors. We include a balance of large group and small group activities. The schedule includes Choice Time, allowing children to choose the Interest Area in which they would like to play, with whom they want to play, and materials to use. As children move from one activity to another, transitions can be relaxed and provide opportunities for learning reinforcing concepts and skills. Transitions can be a challenge for some children; we provide individualized support and cues to build good habits. Mealtimes are more than just nourishing our bodies. Meal times in early infancy is different from toddlers, preschoolers, or even late infancy. Feeding can provide learning opportunities. When a caregiver holds a baby and makes eye contact, they are building social and emotional development. In preschool this includes the children and teacher sitting together to share a meal or snack and promotes learning and development such as expanding social skills, improved fine motor skills, increase self-confidence and using proper table manners. In the first five years of life, all young children learn in the context of caring, responsive, and stimulating relationships as they explore the world around them.

HEALTH SERVICES

School readiness starts with health and Health Services ensuring all enrolled children have timely immunizations and screenings for basic health, hearing, vision and dental health. Referrals are made to community partners as needed.

Physical Examination

In accordance with Community Care Licensing and the Head Start Program Performance Standards, each enrolled child is required to have a complete Physical Exam every year. 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

In accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, a high lead level can negatively affect your child’s ability to learn, staff will be providing information on lead exposure toxicity and will be asking if your child was ever tested for lead at one or two years of age, and were they in normal range?
Learn More [English PDF]Learn More [Spanish PDF]

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 and obtain a dental exam every 6 months to a year thereafter. 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
California State requires certain immunizations in order for children to attend school. We can help determine if your child is up to date or what immunization if any is missing. Our goal is to have all children fully immunized and ready for school.

NUTRITION SERVICES

Meals provided

Head Start 0 to 5 provides breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack at no cost to parents by utilizing the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Menus

If my child has a food allergy, sensitivity or requires a medical accommodation, will I have to bring his meal?

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 Specialized Menu to meet your child’s needs.

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.

Mental Health Services

Head Start 0 to 5 works with various community Mental Health Partners in referring for services as needed for example; All4Youth, Exceptional Parents Unlimited, Help Me Grow.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT 

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 can fill out our Volunteer Application HERE or you can call (559) 263-1296.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Requirements

Volunteer age is 16 years or older.

All volunteers must be fully immunized and up-to-date on the following:

  • TB skin test or medical TB clearance
  • COVID-19 Vaccine (or Religious/Medical Exemption)
  • Measles
  • Pertussis
  • Flu (or Flue Declination – Which we provide)

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.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Oversee Head Start’s 0 to 5 facilities and over 40 sites and Satellite Offices. Support Services provides safe, clean facilities and grounds that house children, Parent’s/or Guardian’s and staff of Head Start 0 to 5.

The team’s overall goal is to ensure buildings are safe and maintained for our future leaders.

The team also rises to the challenge of locating new facilities, maintenance of playground areas and support is provided to all Service Areas for both Early Head Start and Head Start.

VOLUNTEER SERVICES

Are you passionate about early childhood education? We are looking for volunteers to join our Head Start 0 to 5 team!

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 click the Volunteer Opportunities button above, or you can call (559) 263-1296

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Let's get started

Click the Volunteer Application button below to View/Download. You can also pick up a physical application at any of our locations!

Head Start 0 to 5 Stories

Spreading Warmth this Holiday Season: Foster Grandparents Gift Free Blankets to Head Start Kids

The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission's Foster Grandparent Program made a heartwarming impact this holiday season. Thanks to a generous donation of over 150 blankets from Project Linus, Foster Grandparents brought joy to children and families in the Head Start...

A True Poverty Fighter: Head Start 0 to 5 employee reaches a 50 year milestone

A remarkable decade spent as an educator is truly noteworthy, but when that commitment extends to an astounding five decades, it becomes an unparalleled milestone. Ramona Sauceda, a leader in the field of education, is currently the Site Director at Sanger Head Start....

Exciting News: Fresno EOC Head Start 0 to 5 Presents the Express Enrollment Fair!

Families in Fresno County are invited to join the very first Head Start 0 to 5 Express Enrollment Fair on...

Exciting Career Opportunities Await: Join the Fresno EOC ‘Head Start 0 to 5 Early Care and Education!’

Are you ready to embark on a fulfilling journey, making a meaningful impact on the lives of young children? Look no further than the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) and their 'Head Start 0 to 5' program. We are thrilled to announce that the 'Head Start...

Boosting Literacy and Creating Lasting Bond: Foster Grandparents Reading Day a Success!

Recently, a heartwarming encounter took place at the Kings Canyon Head Start 0 to 5 site, as dedicated volunteers from The Foster Grandparent Program graced the premises. Together, they embarked on a delightful reading journey with the enchanting book, 'The Doorbell...

Happy 58th Anniversary Head Start!

Thursday was a day filled with joy, laughter, and cake as Fresno EOC celebrated the remarkable 58th anniversary of Head Start. We couldn't be prouder of our dedicated Head Start staff, whose tireless efforts make a lasting impact on the lives of countless children....

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. Among these experts were Dr. Robert Cooke, a pediatrician at John Hopkins University, and Dr. Edward Zigler, a professor of psychology and director of the Child Study Center at Yale University.

Part of the government’s thinking on poverty was influenced by new research on the effects of poverty, as well as on the impacts 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.

In the summers of 1965 and 1966, the Office of Economic Opportunity launched an eight-week Project Head Start. In 1969, under the Nixon administration, Head Start was transferred from the Office of Economic Opportunity to the Office of Child Development in the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Dr. Edward Zigler, who had served on the planning committee to launch Project Head Start, was appointed Director of the Office of Child Development. In 1977, under the Carter administration, Head Start began bilingual and bicultural programs in about 21 states. Seven years later, in October 1984 under the Reagan administration, Head Start’s grant budget exceeded $1 billion. In September of 1995, under the Clinton administration, the first Early Head Start grants were given and in October of 1998, Head Start was reauthorized to expand to full-day and full-year services.

Head Start was most recently reauthorized again in 2007, under the George W. Bush administration, with several provisions to strengthen Head Start quality. These include alignment of Head Start school readiness goals with state early learning standards, higher qualifications for the Head Start teaching workforce, State Advisory Councils on Early Care and Education in every state, and increased program monitoring, including a review of child outcomes and annual financial audits. The Head Start training and technical assistance system was redesigned to support programs through six National Centers and a state-based system to ensure success.

The statute also included a provision that regulations be promulgated to move programs from an indefinite project period to a five-year grant cycle. Programs would be required to demonstrate they are of high quality or a competitive grant opportunity would be made available within the community. In 2009, under the Obama administration, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act added more than 64,000 slots for Early Head Start and Head Start programs.

Head Start has served more than 30 million children since 1965, growing from an eight-week demonstration project to include full day/year services and many program options. Currently, Head Start is administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in the Department of Health and Human Services. Head Start serves over a million children and their families each year in urban and rural areas in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. territories, including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Migrant and Seasonal communities.

For more information on the history of Head Start, please visit: Head Start History | ECLKC (hhs.gov)

 

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, Family Services, Parental Engagement and Inclusion 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 2,112 Head Start and 478 Early Head Start children throughout Fresno County in over 38 centers and 13 home-based areas.

Annual Reports are available upon request.

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Health Services - Contact Julio

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

  • mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
  • fax: (202) 690-7442; or
  • email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.