Head Start

Head Start is a comprehensive education, health, nutrition and parent involvement program that was created in 1965. Nearly 25 million pre-school aged children across the United States have benefited from Head Start. It is designed to foster the healthy development of three and four year old children from low income families. STEP provides education, nutritious meals, and the opportunity for the social, emotional and intellectual growth that helps to prepare the children for success in school and life. In addition, STEP Head Start provides medical and dental support services. The Head Start approach serves the entire family and seeks to empower both parent and child.

STEP Head Start serves 138 children annually in Franklin and Patrick Counties. Employing approximately thirty five staff, Head Start employees includes teachers, teacher’s assistants, family service specialist, and transportation personnel.

STEP Head Start has 3 classrooms in Patrick County, 3 classrooms in Rocky Mount, and 4 collaborative classrooms in Franklin County, for a total of 7 classrooms. Our collaborative classrooms are partnerships with Franklin County Schools where our students attend the same class as other Pre-K students in Franklin County. The remaining 6 classrooms are exclusively Head Start.

STEP Head Start partners with Franklin County Public Schools, Patrick County Public Schools, and the Smart Beginnings Coalition of Franklin and Patrick County (www.smartbeginningsfp.org).

To enroll you may contact the Head Start office below:

Franklin County
200 Dent Street
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
540-483-5143

Patrick County
4559 Wayside Road
Stuart, VA 24171
276-694-2239

The following information is required:

Verification of income:

A check stub or a W-2 form

A letter from your employer (on letterhead) stating the days, hours and wages per hour

TANF

A letter from the Department of Social Services

SSI

Child Support

A letter from DCSE or a notarized letter from the absent parent

Copy of Insurance Card

Physical and Immunization Records

Verification of Birth:

A birth certificate or letter from the hospital, notarized or signed by the physician or hospital official.