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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 options available at all sites.
 
The agency has locations serving 21 Downriver communities:
 
Belleville-Owen, 734-785-7708

Lincoln Park, 313-381-0976

River Rouge, 313-928-6200

Romulus, 734-785-7792

Taylor-New Hope, 734-785-7713
 
Head Start now is accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year. Children who are three years old by September 1, 2025 may be enrolled. Full-day and part-day 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.

“I am reaching out with deep gratitude and admiration for the impact that The Guidance Center Head Start has had on my life and career. Reflecting on my journey as a community activist, event coordinator, and community engagement specialist in Dearborn Heights, I recognize that much of who I am today is rooted in the foundation laid during my time with your program.
 
Since my involvement with The Guidance Center Head Start as a parent trainer, volunteer, and Policy Council member, I have felt profoundly connected to your mission of empowering families and supporting young children. The invaluable experiences I gained—such as developing the Parent and Fatherhood University, recruiting new families, and working closely with staff—have shaped my commitment to serving our community. Your program gave me purpose, direction, and the skills to pursue meaningful work.”

 
Please click on the link and fill out the requested information and someone will get back with you to complete registration for Early Head Start or Head Start Program.
English: https://www.childplus.net/apply/en-us/98E5A43C56F1570FACD5C3D6AF101BF1/AD33D3060A052BDD332653CDC5EF4EFB
Español: https://www.childplus.net/apply/es/98E5A43C56F1570FACD5C3D6AF101BF1/AD33D3060A052BDD332653CDC5EF4EFB
 
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.

2023-24 Head Start Annual Report
2024-25 Family Handbook
Volunteer Orientation Packet

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