Head Start

Head Start is a free program that promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families through classrooms in their local community. The Head Start program is authorized by the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007. Head Start services in our community are delivered by the grantee Rural Resources Community Action.

Family members must apply with a program in their area.

Priority for enrollment is given to low-income, homeless and foster children ages 3 to 5 (not kindergarten eligible). A limited number of slots are available for over-income families as well. 10% of slots are reserved for children with diagnosed disabilities documented through Individualized Education Plans (IEP).

Head Start programs support the mental, social, and emotional development of children from age 3 to age 5. In addition to education services, programs provide children and their families with health, nutrition, social and other services. Head Start services are responsive to each child and family’s ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage.

Head Start encourages the role of parents as their child’s first and most important teachers. Programs build relationships with families that support positive parent-child relationships, family well-being, and connections to peers and community.

Head Start programs began in the summer of 1965 as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. Early Head Start was added in 1994. Head Start has served more than 30 million children since 1965, growing from an eight-week demonstration project to include full-day/full-year services and many program options.

Head Start has existed in the community of Colville since 1965! We currently serve 126 children in two counties each year.