Head Start is a federal program that provides early childhood education, health, and family well-being services to children ages birth to five. It was founded in 1965 and is one of the largest early childhood education programs in the United States.
Head Start programs are designed to help children develop the skills they need to be successful in school and in life. These skills include:
- Cognitive development: The ability to think, reason, and problem-solve
- Language development: The ability to communicate effectively
- Social-emotional development: The ability to interact with others and manage emotions
- Physical development: The ability to move and play
Head Start programs also provide support services to families. These services may include:
- Parent education: Classes and workshops on child development and parenting
- Health services: Medical checkups, dental care, and immunizations
- Nutrition services: Healthy meals and snacks
- Transportation services: Help getting children to and from school
Head Start is a high-quality program that has been shown to have positive effects on children’s development. Studies have shown that children who participate in Head Start are more likely to:
- Be ready for school
- Have better academic performance
- Be less likely to need special education services
- Be more likely to graduate from high school
If you are interested in learning more about Head Start, you can visit the Head Start website at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ecd/early-learning/head-start.
Head Start Resources in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Head Start Programs in Lake Charles
- Brenda Hunter Head Start
- DeQuincy Primary Head Start
- J.D. Clifton Head Start
- Jake Drost Head Start
- J.F. Kennedy Head Start
- J.I. Watson Head Start
Calcasieu Parish School Board (contact CPSB directly for information)
- Contact Website: https://www.cpsb.org/
- Phone: 337-721-5400
- Address: CPSB Central Office 201 Park Avenue Lake Charles, LA 70601
Louisiana Department of Education
- Contact Website: https://www.louisianabelieves.com/
- Phone: 1-877-453-4869
- Address: P.O. Box 94064 Baton Rouge, LA 70894
Note: It’s always best to contact the specific Head Start programs directly for the most up-to-date information on availability, eligibility, and enrollment procedures. You can also search online for “Head Start Lake Charles” to find additional resources and contact information.
