About Head Start 0 to 5
What is Head Start 0 to 5? Find out here.
Two Program options
We offer home-based services and center-based visitation services.
Eligibility
Click here to see if you are eligible and to start the application process.
LOCATIONS
Click here to find the Head Start 0 to 5 location nearest to you.
NUTRITION SERVICES
Meals provided, click here to view menus.
Volunteer Opportunities
Click here to join our team of volunteers.
Parent Handbook
Click here to access the Parent Handbook.
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, Center Base and Home Base.
Center Base
Center Base provides options which include 3.5, 6.0, 7.5, 11 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 Early Head Start Home Base (EHS HB) program provides early, continuous, intensive and comprehensive child development and family support services to pregnant women, families with children zero to three and children with disabilities. We use Partners for A Healthy Baby, a researched based curriculum that is the hallmark which provides learning experiences that offer relationship-based activities; babies only learn in relationships with people who are significant in their lives. We recognize that adults, too, learn best through relationships. Our home visits are provided once a week for 90 minutes for forty-six weeks a year. Besides our home visitation program, we provide monthly socialization opportunities twice a month. breastfeeding, fetal development, prenatal and postpartum depression, preparing and caring for baby and so much more.
Our Head Start Home Base (HS HB) program provides a holistic approach to services for each family’s needs. We offer Nutrition, Health, Mental Health, Education, Families Services and Adult Learning. The children we serve range from three to five years of age. We use Growing Great Kids and Growing Great Families, a research-based curriculum that provides learning experience that fosters early child development activities that are age appropriate. approaches to learning, social emotional development, language and literacy, cognition, perceptual motor and physical development. Much like EHS HB, our HS HB program provides weekly visits for 90 minutes for thirty-six weeks. Besides our home visitation program, we provide monthly socialization opportunities twice a month.
Both program options include
- Individualized Curriculum and Early Literacy activities
- Parent Engagement and Family Support
- Disabilities Support (in collaboration with Part ‘C’ providers and LEA , 10% federal mandate)
- Ongoing Developmental Assessment
- Guidance in meeting Family Goals
- Program Governance activities
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition Education
- Community Engagement
- Ongoing Screenings
Eligibility
HEAD START 0 TO 5 APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED YEAR-ROUND!
Head Start 0 to 5 eligibility is determined by pregnancy or age. For Early Head Start, a child must be an infant or a toddler younger than three years old. For Head Start, a child must be three years old and be no older than the age required to attend school. Selection preference is given to children who are homeless, in foster care, Public Assistance, SNAP recepients, children with a certified disability (IFSP/IEP), or who are income eligible.
How Do I Apply and Enroll?
Typically, the application process time is 1-2 weeks, that goes through the Referral, Application, Verification, Notification, and Enrollment process.
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:
Pregnant mothers or children ages 0 to 2 years, 11 months old:
Children ages 3 to 5 years old:
Madres embarazadas o niños de 0 a 2 años y 11 meses de edad:
Niños de 3 a 5 años:
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;
-
- Scanned and uploaded via a link provided
- Email the documents directly
- 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, or Unemployment Benefits
3. Verification
An application is not considered complete until a staff member interviews you, verifies pregnancy or age and determines income eligibility.
4. Notification
Upon verification, we will either send a letter via mail or email, 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.
Note: Once the application is submitted, the Head Start o to 5 Program requires the following documents, for enrollment, dependent on program option.
Head Start 0 to 5 locations
= Head Start 0 to 5 Home Base Offices
= Ages 0 to 3 Center Based Locations
= 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 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
- Mt. Carmel
Kerman
Kerman Satellite
719 S. Madera Avenue
Kerman, CA 93630
(559)846-3990
(559)846-3992
(559)846-3994
3 to 5 years old:
- Oro Loma
0 to 2 years, 11 months old:
- Kerman
Sanger
Sanger Satellite
1101 E. Annandale, #101
Sanger, CA 93657
(559)875-9032
3 to 5 years old:
- Reedley/Sanger
- Mountain Area
- West County
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
1189 Martin St.
Fresno, CA 93706
(559) 233-0082
Jane Addams Child Development Center
2117 W. McKinley
Fresno, CA 93728
(559) 457-2515
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Monday-Friday
Eric White
2751 Fig Street
Selma, CA 93662
(559) 896-1001
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Center based locations for ages 3 to 5
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
COLLEGE COMMUNITY
Willow Avenue Mennonite 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
JEFFERSON
Jefferson Elementary School
1240 E. Washington St.
Reedley, CA 93654
P:(559) 637-0025
or (559) 638-0250
F:(559) 262-1643
MAPLE VISTA
Sierra Vista United Methodist
4609 E. Illinois
Fresno, CA 93702
P:(559) 252-9506
F:(559) 262-1646
MOLLY NEVAREZ
Temporarily @ RICHARD KEYES
1620 W. Fairmont Ave. Fresno, CA 93705
P:(559) 224-1018
F:(559) 262-1648
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
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
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
WASHINGTON
Selma U.S.D. Washington School
1420 Second St.
Selma, CA 93662
P:(559) 891-7330
F:(559) 262-1656
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frequently asked questions
Head Start 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 Visual Daily Schedule, there is a balance of active and quiet times as well as a range of child initiated experiences, and teacher planned activities. The Creative Curriculum is a scientifically and researched based curriculum, that parents voted for, which provides 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 Visual Daily 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, a physical exam, screenings for basic health, hearing, vision and dental exam. Referrals are made to community partners, as needed.
Note: These are the Health documents needed prior to enrollment or within the first 30 days of enrollment.
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 a child does not have a primary Medical Doctor or Dental Provider, 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
NUTRITION SERVICES
Meals provided
Head Start 0 to 5 provides breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack and for some sites supper at no cost to parents by utilizing the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
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.
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 Individual Education Program (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 by being part of their learning experiences through completing and submitting PACT Time and Growing Great Readers, volunteering in the classroom, participating in home visits, attending LPM, CWPC where decisions are made regarding program operations, budgets, curriculum planning, staff hiring, training and all aspects of Head Start.
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
- Measles
- Pertussis
- Flu (or Flu 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 their 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.
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 on the Volunteer Opportunities button provided, or you can call (559) 263-1514
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!
FACILITIES SERVICES
Oversee Head Start’s 0 to 5 facilities and over 37 sites and Satellite Offices. Facilities Services provides safe, clean facilities and grounds that house children, Parent’s or Guardian’s and Head Start 0 to 5 staff.
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.
Head Start 0 to 5 Stories
This website is supported by Grant Numbers 09CH012031 and 09HE001404 from the Office of Community Services within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Community Services.