Services

Head Start Services

The NCAP Head Start Program is dedicated to promoting the school readiness of young children from low-income families. Through partnerships with local programs and organizations, we provide services that support children's growth and development in our service area.

Comprehensive development services include:

• Early Learning: Program staff create individualized learning experiences that foster children's readiness for school and beyond. Through a mix of planned and spontaneous instruction, family relationships, and play, children develop language and literacy, early math and science concepts, and social-emotional skills.

• Health: We provide children with health and developmental screenings, nutritious meals, and access to oral and mental health support. We connect families with necessary medical, dental, and mental health services.

• Family Well-being: Parents and families receive support in achieving their own goals, such as housing stability, education, and financial literacy. Our program strengthens parent-child relationships and actively engages families in their children's learning and development.

The NCAP Head Start program conducts an annual community assessment to tailor our services to meet the needs of each local community. A 25% non-federal (in-kind) match is required, which can be donated through cash, goods, or services. This collaboration involves parents, businesses, and organizations, enhancing the program’s reach and effectiveness.

Program Overview:

Head Start began as a program for preschool-aged children (3 to 5 years old), while Early Head Start supports expectant mothers, infants, and toddlers. Early Head Start provides continuous services until children turn 3 and transition to Head Start or another pre-K program.

Both programs offer flexible service models, including center-based or home-based options, depending on community needs. Early Head Start services are delivered through scheduled home visits, while Head Start offers part-day or full-day options. The home-based service model involves weekly visits from a Home Visitor, with group socializations occurring twice a month.

Both Head Start and Early Head Start programs offer a variety of service models, depending on the needs of the local community. Programs may be based in centers or in home environments through the home visitation model. Early Head Start services are provided through scheduling with the home visitors, whereas Head Start services may be part-day or full-day. Another program option is home-based services, in which a Home VIsitor visits children once a week in their own home and works with the parent as the child’s primary teacher. Children and families who receive home-based services meet twice monthly with other enrolled families for a group learning experience (group socializations) facilitated by the program's field staff.

What is school readiness?

School readiness, as defined by the Office of Head Start (OHS), means children are ready for school, families are equipped to support their learning, and schools are prepared to welcome all students.

School readiness is measured across five domains outlined in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework:

• Language and Literacy
• Cognition and General Knowledge
• Approaches to Learning
• Physical Development and Health
• Social and Emotional Development

Families play an active role in their children’s development and success, with Head Start recognizing parents as their children’s primary teachers and advocates. School readiness is achieved through collaboration between Head Start programs, families, and schools to ensure children transition smoothly to kindergarten and beyond.

 

This website is supported by Grant Number 07CH012024 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Northwest Community Action Partnership and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.