Head Start Collaboration and Early Childhood Systems Office

Head Start and Early Head Start programs promote school readiness for economically disadvantaged children by enhancing their social and cognitive development through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services. Head Start programs serve children ages 3-5 and their families. Early Head Start programs serve pregnant women and children birth to 3 and their families. The federal Office of Head Start (OHS) provides grants to operate both Head Start and Early Head Start programs directly to public and private agencies in Nevada. Programs engage parents in their children's learning and help them in making progress toward their educational, literacy and employment goals. Significant emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start programs.

• Find a Head Start program near you!

Head Start Collaboration

Through statewide partnerships, the Nevada Head Start State Collaboration and Early Childhood Systems Office enhances relationships, builds systems, and promotes comprehensive quality services to meet the needs of young children and their families. The office exists through grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start and the Health Resources Services Administration, Maternal Child Health Bureau.

The Nevada Head Start State Collaboration and Early Childhood Systems Office is currently leading efforts to build a comprehensive system of early childhood services across the state, so all children can enter school ready to learn.

Intended Outcomes for All Children in Nevada include the following as agreed on during planning meetings over a two year span:

• All children are supported and ready to make a successful transition to school.
• All children have access to early childhood services that are accredited or meet national standards
• Parents know child development
• Parents know what to expect from programs and advocate for their children or self
• Families partner in decision making at all levels and are satisfied with the services they receive
• Families with young children are supported in their communities (employment, education, etc)
• All children have access to medical home and health insurance
• Social, emotional, mental health and developmental needs of young children & their families are supported by community-based services
• Early childhood service provider workforce stabilizes
• Early childhood workforce receives professional development to ensure quality services for all children (e.g. mental health, disabilities, etc.)
• More families report that community-based services are organized so they can use them easily