Head Start is a free federal program for preschool children ages 3-5 from low income families. The goal of Head Start is to develop the whole child: socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. These goals are accomplished through a well balanced program incorporating health, education, social service and parent involvement components. In each classroom, there is a degreed teacher and an assistant teacher along with approximately 19-20 children. Head Start believes all children can succeed when provided a safe and supportive environment. There are six facilities in Lawrence County that house the Head Start program that offer two program options; a four hour option and a five hour option. (part-year school-year, full-year and home based) They include Ben Franklin Early Learning Center, Ellwood City Early Learning Center, Hartman Elementary, Laurel Elementary, Mohawk Elementary, and Pulaski Elementary.

General Services Provided:
• Provides learning experiences suited to each child’s individual developmental needs though the use of the Creative Curriculum©.
• Provides vision, speech, hearing and developmental screenings for the children.
• Helps to support the family in maintaining the child’s immunizations, physicals and dental examinations.
• Each family is assigned a Family Service Worker who can assist the family with social service needs and goal setting.
• Mental health and other services are available to meet the special needs of children with disabilities and their families.

Eligibility Requirements:
• Target population: preschool children ages 3-5 from low income families.
• Income guidelines: targets families who fall at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, but applications are accepted year round from all families who are interested.