Head Start

Head Start is a free, quality preschool program for three and four-year-old children. This program helps children get ready for kindergarten by teaching them pre-reading and writing skills as well as how to get along with other children. Classrooms are run by highly trained and credentialed teachers and each day includes healthy meals and snacks. Families must meet income criteria in order to be eligible, although all families are encouraged to apply. Centers are located throughout the Downriver community with full-day, part-day and home-based sessions. 

The agency has nine locations serving 21 Downriver communities:

Belleville, 734-699-7493

Ecorse, 313-382-8803

Flat Rock, 734-789-8456

Huron, 734-785-7702

Lincoln Park, 313-381-0976

River Rouge, 313-928-6200

Romulus, 734-785-7792

Southgate, 734-785-7713

Taylor, 734-785-7720

Head Start now is accepting applications for the 2013-14 school year. Children who are three years old by November 1, 2013 may be enrolled. Part-day, full-day and home-based options are available at selected sites.

For more information contact Head Start at 734-785-7702.

Special focus on children with disabilities:

  • We fully include children with disabilities; our Head Start is an inclusive program.
  • We accept children from Early-On, TOTE and other early intervention programs.
  • We allow children to be dually enrolled in Head Start and other special education preschool programs.
  • We coordinate special education services for children with the local school districts.
  • We work with the child's Individual Family Service Plan (ISFP) goals.
  • We write an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) based on a child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals.

Head Start is funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services through the Wayne County Department of Health and Human Services, Health and Family Services Division.

Download the 2011-12 Head Start Annual Report

Download the 2010-11 Head Start Annual Report

Download the 2009-10 Head Start Annual Report

Download the 2008-09 Head Start Annual Report