Head Start And Preschool Programs

Head Start and Preschool Program

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What Is
Head Start?

Head Start is a free, developmentally appropriate preschool and early education and socialization program for income eligible children and their families’ ages birth to 5 years old. Special needs children are also eligible.


Ohio Heartland CAC Head Start program is a "5-star rated step up to quality" program that seeks to offer a safe and enriching environment for children. Children will have opportunities to attain adequate educational and social development. Children are encouraged to study and explore topics that interest them at their own pace.


We work with parents to decrease stress and build critical parenting and life skills so that they can offer their children a safe, loving environment and inner strengths to help them attain their full developmental potential.


The program follows the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Child Care Licensing and Head Start Performance Standards.


Children on IEPs, IFSPs and in kinship/foster care are not subject to income guidelines.

Opportunities will be provided for children to achieve appropriate educational and social development. 

Children are encouraged to learn and explore at their own speed in areas that interest them.

The program operates according to applicable Head Start Performance Standards and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Child Care Licensing.

We strive to provide an environment where children feel safe and creative explorers trying out their own ideas and thinking their own thoughts in areas that interest them.

Head Start

Discover Our Programs

OHCAC helps the community by providing the Head Start Program, which is divided into two sections: Early Head Start (EHS) and Head Start.

Early Head Start
Early Head Start Center Based

Early Head Start
Early Head Start
Center Based

Early Head Start (EHS) programs are intended to foster positive parent-child relationships (and child and caregiver). From pregnancy until a child's third birthday, services cover the whole spectrum of a family's requirements.

Ages: Babies and toddlers ages birth to 36 months.

Locations: Bucyrus, Marion, Mt. Gilead, and Mansfield

Time Frame: 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM Monday through Friday, all year.

Child to Teacher Ratio: There is a 1:4 ratio per classroom, where there are 2 teachers for every 8 students.

Food: Food is on us as breakfast, lunch, and snacks are supplied for the children, with the exception of breast milk, which can be provided by the mother.

Diapers, wipes and pull-ups: During their time at the center, all diapers, wipes, and pull-ups are supplied for the babies and toddlers.

How do we operate the Early Head Start Program?


Each enrolled child and family receives the full spectrum of Early Head Start programs via weekly home visits. The home visitor makes child-centered visits to help parents better support their children's development. Twice a month, the program brings parents and children together in a group setting for learning, debate, and social activities, and each of these trips lasts an hour and a half.

Head Start
Head Start Half-Day Option and
Head Start Full Day Option

Head Start
Head Start Half-Day Option and
Head Start Full Day Option

The Head Start program, which serves children aged 3 to 5, teaches vulnerable young children the skills they need to succeed in school and in life. Healthy ties between parents and other essential family members are also encouraged in Head Start programs, with a focus on family well-being.

Head Start

Ages: 3 to 5 years old.

Time Frame Half-Day Program: From Monday to Thursday, children in the half-day option attend preschool classes for 3.5 hours in the morning or afternoon. Children enrolled in the half-day AM session attend preschool from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Children enrolled in the half-day PM session attend preschool from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the afternoon.

Time Frame Full-Day Program: Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. Children in the full-day option attend preschool for 7 hours per day, four days per week, for a total of 146 days per year.

Child to Teacher Ratio: There is a 1:10 ratio per classroom, where there are 2 teachers for every 20 students.

Food Half-Day: Children attending the half day morning session receive breakfast and lunch. Children attending the half day sessions are provided a lunch and a snack.

Food Full Day: Children attending the full day option will receive breakfast, lunch and snack with all the food being provided for the children.

Diapers, wipes, and pull-ups: During their time at the facility, the preschoolers are given diapers, wipes, and pull-ups.

Families benefit from our complete program, including Family Partnership, Transition, Education, Intervention, Health, and Transportation.

How Do I Apply For
Ohio Head Start
Program?

How Do I Apply For
Ohio Head Start Program?

You Can apply for one of our programs today, by filling out this form.

Income tax return, 1040, W2, 12-month pay stubs, signed statement from employer, or evidence of TANF/FIP and SSI (for one year): (bring current notice of decision)

Verification of a child's birth in a hospital or on a state certificate

Obtain a Medicaid Card

Social Security Card of a Child

Papers Concerning Custody (if applicable)

Immunization Records

You'll need the following information when filling the form:

A member of the Recruitment Team will call you to set up a time to finish your application. You will be given further instructions on any additional information that may be required at that time.

Children on IEPs, IFSPs and in kinship/foster care are not subject to income guidelines.

Preschool Programs
Head Start
step up
Community action

Contact
Enrollment
Information

Contact
Enrollment Information

Please get in touch with the following County Offices for enrollment information or further help

Please see the Family Income Guidelines for more information on what is needed for enrollment.