The Head Start Program mission is to provide an integrated system of quality services to participating families and eligible children.  Head Start encourages self-sufficiency, growth, and development supported through family and community partnerships.

 Head Start:

• Is Primarily federally funded;
• Provides comprehensive multidisciplinary services to meet the needs of children and their families, promoting school readiness;
• Recognizes the parents as the child’s primary educator, nurturer, and advocate;
• Encourages parents to become involved in policy and program decision making and to participate as volunteers; and
• Serves eligible children 3-5 years of age.

 When applying for the Head Start program you need to bring the following:

• Proof of birth
• Proof of family income
• An up-to-date physical/dental examination for your child with a current shot record (view Vaccine Requirements for Children) 

Application Process: 

• Applications are available at Central Head Start Office located at 8908 Adelphi Road Adelphi, Maryland 20783.
• After receipt of the application, “Head Start Registration Day” invitation letter will be mailed to the individual meeting program eligibility guidelines as established by the federal government.
• All information needed to register eligible children will be included with the invitation.
• Head Start Registration Days will be conducted at sites located in the northern, central, and southern areas of Prince George’s County.
• Parents of children who are eligible for enrollment into Head Start will receive an acceptance or wait list letter based on available space/capacity.

 For more information, please contact Laura Barbee-Matthews, Head Start Program Supervisor, at (301) 408-7930 or via email at lbarbee@pgcps.org.