The City of Oakland Head Start/Early Head Start is a federally and state funded early childhood education program that promotes school readiness for children from birth to age five. We offer free early childhood education and care, prenatal education and family services to eligible Oakland residents. Families experiencing homelessness and children in foster care are automatically eligible and encouraged to apply!
Individualized Early Childhood Education: Head Start and Early Head Start prepare children for kindergarten using a variety of learning experiences for each individual child. Staff and parents work together to implement an Individual Development Plan for each child. The program focuses on every child’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth and development.
Health Services: All children receive health and development screenings, vision screenings, dental care and mental health support. The program emphasizes the importance of preventive care to keep kids healthy.
Family Services: Head Start supports and strengthens parent-child relationships by engaging families in their children’s learning and development. Families work together with our staff through Family Partnership Agreements to both set goals and achieve them. We also collaborate with Community Partners to connect families to additional services and resources.
Disabilities Services: 10% of slots are reserved for children with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
Nutrition Services: Every child is served nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks daily through the US Department of Agriculture Child and Adult Care Food Program.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Children are between the ages of zero to five years old.
- Families must be income eligible. Families experiencing homelessness and children in foster care are automatically eligible and encouraged to apply.