It’s Not Too Late to Get Your Child Off to a Head Start in School and Life

As the school year starts, parents may fear they’ve missed the chance to enroll their child in a quality early education program.

Fortunately, Southwest Human Development’s free Early Head Start and Head Start programs have immediate openings for eligible families in Phoenix seeking high-quality preschool program to prepare their child for kindergarten success and positive outcomes later in life.

Head Start is a comprehensive, research-based initiative that has been supporting Arizona’s children and families for decades.

“Every child, regardless of their circumstances at birth, has the potential to reach great heights,” says Eve DelReal, Director of Head Start at Southwest Human Development. “Our goal is to ensure that all children have access to the high-quality early education and support services that will help them flourish. It’s not just about preparing children for kindergarten—it’s about setting them up for success in life.”

Head Start builds that strong foundation for children by prioritizing early learning, health and family well-being.  Highly trained staff and low child-to-teacher ratios, nutritious meals and snacks, health and development screenings and a team that supports parents in creating nurturing homes while connecting families to the social services they need to thrive make a real difference.

“Head Start offers a unique advantage for families facing difficult circumstances,” says DelReal. “By providing a safe, stable, and nurturing environment, we’re not only helping children succeed in school—we’re giving them the foundation they need to thrive in life.”

Southwest Human Development’s early education programs serve more than 1,200 children and their families.  Programs are offered at Educare Arizona and in the Balsz, Creighton, Madison, Osborn and Paradise Valley school districts. Additionally, Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership programs are offered at several Phoenix childcare centers.

Eligibility varies by program.  Children must be 3 years old by August 31 to enroll in Head Start and must be age 5 or under.  Early Head Start and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership programs serve pregnant women and children from birth to age 3. Priority is given to families with incomes below federal poverty guidelines.

Families can call (602) 560-0000 to speak with a Head Start enrollment specialist who will walk parents or caregivers through the application process, provide eligibility information and help find the most convenient location to meet their family’s needs.

Learn more about Southwest Human Development’s Head Start programs or complete an online application at swhd.org/HeadStart.

Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. Recognizing a child’s earliest experiences and relationships establish the foundation for all future development, Southwest Human Development’s more than 40 comprehensive programs focus on young children—ages birth to 5—and their families in the areas of child development, mental health, Easterseals disabilities services, early literacy and Head Start, family support and child welfare, and professional development and training for those who work with young children. Founded in 1981, Southwest Human Development serves 140,000 children and families each year. Learn more at www.swhd.org.