Head Start Programs Ventura County

Our Head Start Program prepares Ventura County’s most vulnerable young children to succeed in school and become lifelong learners.

Head Start, created in 1965 under the Head Start Act (42 USC 9801, et seq.), is a national program that provides comprehensive child development services primarily to low‐income children (ages zero to five) and their families. Head Start promotes school readiness by enhancing the physical, social, and cognitive development of children through educational, health, nutritional, social, and other services. It also recognizes the important role of parents, encouraging them to participate in a variety of activities and experiences that support and foster their children’s development and learning, and helping them to progress toward their educational, literacy, and employment goals. Head Start also requires programs to provide opportunities for parental involvement in the development, conduct, and governance of local programs through participation in policy groups (e.g. Policy Councils).

Program Options

Head Start (HS) Program/California State Preschool Program (CSPP)

This program serves low-income 3– and 4-year old children and their families. Head Start program options include Center-Based/California State Preschool Program and Home-Based Program.

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Early Head Start (EHS) Program

This program serves low-income infants, toddlers under the age of 3, and pregnant women. Program options include Expectant Mothers, Toddler Center and Home-Based Programs.

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Early Head Start –Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP)

This program serves children ages zero to four years of age. Child Care providers offer flexible and convenient full-day and full-year services to families working full-time, enrolled in school or training program, and that are eligible for subsidized Child Care and EHS Services.

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Benefits for Entire Family

Teachers plan, assess and record each child’s progress and share information with parents. Children leave the program better prepared for kindergarten and excited about learning.

Education

Healthy eating is essential to a child’s well-being and fuels their growing minds and bodies. We provide healthy meals and snacks and evaluate each child’s nutritional needs.

Health/Nutrition

Teachers plan, assess, and record each child’s progress and share information with parents. Children leave the program better prepared for kindergarten and excited about learning.

Special Needs & Disabilities

We are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of children and strengthening parents’ ability to keep their children healthy and ready to learn. We ensure that all children receive needed medical, oral, and mental health services and support.

Mental Health Services

Head Start staff recognize parents as their child’s first and most important teachers. They welcome parental involvement in the programs and work in partnership with parents to ensure a successful outcome for the child and the family. We work with parents to create family goals and provide support in achieving them. We also provide referrals to community agencies to meet each family’s needs.

Family Engagement & Support Services

Family taking a walk down the street, close up

Always Accepting Applications

Head Start will accept applications throughout the year and enroll children as spaces become available. Parents with kids who have disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Head Start Eligibility Requirements:

Please review the eligibility requirements below before applying for a Head Start program.

Family lives in Ventura County
Child between the ages of 3 and 5
Priority is given to families whose income falls within Federal Poverty Guidelines

Eligibility is based on income, age of child, and family size. The documents highlighted below must be attached to expedite processing:

A) Child’s Birth Certificate
B) Proof of Family’s Gross Annual Income: 1040’s, W-2’s for every employment held, Income documentation of the last 12 months, Current Notice of Action for Cal Works/TANF Cash Aid
C) Child’s current Immunization Record.
D) For expected mothers, Proof of Pregnancy with expected delivery date.

Application (English)

Application (Spanish)

Parents as Partners

We partner with parents and emphasize their role as the child’s first and most important teacher in our Head Start Programs.

In partnership with parents, our staff:

Provide a positive, friendly and safe learning environment for children.
Engage parents with activities that provide meaningful parent-child interaction.
Share and provide age-appropriate child development information to parents.
Promote and help parents to observe their child’s development.
Address any parenting concerns.
Respect and incorporate child’s culture and home language, when appropriate.

Parent and family engagement services include an extensive parent education program that emphasizes fulfillment of parental responsibilities and family self-sufficiency. CDR provides all family support services in the family’s primary language, recognizing and honoring cultural preferences and traditions.

From Our Parents

“ CDR has been a building block for my daughter’s future and she’s thriving.”

L. Vargas-Lara

“ CDR has been a building block for my daughter’s future and she’s thriving.”

John

“ CDR has been a building block for my daughter’s future and she’s thriving.”

Sarah K.

Did you Know?

90% of a Child’s Brain Develops By Age 5
Every interaction a child has is an opportunity for learning. In the first five years, daily activities — talking, singing, reading, playing — stimulate brain development and dramatically influence future health, learning and behavior.
The experiences children have in the first five years help shape the adults they will become. More importantly, your relationship with your child will support the way your child learns and develops.