Heartland Head Start is a unique program providing comprehensive educational, health and social services for low income pre-school age children and their families.  Since its beginning in 1965, the goal of Heartland Head Start has been to improve the quality of life for the families it serves.  The program is funded by the Federal Government, United Way of McLean County, United Way of Pontiac, and various civic organizations.  Heartland Head Start has no religious affiliation. 

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Our Mission Statement

The mission of Heartland Head Start is to enhance the lives of eligible families in McLean and Livingston Counties in Central Illinois.  Heartland Head Start provides an inclusive preschool program designed to improve each child's quality of life, learning and health while providing services that empower the family as a whole and their communities.  Heartland Head Start utilizes staff, parents and community resources to provide services in the areas of education, mental and physical health, disabilities, nutrition, and social behaviors for our children and families.

Motto

The motto "Upward and Equal" symbolizes Head Start's goal to give every child a solid beginning in life.  Eligible children receive Head Start services at no cost to the participating family.  The Federal Government, the United Way, and private donors fund the program.  There are a limited number of classroom openings, and parents who are interested should contact the Head Start Central Office immediately at (309) 662-4880.

Heartland Head Start is a pre-school education program serving families in McLean and Livingston Counties.  Heartland Head Start provides educational opportunities in a classroom setting.  The program emphasizes a participative learning environment where trained staff assist children and their families with early education.

Philosophy of Preschool Education

Heartland Head Start believes:

• the family is recognized as the primary educator of the child;
• that efforts must be made to build a mutual partnership with families to achieve educational goals of the child within a natural environment reflecting diversity;
• that preschool children should be exposed to a wide range of experiences while working towards attainment of Head Start Child Outcomes. The program will encompass developmentally appropriate activities in terms of age, culture, community needs and interest of the children;

AND

• children have unique learning styles and rates of development.

It is Heartland Head Start's goal to:

• maintain the standards and regulations of a quality Early Child Development program while striving for diversity.
• educate the program staff through ongoing professional development
• provide families and teachers a variety of strategies/methods to facilitate children's learning

AND

• to provide necessary equipment in a positive classroom environment.

Eligibility

Eligibility for Head Start is determined by guidelines established by the federal government and include verification of age and income without regard to race, creed, color or national origin.  Selection is based on factors that indicate a child's need for the program.  These factors are approved by the Head Start Policy Council and Governing Board.  Children are selected based on approved criteria.  Priority is given to children with disabilities. 

Child and Family Development Program

Programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of families and individual children.  Children are served in a variety of classroom settings, all meeting Head Start and Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) guidelines to prepare them for kindergarten.