Head Start

Center Base Full Day / Full Year

     Armstrong County CAA Head Start is a comprehensive preschool child development program that serves low income children ages three to five (3-5) and their families. In order to be considered for Head Start, a child must turn three (3) by August 31 and must not be of kindergarten age.

• Ninety percent of the children enrolled must meet 100% Federal Income Guidelines
• A ten percent allowance is provided for over income families.
• Performance Standards mandate that ten percent of the enrollment are children with special needs.

     The program thus provides income eligible children a high quality preschool experience with a special focus on helping preschoolers develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school. Head Start is  one of the few preschool programs in the County to include special needs children. 

     Head Start promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.  Head Start engages parents in their child's learning and assists them in making progress toward their educational, literacy, and employment goals.  Significant emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in the administration of the Head Start program.

     Head Start has been an integral part of the Community Action Agency in Armstrong County since 1966. What began as a summer-only program serving less than 50 children has evolved into a program that serves 222 children: 207 are enrolled September through May, and 15 receive services throughout the year.

      Head Start services are provided to families throughout Armstrong County. Some flexibility exists in programming in that if a need is demonstrated in a particular area by a sufficient number of eligible applications, every effort is made to provide services in that area. Following recruitment of children and families in the spring, selection is made. Although selection takes place the first week in June, applications are accepted throughout the year so that the funded enrollment level can be maintained.

     The Armstrong County Community Action Agency also is funded for a Pre K Counts classroom through the State of Pennsylvania.  The classroom is located in Ford City, but serves children in a broader area.

     The Pre K program is for children 3-4 years of age.  The program provides high quality free pre-kindergarten services with a focus on children at risk of academic  failure.  The classes are offered five days a week, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.

      Head Start...

"WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP TO ENRICH THE LIVES OF YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES"