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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.
08 Nov

IHSA Fall Conference and Annual Meeting

November 8, 2024    
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  IHSA Annual Meeting and Fall Conference Des Moines, Iowa Come join other Head Start leaders, specialists, staff and parents from across the state for [...]
13 Nov

Real Colors - Promote Staff Wellness, Retention and Satisfaction!

November 13, 2024    
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
$0.00
Zoom Link
This workshop is for everyone! Come for a full day if you are new to Real Colors or join for the afternoon only for Real [...]
03 Dec

IHSA December Program Director Networking

December 3, 2024    
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: Agenda:  Introductions and welcome IHSA, HSSCO, Region VII and TTA [...]
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