About Virginia Head Start

One Vision, One Voice, One Plan

What is Head Start?

Head Start is a national child development program for children from birth to age 5, which provides services to promote academic, social and emotional development for income-eligible families.

Created in 1965, Head Start is the most successful, longest-running, national school readiness program in the United States. Head Start is a child-centered, family focused, comprehensive and community-based program. Head Start provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, dental, mental health, social services and parent involvement opportunities to low-income children and their families. More than 21 million pre-school aged children have benefited from Head Start.

Our Mission

As a professional organization, the Virginia Head Start Association is dedicated to advocacy, training and providing support which enhances and fosters growth of our individual members, member agencies, partners and others who impact the lives of children and families.

We believe…

... we are a culturally diverse organization that speaks with ONE VOICE for ONE OUTCOME.

... in quality leadership, trained advocacy, professional development, and effective communication.

... all children are teachable, valuable and deserve an equal start to a quality education.

... in ONE MEASUREMENT – ONE EVALUATION that reflects the VALUE of Head Start to the community.

... in synthesized data collection to support and enhance each Head Start program statewide.

... we are a powerful lead organization for the betterment of Head Start children and families in Virginia.

... in providing an array of comprehensive services to families to encourage long term self-sustaining practices.