A national program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.

Provides comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged children and families, with a special focus on helping preschoolers develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school.

Includes Early Head Start to serve children from birth to three years of age in recognition of the fact that the earliest years matter a great deal to children's growth and development.

Promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.

Engages parents in their children's learning and help them in making progress toward their educational, literacy and employment goals. Significant emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start programs.

Develops trusting, collaborative relationships between parents and staff  to support parents as they identify and meet their own goals, nurture the development of their children in the context of their family and culture.