Home > Encyclopedia of Children's Health > Head Start Programs

Definition

Head Start is a federally funded preschool program that provides comprehensives services to both low-income children and their families.

Description

Head Start is a federal program for preschool children three to five years of age in low-income families. Its aim is to prepare children for success in school through an early learning program. The Head Start program is managed by local nonprofit organizations in almost every county in the country. Children who attend Head Start engage in various education activities. They also receive free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting.

Head Start helps all children succeed, even those...