What is Head Start?

Head Start is a free, federally funded preschool/family program operated in McHenry county, serving children three to five years old. Head Start centers provide programs and services including the following:

Individualized educational programming to support each child’s school readiness

• Opportunities for children with disabilities to fully participate

• On-going child assessment to support individualization and record progress

• Transportation available, when possible

• Family involvement opportunities with special efforts to include dads/significant males

• Families supported in setting and achieving self-identified goals

• Medical and dental resources provided to access medical and dental services/homes

• Nutritional meals and snacks are provided

• Referrals to address needs and support goals

• Opportunities available to meet and interact with other families and programs in the community

• Training, development of leadership skills and volunteer opportunities are provided to families

• Parent leadership through representation on policy council/program governance

Head Start

Community Action Agency for McHenry County Head Start understands that children learn through experience and strive to nurture the whole child in our preschool programming. In addition to math, reading, science, social studies, and art skills, our program focuses on developing skills in cooperation, problem solving, and personal responsibility. Creative Curriculum is a research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports active learning and promotes children’s progress in all developmental areas. The objectives for development and learning are fully aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF), as well as the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. 

Full Day Program

Our full-day preschool program serves children who are 3-5 years old. Full day sessions last seven hours and run Monday through Friday. In addition to developmentally appropriate learning opportunities, students in our full-day program receive two nutritious meals and a snack each day.

Half Day Program

Our half-day preschool program serves children who are 3-5 years old. Morning and afternoon sessions last three-and-a-half hours and run Monday through Friday.  In addition to developmentally appropriate learning opportunities, students in our half-day programs receive a nutritious meal and a snack each day.