Since 1965, the federal Head Start program has been committed to serving the needs of young children and their families from low-income environments. Today, Head Start is well known as a leader in early childhood education and in the field of school readiness.
But along with preparing children for the classroom, Head Start works to build families and the community. After all, families and communities have an important role to play in childhood growth and development. Head Start serves as a trusted resource, often teaming up with other state and local organizations to meet the growing needs of at-risk children and their families in the communities where they live.
Helping the Whole Family
All Head Start programs look at the child as a whole. This approach calls for a wide range of support services, including:
- Early education that includes intellectual, developmental, social and emotional needs
- Activities designed to get parents more involved with their children
- Medical and dental screenings, as well as referrals and treatment
- Nutritional services
- Referrals to social service providers for the entire family
- Referrals for mental health services, as needed
Giving Tennessee Families a Head Start
Tennessee serves more than 20,000 children and their families each year through its 399 Head Start programs. Head Start operates almost 1,000 classrooms across the state and strives to have a Head Start classroom in every county. Head Start programs are offered by public, private, faith-based and charitable organizations.
To learn more about Tennessee’s Head Start programs, or to find a program near you, click on the map below:
Or contact:
Henri' Murphy
Head Start Collaboration Office Director
Phone: 615-393-3925
Fax: 615-532-4989
Alternate Phone: 615-393-3925
Email: Henri.Murphy@tn.gov