Preschool Head Start and ECEAP

Serves 3-5 year old children

OCCDA Head Start and ECEAP are comprehensive preschool programs for children and their families. We recognize the vital role parents play in giving their children opportunities to learn. Staff develop a partnership with parents in their child’s learning. Head Start and ECEAP emphasize and teach the importance of being healthy, eating nutritious foods, and staying safe; as well as providing information about literacy, employability, and meeting education goals. We provide high quality child development services and assess each child’s development and progress by implementing child outcomes and promoting school readiness.

In a classroom experience for 3 to 5 year old children (child must be 3 years old by August 31st of the current school year), each child is treated as a unique individual and allowed to grow and develop at his/her own rate. Children grow, learn, and develop through an enriched environment with caring staff who want them to succeed. Each classroom has between 16-18 children (depending on classroom size) with a teacher, assistant teacher, and class aide.

Interesting Program Features:

  • 50+ years of operating services
  • Family Activities.
  • Collaborative approach to service children with special needs and children who are dual language learners
  • Computer data system that collects and compiles data and reports.
  • Meeting family needs by collaborating with local agencies

Eligibility

Eligibility for programs is based on income and/or risk factors. In 2018, a family of four can qualify for Head Start/Early Head Start if their income is below 100% FPL of $25,100. ECEAP’s income eligibility is 110% of FPL. Rural Home Visiting target income population is 185% FPL. The philosophy of the administration, Policy Council, and the Board of Directors is to reach out to children and families with the greatest need to give them priority for services. An important way this is achieved is by the agency conducting an assessment of the community. OCCDA uses the assessment as a tool for programs and the community to assess the needs of low-income children and their families, identify strategies and programs to help families break the cycle of poverty, ensure the health and academic success of their children, and provide families with the greatest opportunity for self-reliance. 

With multiple programs and program requirements, eligibility can seem confusing. And, OCCDA strongly encourages all interested families to apply for services. Our enrollment staff will determine eligibility and can answer any questions you have.

Applications

To apply please visit the Programs/Application page.

Please call our office or visit your local center if you have any questions.