Head Start is a federally funded program that supports young children’s learning and development while partnering with families around health, school readiness, and family well-being. At CEO, Head Start and Early Head Start serve children aged 6 weeks to 5 years of age and families throughout Rensselaer County, providing early learning experiences and support during some of the most important years of a child’s development.

What Is Early Head Start and Head Start?

Early Head Start and Head Start is an early childhood program for children aged 6 weeks to age 5 that takes a whole-child approach to learning and development. Children learn through play, relationships, conversation, routines, creative activities and everyday experiences. Classrooms support social and emotional development, language and literacy, problem-solving, physical development and the skills children will continue to use when they enter kindergarten.

In our classrooms children learn how to take turns, express wants and needs, learn new words, solve problems, develop independence, build relationships and discover new things through play. Even ordinary parts of a child’s day can become opportunities for learning. Staff plan intentionally about relationships, routines, communication and the classroom environment so children can feel safe, connected and ready to learn.

CEO also offers home-based Early Head Start services for infants and toddlers. Eligible expectant families can receive support through CEO’s Babies in Waiting program.

What Does Head Start Provide?

One of the things that makes Head Start different from many traditional preschool or child care programs is its comprehensive approach. Education is an important part of Head Start, but children’s ability to learn is connected to many other parts of their lives. Head Start programs support children and families through:

• Early learning and development, including language, literacy, social-emotional skills, problem-solving and school readiness
• Health and wellness, including support with medical, dental, hearing, vision and developmental screenings
• Healthy meals and nutrition
• Support for children with disabilities or additional learning needs
• Family engagement, recognizing parents and caregivers as important partners in their child’s learning
• Connections to community resources that can support family needs and goals
• Transitions, including helping children and families prepare for kindergarten or another early childhood setting

What makes Head Start distinctive is the way these pieces work together.

A Head Start teacher is not working alone. Teachers are part of a larger team that may include education specialists, health staff, family support professionals, center managers, and others working together to support children and families. School readiness is also about more than knowing letters and numbers. Children are learning how to communicate, manage emotions, build relationships, follow routines, make choices, solve problems, and become increasingly independent. A conversation during lunch, a choice between two activities or a familiar classroom routine may seem simple, but each can help the child build skills they will continue to use in school and beyond.

Who Qualifies for Head Start and Early Head Start?

This is one of the most common questions families have. Because every family’s circumstances are different, talking directly with CEO can be the easiest way to understand whether your family may qualify. Income is just one part of Head Start eligibility. Families whose household income is at or below the federal poverty guidelines may qualify however there are other ways families may qualify. Children experiencing homelessness and children in foster care may qualify, and eligibility can also be connected to certain forms of public assistance. Head Start programs may also be able to enroll a limited number of children whose families do not meet the standard income criteria. Because every family’s circumstances are different, the easiest first step is simply to ask. CEO’s enrollment team can help you understand the current eligibility guidelines and what you’ll need to apply.

How Do I Apply for Head Start in Rensselaer County?

If you live in Rensselaer County and think Head Start or Early Head Start might be right for your family, you do not have to figure everything out before contacting CEO. Our enrollment team can answer questions about eligibility and available programs and guide you through the application process.

Families can apply online or contact CEO’s Enrollment Coordinator at: 518-272-6012 ext. 206

If a space is not immediately available, the enrollment team can explain current availability and next steps. Click here to apply for Head Start enrollment for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions About CEO’s Head Start Program

Head Start and Early Head Start at CEO

CEO’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide nurturing early learning experiences, school readiness support and comprehensive services for children and families throughout Rensselaer County. Our programs partner with families during the important early years to help children learn, grow and build a strong foundation for what comes next.

Learn more about CEO’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs, find out whether your family may qualify, or apply for services today.