Head Start & Early Head Start

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Head Start

A safe and nurturing environment for our littlest learners.

Tri-County Community Action Agency provides Head Start and Early Head Start services to pregnant women and children and their families from birth to age 5 years, in eight towns located in northern Rhode Island and in nine towns located in Washington County.

Head Start is a federal early education program for income eligible families. Children participate in many services that promote cognitive, language and social-emotional development. We partner with parents and recognize you as your child’s first and most important teachers! With a variety of service options available, like part day or full day classrooms, we know we can find a schedule to suit the needs of your family.

All children enrolled in the Early Head Start, and Head Start programs receive free medical, dental, nutritional, and developmental screenings

NOW ENROLLING FOR HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START!

We are currently accepting applications for both home based programs, and classroom programs for Head Start and Early Head Start. We accept pregnant women, and children from birth to age 5 that meet income guidelines. There is no cost to participate in Head Start programs.

Residents of Johnston, North Providence, Smithfield, North Smithfield, Burrillville, Glocester, Foster, and Scituate are may apply for our classrooms located in northern RI.

Residents of North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Narragansett, Hopkinton, Richmond, Exeter, Charlestown, Westerly and Block Island (New Shoreham) are eligible for our classrooms in Washington County.

     This website is supported by Grant Number 01CH012153  from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of  Tri-County Community Action Agency and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.

 

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) helps licensed family child care providers enrich their knowledge of good nutrition and optimal child development. Tri-County early childhood programs provide nutrition education, information regarding upcoming training sessions, and support providers to become better caregivers and educators.

Statement of Nondiscrimination for USDA for Sponsors of CACFP

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, nation origin, sex, age, or disability. This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.

To file a complaint of discrimination, writ USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free 1-866-632-9992 (voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339; or 1-800-845-6136 (Spanish).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

In addition, in Rhode Island it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of religion or sexual orientation. To file a complaint of discrimination for these protected classes, contact:  RI Department of Education, Director of Equity and Access, 255 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903-3400 or call (401) 222-4600.

Resources

Brochures

EarlyHeadStart

Early Head Start

Income eligible families expecting a child, or with children from birth to age 3 years old.

HeadStart_Brochure

Head Start

Income eligible families with children from 3 to 5 years of age.

Prenatal_Brochure

Prenatal Program

Designed to enhance the healthy growth and development of young children and their families.

Resources

Family Handbook

The Tri-County Head Start, Early Head Start, and State Pre-K Family Handbook is an essential guide for families participating in these programs. This comprehensive handbook outlines program structure and provides detailed information on various important aspects, including safety protocols, program rules, staff roles, and family expectations. Designed to foster a collaborative and informed community, the handbook ensures that all families are well-equipped with the knowledge they need for a successful and enriching Head Start, Early Head Start, or State Pre-Kindergarten experience with Tri-County.

Annual Reports

The Tri-County Head Start and Early Head Start programs strive to bring quality, caring early education to  parents and children.  Every year we complete an Annual Report to provide a snapshot into our classrooms, and into the daily routines of our kids for our parents and community partners.