CEDA Head Start and Early Head Start are school readiness programs that enhance child growth and development including education, health, nutrition, and social services for 3,169 children.  Early Head Start and Head Start programs services pregnant women, infants and children, from birth to age five, including infants and toddlers with disabilities. Early Head Start and Head Start engages families in school readiness activities that assist all children to transition into kindergarten ready to learn, and become lifelong learners. 

CEDA Head Start is a program that assists young children between the ages of three to five years old and their families to become ready to succeed in school. Children who attend Head Start programs participate in learning activities designed to prepare them for kindergarten while developing social skills. Head Start children also receive nutritious meals and the necessary health care in a safe environment. 

Early Head Start is a program for families with infants and toddlers ages birth to two.  Families with infants and toddlers ages zero to two or families who are expecting a new baby may enroll in Early Head Start.  The family is the center of Early Head Start services.   Early Head Start provides early learning experiences that are unique to each child’s characteristics.  Early Head Start promotes positive learning experiences that promote child and health development and supports parenting skills. 

Head Start and Early Head Start welcome children with disabilities. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. All parents are encouraged to participate in their children’s daily routines and activities.  Early Head Start and Head Start assist parents with setting health, education and self-sufficiency goals for themselves and their families.

Program Options

CEDA offers several different Head Start and Early Head Start program options to better serve the needs of the community and our families. Not all program options are available in our service area.  Our program options are:

• Head Start Part Day Center Based:  3 ½ hours, four days per week

• Head Start Extended Day Center Based:  5 hours, four days per week

• Head Start or Early Head Start Home Visiting: weekly 1 ½ hours home visit and 2 group activities per month

• Early Head Start Center Based:  5 hours, 5 days per week

• Full Day Head Start or Early Head Start: 6 or more hours, 5 days per week for parents who are working, attending school, or training

Transportation services are available based on distance, and family situations.  Transportation services are not available for the full day program option or Early Head Start.

There is no cost to families accepted into Early Head Start or Head Start.

Educational Excellence

Our programs work to meet the highest standards for delivering quality services to children and their families. Standards are set by the federal government and state child care licensing. Our programs follow the standards set by the Illinois State Board of Education and NAEYC. All facilities are licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.   All of our grantee operated centers and some child care partner centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The teaching staff is fully dedicated to the learning process.  All teachers are qualified with formal education and commitment to excellence to guide each child towards the realization of his or her full potential. Classroom performance is closely monitored to help ensure learning outcomes.  Our ongoing assessment process that shows the growth and development and the rate of success of the children are published annually. 

 Parent, Family, and Community Engagement

CEDA Head Start and Early Head Start offer families a sense of belonging, other support services, and a chance to be involved in activities to help the whole family. Training classes are available on many subjects, such as child development, educational home activities, job training, health, nutrition, and community advocacy.

Head Start and Early Head Start parents are engaged in all aspects of the program. Parents are an integral part of the program.  Parents work in partnership with staff to ensure that their child’s individualized school readiness plans are met.   Parents work in partnership with staff in making policy and budgetary decisions, plan what children learn, volunteer in the classrooms and other parts of the program, and provide recommendations to improve services.

For more information on enrolling your child in Early Head Start or Head Start contact (877) 71-START (78278) or your local center listed below.