It operates like preschool Head Start, following a set of federal Performance Standards that assure every child receives high quality services that help them grow physically, academically and socially and families obtain needed services to help them become self sufficient. HSSAP has been in existence since 2004 and is administered by the Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Human Services Office of Child Development and Early Learning, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Key and Berks County Intermediate Unit.Įarly Head Start serves pregnant women and families with children from birth to age 3. The Head Start Supplemental Assistance (HSSAP) program has awarded existing Head Start grantees with grants to increase the number of children they serve or to expand the length of the Head Start day or year for children. Pennsylvania provides additional state funding to Head Start grantees to expand their services so that more children and families are able to access Head Start services. In rural areas, Head Start may operate as a home-based program where trained home visitors bring the Head Start program to families in their homes. Many Head Start programs offer center-based services where children attend a preschool.
Local agencies receive funding from the federal government to operate as a Head Start grantee and they follow a comprehensive set of Performance Standards that assure high quality. There is a Head Start program in every county in Pennsylvania. At least 10% of a Head Start program's enrollment must serve children with disabilities. Families who are 100% of the federal poverty level are eligible to apply and the preschool program is free. Families are also offered support to help them obtain services for a variety of needs such as employment or housing. While enrolled in a high quality Head Start preschool program, children receive nutrition, health and supports that help them grow mentally, physically and socially. Head Start programs help children develop academic and social skills that prepare them for school and life. Head Start is primarily a federally-funded program that provides education, health and social services to families with children aged 3, 4 and 5.
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