Head Start Information

Home > 0-5 Program

An overview of the Head Start services 

we offer and how they will serve your family.

Head Start Preschools

In Clay, Ottawa, Republic, and Washington Counties, our free Head Start preschools cater to children aged 3-5, providing enriching educational experiences. Aligned closely with local school districts, our programs follow a similar academic calendar, ensuring a smooth transition for young learners. 

Monday through Thursday, children participate in full-day classes within a nurturing classroom environment. 

Depending on the site, daily schedules may vary slightly. Additionally, our full-day classrooms include a peaceful afternoon nap or quiet time to recharge young minds. In Clay County, we also offer a morning classroom option to accommodate different family schedules. 

Early Head Start Home Visitation

Our free home visitation program offers vital support to income-eligible families with children aged 0-3 and expectant families across Clay, Cloud, Geary, Ottawa, Republic, and Washington Counties.

We prioritize nurturing the parent-child relationship while linking families to essential community resources.

Each family is paired with a dedicated family service worker whose comprehensive services include weekly home visits, prenatal and early childhood education, engaging developmental activities, valuable nutrition and health insights, and much more.

Early Head Start Classroom

At our Clay County location, we provide engaging education and child development services for children aged 0-3 in our cozy Early Head Start classroom setting.

Our doors are open year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, ensuring convenient access for busy families.

Our classroom includes a peaceful afternoon nap or quiet time to recharge young minds. These services are accessible to families receiving the Kansas Department of Children and Families child care subsidy, with no additional cost beyond the subsidy itself. 

Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships

At Little Learners Childhood Connections, we collaborate with daycare providers across Clay, Cloud, Ottawa, Republic, and Washington Counties to deliver exceptional education and child development services right where families need them. These services are accessible to families receiving the Kansas Department of Children and Families child care subsidy, with no additional cost beyond the subsidy itself. 

Current Partners 

Clay County: Tater Tots in Clay Center and Lakeside Learning Tree in Wakefield

Cloud County: Crystal Gilkeson in Concordia, Cozy Corner Infant/Toddler Learning Center in Concordia, Cloud County Community College Children’s Center in Concordia, and Little Feet Daycare in Miltonvale

Our Value

Program Services

Head Start programs support a child's growth from birth to age 5 through a variety of services, including early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Little Learners Childhood Connections’ Head Start preschools serve families with children ages 3 to 5. Little Learners Childhood Connections’ Early Head Start programs serve families with children ages birth to 3, and expectant families.

The program helps children get ready to succeed in school and life through learning experiences tailored to their current needs and abilities. Our program serves families from diverse cultural backgrounds and languages.

Who Qualifies?

Expectant families and children from birth to age five who are from families with incomes below the federal poverty guidelines. Families receiving SSI, SNAP, cash assistance/TANF, families with foster children, and families experiencing homelessness (including those whose housing is not fixed, regular, or adequate, regardless of the family’s income).

Early Learning & Development

● We build strong relationships as the foundation of early learning.
● We support learning through play, creative expression, and guided activities using the Frog Street curriculum.
● We support children’s social and emotional development.
● We promote early math and science concepts.
● We promote language and literacy development in children’s home languages and in English.

Health & Wellness

● We promote physical health and development.
● We serve breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks.
● We provide medical, dental, hearing, vision, and behavioral screening.

Family Partnering

● We provide parent and family services.
● We help families find assistance in challenging times.
● We help families identify and reach their goals; including those related to housing, employment, education, and parenting.
● We invite parents to share information and insights about their child and to offer experience feedback about our programs.

Disability & Mental Health Services

● We individualize experiences to meet the needs of each child, and we build on a child's unique strengths.
● We collaborate with parents and community agencies when further assessment is needed.
● We help families understand and support their child’s needs.

Our story

Why we do this.

At Little Learners, we believe that every child deserves the best possible start, regardless of their family’s financial situation. Our program not only addresses immediate developmental needs but also sets the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Our educators and daycare partners are committed to building a supportive community around each child, empowering them to reach their full potential. 

Together, we are creating an inclusive, caring environment where children can thrive, supported by a network of skilled professionals who are passionate about making a difference in their lives.

Client Testimonials

“Having both children go through the program has given us immense confidence in their early childhood education. The caring staff at Early Head Start have created a nurturing environment where our children have thrived socially and academically. They tailored their approach to meet each child's needs, which has been instrumental in their development."
Little Learners Childhood Connections Parent 2018-present
“Last year was MayMay’s first year and she absolutely loved it! The teachers are absolutely amazing with her and have helped her improve in her learning. The communication between staff and parents has simply been amazing also. I am beyond grateful for the staff helping her learn and grow.”
Shelby Cyre

Need help with the subsidy application?

Our friendly staff are ready to assist you every step of the way. Each family is paired with a dedicated family service worker who checks in periodically throughout the year, ensuring personalized support and guidance for every child and family.