What is Head Start?
Head Start is a free Federal and State funded, private, non-profit educational organization serving pregnant mothers, 0-5 years old children, and their families within our communities.

Head Start helps children and families succeed.  Services offered to meet the needs of all children, including children with disabilities.  Our typical school year runs mid-August through May.  Our Early Head Start program runs year-round.

Who can apply?
Any family with a child 0-5 years old may apply for Head Start.  Household income is a factor; however, any child is eligible to apply.  (90% low-income households & 10% maximum-above income households are enrolled).

What is included in the curriculum?
The curriculum includes individual and group activities to stimulate intellectual, social, emotional, and self-help development of each child. Health screenings are provided and nutritional needs are met through serving breakfast and lunch for AM classes or lunch and a snack for PM classes.

When does Head Start Center-based program operate?
The Head Start centers are in operation from August to May of each school year for Full Day Programs, September-May for Half Day Programs, and Early Head Start operates year-round. Transportation is provided to half day classes only for those families who reside within the bussing routes. All centers are open Monday – Thursday for approximately 3 ½ hours per day for half day classrooms and 7 hours per day for full day Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms.

How do we determine eligibility?
Eligibility for this free program is based on public assistance received, gross household income, family size and/or other determining factors. Wisconsin W-2 and SSI families are eligible. Applicants must reside within our four county area.

Are parents involved?
Parents are a vital part of an effective Head Start program.  Head Start recognizes parents as their child’s first and most important teachers. Parents may be volunteers in the classroom or help the teacher by doing projects at home. Parent representatives serve on the Policy Council. Parents are kept informed about classroom activities through home visits, conferences, and monthly meetings at each center.

HSCFDC, Inc. service area covers La Crosse, Monroe, Vernon, and Crawford counties. Services are provided to clients based on the following general program descriptions.

Center-based program:

Half Day Sessions: Offers morning and afternoon sessions throughout the four county areas. Classes are 3 ½ hours long, Monday through Thursday. The morning sessions offer breakfast and lunch. The afternoon sessions offer lunch and snack. Bussing is available to those who reside within the bussing routes. Our typical school year runs September through May.

Full Day Sessions: Focused on 3 years old, Head Start offers 7 hour per day program in La Crosse, Onalaska, and Sparta, Monday through Thursday. The full day session offers breakfast, lunch, and a snack. A rest time is offered after lunch each day. Families are required to provide their own transportation. The typical school year runs August through May.

Early Head Start: A 7 hour per day year-round program for children ages 6 weeks-3 year, Monday through Thursday.  This program is designed to help parents in continuing their education and maintaining their employment.  The program offers breakfast, lunch, and a snack.  A rest time is provided based on the individual infant schedule and after lunch each day for toddlers.  The program also provides formula, diapers, and wipes while the children are in programming.  Parent transport is required for this program. 

(For further details on any of the above information please contact our office.)