Learn About Our Head Start & Early Head Start Programs

Our Head Start programs support children's growth from birth to age 5 through services that support early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Head Start staff actively engage parents, recognizing family participation throughout the program as key to strong child outcomes.

Head Start services are available at no cost to children ages birth to 5 in eligible families. Head Start preschool services work with families with children ages 3 to 5. Early Head Start services work with families with children ages birth to 3, and also serve expectant families. Here in Long Beach Unified School District we have both Head Start preschool and Early Head Start services. Our programs deliver child development services in center-based and home-based. Here at LBUSD Head Start we continually work toward our mission for eligible children and families to receive high-quality services in safe and healthy settings that prepare children for school and life.

 

Early Learning and Development

Our programs are:

• Building strong relationships as the foundational driver for early learning
• Engaging families in their child’s learning and recognizing parents as a child’s first and most influential teacher
• Implementing effective practices to promote children’s growth in five key domains: approaches to learning, social and emotional development, language and literacy, cognition, and physical development
• Encouraging learning through play, creative expression, and guided activities with schedules and lesson plans that include the cultural and language heritage of each child and family in relevant ways
• Creating welcoming learning environments in indoor and outdoor settings that are well-organized and safe
• Conducting ongoing screenings and assessments to ensure each child is making progress, and collaborating with parents and community agencies when further assessment is needed
• Supporting the full inclusion of children with disabilities and building on their strengths

Health and Wellness

Our programs are:

• Engaging all children in both indoor and outdoor physical activity
• Serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks that are healthy and nutritious
• Ensuring children receive medical, dental, hearing, vision, and behavioral screening
• Making sure children brush their teeth after meals and promoting oral health and hygiene
• Helping families understand and support their child’s health and behavioral health needs
• Assisting with mental health services for children and families, as needed
• Building resilience to help children and families heal from traumatic experiences or events and overwhelming situations

Family Well-being

Our programs are:

• Providing parenting support and strategies
• Supporting parental health and links to community services during pregnancy
• Connecting families to community and federal assistance
• Assisting families in identifying and reaching their goals and dreams, including those related to finances and economic mobility, housing, employment, and education

Family Engagement

Our programs are:

• Inviting parents to share information and insights about their child
• Celebrating the role of fathers and male caregivers through father engagement
• Engaging parents as their child’s lifelong advocate
• Welcoming parents to offer ways to improve children and families’ experiences in the program, including through leadership roles on the Policy Council
• Supporting child and family transitions when the child is ready for the next step, to Head Start, kindergarten, or another early childhood program