The Head Start program purposes:

• increase the potential of eligible children to succeed in school by enhancing their overall development
• strengthen parent-child relationships and
• support families' progress toward their goals.

Description:
Head Start is a federally-funded program that provides comprehensive services to economically disadvantaged families with preschool children. Services offered include: preschool for three- and four-year old children, health and social services, nutrition education and daily meals, special services to children with disabilities counseling, parent education, and opportunities for parents to improve their employment skills.

History:
The local Head Start organization was established in Billings in 1981. Head Start moved into North Park Elementary School in 1989, setting up a collaborative, and highly significant, relationship between Head Start and School District II. Head Start purchased the building from School District II in the summer of 2002. Total enrollment in Yellowstone County for the year of 2008-2009 is 297 children.

Head Start expanded into two outlying counties in 2003-2004. Hardin in Big Horn County serves 30 children and partners with the Hardin School District. Carbon County is served at two sites with Joliet serving 15 children at the Joliet Community Center and Red Lodge serving 18 children, with services provided at the Red Lodge Head Start Center; located in the Community Congregational United Church of Christ lower level. Total enrollment for five sites in three counties is 360 preschoolers.

Contact person: Kathy Kelker, Chief Executive Officer, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (406) 245-1260

Address:

615 North 19th Billings, MT 59101 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.billingsheadstart.org

Directions:

Head Start North Park building is located on the corner of 6th Avenue and 19th Street. We are directly across the street to the east of North Park.