Empowering Children and Families who have Socioeconomic Needs.
Interested in our Programs? Click Below.
Preschool
Our program offers a wide variety of services that include; Full-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: 190.
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 2025-2026 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.
Annual Report to the Public
Management Team
CEO/Executive Director:
Alma I. Wright – alma.wright@headstartmchenrycounty.org
Financial Manager:
Open
Health & Nutrition Manager:
Tanya Cantin - tanya.cantin@headstartmchenrycounty.org
Mental Health and Disabilities:
Shari Figueroa - shari.figueroa@headstartmchenrycounty.org
Family Services Manager:
Araceli Jimenez - araceli.jimenez@headstartmchenrycounty.org
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
Rich Healless, Secretary
Susan Fugleberg, Community Member
R.B Thompson, Community Member
Katina Winters, 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 2025-2026
Katina Winters, President, McHenry Center
Breanna Bernal, Vice-President, Harvard Center
Ana Morales, Community Member
Heidi Orr, McHenry Center
Julieta Vargas, McHenry Center
Gabriela Perales, Crystal Lake Center
Dianet Baez, Crystal Lake Center
Alejandra Cornejo, Crystal Lake Center
Edgar Cornejo, Community Member
