October is National Head Start Awareness Month. Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services is proud to support this important program that impacts school readiness for millions of young children nationwide.

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.

There are Head Start and Early Head Start locations throughout the County. Please visit the NCS Head Start page for more information and eligibility requirements.

Since 1965, Head Start programs have reached more than 38 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; have improved social, emotional and behavioral development; and are better prepared to be parents themselves than similar children who do not attend the program. 

Head Start currently serves 800,000 children annually nationwide and nearly 700 children in Fairfax County.  Head Start Awareness Month was first recognized in October 1982.