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.
2024 Head Start Family Income Eligibility Guidelines (130% of the Federal guidelines for poverty):
| 1 | $15,060 | $19,578 |
| 2 | $20,440 | $26,572 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $33,566 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $40,560 |
| 5 | $36,580 | $47,554 |
| 6 | $41,960 | $54,548 |
| 7 | $47,340 | $61,542 |
| 8 | $52,720 | $68,536 |
* For family/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,380 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
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: