Head Start

Program Description and Mission 

Community and Family Services (CFS), Head Start in Portland, Indiana is a federally funded program for preschool age children from low-income families. CFS Head Start provides services free of charge in Adams, Blackford, Huntington, Jay, Randolph and Wells counties.  

Head Start not only provides a successful preschool program and kindergarten readiness, but also provides health and nutrition services, and supports services to parents and families. CFS Head Start wants to help children and their families succeed.  

Head Start provides wide-based curriculum. Children participate in a variety of activities. CFS Head Start teaches in ways that are engaging, meaningful, and adaptable to a variety of styles. We're prepared to meet the educational needs of all children including those with disabilities.

Our mission at Head Start is to encourage eligible 3-5 year old children and their families to experience growth, using a variety of comprehensive services and dedicated professional staff. We will strive to build self-esteem, academics and social skills, remembering that all people are unique and special.

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Enrollment Information

If you have a child between the ages of 3 and 5 years of age that would benefit from a preschool experience please contact the center nearest you to make an appointment to meet with our Family Support Specialist to complete an application. A family must fall into the following income guidelines.

Head Start Family Income Guidelines for 2018

Family Involvement

Family Involvement is a big part of Head Start. Head Start staff are here to help the families become a part of their child's education and to help and support the families to reach their goals in life.

Some ways a family can get involved in their child's education are listed below.

Parents are encouraged to attend Parent/Staff Conferences to discuss their child's progress and learning goals.

Parents can participate in Home Visits with the staff to learn ways they can help their child progress.

Parents can also volunteer to be a member of the Policy Council to advocate for the children and the Head Start Program.