Local Program Gives Children and Families a Head Start on Life

Parents and guardians want their child to have every advantage. When their children are young, that means making sure they are ready for school and life.

The City of San Antonio Department of Human Services (DHS) Head Start Program provides infants and toddlers 6 weeks to 35 months and children from 3 to 5 years old with full-day early education and family support services. Head Start is federally funded and provides services to qualifying children and familes in the Edgewood and San Antonio ISD services area at no cost to families.

DHS Head Start provides quality full day early childhood education services. With low teacherto-child ratios, children receive individualized instruction attention and are taught school-readiness skills. They learn structured routines and participate in activities to encourage healthy and emotional development. Early learning experiences are culturally diverse and inclusive.

DHS Head Start also promotes the child’s wellbeing with regular health screenings, on-site dental screenings, hearing, and vision screenings, and case management. Throughout the day, children learn in clean, safe environments. Their meals are developed in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements, and all Head Start staff members are certified in first aid and CPR.

The program also works to help strengthen families. Parents, including grandparents, foster parents, and other primary caregivers, are recognized as the child’s first and most valued teacher. DHS Head Start offers parent advocacy, training, family nutritional sessions, parent engagement ac- tivities, and leadership opportunities. DHS Head Start also provides a strong network to connect families to medical, dental, and mental health services.

DHS Head Start services are available to families in Bexar County within the Edgewood and San Antonio Independent School Districts.

DHS Head Start encourages all families to apply

• The family income is at or below poverty level;

• The child is in foster care;

• The family receives public assistance;

• The family receives benefits or services through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, regardless of income;

• A family member living with and supported by their family is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, regardless of income;

• The family is experiencing homelessness;

• The child enrolling has a disability; or

• If income is above the poverty level, note that income eligibility requirements may be waived if the child has a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a current Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

If you have questions, need guidance, or want to apply, contact the DHS Head Start staff at saheadstart.org or call 210-206-5500.