The Head Start Advantage in Montana

Head Start is a comprehensive early care and education program dedicated to serving over 30 million low-income families nationwide since 1965. Head Start serves children ages 3-5 and their families. Early Head Start serves children and families prenatally to 3. Early Head Start - Child Care Partnerships serve children 0-3 in partnership with local child care providers using the Early Head Start model. Funding goes directly from the Federal Office of Head Start to community Head Start grantees in Montana. In 2016-2017, 47% of three to five year olds had access to Head Start and 17% of children under three had access to Early Head Start.

Comprehensive and Two-Generation Services

Head Start takes a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of the whole child and family. This two-generational approach supports stability and long-term success for families who are most at risk. Depending on each family’s needs, they receive a wide range of services. In 2017-2018 families participated in:

• 1,122 in Mental Health Services
• 570 in Adult Education
• 2,692 in Parenting Classes
• 1,421 in Emergency Crisis Interventions
• Support for homeless children and families: 663 families and 702 children

Head Start's Economic Impact in Montana

The Head Start advantage promotes comprehensive services to children and families of our most economically disadvantaged citizens. In Montana, Head Start and Early Head Start programs employ 1,523 regular staff and 298 contracted staff. The Federal investment for HS in Montana in fiscal year 2017 was $48,247.802. Head Start funds go directly from the Federal Office of Head Start into local communities to support services for low income children and families.