Empowering Children and Families with Socioeconomic Needs.

Interested in our Programs? Click Below.

Preschool

Our program offers a wide variety of services that include; Full-Day, Half-Day, and Transportation Services.

Parents

Our program works closely with the parents allowing them to be integrated in their child’s early learning experience.

Free

There’s no catch. For families that qualify, our program is FREE. For more information click our ‘Enrollment’ page.

Our Mission

Empower children and families in our local communities who have socioeconomic needs.

Our Philosophy

Our goal, within a safe environment and an atmosphere of trust for all, is to instill the value of education, encourage personal growth, and develop self-sufficiency. We strive for excellence through the integrity of our everyday operations, the dependability of our programs, and our promotion of ongoing staff development.

Our Values

1) We celebrate every individual’s strengths, as well as each family’s definition of itself.

2) We believe in providing healthy, safe environments and encouraging life-long learning.

3) We believe in shared leadership where opportunities are present for everyone to develop to their fullest potential.

4) We believe every family is its child’s most influential teacher and most powerful prevention mechanism.

5) We know we are stronger when we have meaningful partnerships within the community.

6) We believe healthy relationships will result when we reflect compassion, dignity and mutual respect for diversity.

7) We believe all activities should promote the wellness and growth of our communities.

8) We embrace and encourage change to improve opportunities for our staff, children and families.

9) We believe that our children and families deserve excellence in service provision.

Schedule Your Personal Visit Today!

Looking to visit one of our locations? Go to our Contact page and call our Main Office to schedule your visit today!

More About Our Programs

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

The primary goal of the CACFP is to improve the diet of children 12 years of age or younger

Program Governance

An active and involved Board of Directors and an invested Policy Council in partnership operate Community Action Agency for McHenry County, Inc. through a process of shared governance with dedicated managers and staff.

Program Design and Approach to Service Delivery

Program Head Start Federal Funded Enrollment: 267.

The program established and developed the five-year program goals in collaboration with the governing body and policy council with measurable objectives including required time and planning. 

The goals target all the services areas described by the HSPPS and in accordance with the updated 2022-2023 Community Need Assessment, including the School Readiness goals, which are in alignment with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework. The program also developed and yearly updates the Health and Safety Practices Plan and Assessment ensuring that our children are safe at all times. 

Comprehensive services are supported by qualified employees and contractual services through Mental Health Consultants, Nutrition Consultants. Also through collaborations agreements with the school districts (special needs) and the health department (hearing and vision screenings). 

Federal Compliance

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice).

Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Management Team

CEO/Executive Director:
Alma I. Wright – alma.wright@headstartmchenrycounty.org

Financial Manager:

Jennifer May - jennifer.may@headstartmchenrycounty.org

Child Services Manager:

Monica Marcum - monica.marcum@headstartmchenrycounty.org

Health & Nutrition Manager:

Tanya Cantin - tanya.cantin@headstartmchenrycounty.org


Mental Health and Disabilities:

Shari Figueroa - shari.figueroa@headstartmchenrycounty.org


Family Services Manager:

Open

Board

The following volunteers are professionals, private citizens and/or parents of enrolled children who represent our services area and lead us in achieving our mission.

John McAndrews, President

Barbara Volpe, Vice-President

Brian Fowler, Treasurer

Susan Fugleberg, Secretary

R.B Thompson, Community Member

Brittany Alers, Policy Council President

Policy Council

This group meets monthly or more frequently to assure that our program meets and exceeds its goals to provide comprehensive, high quality child development and family services programming.

POLICY COUNCIL 2022-2023 

Brittany Alers – President, McHenry, IL

Patricia Peña – Vice-President, Crystal Lake, IL, Center

Ana Morales– Secretary, Harvard, IL

Kelly Galvez – Crystal Lake, IL, Center

Alex Ramos – Crystal Lake, IL, Center

Melanie Ramos – Crystal Lake, IL, Center

Irma Piña – Crystal Lake, IL, Center

Joshelin Vargas – Crystal Lake, IL, Center

Daniela Zapata – Crystal Lake, IL, Center

Alexis Meza – Harvard, IL, Center

Jose Ortiz – Harvard, IL, Center

Heather Witt – McHenry, IL, Center

Opportunity is around the corner.