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Head Start
- enhance their parenting skills,
- reach for economic independence, and
- make community connections to assist stability.
- At least 90% of the families in Head Start have incomes at or below the poverty level (currently $20,000 for a family of four). At least 10% of Head Start enrollment opportunities are reserved for children with disabilities. The program is free.
We offer full- day, full year and part- day, part-year and part-day, full-year classroom programs and a home-based program. There are 54 Head Start classrooms in the Lehigh Valley; 26 are provided in collaboration with various organizations, including
- Allentown School District,
- Bethlehem Area School District,
- Northern Lehigh School District (directly operated),
- Lehigh Valley Child Care,
- Volunteers of America Family Center,
- Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (directly operated),
Lehigh Carbon and Colonial Intermediate Units #21 and 20 (directly operated).
Emphasis for children is on cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development. We connect children and their families with doctors, dentists, various therapists, and specialists in early intervention as needed. We assist parents in ensuring that all children are healthy and maintain the necessary schedule of physical examinations, immunizations, and dental check ups. We carefully plan meals and snacks to meet nutritional requirements.
Emphasis for parents is on building confidence and competence in the roles that adults face as parents, students, employees, community members and citizens. Services include
- Parenting education,
- Health, dental, and safety education,
- Community resource links,
- Supportive services,
- Adult activities and
- Training experiences.
Head Start of the Lehigh Valley serves about 1000 low-income families in Lehigh and Northampton Counties. Funding is provided primarily through the US Department of Health and Human Services and is supplemented by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Head Start of the Lehigh Valley is accredited by Middle States Accreditation of Elementary Schools and all eligible classrooms maintain accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) as well as Star 4 ratings under the Pennsylvania Keystone STARS program, all hallmarks of excellence. Head Start of the Lehigh Valley also meets all Head Start Performance Standards as set by the Head Start Bureau of the Administration for Children and Youth, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.
For eligibility and enrollment information, call 610-437-6000, x 2354
Or complete our Enrollment Application 
