Early Childhood Programs Mission:

"Serving Families so that all Children can Learn and Grow in a Healthy, Nurturing Environment."

Contact hs_ehs@pasco.k12l.fl.us for questions. 

The District School Board of Pasco County offers Head Start and Early Head Start programs. These federally funded programs provide high-quality early childhood services to expectant mothers, children, and families from pre-birth through age 5.

Head Start is an early education program for children from at-risk backgrounds, from birth to age 5. It helps children develop early math, reading skills, confidence, and resilience. Parents are partners in their child's education, and the program works with the local community to meet specific needs.

Program Description

The federal Office of Head Start gives grants to local agencies to provide child development services to economically disadvantaged children and families. The focus is on school readiness skills in early reading, math, and social skills. Early Head Start serves children from birth to age three, recognizing the importance of early development.

Head Start programs enhance children's social and cognitive development through education, parent engagement, health, nutrition, mental health, and other services. Parents are involved in their children's learning and progress toward family goals.

Program Services

• Early Childhood Development and Health: Ensures health and developmental concerns are identified and addressed, supporting school readiness.
• Education and Early Childhood Development: Provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment to help children gain skills and confidence.
• Family and Community Engagement: Supports parents in identifying and meeting their goals, nurturing their children's development, and advocating for supportive communities.

School Readiness Goals and Child Development

Head Start defines school readiness as children having the skills, knowledge, and attitudes for success in school and life. The program uses the Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum and assessment system GOLD to track progress.

Emergent Literacy

Children develop literacy skills through interaction with print in a natural, developmentally appropriate environment. Skills are embedded in daily activities using music, read-alouds, big books, songs, charts, chants, games, and environmental print.

Early Mathematics

Math experiences engage children in exploring and using ideas and concepts. Activities include measurement, pattern building, sequencing, numeracy, sorting, comparing, estimating, predicting, and spatial relationships.

Conscious Discipline®

This program combines social and emotional learning with school-based discipline and guidance. It helps adults respond to daily conflicts by turning them into teachable moments.

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)

VPK is a state-funded program preparing children for kindergarten. It offers 540 hours of instruction during the school year and a summer program for eligible children who did not attend during the school year.

Learn more about our VPK offerings!

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