Head Start serves over 5,100 children daily. Perhaps the most successful program ever created for children, Head Start was initiated in 1965 to provide educational programs for pre-school children in poverty.

Head Start provides educational and special educational services, physical health, dental, mental health, social and nutritional services.

Parent involvement in program planning, parent education and site operation, is an essential part of the program. Parents learn leadership and advocacy skills as they become involved in their communities, school districts and local government. Teamed with the One Stop Career Centers, Head Start promotes employment and training programs to help parents become self-sufficient.

The Sacramento County Head Start program is administered by SETA, a joint powers agency of the City and County of Sacramento.

Head Start provides educational and special educational services, physical health, dental, mental health, social and nutritional services.

Mission

Head Start program’s mission is to improve the lives of low-income children by providing comprehensive child development services that are family focused, including education, health, nutrition, and mental health.

Ages

Early Head Start serves families with children ages birth to age 3, and School Readiness Head Start serves families with children 3 to 5 years of age.

Cost

SETA Head Start/Early Head Start is free to income eligible families based on the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines

• Children from families receiving public assistance (TANF and SSI) are eligible for services regardless of income.
• Children in foster care are eligible regardless of family income.