Head Start & Early Head Start
Whole Child…Whole Family
Early Childhood Education
The GCCSA, Inc. Head Start & Early Head Start (HS/EHS) Program is a comprehensive, Early Childhood Development program that has served the Houston, Harris County area since 1964. Our HS/EHS Program serves eligible children and families from economically-challenged backgrounds, applying a “whole child, whole family” philosophy.
GCCSA caters to over 1,900 early learners and their families; supporting pregnant women, infants and toddlers (ages 6 weeks to 30 months), and children ages 3 to 5 years.
Operating in 1 Early Head Start and 20 Head Start Centers, the GCCSA HS/EHS Program includes: early childhood education, family involvement, health advocacy, family literacy, fatherhood initiatives, mental health services, disability services, and nutrition and free healthy meals and snacks to all enrolled children, including in the family homes of those who are differently abled.
2020-2021 Parent Handbook
What can Head Start offer your family?
The Head Start program offers a variety of services to meet the overall needs of its families. Head Start families receive individualized support to meet goals they have set for themselves and case management services to ensure the health and wellbeing of their students. As a part of school readiness, families learn the importance of keeping students on a schedule of well-child care. Head Start works with families to ensure students are up to date on immunizations, that they receive dental exams every six months and a physical exam every 12 months. The program assists families in connecting with many different kinds of community resources, such as adult continuing education courses, vocational training and scholarships, and workforce development.
In addition to providing family support services, Head Start works to strengthen parental involvement at home, at school and in the community. By participating in parent groups like the GCCSA Policy Council and classroom literacy activities, families discover new and exciting ways to make the most out of everyday teaching moments. There are many opportunities for volunteering within the program, such as assisting in the classroom, which helps improve school readiness for students and broadens the experiences of family members. Parents may also assume leadership roles within the program by serving as officers on the Policy Council or Parent Committee. By participating in the program this way, parents raise their own self-confidence and learn how to advocate for their early learners and others.
2020-2021 Academic Calendars
Ready to Apply?
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To enroll in Head Start or Early Head Start, families must be income eligible by meeting the requirements of the federal poverty guidelines.
GCCSA Families
Little Wonders
