The program provides educational, health, nutritional and social services, as well as disability support. It also offers the chance for Drake students to become involved in a variety of volunteer opportunities. There are 12 Head Start centers in Des Moines where volunteers can work. Volunteers can work in offices or classrooms as translators, or with fund raising, public relations and special events. Drake Head Start serves more than 900 children annually.
Students can volunteer to work with the children, do support or office work, or raise funds.
Students can work with children in various ways, but in order to work with the children, one must complete an application and an orientation program. A resume, health form, confidentiality policy and criminal background must all be completed to apply to work directly with children. The orientation is a 10-step explanation of the Head Start program. Volunteers learn about the primary goal of Head Start, development of social competence of young children and developmentally appropriate practices. Learning centers in the classrooms are introduced and explained.