Photos by Deb Dilman, Shawn Henry, and Don West

Welcome!

Head Start/Early Head Start is a comprehensive early childhood development program for pregnant families and low-income children from birth to age five and their families. The program is funded by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through a network of local grantees and delegate agencies in each state. Massachusetts Head Start and Early Head Start programs are also part of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) that is responsible for oversight of all early education and care programs in the Commonwealth.


The Massachusetts Head Start Association, Inc., a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) membership organization, works in collaboration with other stakeholders to meet the needs of low-income families and achieve successful outcomes for children in order to prepare them for future success in learning.


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HEAD START FACT:

In 2004, 6,700 MA families received parenting education and 5,700 families received health education including prenatal education through their Head Start program.

HEAD START FACT:

In 2004, preschool children enrolled in MA Head Start programs demonstrated gains in vocabulary, letter recognition, ability to understand spoken English and early math skills.