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Helping to meet the needs of Iowa’s children and families.

The mission of the Iowa Head Start Association is to enhance the capacity of its members to promote and advocate for a wide variety of quality services for all of Iowa’s children and families.

Helping to meet the needs of Iowa’s children and families.

The mission of the Iowa Head Start Association is to enhance the capacity of its members to promote and advocate for a wide variety of quality services for all of Iowa’s children and families.

About Head Start

Launched in 1965, Head Start and Early Head Start take a comprehensive approach to meeting the holistic needs of low-income children, their families, and pregnant women.

There are four pillars in every program that support children ages birth to five and their families:

Education

Learning experiences support intellectual, social, and emotional growth

Health Services

Immunizations, dental, medical, and mental health support, nutritional services, and early screenings ensure healthy development

Family Involvement

Opportunities for parents and caregivers to be involved in decision making, participate in classes, and volunteer in the program strengthen families

Family Support Services

Tailored services meet local and individual needs and link children and families to community supports.

Find a Head Start Program Today!

Head Start is our nation’s premier provider of developmental and educational services to pregnant moms, babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their families. Head Start programs are helping children get ready to succeed in school and in life through learning experiences tailored to their changing needs and abilities.  Programs deliver child development services in center-based, home-based, or family child care settings. All Head Start programs continually work toward our mission for eligible children and families to receive no-cost high-quality services in safe and healthy settings that prepare children for school and life.

Please select your county from the map below to LEARN MORE

Our Impact

The services we provided to children and families throughout Iowa in the 2023 Fiscal Year.

$ 0 million
FY23 funding in Iowa
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Head Start and Early Head Start Centers Statewide
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Cumulative number of children and pregnant women served during the year.
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Number of families served during the year that were experiencing homelessness.
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Cumulative number of children served with disabilities during the year.
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Number of families that received at least one family service during the year.
04 Feb

IHSA February Program Director Networking

February 4, 2025    
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
$25.00
Zoom Link
Come join other Iowa Head Start Program Directors for an informative morning of networking. Agenda: Introductions and welcome Susana Hines - Kids on Campus overview [...]
05 Feb

IHSA Mental Health Networking

February 5, 2025    
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
$25.00
Zoom Link
Come join other Iowa Head Start peers for an informative morning of networking. Agenda:  Introductions and welcome Overview - EC-PBIS for the Pyramid Innovation System [...]
06 Feb

IHSA ERSEA Networking

February 6, 2025    
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
$25.00
Zoom Link
Come join other Iowa Head Start Program ERSEA Specialists and support staff for an informative morning of networking. Agenda: Introductions and welcome Housing calculator - [...]
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