Head Start is one of the nation's oldest and most successful programs addressing the needs of children and families in poverty.  Michigan serves over 33,000 children and their families in Head Start programs. 

Head Start and Early Head Start are comprehensive child development programs which serve children from birth to age five, pregnant women, and their families.  They are child-focused programs and have the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families.

The Head Start program is administered by the Office of Head Start, the Administration for Children & Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The ACF Regional Offices and Head Start's American Indian and Migrant Program Branches award grants directly to local public agencies, private organizations, indian tribes and school systems for operating Head Start programs at the community level.

The Head Start program has a long tradition of delivering comprehensive and high quality services designed to foster healthy development in low-income children.  Head Start grantee and delegate agencies provide a range of individualized services in the areas of education and early childhood development; medical, dental, and mental health; nutrition; and parent involvement.  In addition, the entire range of Head Start services is responsive and appropriate to each child's and family's developmental, ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage and experience.

Head Start Statistical Fact Sheet

To locate Michigan Head Start programs click here  Michigan Head Start Grantees.