Early Head Start seeks to build a foundation for a child's school readiness during the earliest years of childhood. This program promotes healthy prenatal outcomes, enhances the development of infant and toddlers, and supports healthy family functioning. Families are enrolled in a home visiting program including weekly playgroups or, where available, childcare for toddlers 12-36 months old.
Serves: Expectant mothers and families with children up to three-years old. Free for those who meet federal
poverty guidelines or have certain risk factors. Ten percent of enrollments are reserved for children with
disabilities.
Agency: Northeast Michigan Community Services Agency, Inc. (NEMCSA)
Phone: Bay: (888) 246-9097
Arenac: (866) 224-2197
Website: www.nemcsa.org/headstart
Head Start is a child-family focused program designed to increase the school readiness of young children. This program provides a range of services in the areas of education and early childhood development; medical, dental, and mental health; nutrition; and parent involvement. Children are enrolled for preschool programs or, where available, families may also receive home visiting services.
Serves: Families with children between three- and five-years old. Free for those who meet federal poverty
guidelines or have certain risk factors. Ten percent of enrollments are reserved for children with
disabilities.
Agency: Northeast Michigan Community Services Agency, Inc. (NEMCSA)
Phone: Bay: (800) 795-8131
Arenac: (866) 851-1667
Website: www.nemcsa.org/headstart
The Preschool Partnership provides information about and referrals to local Head Start and Great Start Readiness Programs in Bay and Arenac Counties.
Serves: Eligibility is based on income.
Agency: Preschool Partnership
Phone: Bay: (800) 795-8131 or (989) 893-8131
Arenac: (866) 851-1667 or (989) 846-0360
Website: www.nemcsa.org/headstart
