The city of Phoenix, Maricopa County and Southwest Human Development Head Start programs currently are recruiting children for the 1999-2000 year. Families must meet federal poverty guidelines for family size and income level and children must be three or four before Sept. 1 to be eligible to enroll. Head Start is a federally funded child development program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, mental and physical development, services to children with special needs, parental involvement opportunities and social services at no cost.
Some sites offer child care services also.
Head Start helps children succeed and provides lasting benefits to families. The benefits include individualized teaching, nutritious meals, health screenings, well-equipped classrooms and a safe, stimulating environment. The three local Head Start programs are collaborating in the recruitment process. Nationally, the program serves an estimated 800,000 children from low-income families.