Please contact your nearest Head Start & Early Head Start Center to apply for enrollment
or call the Head Start & Early Head Start Central Office at (870) 793-3234
You can find the Early Head Start and Head Start Program Application Here!
We are proud to offer a world-class program to children and families in Independence, Sharp, Stone, Fulton, and Izard counties. Children are eligible based on age, income, and family needs. Here is what you need to register your child for possible selection. Completing the application does not guarantee eligibility or enrollment. Enrollment is based on availability and the greatest need.
The Head Start Program is a federal nationwide program created in 1965 and started by NADC in 1968. The program is structured to serve the total child, which means the child’s physical needs, mental health, educational needs, speech abilities, dental conditions and parent needs. Early Head Start children range from 6 weeks old to age 3. Head Start children range from age 3 to age 5. Currently, NADC operates a total of 16 Head Start classrooms, 10 Early Head Start classrooms in the five county area served by NADC. NADC has also three partnership agreement with three privately run childcare centers providing services to 20 children in Sharp County as well.
- Our mission is to provide and to promote a high quality, developmentally appropriate child development program for economically deprived children three to five years of age, thus reducing the potential for school failure.
- Our vision is for all children to have the right to be healthy and live in a safe and nurturing environment. Recognizing diversity, and that a child's family is his or her primary teacher.
- Our Head Start program pledges to provide for the provision of quality services that result in a successful outcome.
Philosophy
NADC Head Start / Early Head Start is a community of children, families, staff, volunteers and community people working together to enhance an environment of learning and growing. Parent involvement is essential to the existence and function of the program. Parents and staff work together to create an atmosphere of care, support, trust and respect that nurtures the development of the whole child.
NADC Head Start / Early Head Start recognize the importance of the family and respects the strength and dignity of each of its members. The unique quality of the parental role in the life of the child is fostered and supported. The program values parents as individuals in their own right. Parents are active participants in all aspects of the program.
NADC Head Start / Early Head Start staff recognizes parents as primary educators of their children and will support, share and value their participation at all levels.
The program recognizes that all children, parents and staff need an enriched environment and opportunities to grow in self awareness, to accept individual differences, to develop abilities, and to recognize self worth.
