For families seeking comprehensive early childhood education programs, understanding the available options is crucial. Head Start, a federally funded program, offers invaluable resources for preschool children, including access to nutritious meals, aligning with the principles of programs like the Allen Chapel Federal Food Child Care Food Program in ensuring children’s well-being. In Fairfax County, Virginia, Head Start provides various program types and locations to accommodate diverse family needs. Let’s delve into the options available.
There are two primary models for Head Start programs, designed to cater to different family schedules:
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Full Day Full Year Programs: These programs operate throughout the year, typically with a brief summer recess of about two weeks. They offer extended hours, generally from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing consistent care and education. This model is ideal for working parents needing full-time child care that also incorporates early learning.
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School Day Programs: Following the academic calendar of elementary schools, these programs run from September to June. Operating for six hours each school day, they are a strong option for families whose needs align with the traditional school year.
Discover Head Start Locations in Fairfax County
Navigating child care and early education can be simplified by understanding the specific locations offering Head Start in Fairfax County. Each location provides unique services and program focuses, ensuring families can find the best fit for their children.
Greater Mount Vernon Community Head Start
Serving families in the southern part of Fairfax County, Greater Mount Vernon Community Head Start delivers a full-day, full-year program. This center caters to children from birth to five years old. Both preschool and infant/toddler services are available within a center-based setting.
Greater Mount Vernon Community Head Start Gum Springs Children’s Center
8100 Fordson Road
Alexandria, VA 22306
703-799-5760
Located in the Route 1 corridor, this center provides both Head Start and Early Head Start programs using a center-based approach. To apply, please contact them by phone or in person.
Higher Horizons
Operating in the Bailey’s Crossroads area, Higher Horizons also offers a full-day, full-year program designed for children from infancy to age five. Preschool services are delivered through a center-based model. For infant and toddler care, families can choose between center-based and home-based options, offering flexibility to suit different preferences.
Higher Horizons Day Care Center, Inc.
5920 Summers Lane
Bailey’s Crossroads, VA 22041
703-820-2457
Serving the Annandale and Falls Church regions, Higher Horizons provides Head Start and Early Head Start programs. They offer center-based options for both age groups, and a home-based option for Early Head Start. Apply Here
Fairfax County Public Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) manages a school-year program for preschool children throughout the county. Additionally, FCPS runs a full-day, full-year Early Head Start program specifically in the Herndon/Reston area. Preschool services are center-based, while infant/toddler services are available in both center-based and home-based formats.
Fairfax County Public Schools Alan E. Leis Center
7423 Camp Alger Avenue
Falls Church, VA 22042
703-208-7900, Español 703-208-7901
FCPS offers Head Start and Early Head Start center-based programs across Fairfax County. Apply Here
Comprehensive Services Offered Through Head Start
Head Start is more than just child care; it’s a comprehensive federal initiative focused on fostering school readiness in children aged three to five from low-income families. The program’s holistic approach ensures children are well-prepared for academic success by addressing various developmental domains:
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Education: Head Start emphasizes social and emotional growth, alongside the development of crucial language and literacy skills. This foundational approach ensures children enter school ready to learn and thrive.
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Disability Services: Programs include screenings to identify potential developmental delays. Head Start facilitates access to necessary educational and behavioral services for children with special needs, ensuring inclusive and supportive learning environments.
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Wellness: Head Start is committed to children’s health and well-being. They provide access to nutritious meals and snacks, reflecting the importance of food programs in child development, similar to initiatives like the Allen Chapel federal food child care food program. Furthermore, they assist pregnant women in accessing prenatal care and connect families with broader healthcare services, including dental and mental health support.
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Family Services: Recognizing that family well-being is integral to a child’s success, Head Start offers various family services. These include parenting workshops, opportunities for parent volunteer involvement, job training, transportation assistance, and connections to other vital community support systems.
Applying for Head Start Participation
Eligibility for Head Start is primarily based on family income levels, which should be at or below the federal poverty level. While need is a primary factor in selection, preference is often given to four-year-old children. Programs may also enroll children from families with incomes slightly above the poverty level if they meet other specific criteria. Families facing circumstances like homelessness, children in foster care, or those receiving TANF or SSI are also automatically eligible.
Applicants must provide documentation to verify income, residency, and the child’s age. Specific required documents may vary slightly depending on the location.
Eligibility Process
Examples of typical eligibility documents include:
- Proof of income: Tax documents like 1040s and W2s, or current pay stubs.
- Proof of public assistance: TANF or SSI paperwork (these are the only forms of public assistance that automatically qualify a family).
- Proof of residency: A current lease, deed, letter from a resident manager, affidavit, rental agreement, or a recent utility bill (telephone or other utility) addressed to the parent or listing the parent as an occupant.
- Proof of age: A birth certificate or another official legal document confirming the child’s date of birth.
While Head Start programs are widespread in Fairfax County, waiting lists may exist, particularly depending on the time of year and the specific location. Placement on a waiting list indicates eligibility, and families will be contacted if and when program space becomes available.
Once enrolled, children are placed in a Head Start program and begin receiving services.
To initiate the application process, please call the main office at 703-324-8290 or reach out directly to one of the agency locations detailed earlier in this article.
