Head Start Application (PDF) - English

Head Start Application (PDF) - Spanish

Head Start promotes the school readiness of preschool-aged children from low-income families. Services are provided through two options: center-based and home-based in three counties: Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer. Head Start is provided at no cost to income eligible families with children 3-5 years old including children with disabilities or other special needs.

Head Start offers a variety of services that support the children’s growth in positive learning environments: early learning and development, health, and family wellbeing. Our program engages parents and family members in positive relationships, focusing on the needs of the family. Parents participate in leadership roles through Policy Council and parent meetings, including having a say in program operations.

Physical and dental examinations are needed to participate. Other screenings provided include hearing, vision, and developmental as well as social/emotional observations. Head Start staff assist families in securing medical and dental treatments, work with families to develop educational goals for their children, and to develop family goals. Head Start partners with local agencies and community partners for other resources as needed.

Program Options

The Head Start program options include center-based and home-based. Parents can be involved in the school and their child’s education through monthly parent and Policy Council meetings. There are currently two options available:

1. Center-Based Program:

• Preschool classes five days a week.
• Up to six-hour classes.
• Weekly family support contacts from the Family Service Provider.
• Three home visits a year with the teacher.
• Two parent/teacher conferences per year.
• Limited enrollment in classrooms within childcare centers that offer full day care and education.
• 9-month school year.

2. Home-Based Program:

• Weekly home visits with teacher, parent, and child for a minimum of 1½ hours.
• Weekly planning of activities made in a partnership with parents and the teacher.
• Weekly planning and review of family goals.
• Opportunity for the child to attend a weekly 3½-hour classroom session.
• 9-month Program Year.

Parent Services

Project NOW Head Start partners with parents and families to provide comprehensive family support and school readiness experiences. At the start of each school year, an initial needs and strengths assessment is completed during a home visit with a Family Service Worker. Based on the family's individual needs, parents and staff set goals for the children and their families in the areas of:

• Health and Nutrition
• Early Childhood Education
• Social-Emotional Growth
• Physical Development
• Parent Education
• Social Services Needed
• Parent Engagement

An important part of this process is to link families to the many resources available in their communities. Project NOW provides many resources that they families may need.

Locations & Transportation

Project NOW Head Start has eight programs located in Silvis, East Moline, Moline, Colona, and Kewanee. Eligible families are those that live in Mercer and Henry Counties and those in Rock Island County that do not reside in the cities of Rock Island or Milan.

Bus Transportation is available from your home or other designated location to the center for many families living more than one mile from the Head Start Centers.

Open Enrollment takes place all year. During June, July, and August children are enrolled for the upcoming school year. Parents interested in enrolling their children at Project NOW Head Start can apply online or call one of the locations below to schedule an appointment between the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm: