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Head Start is a locally operated, federally funded program that provides a comprehensive child development program for 3-to 5-year-old children from low-income families in 98 of Iowa’s 99 counties. The program provides services to promote academic, social and emotional development, as well as providing social, health and nutrition services. Program eligibility is for children and families at or below the federal poverty level, those who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits or where children have disabilities.
Eighteen programs operate Head Start services in Iowa, serving 7,915 children (2006-07) from 7,312 families.
The Head Start program is administered by the Office of Head Start, the Administration for Children, Youth and Families (ACF), Administration for Children and Families, and Department of Health and Human Services. Grants are awarded by ACF Regional Offices and the Office of Head Start’s American Indian – Alaska Native and Migrant and Seasonal Program Branches directly to public agencies, private organizations, Indian Tribes and school system s for the purpose of operating Head Start program the community level. Currently, grants in Iowa are awarded by the ACF Regional Office in Kansas City. There are two Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs in Marengo,
Iowa, and Muscatine, Iowa. These programs are operated by the Texas
Migrant Council. The Head Start State Collaboration Office does not
provide oversight to the Head Start programs in Iowa. Its purpose is to
support strong partnerships between state government and local programs
operating in Iowa.
Head Start provides comprehensive services. Every program is expected to deliver high quality services in the following areas:
- Early Childhood Education
- Family and Community Partnerships
- Health (including Oral Health and Mental Health services)
- Services to Children with Disabilities
Legal Requirements and Reports
 Iowa Head Start Annual Report 2005
Iowa Head Start Annual Report 2004
Head Start Program Performance Standards (45 CFR Part 1304) are the program requirement that all Early Head Start grantees must meet to assure high quality programs. These standards include regulations for both Head Start and Early Head Start.
Iowa HSSCO Reports
2006-07 Head Start Program Information Report
Advisory Group
Iowa Head Start Association Leadership
Funding Sources
Head Start is supported with federal money. Grantees must match 25 percent of the funds they receive with local and state (non-federal) sources. For support levels for Iowa and other states visit (link to www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/research/2006).
Guiding Practices
Head Start Program Performance Standards (45 CFR Part 1304)
Information Memorandums and Program Instructions
Calendar
Iowa Head Start Association Calendar - A calendar of training and events for Iowa Head Start Association.
National Head Start Association Calendar - A calendar of training and events for the National Head Start Association.
Contacts in Your Area
Head Start in Iowa Map
Supporting Links
Search for a Head Start Program
Head Start Research and Evaluation
Head Start Advocacy and Current Legislation
Head Start Publications and Information Resources
Iowa Head Start Association
Iowa Head Start State Collaboration Office
National Head Start Association
Region IIV Head Start Association
2008 Office of Head Start Monitoring Protocol
Early Head Start in Iowa
Results Iowa - Head Start in Iowa contributes to the governor’s leadership plan to provide 90%
of Iowa’s 4 year-olds with a quality preschool experience.
Contact
Tom Rendon, Consultant
515-242-6024
tom.rendon@iowa.gov
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