Head Start
Head Start is a free program dedicated to building school readiness for children and increasing parental knowledge about growth and development for low-income families. ECS4Kids operates over 30 Head Start centers and provides services to thousands of pregnant women and children across Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Lake, Levy, Marion and Nassau counties.
ECS4Kids’ Head Start program provides full-day, center-based early learning for children aged 3-5. The Early Head Start Program provides full-day, year-round services to pregnant women and children birth to 3 years of age in both center-based and home-based settings.
Our programs foster school readiness by offering a holistic approach that includes early childhood education, health screenings, mental health support, nutrition, and services for children with disabilities. All children receive developmental screenings for health, dental, vision, and hearing, while also providing daily nutritious meals and snacks.
At ECS4Kids, we believe in supporting the entire family. The program also provides additional family supports, such as financial and health literacy workshops, parenting skills training, and targeted attention on meeting specialized needs in regard to children with disabilities, behavioral challenges, and health concerns. Parents are their children’s first teachers, and we encourage them to take an active role in their child’s learning, both in the classroom and through involvement in our programs.
Matching Requirements
Federal funding covers up to 80% of costs for Head Start. To cover the remaining 20%, known as the Non-Federal Share, ECS4Kids relies on in-kind contributions such as volunteer time, donated goods, and cash contributions.
What qualifies as Non-Federal match?
- The reasonable value of time donated by community members, board, policy council, and parents in conducting the performance standards self-assessment and/or attending business meetings.
- Volunteer time, valued at an appropriate hourly rate for the type of services provided.
- Parent Involvement, such as working in the classroom and participating in policy council or center committee business meetings.
- Travel mileage for parents, community partners, or interns when traveling to and from sites with a purpose directly benefiting the classroom or program.
- Fair market rental value for space, if the property is not owned by the grantee.
- Cash contributions.
- Donated space and/or equipment.
- Donated goods and/or services.
If you’d like to contribute your time, goods, or services, or make a cash donation to support the 20% match, please contact our office at 904-726-1500. You may also contact Head Start programs directly to donate your time or supplies.
Parent Resources
Apply to Head Start or Early Head Start Here
Learn More about Early Head Start
ECS4Kids Annual Reports and Community Assessments
Early Head Start Printable Forms
Download Flyer – Central Florida & Tri-County
COVID-19 Related Resources for HS & EHS Families
See below for COVID-19 resources for Head Start and Early Head Start families. These are subject to updates.
DCF Economic Self-Sufficiency Program Information
Disclaimer
This website is supported by Grant Numbers #04CH011163 and #04CH012126 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 ECS4Kids and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.
