Head Start is a comprehensive preschool program for low-income children that provides professional services in education & early childhood development, medical, dental & mental health, nutrition and parent involvement.

What can I expect from CCRC's Head Start program?

- Head Start provides young learners with social and academic skills that prepare them for school. 

- Our professional staff work with each child to ensure that all necessary medical and dental exams are completed. 

- Children with disabilities are integrated into the preschool environment and parents are assisted with any disability services they may need for their child.

- CCRC's state-of-the-art kitchen provides staff an exceptional environment to prepare over 16,000 nutritious meals that are served daily to children in the program.

- Parents are encouraged to participate in trainings and workshops designed to increase parenting skills and literacy, prepare them for roles as Parent Council committee members, and help them communicated with other parents and school administrators.

Is my family eligible for Head Start Services?

CCRC Head Start is for children aged 3 to 5 from low income families who live in Van Nuys, Canoga Park, Sun Valley, Reseda, Pacoima, Arleta, Northridge, Sepulveda, Granada Hills, Sherman Oaks, Encino, and Tarzana - click here for a list of CCRC preschool locations. 

Families who live in other communities may also be eligible through other Head Start agencies.  Click here to find Head Start preschools in other areas.

To Qualify

- A family must meet federal income guidelines which are established by reference to the official poverty line and adjusted annually in accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index.  These income guidelines can be waived for families with special circumstances who might benefit from placement in Head Start.

- A child must be at least three years of age.

- A child must not be eligible for kindergarten at the time of enrollment.

- A child who will be four on or before December 2nd will receive priority.

- A child with a disability will receive priority points.

- Regardless of any changes in family income, once a child is determined eligible and enrolled in the program, he or she will remain eligible for the program throughout the current year and for a second year, as long as he or she still meets the age requirements.

Placement and Waiting Lists

Children must meet the federal government’s income guidelines.  Eligible children are ranked by income and age and families with the lowest incomes (adjusted for family size) will be assigned the highest ranking and, therefore, served first.  If space is not available for a child, he or she will be placed on a waiting list until space becomes available.  A child who leaves the program may re-apply later in the year and will be placed on the waiting list according to his or her ranking at the date of re-application.

Documents Required For Enrollment

- Child's offical birth, hospital or baptismal certificate

- Immunization records and current TB test (Mantoux and/or chest x-ray)

- Proof of family income - any of the following is acceptable:

• One month of current check stubs
• Letter from employer, etc.
• 1040 tax form for current year 

- Copy of TANF award letter or copy of check

- An IEP or doctor's certification if your child has a special medical need

- Four people who we can contact in an emergency (names, addresses, and phone)

- Proof of address (utility bill) 

For further information on how to enroll in CCRC's Head Start program, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it department or call (818) 717-4515.