Head Start

Head Start Application (PDF) - English

Head Start Application (PDF) - Spanish

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Project NOW Head Start is a School Readiness and family support program, providing comprehensive services at no cost to low-income families with children aged 3-5 years. Funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and Department of Agriculture, services include:

The program is designed for:

• Low Income Families
• Children Aged 3-5 years
• Focusing on children with Health-related issues and Disabilities
• Varied Learning Environments
• Promoting a Positive Self-Concept
• Enhancing Awareness of the World
• Partnering with Parents and Families

Health and Disabilities

Project NOW Head Start welcomes all families to participate, especially those whose children have Health-related issues and Disabilities. Children are screened in the following ways:

• Physical and Dental Examinations Required Prior to First Day
• Hearing, Vision and Developmental Screenings within 45 Days
• Social-Emotional Observations every 3 Months

Families' Health needs are met through the support of Head Start staff that:

• Assist in Planning for any Medical or Dental Treatments
• Work with Families to Develop Educational Goals for Children and Families
• Assist Parents in Securing a Family Doctor and Dentist
• Work with Families and Specialists to Improve Child Behavior

Program Options

Every Head Start program option includes School Readiness Goal and Family Goal Achievement. Families are offered monthly opportunities to meet and work together to improve the quality of their children's Head Start experience. There are currently 3 options available:

1. Center-Based Program:

• Child Attends 5 Preschool Classroom Sessions a Week
• Up to 6 Hours per Session
• Weekly Family Support Contacts
• Parent Meets with Advocate a Minimum of 3 Home Visits a Year
• Parent Conferences in the Center a Minimum of 2 Times a Year
• 9-Month School Year
• Summer Classes Available at some Locations

2. Home-Based Program:

• Weekly Home Visit with Advocate, Parent and Child
• Weekly Schedule of a Minimum of 1½ Hours per Visit
• Weekly Planning of School Readiness Activities done by the Family
• Weekly Planning of Family Goals Review and Supports
• Opportunity for the Child to attend a Weekly 3½-Hour Classroom Session
• 9-Month Program Year

Extended Day Program:

• For Parents Who Require a Full Day and Full Year of Services
• Entire Program is Held at a Child Care Partner's Center
• Includes a Minimum of 3½ Hour Head Start Classroom Session
• Full Day of Child Care Available Before and After the Head Start Session
• Weekly Family Support Contacts
• Parent Meets with Advocate a Minimum of 3 Home or Center Visits a Year
• Parent Conferences in the Center a Minimum of 2 Times a Year
• Year-Round Program
• Weekly Fee is Charged for the Child Care Services

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 made during a home visit with a Head Start child development advocate. 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. Some of these resources are available through the Project NOW program buttons on the left side of the page. Others are available by using the links on the Location & Transportation page.

Locations & Transportation

Project NOW Head Start has programs located in Silvis, East Moline, Moline, Aledo, 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.

Transportation Assistance is a part of Head Start services. Bus Transportation is available from the home to the center for many families living more than one mile from the Head Start Centers.

Open Enrollment takes place every March and April. Some space may be available during the school year. Parents interested in enrolling their children at Project NOW Head Start can call one of the locations below to schedule an appointment between the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm: