Head Start & Early Head Start
Since its inception in 1965, Head Start has been a beacon of hope, touching the lives of countless children and families nationwide. With around 2,000 Head Start and Early Head Start grantee agencies dedicated to child and family development services, Families & Communities Rising (FCR) proudly operates three of these transformative programs in Durham and Orange Counties.
Initially designed for children aged three and four, the program expanded in the 1990s to include the Early Head Start for infants and toddlers. Today, many Head Start initiatives provide comprehensive services spanning from birth to kindergarten, offering children and families multiple years of growth and development within the program.
We invite you to explore the possibilities and consider applying for FCR's Head Start & Early Head Start Program if you meet the eligibility criteria. Our selection process prioritizes families with the most significant needs, ensuring that those who require assistance receive it.
At Families & Communities Rising, we are committed to empowering children, families, and communities by meeting you where you are and helping you envision where you can go. We provide a safe space to voice your desires and requirements, whether they pertain to you, your children, your parents, or your extended community. From there, we work tirelessly to establish the stability you need to flourish and thrive because we are unwaveringly on your side. Whether through our existing programs or our extensive community resources, seize the opportunities that Families & Communities Rising offers to create a brighter future for yourself and your loved ones.
Program Details
Head Start preschool programs cater to children aged 3 to 5, offering support to both the children and their families. Early Head Start programs assist families with children ranging from birth to 3 years old, and some also extend their services to expectant families.
Several programs, such as Families and Communities Rising (FCR), provide both Head Start preschool and Early Head Start services. These programs provide child development services in various settings, including centers, homes, and family childcare environments. The overarching goal of all Head Start programs is to consistently strive to fulfill their mission: to ensure eligible children and families receive top-notch services in safe and nurturing environments that prepare children for school and life.
FCR's Head Start and Early Head Start Service Areas for Children and Families encompass the following key domains:
• Education
• Wellness and Inclusion
• Family Engagement
• Operations
Who is Eligible for the Program?
To qualify for enrollment in the Head Start and Early Head Start program, families must meet the poverty guidelines that are established by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
At time of enrollment, families must provide documentation to demonstrate that they are living at or below these guidelines.
2025-2026 Head Start Family Income Eligibility Guidelines (130% of the Federal guidelines for poverty):
| 1 | $15,960 | $20,748 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $28,132 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $35,516 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $42,900 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $50,284 |
| 6 | $44,630 | $57,668 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $65,052 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $72,436 |
* For family/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,720 for each additional person.
* While certain four-year-olds may fulfill the criteria for NC Pre-K or Durham Pre-K, they may not qualify under the federal Head Start guidelines. If you have a four-year-old and are considering NC Pre-K or Durham Pre-K (available to Durham County residents), please click here for additional details.
Head Start and Early Head Start Services
All Head Start families receive an array of individualized services based on each family’s situation: their strengths, needs, goals, and aspirations. Families who qualify for center-based services receive high quality child care/education at low or no cost. Families who qualify for the home-based option are offered parent-child playgroups and weekly home visits focused on parent education and child development. All home-based and playgroup services are offered in Spanish and at no cost to enrolled families
When a family enrolls in Head Start, they are given a thorough assessment and then they have an opportunity to develop their own individualized plan for their family based on their circumstances and their goals and objectives. Head Start staff then helps the family achieve these goals.
Head Start Services Include:
High Quality Child Care
Home-based option
Health, medical and nutrition services for child and family
Mental health and substance abuse services
Child dental services
Literacy services, including ESL
Involvement of parents in program governance
Services to enhance self-sufficiency
Services for children with disabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, FCR HS & EHS does accept childcare vouchers. Families with a voucher must still complete the application process, and enrollment is subject to availability.
No, FCR HS & EHS does not offer transportation services. Parents and caregivers are responsible for providing or arranging transportation to ensure their child's attendance.
FCR HS & EHS staff will assign your child to a site based on your location and enrollment availability. Some special circumstances may be considered, such as assigning your child to a site near a parent's full-time employment or caregiver, but this is not guaranteed.
Yes, FCR HS & EHS operates a waiting list. While many households qualify for HS & EHS services, the number of children served is limited by federal grant funding. Certain circumstances, such as living in a homeless shelter, may qualify a child and family to receive services sooner.
The Head Start and Early Head Start Program Governance
The Head Start Policy Council has primary responsibility for operating the Head Start program in partnership with the FCR. Board of Directors. The Policy Council is composed mainly (80%) of current Head Start parents. Other members are community representatives. No Head Start staff member is a voting member of the Council. One Policy Council member is also included as a member of the FCR Board of Directors.
Are Parents Involved in the Program?
In the Head Start program, parents play a crucial role as their child's primary educators, and we strive to foster collaborative partnerships with parents and caregivers through various avenues:
FCR HS & EHS assigns a dedicated Family Engagement Specialist (FES) to each child and their family enrolled in our program. FESs offer case management support, conduct needs assessments, assist in goal-setting, and provide referrals to help both the child and the family achieve greater self-sufficiency. This may involve support in employment training and opportunities, referrals to parent programs, and assistance in accessing other community resources related to housing, benefits, and more.
FCR's Male Engagement Program is designed for fathers and father-like figures, offering a safe and supportive space for learning about the lifelong impact of fathers' positive engagement in their children's early lives. It focuses on nurturing the concept of being an "engaged father."
The Head Start Policy Council holds the primary responsibility for operating the Head Start program in partnership with the FCR Board of Directors. Comprising predominantly current Head Start parents (80%), the Policy Council also includes community representatives. It is important to note that no Head Start staff may serve or vote as a member of the Council.
We encourage parents, grandparents, and caregivers to actively engage with their child's HS & EHS program. This can involve activities such as reading to children in the classroom, assisting families with transportation by carpooling, serving on the Policy Council, and more. If you have a unique volunteer idea, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@fcrinc.org.
The transition to kindergarten is a significant milestone in a child's life as they move from the informal learning of early childhood to a more structured educational environment. Having transition plans in place for kindergarteners and their parents is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful transition from preschool or pre-kindergarten to kindergarten
