Head Start programs in Fairfax County, Virginia, offer vital early childhood education and support services to families. These federally funded initiatives are designed to promote school readiness for young children from low-income families, encompassing comprehensive services that extend beyond the classroom. Understanding the options and locations available is the first step for parents seeking to enroll their children in these beneficial programs.
Head Start Program Types and Schedules
Fairfax County Head Start programs offer two primary schedule models to accommodate diverse family needs:
- Full-Day, Full-Year Programs: These programs operate throughout the year with a brief summer break, typically around two weeks. Operating hours are generally from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing comprehensive care and education.
- School Day Programs: Following the Fairfax County Public Schools calendar, these programs run from September to June. They operate for six hours a day during elementary school session times.
Choosing the right program type depends on your family’s work schedule and childcare needs. Full-day programs offer extended coverage, while school-day programs align with the traditional academic year.
Head Start Program Locations in Fairfax County
Several locations across Fairfax County host Head Start programs, each offering unique services and schedules. Here’s a breakdown of the main centers:
Greater Mount Vernon Community Head Start
Serving families in the southern part of Fairfax County, Greater Mount Vernon Community Head Start provides a full-day, full-year program for children from birth to five years old. They offer a center-based approach for both preschool and infant/toddler care.
Greater Mount Vernon Community Head Start Gum Springs Children’s Center
8100 Fordson Road
Alexandria, VA 22306
703-799-5760
This location, Gum Springs Children’s Center, focuses on serving the Route 1 corridor with both Head Start and Early Head Start center-based options. Contact them by phone or visit their office to begin the application process.
Higher Horizons
Located in the Bailey’s Crossroads area, Higher Horizons also operates a full-day, full-year Head Start program for children from birth to age five. Preschool services are center-based, while infant/toddler care is available in both center-based and home-based settings.
Higher Horizons Day Care Center, Inc.
5920 Summers Lane
Bailey’s Crossroads, VA 22041
703-820-2457
Higher Horizons extends its reach to the Annandale and Falls Church areas, providing Head Start, Early Head Start center-based, and Early Head Start home-based options. Apply online through their website.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Head Start
Fairfax County Public Schools manages a school-year Head Start program for preschool children throughout the county. Additionally, FCPS runs a full-day, full-year Early Head Start program in the Herndon/Reston area. Preschool services are center-based, and infant/toddler services include both center-based and home-based choices.
Fairfax County Public Schools Alan E. Leis Center
7423 Camp Alger Avenue
Falls Church, VA 22042
703-208-7900, Español 703-208-7901
The Alan E. Leis Center oversees Head Start and Early Head Start center-based programs across Fairfax County. Apply through the FCPS website.
Comprehensive Services Offered by Head Start Programs
Head Start is more than just childcare; it’s a comprehensive federal program designed to holistically prepare children for school success. Key service areas include:
- Education: Fostering social and emotional growth and building essential language and literacy skills.
- Disability Services: Providing screenings for developmental delays and ensuring access to necessary educational and behavioral support for children with special needs.
- Wellness: Crucially, Head Start ensures children receive healthy meals and snacks, contributing to their nutritional well-being. This aligns with the principles of federal child care food programs, ensuring access to nutritious food for enrolled children. Wellness services also extend to prenatal care for pregnant women and connections to broader healthcare services, including dental and mental health support for families.
- Family Services: Head Start engages families through parenting workshops, volunteer opportunities, job training, transportation assistance, and connections to other vital community resources.
These services are designed to support both the child’s development and the family’s overall well-being, recognizing that family support is integral to a child’s success. Programs like the Allen Chapel Federal Child Care Food Program, while not explicitly mentioned as a program name within Fairfax County Head Start, reflect the broader federal commitment to nutritional support within early childhood education. Head Start embodies this commitment by providing meals and snacks as a core component of its wellness services.
Head Start Eligibility and Application Process
Eligibility for Head Start is primarily based on family income falling at or below the federal poverty level. While need-based, preference is often given to four-year-old children. Programs may also enroll children from families with incomes slightly above the poverty level if other eligibility criteria are met. Specific circumstances like homelessness, foster care, or receipt of TANF or SSI automatically qualify families.
Required documentation for application generally includes:
- Proof of Income: Tax forms (1040 and W2s), pay stubs.
- Proof of Public Assistance: TANF or SSI documentation (these are often automatically qualifying forms of assistance).
- Proof of Residency: Lease agreement, deed, utility bill, or other official documents verifying address.
- Proof of Age: Birth certificate or other legal document confirming the child’s age.
Application processes and required documents can vary slightly by location, so it’s essential to contact the specific program you are interested in for detailed information.
While Head Start offers numerous slots in Fairfax County, waiting lists may exist depending on the time of year and location demand. Placement on a waiting list means you are eligible and will be considered as space becomes available.
To apply or inquire further, please contact the main office at 703-324-8290 or reach out directly to one of the program agencies listed above. Taking this step can connect your child with valuable early education opportunities and comprehensive family support services within Fairfax County’s Head Start network.
