Our Head Start and Early Head Start (HS/EHS) programs support a comprehensive approach to early childhood education focusing on the most economically challenged families in our community. We deliver HS/EHS services in partnership with school districts, child care centers, and generous community partners to ensure our efforts are aligned with federal and state standards. We are an all-inclusive program, offering early childhood education, family support, health, nutrition, disabilities and mental health services. It is our intent to develop compassionate partnerships with parents to help them reach their goals, while being responsive to each child and family's ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage.
Our funding is provided by the Health and Human Services Bureau (HHS/ACF/Head Start Bureau) and the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services. In addition, the community provides a 20% matching donation to the federal funds provided by the HHS/ACF/Head Start Bureau. We are grateful to those in the community who support the importance of school readiness and we are proud of our role in helping parents build strong families in Jefferson and Franklin counties. The approximate average cost of educational services for a child enrolled in Head Start is $11,238 per year. Through efforts of blended funding, there in NO COST to families of children enrolled in the program. When was the last time someone offered you $11,000 worth of services that didn't cost you anything? Preparing your child for kindergarten by enrolling in HS/EHS is a proven return on investment!
Our funding is provided by the Health and Human Services Bureau (HHS/ACF/Head Start Bureau) and the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services. In addition, the community provides a 20% matching donation to the federal funds provided by the HHS/ACF/Head Start Bureau. We are grateful to those in the community who support the importance of school readiness and we are proud of our role in helping parents build strong families in Jefferson and Franklin counties. The approximate average cost of educational services for a child enrolled in Head Start is $11,238 per year. Through efforts of blended funding, there in NO COST to families of children enrolled in the program. When was the last time someone offered you $11,000 worth of services that didn't cost you anything? Preparing your child for kindergarten by enrolling in HS/EHS is a proven return on investment!
Educational Experiences are delivered in a way that best meets the needs of children and families. All children will receive educational sessions in the home and in a classroom setting. Our HS/EHS program offers multiple models of combining education at home and at school, working with you to identify the best fit for parent goals and challenges. We will "bring the classroom to you" through In Home sessions, perfect for the stay at home family or those challenged by transportation alternatives. A once a week classroom experience is designed for children who are slow to transition to new environments or the mom who is not ready to send them to school every day! For the family working, going to school or in a job training program, part day and full day classroom sessions are offered.
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Emotionally Supported experiences strive to prepare children for school with services delivered by highly qualified staff who are continuously trained in early childhood development, safety and supervision, behavior management, and effective instructional strategies to support children's learning. All classroom sessions are located in state licensed facilities, with regular fire and sanitation inspections, and offer a balanced approach of teacher-directed and child-initiated learning. Lesson plans for all children are based on children's interests and developmental needs, ensuring children are engaged in ongoing learning throughout any experience. Families with children participating in the "In Home" models stay with their child(ren) for the 2 hour classroom session. Family members can observe educational progress and support their child in making new friends. Family members in other models are encouraged to spend time in the classroom with their child during hours of operation.
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JFCAC HS/EHS program is proud to offer a variety of service models listed below to meet the needs of every child and family.
Stay at home families, working families, dual custody families, single-parent families, prenatal teen families, grandparents raising grandchildren, and families devastated by the opioid crisis. All children deserve a quality educational experience regardless of their family situation; We have a model to meet the needs of EVERY FAMILY!
Stay at home families, working families, dual custody families, single-parent families, prenatal teen families, grandparents raising grandchildren, and families devastated by the opioid crisis. All children deserve a quality educational experience regardless of their family situation; We have a model to meet the needs of EVERY FAMILY!
Head Start (3 - 5 years of age by August 1st)
Goal |
In Home Session |
Day/Time |
Classroom Session |
Day/Time |
Months of Operation |
School Readiness - In Home |
90 min. 1 x week |
M-F 8:00am-6:00pm |
2 hour session 2 days a month |
M-F 2:30pm-4:30pm |
Aug-May |
School Readiness - In Home/Classroom Combo |
90 min. 1 x week |
M-F 8:00am-6:00pm |
2 hour session 1 day a week |
M-F 2:30pm-4:30pm |
Aug-May |
School Readiness - Part Day Classroom |
90 min. 1 x month |
M-F 2:00pm-6:00pm |
3.5 hour session 4 days a week |
M-F 8:30am-12:00pm |
Aug-May |
School Readiness - Full Day Classroom |
90 min 1 x month |
M-F 2:00pm-6:00pm |
6.5 hour session 5 days a week |
M-F 8:00am-2:30pm |
Aug-May |
School Readiness - Extended Day Classroom |
90 min. 5 x year |
M-F 2:00pm-6:00pm |
9.5 hour session 5 days a week |
M-F 6:30am-5:30pm |
Aug-July |
Early Head Start (birth - 3 years of age by August 1st)
Goal |
In Home Session |
Day/Time |
Classroom Session |
Day/Time |
Months of Operation |
School Readiness - In Home |
90 min. 1 x week |
M-F 8:00am-6:00pm |
2 hour session 2 days a month |
M-F 2:30pm-4:30pm |
Aug-July |
School Readiness - In Home/Classroom Combo |
90 min. 1 x week |
M-F 8:00am-6:00pm |
2 hour session 1 day a week |
M-F 2:30pm-4:30pm |
Aug-July |
School Readiness - Full Day Classroom |
90 min. 1 x month |
M-F 2:00pm-6:00pm |
6.5 hour session 5 days a week |
M-F 8:00am-2:30pm |
Aug-July |
*Each location offers a variety of models but NOT every model is available at each location.
Expectant Moms are served through our In Home model, offering a range of support for moms and dads-to-be throughout the pregnancy. Our expectant moms are offered guidance with nutrition, safety, mental health, and typical child development.
Our Educational Services Include:
Families are imperative to the success of our program and have the opportunity to be involved in the program planning, volunteer work and administrative decisions through Policy Council and Center Committees.
Strong community collaborations assist us with supporting the families we serve. Our agency actively collaborates with community representatives, health centers, mental health consultants, social service agencies, and school districts to build peer networks, link families and children to needed services, and support successful transitions for children and families.
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The following information is required for the application process:
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Head Start Family Income Guidelines 2023
Number of Family Members |
0-50% of Poverty 350 Points |
51-100% of Poverty 100 Points |
101-130% of Poverty 0 Points (Max 35%) |
1 |
$7,290 |
$14,580 |
$18,954 |
2 |
$9,860 |
$19,720 |
$25,636 |
3 |
$12,430 |
$24,860 |
$32,318 |
4 |
$15,000 |
$30,000 |
$39,000 |
5 |
$17,570 |
$35,140 |
$45,682 |
6 |
$20,140 |
$40,280 |
$52,364 |
7 |
$22,710 |
$45,420 |
$59,046 |
8 |
$25,280 |
$50,560 |
$65,728 |
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,140 for each additional family member.
*NOTE: Applications should be completed for all pregnant mothers as well as age-eligible children, regardless of income. Participants are considered income-eligible for Head Start/Early Head Start if their income falls below the poverty guidelines. Families at 101-130% of poverty and higher can only be enrolled if no income-eligible participants are on the wait list. A maximum of 10% of total funded enrollment slots may be filled with families over the 130% of poverty range.
*NOTE: Applications should be completed for all pregnant mothers as well as age-eligible children, regardless of income. Participants are considered income-eligible for Head Start/Early Head Start if their income falls below the poverty guidelines. Families at 101-130% of poverty and higher can only be enrolled if no income-eligible participants are on the wait list. A maximum of 10% of total funded enrollment slots may be filled with families over the 130% of poverty range.