Head Start is a federally funded program that serves at risk children, including children with disabilities. Head Start has several levels of service. Not all communities provide each level. 

Head Start is mandated (required by law) to serve a percentage of families who are over income and who have children with disabilities. Head Start staff are extremely well trained and Head Start programs have been shown to benefit all children who participate. 

In making decisions about accepting children with special needs, Head Start personnel will prioritize serving children with disabilities from low-income families. Head Start has served several children from middle and upper income families across North Dakota.

What Does Head Start Provide? 

• A comprehensive child development program.
• Offers services in health, nutrition, development, guidance & more.
• Plug families into community resources.
• Are family-focused and include parents in decision making/activities.
• Provide comprehensive parent training.
• Actively boost child literacy.
• Are part of the Even Start Program, which is a federal program where parents have the opportunity to enroll in the GED program for their education and their children are enrolled in child care or pre-school at Head Start. 
• Transportation is also provided for children and families.

• Early Head Start:  Pregnant moms and children 0-3 years of age. 
• Pre-School Program:  Serves 3 & 4 year olds (age 4 by Aug. 31st). 

• Income decided – 100% of poverty.
• 10% over income accepted with referrals.
• Need two referrals for over guideline families.
• Federal guideline:  10% of children need to be on IEPs.

• If they do not meet income guidelines and/or don’t have referrals. 
• No low-income families are excluded.