Head Start

The Head Start mission is to enrich the growth and development of children and families in a comprehensive educational environment. We provide comprehensive services to children ages 3 to 5 and their families through center based preschool services.

Description:
Head Start serves 320 federally funded children and families in nine counties in north central Iowa. Families must meet the federal poverty income guidelines for free services. At least 10% of the children have a diagnosed disability. Comprehensive services include health, nutrition, mental health, educational, special needs, and parent involvement. Transportation is provided when possible. Children attend class for approximately 4.5 hours per day Monday through Friday during the school year. We also offer preschool services on a tuition basis for children in some communities when openings exist.

History:
Head Start began as an eight week summer program in 1966 in north Iowa and became full year program within two years. We have expanded from the initial four counties to providing services in all nine counties. Collaborations are developing between several school districts to provide inclusive preschool services for all community children in joint classrooms.

Contact people:

Dianne Casto, Program Manager, (phone), (email) Cindy Davis, Assistant Director, (phone), (email) Sheila Ball, Office Manager, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (641) 494-1894

Address:

1190 Briarstone Drive P.O. Box 1627 Mason City, IA 50401 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.nicao-online.org

Directions:

From highway 122 take Taft Avenue south to Briarstone Drive and turn left (east).

Last updated on August 7, 2009