Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services is proud to support October’s National Head Start Awareness Month and the important role that Head Start serves in school readiness.

Head Start is a national child development program that serves families with children from birth to age 5 and expectant parents. The program is designed to prepare children for success in school by enhancing their intellectual, social, emotional and physical development. This service is provided at no cost to eligible families.

In Fairfax County, Head Start and Early Head Start are under the administration of NCS in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, Family Child Care homes and Center Based programs. Providing this free educational program aligns with NCS’ mission to provide opportunities to access a continuum of resources that promote equity and create positive outcomes for people of all ages and abilities.

Families participating in Head Start are supported in a variety of areas:

• Early childhood education and disability services.
• Social services.
• Connections to community resources.
• Health services (medical, dental, nutrition, mental health and prenatal care).
• Parenting curriculum.
• Family literacy and resources for English language learners.

“Head Start helps shape brighter futures by giving every child a strong foundation to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Fairfax County Head Start Director Janet Stewart. “For decades, Head Start and Early Head Start programs have been essential in supporting the health, well-being and education of entire families. Research shows that children who participate in Head Start enter kindergarten equipped with the social, emotional and learning skills they need to succeed.” 

There are Head Start and Early Head Start locations throughout the county. Please visit the NCS Head Start page to view the 2025 Annual Report and to learn more information.

Head Start is celebrating 60 years in 2025, Since 1965, Head Start programs have reached more than 40 million children and their families. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children enrolled in Head Start are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college, achieve economic stability, and are better prepared to be parents themselves than similar children who do not attend the program. 

Head Start currently serves nearly 750,000 children annually nationwide and 700 children in Fairfax County. Head Start Awareness Month was first recognized in October 1982.