HCS Head Start provides Early Head Start (for pregnant mothers, and children from birth to 2.9 years), Head Start (for children from 2.9 to 5 years), Migrant Head Start (for pregnant mothers, and migrant children from birth to 5 years), and we are associated with the CFCE / Holyoke Chicopee Family & Community Program.
Please scroll down to learn more about each program. Each program description below also includes a link to contact and application information.
Whether by phone, email, U.S. Post or walk-in….we look forward to hearing from you!
Head Start is an excellent program. It really does help children get ahead. All three of my children have gone to Head Start and have excelled in school.
Early Head Start
Early Head Start serves pregnant moms, and children birth to 2.9 years old, in a home based or center based model. The goals of EHS are to promote healthy prenatal outcomes, promote healthy family functioning, and strengthen the overall development of infants and toddlers.
All children’s programs include healthy snacks and meals, nutrition services, mental health screenings, services for children with special needs, health and oral health care, and family programs and services for parents of enrolled children.
Early Head Start’s home-based services include 90-minute weekly home visits, playgroups twice per month, and support for child development and socialization. Center-based infant & toddler classes include several full day options, as well as an 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. option. All are available Monday-Friday.
Please note that families & children must meet certain financial and age guidelines.
Head Start
Head Start promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of preschool children ages 2.9 – 5 years old, through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.
All children’s programs include healthy snacks and meals, nutrition services, mental health screenings, services for children with special needs, health and oral health care, and family programs and services for parents of enrolled children. We offer part day and full day programs.
Each Head Start family receives responsive parent engagement activities, access to community and social services, and opportunities to become fully involved in their child’s education.
Please note that families & children must meet certain financial and age guidelines.
Migrant/Seasonal Head Start
Migrant/Seasonal Head Start is designed to meet the needs of the children of migrant/seasonal farm workers.
The program allows for pregnant mothers, and children from birth to 5 years of age to receive comprehensive Head Start Services while their families labor in the fields to harvest this nation’s food supply.
All children’s programs include healthy snacks and meals, nutrition services, mental health screenings, services for children with special needs, health and oral health care, and family programs and services for parents of enrolled children.
Each Head Start family receives responsive parent engagement activities, access to community and social services, and opportunities to become fully involved in their child’s education.
Please note that families & children must meet certain financial and age guidelines.
CFCE / Holyoke Chicopee Family & Community Program
The Holyoke Chicopee Family & Community Program provides opportunities at no cost for families with young children living in Holyoke or Chicopee. This programming supports families as their children’s most important teachers, promotes optimal child development, and bolsters school readiness.
The Holyoke Chicopee Family & Community Program offers a variety of programs, including Playgroups/Learning Through Play, Baby and Me Group, Story Time, Parenting Group, Family Explorers (outdoor education), Date with Dad, and more.
This program is funded by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.