Head Start is a national program which provides comprehensive developmental services for America's low-income, pre-school children ages three to five and social services for their families. It is administered by the Administration for Children and Families. In Rochester, HS is run by Child Care Resource & Referral: As an umbrella organization, CCR&R provides support services to child care professionals and centralizes programs and services devoted to serving young children and families from all income levels and diverse backgrounds

Head Start programs promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families. They engage parents in their children's learning and help them in making progress toward their educational, literacy and employment goals. Significant emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start programs.

Head Start Facts:

• Served 272 children in Olmsted County in 2006
• Complete child development program for children 3-4 years old
• Believes parents are the child’s first and most important teachers
• Serves income-eligible families
• Family-focused
• Offers families opportunities and support for growth