Head Start & Early Head Start

Ready for School, Ready for Life

Head Start is an early childhood development program that offers activities and support to children and their families in classrooms throughout Columbia County, NY.  We offer two programs:

Head Start (for eligible three and four-year olds)

• Early Head Start (for eligible toddlers 18 months to 36 month)

Why choose Head Start?

• Individualized learning experiences

• Play based curriculum

• Focus on the whole child and family

• Qualified, caring staff

• Strong partnerships with parents and the community

We support early learners as they make decisions, build academic skills, develop socially and emotionally, and become part of a classroom community.

Ready to enroll your child in Head Start? Click the application button below. Applications are rolling and can be submitted at any time.

What is Head Start Preschool?

Head Start preschool is a high-quality early childhood education program for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds and their families.

• Provides individualized early learning experiences

• Helps children build strong social, emotional, and cognitive skills

• Offers a clean, healthy environment with nutritious meals and hygiene habits

• Supports children with disabilities

• Prepares children for kindergarten and beyond

• Encourages family engagement and goal-setting

Head Start Preschool classroom locations:

• Craryville

• Hudson

• Valatie

What is Early Head Start?

Early Head Start provides comprehensive child development and family support services for toddlers between 18 months to 36 months and their families.

• Focuses on building strong, healthy bonds between parent and child

• Services delivered in small classroom settings and through home visits

• Low child-to-teacher ratios ensure continuity of care and individual attention

• Promotes physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development

• Prepares children for success in preschool and lifelong learning

Early Head Start classroom locations:

• Philmont

• Valatie

Head Start Services to Families

• Help families set and reach goals around housing, education, and financial stability

• Strengthen parent-child relationships

• Support parent engagement through committees and Policy Council

• Connect families to local resources and community services

• Empower parents as their child’s first and most important teacher

Please call (518) 828-6312 or text: (518) 775-4475 for more information.

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Administrative Office Location: 540 Columbia Street, Hudson, NY

Ready to enroll your child in Head Start? Click the application button below. Applications are rolling and can be submitted at any time.