Head Start

The Head Start Program was established in 1965 to provide preschool children of low income families a comprehensive, family-centered, child development program to meet their educational, emotional, social, health, nutritional and psychological needs. UDMO offers Head Start in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto and Pocahontas counties. In addition, children ages zero to three and their families may participate in the Early Head Start Program in Buena Vista, Clay, and Emmet Counties.

UDMO’s Head Start Program is recognized for its collaboration with local school districts and Area Education Agencies. This allows for many more children in Northwest Iowa to be served.

Some Head Start Centers also offer Wrap Around Child Care for families whose parents are working, attending school or who are in job training. Wrap Around Care provides child care that “wraps around” the school day schedule. It enables parents who are working to receive care for their children that fits the routine workday schedule.

The Early Childhood Programs of UDMO are unique. All centers offer full day services, follow the local school district calendars and offer extended care in the summer if families are working toward self-sufficiency. Early Head Start is a full day, full year program. Parents can choose center based or home based.