Head Start Services

City of Rockford Health and Human Services, Head Start is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and provides services to children ages birth to five years old and pregnant women from low-income families.

Parent participation is vital. In addition to parent involvement, children are more likely to achieve and maintain educational gains if parents or caretakers can meet the needs of the entire family. For this reason Head Start provides services, information, and referrals to help parents and caretakers in their efforts to meet the following basic needs of all family members

Head Start teachers serve as educators and partners with families. They work as a team with family support specialist to link families to community resources. The teachers focus on a child's individual development. A variety of materials and experiences are provided to promote children's development.

Early Head Start teachers focus on a child's individual development. Home visitor teachers utilize the Born to Learn™ curriculum, from Parents as Teachers National Center. A variety of materials and experiences are provided to promote children's development.

Health and Nutrition: It is our goal to provide each child and his/her family with the necessary skills and insight to have access to a health care system that continues ongoing health care, even after leaving the program.

Parent Engagement and Partnership: All Head Start parents are provided many opportunities to participate in their child's education and development. Parents are also provided leadership opportunities to help make decisions and offer suggestions that will contribute to program quality. Parents are encouraged to use these opportunities to improve their skills as their child's first and most important teacher and advocate.