Head Start State Collaboration Office

Head Start Collaboration Offices help to:

• Build strong early childhood systems.
• Help families find the services they need.
• Encourage partnerships between Head Start and other programs.
• Support Head Start as a partner in state early childhood work.
• Help Head Start be part of state plans and decisions that affect children and families.

Collaboration Offices help partners work together in several ways.

Communication
We bring people together to share information, plan, and work as partners. We also help share information between federal, state, and local groups.

Access
We help Head Start programs connect with services that children and families need.

Systems
We support statewide early childhood planning and partnerships. This helps programs work together better to serve children and families.

Head Start (ages 3–5)
Helps children get ready for school through learning, play, and social skills.

Early Head Start (birth–age 3)
Supports pregnant women, babies, and toddlers with early learning and family support.

Both programs:

• Are free for eligible families.
• Help children learn and grow.
• Support the whole family, including health and development needs.

Both programs may not be offered at all locations.

Head Start helps children get ready for school—and for life.
The program is based on a simple idea: every child deserves a strong start. Children do best when they are healthy, supported, and cared for by trusted adults.

What does Head Start offer?

Head Start supports the whole child and family by focusing on:

• Education
• Health
• Nutrition
• Family support
• Parent involvement

How does Head Start help children?

Head Start helps children:

• Stay healthy with meals and health care.
• Feel confident and excited to learn.
• Build skills like talking, thinking, and problem-solving.
• Get ready to succeed in school.
• Build strong relationships with family and friends.
• Feel proud of who they are.

Head Start knows children do best when their whole family is supported. The program helps families with learning, health, and everyday needs.

Head Start also helps parents and caregivers learn more about:

• Child development
• Health and nutrition
• Ways to support their child’s learning at home

Head Start believes parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. That’s why families play an important role in the program.

Parents can help make decisions about the program by joining a group called the Policy Council. This group gives parents a voice in how Head Start operates.

Parents can also take part in activities, events, and learning opportunities.

Early Head Start helps pregnant mothers, babies, and toddlers up to age three.

Research shows that children do better when they get support early in life. Early Head Start helps children grow in healthy ways and helps parents reach their own goals.

Each program works with families and builds on the strengths of every child and family.

Early Head Start programs may offer:

• Early learning for young children
• Home visits, especially for families with babies
• Parent learning and parent-child activities
• Health and mental health support
• Care and support for mothers before and after birth
• Healthy food and nutrition help
• Ongoing support for parents, including family advocates and parent groups

Early Head Start helps families and children build a strong, healthy start together.

Head Start and Early Head Start programs follow federal Program Performance Standards. These rules help make sure children and families get high-quality services. Each program is also designed to meet the needs of the families in its local community.

The North Dakota Head Start Association helps families and local programs by giving them information and support. They can also help you find a Head Start program close to where you live.

Find a program near you.