Indiana Head Start Association

Did you know that every Head Start program in Indiana is designed locally?

Meaning that services are tailored to the specific needs to children in YOUR community. But how can we do that?

Using the Head Start approach to reach the children and families who need our services the most...programs are designed according to community need. That Head Start approach critically involves families, community partners, local data, and ongoing community assessments to better understand the unique strengths and challenges families face.
From education and health services to nutrition, disability support, parent engagement, and family resources, Head Start programs are built to respond to what local children and families truly need to thrive.

Because no two communities are exactly alike, no two Head Start programs look the same. That’s the power of locally designed services, and why Head Start continues to make a difference for Hoosier families every day.

Head Start does more than prepare children for school. It strengthens Indiana’s workforce and economy.

Across Indiana, Head Start serves more than 12,900 children and families, supports over 4,000 employees, and helps nearly 8,000 parents stay employed, attend school, or participate in job training. If counted as its own school district, Head Start would be Indiana’s 12th largest.
Without Head Start, Indiana families, businesses, and communities would face massive childcare gaps and long-term economic losses.

📉 Northwest Indiana alone could see a projected impact of more than $128 million.
📉 Indiana’s 2nd District could face losses exceeding $109 million.
📉 Indiana’s 8th District could see nearly $120 million in economic impact.

Head Start is NOT just an early childhood program, it’s an investment in working families, local businesses, and the future of Indiana.

When it comes to early childhood education, Head Start is the nation's gold standard.

We deliver a comprehensive, whole-child approach that builds a foundation for a lifetime of success. We don't just teach, we provide:

🍎 High-Quality Education: Research-backed learning that sparks curiosity.

🩺 Health & Wellness: Access to nutritious meals, dental screenings, and medical checkups.

🤝 Family Support: Resources for parenting, employment, and housing.

For over six decades, Head Start has been the premier launching pad for millions of future leaders. When we invest in Head Start, we invest in the ultimate beginning for our children.