EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Promoting school readiness of children birth to age five

All Head Start classrooms are licensed by the Iowa Department of Human Services and both Head Start and Early Head Start Programs follow rigorous performance standards. Children who attend Head Start enter kindergarten ready to learn. Parents have opportunities to build their community involvement with volunteering and Policy Council membership. Income guidelines do apply.

EARLY HEAD START

Early Head Start is a home visitation program that provides services to eligible pregnant women and children ages birth to 3 years old. The program conducts home visits in the family’s home and provides opportunities for group socialization. The primary focus is to help the parent(s) be their child’s first and most important teacher and assist to improve their parenting skills. Early Head Start Home Visitors will also provide guidance for children’s transition to Head Start or other preschool programs once they turn three years old.

Download an Early Head Start rack card/brochure below.

ENGLISH
SPANISH
  • Home Visitors work with families and children on developmental and health areas such as large & fine motor, language, cognitive, nutrition, health and dental. Staff ensure that children are up to date on their well-baby checks and encourage the children to have dental exams after one year of age
  • Playgroup experiences are held twice per month at various locations. Families are invited to attend each socialization, share a meal and participate together in activities
  • Home Visitors can help transport children/families to medical, dental appointments if needed
GET STARTED BY FILLING OUT AN APPLICATION TODAY

HEAD START

The Head Start program is a full day, full week preschool experience for low-income and disabled children 3-5 years old. The Head Start approach addresses not only the educational needs of children, but also the health, nutrition, social, mental health and literacy needs as well. Children participate in activities that promote motor, language, social/emotional, cognitive skills, literacy, science and math. All classrooms provide an inclusive environment for children with disabilities. Nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack are provided daily through the CACFP program and Head Start partners with Northeast Iowa Food & Fitness to help children and families learn about healthy, local foods.

Download a Head Start rack card/brochure below.

ENGLISH
SPANISH
  • 15 classrooms located in the seven-county service area, including the communities of Cresco, Decorah, Guttenberg, Monona, New Hampton, Oelwein, Postville, Waukon, Waverly, and West Union
  • Before and after school care for parents who qualify
  • Program ensures children receive health, vision and dental screenings
  • PBIS (Positive Intervention Behavior & Supports) is used to ensure children are cared for in a safe, positive and nurturing environment
  • Transportation is available at some locations through local school districts or local public transit providers
GET STARTED BY FILLING OUT AN APPLICATION TODAY

Parents & Healthcare Providers- Download required forms here.

WELL-CHILD CHECK
DENTAL EXAM
IMMUNIZATION FORM

Click here for more information regarding Head Start

HEAD START PUBLIC REPORT 2024
POLICY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOTAS DE LA REUNIÓN DEL CONSEJO DE POLÍTICAS
EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING & KNOWLEDGE CENTER

MESSAGES OF APPRECIATION

Agency Appreciations

“Thank you for your fabulous work with the Decorah community & surrounding areas. All of you truly embody the spirit of hope & change people’s lives to not only help themselves but to encourage & help those around them. At a time when our country needs love & compassion, you & your staff deserve a well-deserved BRAVO.”
Rachel Buresh
KD Rae Jewelry

MESSAGES OF APPRECIATION

Embrace Iowa

“Embrace Iowa helped our family be getting us a stove. The stove we had was hazardous. When we would cook on it, it would stink the whole house up. Also, it leaked underneath the stove. That stove was so small that my two year old son could see inside the pan without standing on anything. Now, with our new stove we can cook without smelling anything or without cleaning up a leaky mess. Thanks so much for our new stove. We really appreciated it.”
Fayette County Resident

MESSAGES OF APPRECIATION

Dynamic Partnerships

“St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School have been pleased to be working with NEICAC. They have been a wonderful partner and resource for those individuals and families in our communities who are in need of support and assistance. We have been able to assist this organization with money for utilities, shelter, transportation, food, and other help. They also provide for emergency medical and dental services as well as mental health services for those who do not have the means to access those services on their own. St Paul’s considers the Northeast Iowa Community Action Corportation to be a vital part of our community.”
Ron Zell - Director or Administration, St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School

MESSAGES OF APPRECIATION

EARL Public Transit

“The reason I choose EARL is that the Drivers are Nice and that I want to Ride the transit because I like to see new faces every time I ride. They help me get around to where I need to go. I get along with the Transit Drivers and the passengers.”

NEICAC EARL Public Transit Rider
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