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Head Start is a child development program created in 1965 as part of Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty. The program is operated by local nonprofit organizations in almost every county in the country. The Head Start Community Program of Morris County was also founded in 1965 with a summer program for 45 economically disadvantaged preschool children. The organization now provides services to pregnant women and 237 children from birth through five years. Pregnant women and children from birth through 18 months are served through a Home-Based Program. Children ages 18 months through three years attend a Center-Based Program at either the Dover or Whippany site. Preschoolers, ages three to five, attend a Center-Based Program at either the Dover or Morristown site. Head Start’s comprehensive program goes far beyond basic child care services, meeting the educational, social, emotional, health and nutritional needs of its children and their families. |
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Head Start is one of the most successful programs created by the Federal Government. Children who have the Head Start experience gain self-confidence and develop a pattern of success. They achieve in the elementary school years to a greater extent than children from similar backgrounds who did not participate in the Head Start program. They are also more likely to complete high school, go on to college and become active members of our community. Learn about more of our successes!
In order to qualify for this program, families must meet the Federal Poverty standards which do not reflect the cost of living in New Jersey. It may be hard to believe in wealthy Morris County, but a family of four must earn less than $23,000 annually to qualify for the program. The need for our services has increased drastically during this recession. We currently have 237 children enrolled in the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, but there are more than 1,000 others for whom there is no room.
Governance of Head Start is provided jointly by the Policy Council and the Board of Directors.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Head Start Community Program of Morris County, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that fosters healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women, enhances the development of infants and toddlers, encourages healthy family functioning and promotes school readiness for preschool children in need through parent involvement and developmentally appropriate social and educational programs. Our goal is to enhance the development of children, empower families and strengthen communities.
