What Exactly is Head Start and How Does It Work

Our Head Start program is a free program that promotes school readiness of children (age of 4) from     low-income families by supporting the development of the whole child. Our Head Start program offers a variety of service models, depending on the needs of our local community and we are based within a school system: Dothan City Schools and Houston County Schools.

We are like any other school but are only filled with Head Start age students. We follow Dothan City Schools and Houston County Schools schedule. Our typical school year runs from August-May. We operate Monday-Friday from 7:45-2:30. Our main site for Dothan residents is located at 900 W. Powell Street, Dothan, Al. This main center has 13 classrooms (11 face-to-face classrooms and 2 virtual classrooms). We have a great partnership with Houston County Schools and have one Head Start classroom in each of the following schools: Webb Elementary, Ashford Elementary, Cottonwood Elementary and Rehobeth Elementary. All applications are handled through our website and the main center for all sites. We operate a total of 17 Head Start classrooms in Dothan City and Houston County. 

Head Start programs support children’s growth and development in a positive learning environment through a variety of services, which include:

• Early learning: Children’s readiness for school and beyond is fostered through individualized learning experiences. Through relationships with adults, play, and planned and spontaneous instruction, children grow in many aspects of development. Children progress in social skills and emotional well-being, along with language and literacy learning, and concept development
• Health: Each child’s perceptual, motor, and physical development is supported to permit them to fully explore and function in their environment. All children receive health and development screenings, nutritious meals, oral health and mental health support. Programs connect families with medical, dental, and mental health services to ensure that children are receiving the services they need.
• Family well-being: Parents and families are supported in achieving their own goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Programs support and strengthen parent-child relationships and engage families around children’s learning and development.

Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting. Head Start helps all children succeed. Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically.

Head Start staff members offer your child love, acceptance, understanding, and the opportunity to learn and to experience success. Head Start children socialize with others, solve problems, and have other experiences which help them become self-confident. The children also improve their listening and speaking skills.

The children spend time in stimulating settings where they form good habits and enjoy playing with toys and working on tasks with classmates. Your child will leave Head Start more prepared for kindergarten, excited about learning, and ready to succeed.

Your Head Start child will also be examined by skilled professionals for any health problems. Professionals will arrange vision and hearing tests and any needed immunizations. Head Start offers a nutrition assessment and dental exams as well. Children with health needs receive follow-up care. Mental health and other services are available for children and families with special needs.